001441   CHATURVEDI J, RAI M, CHATURVEDI R (Management Dep, IIS Deemed to be Univ, Mansarover- 302 020, Jaipur) : Effectiveness of training program on “Design & Analysis of Machines Using MATLAB & Motionview”. IETE J Res 2021, 67(5), 620-33.

Training programmes are conducted to increase competency of trainees but effectiveness is not known. In most of the already published papers on training effectiveness measurement is based on learning outcomes and there is no focus on inputs. For continuous improvement in deliverables feedback about inputs is necessary. Quality depends on customer satisfaction & meeting the expectations of the customer. James Cowan stated the Effectiveness is the ratio of actual to ideal outcome. An ideal outcome from Quality Management perspective is meeting the expectations of the customers. Hence, the purpose of the research paper is to find whether the training programme on Design and Analysis of Machines using Motion view and MATLAB conducted at MNIT Jaipur in collaboration with ATAL(AICTE Training and Learning) Academy was effective in the eyes of the students for whom it was designed. The effectiveness of teaching components like Instruction Material, Teacher, Teaching Methodology, Classroom Environment have an impact on the learning effectiveness so the intention is to formulate a regression model of learning effectiveness.  Literature review method was used to find out the basic concepts related to teaching methodology, types of teaching levels general and psychological teaching principles, training methods etc. Infrastructure related environmental conditions required were studied. The research design was of descriptive type as a questionnaire was designed based on literature review to map the effectiveness of above programme in which 15 questions were asked. The sampling type was non random sampling where selection of participants was done by MNIT college and more than 40 participants were selected. On the final day of the training 27 participants were available in the last session who filled the questionnaire and sampling was quota sampling. Detailed analysis reveals that there are different dimensions which contribute to training effectiveness. A training programme is effective if (a) it meets the expectations of the students (92.59% felt that) (b) it attains the goals of memory, understanding and reflective levels of teaching (80.16,71.07, 60.74 % from sample felt that goals are attained) (c) uniform assessment is there for all participants (37.04, 51.85, 70.37 % feel that diagnostic, formative, summative assessment was conducted) (d) General & Psychological principles of teaching are achieved (77.78 % & 62.96 % of students felt that all General & Psychological principles were attained) (e) Teacher, Instruction Material, Infrastructure, Teaching Methodology, Learning all are effective (85.43, 76.30, 86.17, 72.84, 77.04 % felt that) (f) All topics are covered (81.48% felt that). Sample statistics are given in brackets. Effectiveness is the most important measure to find out whether goals are accomplished. The measurement of effectiveness should be done considering inputs, process, output factors and by taking feedback about all the deliverables it can be improved. This paper studies factors which probably have an impact on participant expectation fulfilment and highlights many new probable dimensional measures of training effectiveness irrespective of the training subject.

12 illus, 12 tables, 25 ref

001005   ANAND M, GOEL A (National Institute of Technology, Haryana) : Experimental studies of scour around multiple spur dikes in channels. Water Energy Int 2021, 64r(3), 19-23.

Spur dike is hydraulic structure extending into river at different angles provided to protect banks from excessive scour. Furthermore, scour may develop around the spur dikes itself which further threatens the stability of hydraulic structures. Therefore, in addition to its hydraulic significance, safety of the hydraulic structures is also of prime concern. This paper endeavors to investigate the scouring around the series of spur dikes (3 no.) by changing permeability and angle of spur dikes (60 ^o , 90 ^o and 120 ^o ) with respect to the bank of the channel. Two types of spur dikes i.e. impermeable (0 %) and permeable (20 % and 40 %) were used to conduct the experiments. It was noted that magnitude of scour around spur dikes increases as percentage of permeability increases irrespective of the orientation angle. However, it was also observed that the minimum scour occurred at spur dyke when placed at 90 ^o angle and maximum when placed at 60 ^o angle irrespective of % age of permeability.

16 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

001004   JNANA I W P, PUTRA I K G D, MANDENNI N M I M (Udayana Univ, Indonesia) : Web gis-based water distribution network management using google maps. Water Energy Int 2021, 64r(3), 6-12.

Geographic Information System is a set of tools made up of hardware, software, data, and users, which allows us to capture, store, manage and analyze digital information, as well as make graphs and maps, and represent alphanumeric data that can help improve civilization to understanding their infrastructures. Water distribution network is an infrastructure that crucial to ensure the population gets the water they needed. In this study, the objective was to make an information system of a water distribution network with computerized documentation that will make it easier to develop and expand for the upcoming population that will use this service. Information system key features will be able to: draw pipelines, legend positions, and water installation connections on the map; and make a draft budget based on water distribution network data in the information system.

10 illus, 7 ref

000664   MIRGHADERI S D, MODIRI M (Industrial Management Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Tehran, Iran, Email: sdmirghaderi@gmail.com) : Application of meta-heuristic algorithm for multi-objective optimization of sustainable supply chain uncertainty. Sadhana 2021, 46, 52.

In the present research, a multi-objective mathematical model for construction material supply chain design under uncertainty is investigated. The considered supply chain is made up of a primary supplier and a number of projects (i.e., customers) demanding for different construction materials in different periods of time depending on the technical specifications of the demanded product in terms of life time. Moreover, the rate of product loss due to ill-timed transportation affects the respective managerial decisions. However, the most significant issue to address is the presence of uncertainty, for which we used the robust programming method proposed by Bertsimas and Sim. In order to solve the formulated mathematical model, we used epsilonconstraint method and the best-worst method as a multi-criteria decision-making method for small-scale cases, and meta-heuristic algorithms (NSGA-II, PESA, and SPEA) for large-scale problems. According to the obtained numerical results, one can observe that the SPEA algorithm outperformed all other algorithms, making it the optimal choice for addressing real cases. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis on the problem at different levels of the associated uncertainty with the parameters indicated the large impact of the uncertainty on the final outcomes. Results of this model can be used as efficient managerial instruments for optimizing the construction material supply chain design problem in the scope of civil project management.

9 illus, 15 tables, 56 ref

000165   JAIN R, VERMA M, JAGGI C K (Operational Research Dep, Delhi Univ, Delhi- 110 007) : Impact on bullwhip effect in food industry due to food delivery apps. Opsearch 2021, 58(1), 148-59.

Every supply chain whether services, durable goods or customer goods, is drifting more and more towards E-supply chain using Internet Technology (IT).Such supply chains make use of internet for selecting items, placing their orders and making payments too. Now days the E-supply chain for serving food items is getting very popular because of ease and facilities provided by Food Delivery Apps (FDAs) like Swiggy, Zomato and Uber Eats etc. Use of FDAs has caused variation in demand of food items and subsequently has caused an impact on bullwhip effect. Bullwhip effect is a supply chain phenomenon, which is defined as amplification of demand, as information in form of orders moves from lower echelon to higher echelon of supply chain. This paper attempts to explore the influence of E-supply chain on demand of food items and hence on the bullwhip effect, in food industry, in Indian context. In practice, E-supply chain causes price variations and results in poor forecasts and hence enhances bullwhip effect. But in present scenario, it has been demonstrated that the application of IT will contribute to the reduction of bullwhip effect in long run. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis, it has been proved that due to better information sharing the bullwhip effect has been reduced which generally increases in case of E-supply chain.

4 illus, 28 ref

000164   ROFIN T M, MAHAPATRA M S, MAHANTY B (National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal- 575 025, Karnataka) : Impact of green retail operations on the profit of the manufacturer and the retailer under different pricing strategies. Opsearch 2021, 58(1), 125-43.

The increasing customer awareness of environmental sustainability has motivated retailers to engage in green practices. In this paper, we consider a retailer involved in green retailing operations under a dual-channel supply chain framework under which the manufacturer is selling through an e-marketplace and a retailer. We investigate the impact of green retailing operations on the profit of the supply chain members for consistent pricing strategy and inconsistent pricing strategy using a non-linear demand function. We resort to a bi-level genetic algorithm for the solutions. Through a numerical example, we have quantified the profit of the chain members and assessed the impact of the retailer’s engagement in green retail operations on the profit of the chain members. We have also carried out a sensitivity analysis of the profit of the chain members for the rapidly evolving customer preference for e-marketplace. From the numerical illustration, we found that (1) it is beneficial for the retailer to engage in green retail operations irrespective of the pricing strategy (2) retailer’s engagement in green retail operations reduces the profit of the manufacturer regardless of the pricing strategy of the retailer.

59 ref

000164   ROFIN T M, MAHAPATRA M S, MAHANTY B (National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal- 575 025, Karnataka) : Impact of green retail operations on the profit of the manufacturer and the retailer under different pricing strategies. Opsearch 2021, 58(1), 125-43.

The increasing customer awareness of environmental sustainability has motivated retailers to engage in green practices. In this paper, we consider a retailer involved in green retailing operations under a dual-channel supply chain framework under which the manufacturer is selling through an e-marketplace and a retailer. We investigate the impact of green retailing operations on the profit of the supply chain members for consistent pricing strategy and inconsistent pricing strategy using a non-linear demand function. We resort to a bi-level genetic algorithm for the solutions. Through a numerical example, we have quantified the profit of the chain members and assessed the impact of the retailer’s engagement in green retail operations on the profit of the chain members. We have also carried out a sensitivity analysis of the profit of the chain members for the rapidly evolving customer preference for e-marketplace. From the numerical illustration, we found that (1) it is beneficial for the retailer to engage in green retail operations irrespective of the pricing strategy (2) retailer’s engagement in green retail operations reduces the profit of the manufacturer regardless of the pricing strategy of the retailer.

59 ref

000163   CHOPRA A, RAMACHANDRAN P (Management Studies Dep, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore- 560 012) : Multidimensional analysis of water sector performance in India: An index approach. Opsearch 2021, 58(1), 109-24.

This article is about the development of a new index for integrated assessment of water sector performance in India. It has been widely accepted and cited that for integrated assessment of the water sector, a multidimensional index is required. Water Poverty Index (WPI) is a multidimensional index used internationally at different scales and levels for performance analysis of the water sector. The methodology used to calculate WPI is based on subjective weight method i.e. equally-weighted average of its five components, namely resources, access, capacity, use, and environment. The main objective of this study is to remove the subjectivity in assigning weights by using data envelopment analysis (DEA). In India, water-related challenges and problems vary from state to state due to geographical and institutional constraints. In this study 11 major states of India are considered to assess the role and impact of these constraints on the overall water sector performance. DEA methodology has been used in this study to benchmark the water sector performance of different Indian states. In this study, we have used DEA to calculate the aggregate index for different states of India. A total of 20 variables, capturing the multidimensional aspect of the water sector have been used in this analysis. This study could be helpful for policymakers to prioritize and understand the area of improvement in the water sector.

35 ref

000158   KAIKAR N, DUTTA G, DAS D, BANERJEE S (Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad- 380 015, Gujarat) : Time-of-use pricing of electricity in monopoly and oligopoly. Opsearch 2021, 58(1), 1-28.

This paper discusses the efficiency gains for time-of-use pricing over flat-rate pricing in the electricity sector. The electricity market may be characterised by a monopoly in some cases, where a single firm continues to enjoy market power, or an oligopoly, where two or more firms compete against one another by strategic interaction. This study establishes the feasibility condition for efficiency gains to arise from time-of-use pricing in a monopolistic set up using constrained optimization. In an oligopolistic set-up, the strategic interaction between producers depends on the level of demand. In case of high demand, the producers compete on the basis of output they will produce, resulting in a Cournot-type competition. On the other hand, in case of low demand, an oligopolistic structure may break with only the most efficient firm operating, or results in the emergence of leader firms and follower firms, i.e. the Stackleberg model of oligopoly. The strategic behaviour of firms in a duopoly, generalizable to n firms, is modelled in this study using constrained optimization.

11 ref

041953   CHAUHAN M K, SONDHI A (Resource Management Dep, SNDT Women’s Univ, Mumbai - 400 049, Maharashtra, Email: manjit.chauhan@resourcem.sndt.ac.in) : Posture-related musculoskeletal problems among hotel receptionists in Mumbai: A cross-sectional study. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2020, 24(3), 157-62.

Receptionists are the front‑liners carrying the image of the hotel. They are involved in 8‑h shift work in prolonged standing positions, exposing them to various risks. The aim of the study was to identify the work-related musculoskeletal problems and health problems experienced by receptionists. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 receptionists from 11 hotels working in 15 three‑star and 35 five‑star hotels in Mumbai, using a questionnaire that included background information, Rating Scale for Discomfort Intensity, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), and OWAS posture assessment tool. The statistical analysis of the quantitative variables was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program, version 16.0. Receptionists generally suffered from sleeplessness(37.50 %) and frequent headaches(34 %) due to the change in shift timing. Severe discomfort was found in low back, calf, neck, and ankle/feet by the end of the day. The strong association between standing posture and calf pain (Phi value: 0.736; P ≤ 0.05) and standing posture and ankle pain (Phi value: 0.881; P ≤ 0.05) was found. Prolonged standing increased the lower limbs musculo-skeletal disorders among the receptionists, whereas change in shift timing affected their sleep pattern.

5 tables, 25 ref

041941   MARAK T R, BHAGAT D, BORAH S (Management Dep, North-Eastern Hill Univ, Meghalaya - 794 002, Email: dip19bhagat@gmail.com) : Musculoskeletal disorders of garo women workers engaged in tea-plucking activity: An ergonomic analysis. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2020, 24(2), 60-5.

The tea-plucking activity in Garo Hills, Meghalaya, India is performed in a traditional way making the majority of women workers, especially those who have spent more years in tea-plucking activity prone to musculoskeletal disorders. The present study was conducted on a sample of 40 women workers who had the highest field experience in tea leaf plucking. Pain as a musculoskeletal disorder was recorded using a 5-point scale ranging from very mild pain (1) to very severe discomfort (5) to quantify the stress on muscles used in work. The coefficient of correlation was used to explore the relationship between age, years of involvement, BMI of women, and their musculoskeletal problem. The analysis of discomfort in upper extremity was done by using a rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) technique. Analysis of discomfort in entire body parts was carried out using a rapid entire body assessment (REBA) technique. During tea plucking, women workers reported severe discomfort in the head (4.5), neck (4.3), both fingers (4.2), upper and lower back (4.3 and 4.4), and feet (4.3). The RULA grand score was observed seven indicating the need for immediate investigation and changes. REBA result was 11 for entire body parts leading to conclude that workers were working under high physical strain. Workers with severe musculoskeletal disorders can face permanent disability that prevents them from returning to their jobs or handling simple everyday tasks. Therefore, some rest periods, ergonomic intervention, and personal protective equipment are needed to minimize the discomfort of women workers in the tea-plucking activity.

2 illus, 5 tables, 33 ref

045453   MOLLA Z H, MITRA S (Environment Management Dep, Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Kolkata- 700 073, West Bengal) : The good and not so good of corporate social responsibility: A critical review of a maharatna company in India. J Manag Res 2020, 20(3), 174-96.

This paper aims to review the status of corporate CSR practices in a large Maharatna Company in India by critically appraising the resource application in the spectrum of focus areas, schedule VII of the CSR rules, and consequent impacts. The study also focuses on the geographic spread of the social investments over a period. The findings based on the disclosure in the public domain show that through various social interventions the company in the stated focused area has complemented the developmental process of providing infrastructure on education, skill development, health, women empowerment to lift disadvantageous people out of poverty and drudgery. There has been increased focus and resource allocations in government-driven policies and the majority of the investments are in the area of health, sanitation, education, skill development and rural development. The investments are concentrated in and around the operating area as per policy in synchronization with prevailing act thereby creating spatial inequality.

3 illus, 13 tables, 45 ref

045452   AZADFALLAH M (Business Studies and Development Office, Tehran- 37515836, Iran) : Novel fuzzy approach for group multi-criteria supplier evaluation and selection problem. J Manag Res 2020, 20(3), 156-73.

In this paper, the extended fuzzy TOPSIS Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method is developed for a group decision making environment, originally proposed by Triantaphyllou and Lin (1996). A major characteristic of most of the proposed algorithms (e.g., Wang & Elhag, 2006) is that they lead to a crisp relative closeness for each alternative to the ideal solutions. However, Triantaphyllou and Lin’s method is an exception. It is logical that fuzzy weights and fuzzy ratings should give rise to fuzzy relative closeness. Despite its usefulness, this model also has some notable limitations. For example, the proposed procedures violate the triangular fuzzy number orders law, l≤m≤u. The aim of this paper is to present a new version of Triantaphyllou and Lin’s approach for the evaluation/selection of suppliers when the decision has to be made by a group of decision makers. In the proposed model, we use the fuzzy TOPSIS method twice. First, we use a revised fuzzy TOPSIS, a modification of Triantaphyllou and Lin’s model to obey the orders law by changing the fuzzy positive and negative-ideal solution definitions, to find the individual decisions, and next, we use the extended version of this method to find the collective decision. In addition, the proposed method provides a way to handle different weights by decision makers. In order to show the validity of the proposed approach, a comparative analysis is done by comparing the results of the individual and average of all individual preference orderings, with the results of the extended model. Finally, a numerical example is given to demonstrate the feasibility of the developed method.

1 illus, 9 tables, 85 ref

045451   NGUYEN C N, ALIKAJ A, NING W (Management and Marketing Dep, Jacksonville State Univ, AL.- 36265) : The citation impact of international management journals. J Manag Res 2020, 20(3), 144-55.

This paper examined 82 international management journals’ citation impact rates to provide information about which journals served as more highly cited outlets for disseminating international management research findings. The five-year citation rate was calculated using the software program Publish or Perish. The journals were then ordered and categorized based on similar citation rates. The analysis showed a very skewed distribution in citation rates, with only a small number of journals having articles cited more than once per year. The journals were grouped into three suggested citation impact categories: high, strong, and moderate.

21 ref

045450   FORGERON N, HUSSEY R, ONG A, SAVONI P C (Windsor Univ, Odette School of Business Windsor, Email: N9B 3P4, Canada) : Dendrograms to discussions: An experimental research study. J Manag Res 2020, 8(2), 135-43.

Both qualitative and quantitative research usually commences with a research question or a hypothesis. This article argues that such an approach may meet the objectives of the researcher but does not capture necessarily the underlying opinions and attitudes of those being researched. The aim of the present study was to capture the undergraduate university students’ understanding of fundamental accounting concepts delivered in a first year financial accounting class. The project involved twelve first year students, six had taken financial accounting at high school and six had no prior knowledge. A meeting was held separately with the two groups. They were asked to complete a grid which required them to quantify the level of their subject understanding. This was followed by discussions. The results of the grids were analysed using cluster analysis and expanded by the findings of the discussions with the students. The paper ends with a critical reflection of the study and suggestions for applications of the methodology. The research process is time consuming, but we consider that discussion groups with the content of these framed by the prior completion of grids a more illuminating method for understanding all the dimensions of a phenomenon. We were better able to see the world as the students saw it.

12 ref

045264   BOOBANIAN B, PAKROUH M H, JAVEHTASH H (Management Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Sanandaj, Iran, Email: boobanian.bahare@yahoo.com) : Investigating the effects employer brand on the human resource agility through mediating role of employer brand attractiveness and internal marketing in company’s knowledge base. J Ecophysiol Occup Health 2020, 20(3&4), 165-9.

In today’s business environment, organizations increasingly use branding as a strategic tool that this use of the brand has found a way in the field of human resource. The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between employer’s brand attractiveness and tendency of Iranian elites to emigrate. We examined the moderating role of migration possibility as well. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect employer brand on the human resource agility in knowledge based companies in Kurdistan province in 2020. From methodological perspective, the present study is a survey-applied method based on descriptive-survey methods. Required data has been collected through combining and integrating several standard questionnaires with the use of formal reforms. The content validity of the factors was calculated by experts and then the validity of the test structure was confirmed using factor analysis methods. In order to analyze the collected data, Partial Least Square method (Smart PLS) was used. The results confirm the appropriateness of all research hypotheses and have a positive and significant relationship between effects employer brand on the human resource agility through mediating role of employer brand attractiveness and internal marketing in the research model. Also, according to the results the organization provided practical recommendations for managers and planners.

2 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

044755   BROWN R, KLINE W (Pennsylvania State Univ, PA- 17057, USA) : Optimal misalignment: Strategic intent, organizational capabilities, and performance. J Manag Res 2020, 20(2), 113-32.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the linkage between strategic intent and firm performance. We find that while strategic intent is associated with lower levels of financial performance, those firms that have specific combinations of both intent and capabilities outperform rivals. We test the hypotheses on a panel data set of pharmaceutical firms from 1993 to 2003. We find empirical evidence supporting the tenets of strategic intent theory (Hamel & Prahalad, 1989). Secondly, we find evidence that optimally misaligned firms are associated with increased profitability over those firms with different intentcapabilities mixes. These two findings add to the knowledge stocks in strategic management, generally, and to the literature on strategic intent and capabilities, specifically. The evidence in this paper points to firms that have a high level of patents yet low levels of strategic intent and calibration as being laggards in the market. On the other hand, firms that are misaligned in the opposite direction (i.e. a lower level of patents but increased intent) seem to outperform rivals, at least in the short term.

4 illus, 3 tables, 34 ref

044754   SRIVASTAVA M, GOSAIN A (IIM Kashipur, Kashipur– 244713, Uttarakhand) : Impact of service failure attributions on dissatisfaction: Revisiting attribution theory. J Manag Res 2020, 20(2), 99-112.

This study investigates the impact of service failure attributions on customer satisfaction in retail banking. This was done using a 2×2×2 between-subjects experimental design. The findings demonstrate that customer satisfaction after experiencing a service failure is significantly influenced by customers’ perceived attributions regarding the failure. This paper contributes to the existing literature on service failure by drawing inferences from Heider’s (1958) attribution theory. This study empirically examines how service failure attributions affect customer-service provider relationships in the Indian retail banking industry. The information presented could be used to predict the extent of customers’ post-service failure dissatisfaction. At the same time, this study shows that having an understanding of how customers form their perceptions about a service failure can help companies mitigate unfavorable customer perceptions.

3 tables, 52 ref

044753   FRANQUESA J, ACAR W, MWAKA J O (Ohio Northern Univ, Ada- 45810, OH) : Explanation and rigor in management theorizing: Which theory-building criteria make for an influential contribution?. J Manag Res 2020, 20(2), 75-98.

This paper advances and tests a comprehensive but parsimonious model of theory-building/evaluation criteria in management and organization science, and of the relationships between these criteria and a theory’s eventual prominence within the discipline. The model is tested using survey data in which knowledgeable scholars are asked to provide a detailed assessment of the traits of one of a few well-known seminal theoretical articles that are used as vehicles. The results support the presence of three distinct but correlated dimensions of theory evaluation (novelty, extendibility, and relevance to practice) and further provide confirmatory evidence of an overarching, second-order construct, which we term the explanatory meaningfulness of a theoretical exposition. Moreover, we find this construct to be a positive and strong predictor of the subsequent perceived importance of a theoretical article among management scholars. By contrast, the logical consistency and the falsifiability of the theoretical exposition were not significantly associated with its perceived importance. Paradoxically, our findings suggest that the most influential theoretical articles in management are those that offer greater explanatory value (stemming from their originality and perceived usefulness for research and practice), regardless of other aspects associated with conventional prescriptions for rigorous theory-making.

2 illus, 2 tables, 72 ref

044752   VERMA S, GIRDHAR P (Marketing Dep, NITIE, Vihar Lake Road- 400 087, Mumbai) : Integrated framework for vendor management: An interpretivist approach. J Manag Res 2020, 20(2), 63-74.

Studies show that many Indian construction projects are facing time and cost overrun. Vendor management is crucial for timely and within cost completion of any construction project. We used the interpretivist approach in this study to discover the critical parameters for effective vendor management. The grounded theory method with content analysis and thematic analysis helped in the development of the integrated framework. The integrated conceptual framework includes antecedents, moderators, and mediators of vendor management. The findings of the study are expected to play an instrumental role in improving the project management paradigm.

4 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

044750   SRIVASTAVA M , SIVARAMAKRISHNAN S (School of Business Management, NMIMS) : Exploring the triad of eWOM, eWOM generator engagement and consumer engagement: A conceptual framework. J Manag Res 2020, 20(1), 34-46.

While there is considerable literature on electronic word of mouth (eWOM), eWOM generator engagement (EGE), and consumer engagement, there are very few studies which explore the relationships between these constructs. In this study, concepts like word of mouth (WOM), eWOM, eWOM volume and valence, content quality, and generator/user engagement are discussed at length. A conceptual model is proposed to link these seemingly related constructs. Several key research questions have also been outlined based on the gap analysis conducted in the area of eWOM and consumer engagement. The present study is based on a review of the literature and, hence, is theoretical in nature. Further empirical research is recommended to establish the model. Future studies, specifically those employing quantitative and experimental methods, are suggested to test the model across a variety of industries and contexts. The empirical analysis and validation of the proposed model will surely help companies to understand the role of EGE in the overall engagement model. Additionally, the present study is expected to contribute to a wide variety of domains, such as digital marketing, advertising, CRM, etc.

1 illus, 3 tables, 90 ref

044749   MINIMOL M C , NAIR S B (Rajagiri Coll of Social Sciences, Kochi– 682 039, Kerala) : Do macroeconomic indicators encourage foreign direct investment in Indian retail?. J Manag Res 2020, 20(1), 26-33.

This study primarily endeavors to understand whether macroeconomic variables foster the inflow of foreign investment into the retail sector of India. The researchers tried to determine whether any longterm or short-term implications can be derived from the relationship between traditional macroeconomic variables and foreign direct investment (FDI) retail using various econometric tools. All the variables contemplated in this study could reasonably contribute to changes in FDI retail Inflow to India. Trace statistics and max-eigen statistics confirm the long-term relationship amongst the variables. The study also revealed that consumer price index (CPI), gross domestic product (GDP), foreign exchange reserve (FER), sensitivity index, and NIFTY Granger-cause FDI retail, while FDI retail does not Granger-cause any of these variables.

7 tables, 14 ref

044748   ASHOORI M T ( Managerial Studies Dep, Purdue Univ, Hammond- 46323, USA) : Do companies benefit equally from adopting mindfulness programs at their workplace? Implications of company demographics. J Manag Res 2020, 20(1), 14-25.

Both practitioners and academics approve of the positive effects of mindfulness programs on workplace outcomes, such as employee productivity and long-term organization performance. The practical evidence shows, however, that the extent of this positive influence varies by company. Some managers reported a huge upward shift in their employees’ performance after implementation of mindfulness programs at their workplace, while others reported a negligible positive change or no change at all. Consideration of this evidence prompts a research question: what factors may moderate the degree of favorable effects of adopting mindfulness programs at workplace on employees’ performance? In this paper, we empirically test and show some interesting moderating effects of overall employees’ demographics, such as their age, gender, ethnicity, and education level, on this positive relationship. Our results indicate that the strength and pattern of associations between implementing mindfulness programs at workplace and job performance differ according to company demographics.

3 tables, 63 ref

044747   HUMPHREYS J H, HADEN S S P (Texas A&M Univ, TX- 754 29, USA) : Leadership on request constructing milton hershey’s leader identity. J Manag Res 2020, 20(1), 3-13.

We know little about the nuances of how followers enact their reciprocal roles in influencing leaders’ socially constructed identities. Towards this aim, Blom and Alvesson (2013) advanced the metaphor of ‘Leadership on Demand’ to describe how followers within a shared leadership-structure schema may initiate or inhibit leadership by accepting or rejecting a leader’s identity claim. However, Leadership on Demand may be unrealistic when the proactive participation of followers is constrained by the leadership context. We argue that in leadership settings that demand hierarchical leadership-structure schemas in which the granting of leader identity and claiming of follower identity are essentially obligatory, followers may still purposefully shape a leader’s socially constructed identity. We propose the idiom of ‘Leadership on Request’ and apply this perspective to interpret the historical case of the Gilded Age paternalist Milton S. Hershey.

39 ref

040656   MANJARI M B, NAAIIKK R V T B, RAJKUMAR B V, KUMAR P V, VENI C P (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nizamabad - 503 188, Telangana, Email: bhavyamanjari287@gmail.com) : Rolling brush stem applicator for the management of sucking pests in cotton. Indian J Entomol 2020, 82(1), 48-50.

The present study is on the evaluation of the use of rolling brush stem applicator in comparison with traditional method of hand spraying in cotton for sucking pests’ management. The study revealed that rolling stem applicator was more effective than spraying as it is ecofriendly, low cost, input saving and drudgery reducing rolling brush method required one labour for three times application at the time of 30, 45 and 60 days after sowing. Total investment for rolling brush was Rs. 650-1500 against spraying which required two labour for five times (local farmers practice) with cost of Rs. 1400- 3500. The cost for monocrotophos was Rs.105/ application with rolling stem applicator and Rs.420/ l for spraying.

1 table, 9 ref

040605   CHAHAL A S, SHARMA R, DEV K (Social Sciences Dep, Dr. Y.S Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan -173 230, Email: sharmakapil2222@gmail.com) : Economic analysis of carnation under protective cultivation: A study of mid hills zone of Himachal Pradesh. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(2), 369-77.

Economic analysis of Carnation under protective cultivation in Solan district of mid hill zone of Himachal Pradesh revealed that under at overall level the average family size was 5.33 Socio-economic indicators majority of the sample households have nuclear families and persons, out of which 55 per cent were males and 45 per cent females. The average size of land holding on the overall category was found 3.34 hectares of which 23.01 per cent was cultivated area. It can be referred from the analysis that average cost of production of carnation per cut stem varied between Rs. 0.53 to Rs. 0.55. The net returns from the production of carnation cut stems were Rs. 3,11,348.30 under 500 m² polyhouse, whereas, under 2000 m² it was Rs. 12,79,504.72. The net present value of carnation was found to vary between Rs. 9,21,328 to Rs. 2 42,91,301 under different sizes of non-subsidized polyhouses. Whereas, under subsidized polyhouses, it ranged from Rs. 10,31,093 to Rs. 46,80,471 under 20 years life of polyhouse. Benefit cost ratio under subsidized polyhouses of 500 m² to 2000 m² varied 1.54 to 1.66 with an internal rate of return 31 to 37 per cent. Similarly BCR varied from 1.45 to 1.57 under different sizes of non-subsidized polyhouses with an internal rate of 27 to 33 per cent. Therefore production of carnation cut stems under subsidized and non-subsidized polyhouses is feasible and profitable.

2 illus, 7 tables, 4 ref

040591   DEOLI V, KUMAR D (Civil Engineering Dep, Inderprastha Engineering Coll, Ghaziabad - 201 010, Email: deolivaibhavdeoli@gmail.com) : Analysis of groundwater fluctuation using GRACE satellite data. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(2), 299-302.

Remote sensing has been proved to be a vital medium for natural resource management. In the present study, GRACE data was collected for Terai region of Kumaon division to study the temporal variation in ground water table from 2002 to 2016. GRACE is a twin satellite system developed by collaboration of NASA and German space agencies and DLR of US respectively. The spatial resolution of GRACE is 1^o x1^o. For studying the changes in groundwater table, non-parametric trend analysis has been done using linear regression methods Mann o Kendall test and Moving Average models. The results suggested that between 2002 to 2016, the average groundwater table fluctuation was 10.47 cm. Maximum positive groundwater fluctuation was 40.59 cm, in September 2003, while maximum negative groundwater fluctuation of 43.14 cm was in March 2016. The outcomes of the study suggested that groundwater fluctuations have sharply decreased during 2002 to 2016 and trend is negative for this study period in all months.

4 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

040584   KUMAR N, TOOR J S, SINGH G (Economics Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala - 147 002, Email: com.naresh@gmail.com) : Income inequalities in different regions of rural Punjab. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(1), 259-65.

Regional disparities have been increasing over time in both rural as well as urban areas. In rural areas, inequality related to land ownership has also increased. The study is based upon the primary data, collected from four districts situated in three different regions (Malwa, Doaba and Majha) of the Punjab state. The main source of income in all the regions is farm business income, followed by income from nonfarm employment and casual agricultural labour. Malwa has recorded the highest share of farm business income. The second significant source of income in the case of an average rural household is non-farm wage employment. Doaba has recorded the highest income from nonfarm wage employment. The per capita income is also the highest in Malwa and the lowest in Doaba for an average rural household. Arelatively better distribution of per household income is observed in the case of small farmers. When we compare household income of land owning households and landless households in different regions, inequality seems wider in land owning households than the landless households in three regions.

4 tables, 9 ref

040583   BASU J P (Economics Dep, West Bengal State Univ, Barasat, Kolkata - 700 126, Email: bjyotish@yahoo.com) : Climate change vulnerability and perception of different occupational groups of household in the hill regions of Darjeeling District, West Bengal. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(1), 248-58.

The present paper attempts to measure climate change vulnerability of different occupational groups of households like tea garden labourers, casual labourers, and workers in the informal sector, petty businessmen, tourist guide cum driver and workers in the formal sector in the hill regions of Darjeeling district of West Bengal. In addition, the present paper examines the socio-economic conditions of such occupational groups of households to understand the nature of vulnerability. Besides, the paper tries to measure the perception index of such occupational group of households and to investigate the relationship with the vulnerability. The Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) of Hahn et al (2009) and modified LVI-IPCC index have been used to measure such vulnerability. The paper is based on primary data collected from 150 households from four villages in the hill regions of Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India, in 2018 with the help of a structured questionnaire. The results of the paper revealed that on the basis of such indices values (both measures of LVI) the tea garden labour, casual labour and workers in the informal sector are more vulnerable than that of other occupational group like tourist guide cum driver, workers in the formal sector and petty businessmen. The climate change perception index for tea garden labour, casual labour and workers in the informal sector are very low compared to other occupational groups of households like petty businessmen and workers in the formal sector. This indicates that the occupational groups of households who have lower perception of climate change are more vulnerable and vice versa. This paper has an important policy implication for enhancement of adaptive capacity as well as betterment in the perception for vulnerability reduction measures.

8 illus, 10 tables, 26 ref

040161   WADHWA M, CHATTERJEE S (Management Dep, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Vadodara, Gujarat, Email: drmedhakalyan@gmail.com) : A study to assess the utilisation of health services by pregnant women in rural area of Vadodara district. Adv Hum Biol 2020, 10(3), 103-9.

A healthy society is indicated by not merely the absence of disease or low mortality/morbidity status but rather the different dimensions of health of the population of a society. The sound maternal health status is always the intention of any nation as it reflects many dimensions of the society. However, in India, there is a huge gap in the services offered and utilised at rural and urban areas. The considerable efforts by government by which the foundation of healthcare sector of the nation be made strong cannot deliver the fruitful results. The present study aims to assess the utilisation of maternal health services and the factors associated with it. The present study was undertaken in Waghodia taluka of Vadodara district. The Waghodia taluka has four primary health centres (PHCs). The duration of the study was 9 months. The proportionate stratified sampling was used to assess the utilisation of maternal health services in four PHCs. The sample of the study was 1333. The study design was a prospective cohort study as the sample were followed up to determine their category of utilisation of antenatal care services. The data were analysed using SPSS version 21. Nearly 65.3 % of the pregnant women have utilised the antenatal services in an ideal manner, 28.5 % in the moderate utilisation category and 6.2 % in the undesirable category. There is an association between the predisposing factors such as age of respondent, education of respondent and her husband, occupation of respondent and her husband and level of autonomy of the respondent. The need factors are also statistically significantly associated with the category of utilisation of antenatal services. The majority of the pregnant women with hypertension and diabetes are utilising the services in an ideal manner. The majority of the pregnant women in rural area of Vadodara are utilising the antenatal services in an ideal manner, but the focus should be on the pregnant women who are unable to utilise these services properly. The proper utilisation of antenatal services by the pregnant women would help in the sustainable development of our country.

4 tables, 18 ref

039304   OHUNYEYE O, FELIX, JOSEPH O, SOLOMON O, EMMANUEL A K (Management Dep, Fort Hare Univ, South Africa, Email: omononamise@gmail.com) : Effect of economic and agricultural diversification on the economic growth in Nigeria. Agric Sci Dig 2020, 40(1), 34-8.

The study examines the effect of economic and agricultural diversification on economic growth in Nigeria. The objectives were to determine the effect of government agricultural spending on Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product. Data were collected from secondary sourced using the time series data which was extracted from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) annual Statistical Bulletin for the period and The Nigeria Bureau of Statistic annual reports. Data were analyzed using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach or Bound Test Method. The findings revealed that Government agricultural expenditure does not have a significant effect on Gross Domestic Product. The investigation suggested that the government at all level should increase their budgetary allocations for agriculture and also develop a functional agricultural long-term blueprint to improve the sector.

1 table, 20 ref

039300   VISHAL C (Management Dep, A.P.G Shimla Univ, Shimla- 171 009, Email: vishal.chauhan333.vc@gmail.com) : Economics of apple production in Himachal Pradesh: A comparative study of different blocks of district Shimla. Agric Sci Dig 2020, 40(1), 1-9.

The study was conducted in order to understand apple productivity of the different blocks of district Shimla and from the study one tries to reveales the resource efficiency of different blocks. For the study one has taken land as the main and principle resource and data of 10 years (2008-2018) for 10 Blocks being collected from the secondary source which is analyzed with the help of regression and percentage method to found the efficiency and resource performance in different blocks of Shimla District. It was observed that blocks which are showing highest average and per hectare productivity actually their coefficient value of land is going down and showing decreasing returns and blocks with low average and per hectare production are showing positive coefficient value of land hence determining their resource efficiency. The study gives us knowledge about the production and efficiency difference among different blocks.

3 ref

039296   JAMI N, SAIKIA M (Agronomy Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat, Email: jaminaveen17@gmail.com) : Nutrient management in organic baby corn production. Agric Rev 2020, 41(1), 66-72.

The concept of organic agriculture is receiving increased attention and organic food markets are also expanding quite fast in many parts of the world including India. Development of production technology particularly appropriate nutrient management strategy for organic baby corn is necessary for realizing higher yield and economic returns as well as soil health aspect. Most of the organic manures are low in nutrient contents, which are not sufficient to meet the nutritional requirement of the crops with smaller quantities, especially when inorganic fertilizers are not applied. Under such circumstances, enrichment of organic manures and composts with permitted additives like rock phosphate and beneficial microbial cultures is a feasible option for nutrient supplementation in organic food production. Microbial enrichment technique with bio-inoculants to composting material had been shown to improve the quality of compost. The enrichment of the organic manures with beneficial microbial cultures will further contribute to the enhancement of N and P contents through nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization. Hence, the enriched organic manures and their combination provide an ideal nutrition strategy for the crop. There is the possibility of increasing the nitrogen content of compost by inoculation with nitrogen-fixing organisms and the phosphorus content by the inoculation with phosphate solubilizing bacteria. Improved manures will play a major role in organic farming since the method of production is simple and easy.

61 ref

039265   MOHSIN M, HENGBIN Y, ZHUO C, MEHAK A (Marine Resource Management, Jiujiang- 332 005, China, Email: 20190251@wzbc.edu.cn) : An assessment of overexploitation risk faced by cephalopod fisheries in China: A non-equilibrium surplus production model approach. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(02), 318-25.

This study analyses catch and effort(CE) data, 2006-2014, of cephalopod fisheries to access its stock status for better management practices. Data analysis was performed by using two fisheries software, viz., catch and effort data analysis (CEDA) and a stock production model incorporating covariates (ASPIC). In CEDA, initial proportion (IP) = 0.8, Fox model estimated MSY, CV and R2 as 461687 t, 0.226 and 0.663 for log error assumption. The computed values of these parameters for log-normal and gamma error assumptions remained as 529612 t, 0.115, 0.671 and 503394 t, 0.176, 0.657, correspondingly. Estimated MSY values by using error assumptions, i.e., log and log-normal in Schaefer and Pella-Tomlinson models were same, i.e., 452106 t and 536284 t, in that order. However, gamma error assumption produced minimization failure. Fox model estimated the highest value of R² (0.671). In ASPIC, Fox model assessed MSY, CV and R² and FMSY as 545100 t, 0.090, 0.785 and 0.222 y-1, in that order. Whereas, Logistic model calculated similar parameters as 558700 t, 0.198 y-1, 0.111 and 0.78, respectively. The results of this preliminary study represent over exploitation of this fishery resource. Thus, effective management strategies with proper implementation are direly needed to conserve this commercially important marine fishery resource for its long-term economic gain. Moreover, supplement research on local fisheries resources by using single fish species data is strongly suggested in order to further strengthen this preliminary research.

3 illus, 5 tables, 44 ref

039219   PRASHANTH K D, PARTHIBAN P, DHANALAKSHMI R (National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli- 620 015, Email: parthee_p@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of the performance and ranking of suppliers of a heavy industry by TOPSIS method. J Sci Ind Res 2020, 79(02), 144-7.

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the performance of the suppliers of a heavy industry and to rank them based on their performance by using Multi Criteria Decision Making Tool (MCDM) – TOPSIS Method. The Criteria and Sub Criteria for the supplier performance evaluation has been decided by a team of experts from the manufacturing industry. DEMATEL is used to calculate the weightage of the criteria and TOPSIS is used to evaluate and rank the suppliers based on these criteria. This paper ranks the suppliers of the industry based on their performance. It also provides a clear picture about various factors affecting the performance of the suppliers. This research provides an insight to all the suppliers as to where they stand with respect to their performance. It helps them identify the factors in which they need to strengthen in order to improve their performance. It also provides a competitive environment for improving their performance which ultimately aids the manufacturing industry with better results from the suppliers.

2 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

039215   WOO K H, PARK S Y, SAWNG Y W (Management of Technology Dep, Konkuk Univ, Korea, Email: sawng@konkuk.ac.k) : A comparative study on the impact of the capabilities of manufacturing and service firms on export performance: Focusing on the interaction effect of R&D. J Sci Ind Res 2020, 79(02), 128-31.

This paper empirically examined the impact of firm capabilities and the interaction effect of R&D on the export performance of service firms in comparison with manufacturing firms. To this end, a total of 1,968 Korean firms were analyzed: 243 from service and 1,725 from manufacturing, and two-stage analysis was performed using multiple regression and hierarchical regression analysis. This research confirmed that network and customer capabilities played critical roles in the internationalization of service firms and R&D positively interacted with entrepreneurship and customer capabilities for export performance. These findings suggest valuable policy considerations for government trade policy and academic motivation for further research on the capabilities and R&D of service firms.

1 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

039199   AN, TAE H, KIM, YOUNG J, WAK K, JONGMIN K, SU B K (Management Dep, Chungbuk National Univ, Korea, Email: ksbae@chungbuk.ac.kr) : The correlation between climate change and corporate performance. J Sci Ind Res 2020, 79(01), 38-43.

The purpose of the study is to verify the correlation of the climate change risk focusing on the influence of carbon emission on the corporate performance and discriminative response of corporate contingent upon the publishment of Sustainability Report. The results of this study show that there is a negative (-) relationship between Carbon emission intensity and corporate performance. And the negative influence of carbon emission intensity on corporate performance was found to be smaller for companies that published sustainability reports than for those that did not. This study provided empirical evidences on why corporate’s active reactive activities according to the climate change is essential for sustainable development.

3 tables, 16 ref

039197   VILA N A, CARDOSA L, TOUBES D R (Vigo Univ, Spain, Email: lucyalves.lucilia@gmail.com) : Occupational risk prevention in the management of companies in the electricity sector. The case of Galicia (Spain). J Sci Ind Res 2020, 79(01), 30-4.

The present work aims at analysing the awareness and prevention in the management system of companies in the electricity sector, in order to detect the main shortcomings, seeking to improve in terms of occupational risk prevention. After collecting and analyzing a sample of 180 surveys, numerous shortcomings have been detected in the sector of electrical and telecommunications installations in Galicia (Spain), including the lack of established goals and objectives in preventive matters or the absence of the use of preventive modalities.

3 tables, 12 ref

039190   BORAH N, GARKOTI S C (Jawaharlal Nehru Univ, New Delhi - 110 067, Email: sgarkoti@yahoo.com) : Indigenous lac culture and local livelihood: A case study of Karbi community of Assam, North-Eastern India. Indian J Tradit Know 2020, 19, 197-207.

The indigenous lac culture of Karbi community inhabiting West Karbi Anglong district of Assam is highlighted in this paper. A total of 114 knowledge holders were identified through chain referrals method from three representative villages of Ameri Block for the study. Karbis reared lac insects twice in a year on naturally growing host plants either in the forest areas or in homegardens. A total of eight unique host plants except Ziziphus mauritiana and Ficus religiosa were observedto be used by the community for rearing lac insect. They preferred bigger host plants such as, Ficus benghalensis, F. religiosa and Albizia lucidior due to higher lac yield and lesser labour requirement. An individual F. religiosa and F.benghalensis tree could produce about 120-200 kg of sticklac in a season. The average annual household production of sticklac ranged from 679 to 776 kg in the studied villages and contributed to about 25-30 % of annual household income. Karbis traditionally use lac as natural dye, binding agent, polishing earthen pots and also as medicine for chest and joint pains. Factors like uncertain production, high fluctuation in market prices and unorganized nature of the venture have been identified as the major constraints for the sustainability and up-scaling the practice.

8 illus, 6 tables, 45 ref

039189   SINGH N P, SRIVASTAVA S K, SHARMA S, ANAND B, SINGH S, RANJITH P C (ICAR- National Institute of Agricultural Economics & Policy Research, New Delhi- 110 012, Email: naveenpsingh@gmail.com) : Dynamics of socio-economic factors affecting climate vulnerability and technology adoption: Evidence from Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. Indian J Tradit Know 2020, 19, 192-6.

Climate change and extreme weather fluctuations are the most threatening challenges to the farming communities especially in semi-arid tropics. The paper investigates socio-economic factors affecting vulnerability and adoption of innovations using micro-level survey data of 100 systematically selected farmers in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan, India. The results reveal that higher income, irrigation and provision of seeds reduce climate vulnerability to a great extent. Several farm level strategies have been adopted by the farmers against climate induced stress, including change in cropping pattern, reduction in irrigation usage, use of drips and sprinklers and water conservation. In case of pearl millet cropping system, we found that adoption of wide row spacing is significantly influenced by the level of the farmer’s education, land size category, climate awareness and trainings programs. The study suggests that diversified crop sequence involving pearl millet-wheat-cluster bean-barley-onion, farmers’ adoption of suitable adaptation strategies and climate resilient technologies will improve with better awareness, education and farm governance with regard to climate change. Moreover, technologies especially indigenous ones suitable to the local contextual needs must be developed or fine-tuned and disseminated for reducing climate-induced vulnerability.

1 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

039171   PREMLATA T, VIVEK S, BISHT M S, NIRMALA C (Botany Dep, Punjab Univ, Chandigarh- 160 014, Email: cnirmala10@gmail.com) : Edible bamboo resources of Manipur: Consumption pattern of young shoots, processing techniques and their commercial status in the local market. Indian J Tradit Know 2020, 19, 73-82.

Manipur constitutes one of the major hubs of bamboo resource in the country. Apart from its household and industrial uses, bamboo is also revered in the state for its dietary usefulness through consumption of its tender shoots. To quantify the magnitude of usage patterns of bamboo shoots for food in the state, a detailed survey was undertaken covering all the 16 districts and 21 main markets of Manipur. Of the 53 reported species, 15 species belonging to genera Bambusa, Cephalostachyum, Chimonobambusa, Dendrocalamus and Melocanna were recorded as major edible bamboo species consumed as food in different areas of Manipur. Dendrocalamus latiflorus emerged as the most popular edible bamboo species in the state, being consumed in all the 16 districts. Along with fresh shoots, boiled, fermented, pickled and dried forms are also consumed. Different traditional processing and preservation methods of bamboo shoots are also practised in the state of which fermentation is the most popular one. In market places, fresh shoots are sold during the monsoon season whereas fermented shoots are available throughout the year while the sales of other bamboo shoot products in local markets are in a very nascent state.

7 illus, 4 tables, 19 ref

039166   MANASWI B H, KUMAR P, PRAKASH P, ANBUKKANI P, KAR A, JHA G K, RAO DUM, LENIN V (ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi -110 012, Email: pramod_iari@yahoo.co.in) : Impact of farmer producer organization on organic chilli production in Telangana, India. Indian J Tradit Know 2020, 19, 33-43.

Input intensive modern agriculture is adversely affecting human health and environment. Farmers of Telangana state have taken up organic chilli production with the assistance of FPOs. Primary data was collected from 120 farmers comprising 60 members and 60 non-members of FPO from two districts of Telangana through semi-structured interviews. The study found that the shift to organic chilli cultivation led to decrease in input use by 9.06 % and yield by 23.4 %. However, the gross return from organic chilli farming was 13.85 % higher over that realised by non-members due to the efforts of FPOs. DEA analysis revealed that a higher proportion of member farmers (48 %) had technical efficiency of more than 60 % as compared to non-members (18 %). FPOs were instrumental in reduction of transaction cost and number of intermediaries leading to the realization of a producer's share in consuer's rupee (65 %). Discriminant function analysis revealed that the FPO promoting institutions (44 %), ease of doing business (16 %) and infrastrure facilities  like storage, irrigation, electricity and credit have high influence on performance of the states with respect to FPOs.

11 tables, 32 ref

039154   MOHSIN M, HENGBIN Y, ZHOU C, MEHAK A (Jiujiang Univ, Jiujiang- 332 005, Email: 20190251@wzbc.edu.cn) : An assessment of overexploitation risk faced by cephalopod fisheries in China: A non-equilibrium surplus production model approach. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(2), 318-25.

This study analyses catch and effort(CE) data, 2006-2014, of cephalopod fisheriesto access its stock status for better management practices. Data analysis was performed by using two fisheries software, viz., catch and effort data analysis (CEDA) and a stock production model incorporating covariates (ASPIC). In CEDA, initial proportion (IP) = 0.8, Fox model estimated MSY, CV and R² as 461687 t, 0.226 and 0.663 for log error assumption. The computed values of these parameters for log-normal and gamma error assumptions remained as 529612 t, 0.115, 0.671 and 503394 t, 0.176, 0.657, correspondingly. Estimated MSY values by using error assumptions, i.e., log and log-normal in Schaefer and Pella-Tomlinson models were same, i.e., 452106 t and 536284 t, in that order. However, gamma error assumption produced minimization failure. Fox model estimated the highest value of R² (0.671). In ASPIC, Fox model assessed MSY, CV and R² and F_MSY as 545100 t, 0.090, 0.785 and 0.222 y^-1, in that order. Whereas, Logistic model calculated similar parameters as 558700 t, 0.198 y^-1, 0.111 and 0.78, respectively. The results of this preliminary study represent overexploitation of this fishery resource. Thus, effective management strategies with proper implementation are direly needed to conserve this commercially important marine fishery resource for its long-term economic gain. Moreover, supplement research on local fisheries resources by using single fish species data is strongly suggested in order to further strengthen this preliminary research.

3 illus, 5 tables, 44 ref

039152   INFANTINA J A, JAYARAMAN R (Fisheries Economics Dep, Fisheries Coll and Research Institute, Thoothukudi- 628 008, Email: amaliinfantina@gmail.com) : Is the operational dynamics of artisanal fishing fleet dawdling? A comprehensive study of Palk Bay, India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(2), 311-7.

Marine fish resources off Indian shores have been displaying thorough heterogeneity over the years. The catch rates have propelled high during post-independence period and the country experienced tremendous growth in fish production. Technological changes have spurred fish production and exports. Alongside fisheries development, few negative externalities occurred, threatening the long term sustenance of the artisanal sector and the overall fishery resources. Hence, a study was attempted to understand the various sociological, spatial and temporal factors that play a key role in artisanal fishing operations and further to the resultant productivity. Additionally, fishers’ compliance towards existing fisheries rules and regulations was also perceived to suggest suitable fisheries management measures. The study was carried out at Ramanathapuram and Pudhukottai districts of Palk Bay. The economic and technical efficiency of the crafts were studied exclusively for traditional and motorized crafts employing costs and returns procedure and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach respectively. Traditional boats have registered the highest profit margin of 45.61 % and least payback period of 0.58 years. Yet, the motorized fishing crafts seem to operate with a mean technical efficiency of 0.85, much higher than that of traditional crafts (0.58).

1 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

039053   TARIQ H M, MU Y, MOAZZAM M, SHAH S B H, PAVASE T R (Ocean Univ of China, Qingdao- 266 003, Email: ytmu@ouc.edu.cn) : Economic appraisal of offshore fisheries: A study on trawl fishing operations in Pakistan. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(1), 73-9.

This study attempts to show the effects and relative contributions of the different fisheries factors affecting the revenues for a sample of commercial offshore trawling vessels operating in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Pakistan. In this study, the level of relative contribution of each determinant is estimated by using the Standard Multiple Linear regression (SMLR) with standardized regression coefficients and correlation methods. The data were collected through the survey questionnaire and direct interviews with the boat owners and fishermen. The estimated standard beta regression coefficient values for the catch (ß₁=0.253), horsepower (ß₂=0.26), fishing days at sea (ß₃=0.316) and skipper or captain’s fishing experience (ß₄=0.32), respectively. Similarly, the catch contributes (R²=17.7 %), horsepower (R²=18.2 %), fishing days (R²=22.5 %) and skipper (R²=23 %) on the revenue. Moreover, the correlation values for the catch (r(Revenue, Catch) = 0.70), horsepower (r(Revenue, Horsepower) =0.698), fishing days (r(Revenue, Fishing Days) = 0.713) and skipper (r(Revenue, Skipper)= 0.718) indicates the strong positive relationship of each variable on the revenue. In conclusion, the skipper fishing experience and individual skills have a very strong influence on the maximizing of total earnings of trawling vessels.

2 illus, 3 tables, 43 ref

039043   GOEL P, DHURIA M, YADAV R, KHASNOBIS P, MEENA S, VENKATESH S (Epidemiology Dep, National Centre for Disease Control, 22 Shamnath Marg, New Delhi, Email: meera.dhuria@gov.in) : Public health surveillance during Simhastha Kumbh, a religious mass gathering in Ujjain district, Madhya Pradesh, India, 2016. Ind J Pub Health 2020, 64(2), 198-200.

A daily surveillance for disease detection and response at the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, April–May 2016, was established. Existing weekly reporting of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) was modified to report 17 diseases or events from 22 public hospitals and three private hospitals in Ujjain. Water samples were also tested for fecal contamination in areas reporting diarrhea. We identified 56,600 ill persons (92 % from government hospitals and 8 % from private hospitals): 33 % had fever, 28 % acute respiratory infection, and 26 % acute diarrheal diseases. There were 15 deaths (12 injury and 3 drowning). We detected two diarrhea outbreaks (Mahakaal Zone with 9 cases and Dutta Akhara Zone with 42 cases). Among 26 water samples, eight showed fecal contamination. This was a large implementation of daily disease surveillance in a religious mass gathering in India by IDSP. We recommended laboratory confirmation for diseases and similar daily surveillance in future mass gatherings in India.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

039034   KASSA M D, GRACE J M (Biokinetics Dep, KwaZulu-Natal Univ, Durban, South Africa., Email: kassam@ukzn.ac.za) : Frequency, intensity, time, and type principle of physical activity as a medical disability prevention program in Ethiopia: A mixed-method study. Ind J Pub Health 2020, 64(2), 141-7.

Despite the recognized benefits of physical activity (PA), the extent of its recognition and applications as a medical disability (MD) prevention program by practitioners working in Ethiopian health‑care settings is unknown. The objective of the study was to explore health‑care professionals’ knowledge base and characteristics on the utilization of the frequency, intensity, time (duration), and type principle (FITT) of PA as an MD prevention program in the Ethiopian public health‑care system.  A mixed‑method research design was used with data collected from 13 public referral hospitals in Ethiopia. In Phase I, quantitative data were collected from 312 health professionals (99 physicians and 213 nurses) using a survey. In Phase II, qualitative data were collected by interviewing health officers (n = 13 physician–hospital managers) and conducting one focus group discussion (n = 6 national health bureau officers). A quarter (28 %) of practitioners working in referral hospitals are using PA as an MD prevention program. Higher specialization (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]= 20.203, P < 0.001), many service years (AOR = 0.041, P = 0.014), young age (AOR = 19.871, P < 0.001), and being male (AOR = 0.269,P < 0.001) were associated with using PA as a MDs prevention program.  Applying the FITT principle of PA for the prevention of MD among practitioners was very poor. Training of health‑care professionals to use PA as a program for MDs prevention is required at the undergraduate level as well as specialized courses on qualification.

3 tables, 26 ref

039027   FAROOQUI H H, ZODPEY S (Indian Institute of Public Health, Gurgaon- 122 002, Haryana, Email: drhabibhasan@gmail.com) : Private sector vaccine share in overall immunization coverage in India: Evidence from private sector vaccine utilization data (2012-2015). Ind J Pub Health 2020, 64(1), 75-8.

The objective of this research was to generate the evidence on the private sector’s contribution to overall immunization coverage for selected pediatric vaccines in India. Using IMS Health’s (now IQVIA) vaccine sales audit data and innovative methodological approach we estimated private‑sector vaccine share in the total immunization coverage across selected pediatric vaccines in India. Our estimates suggest that private sector remains an important contributor to immunization services in India not only for Universal Immunization Program vaccines (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin [19.23 %], HiB pentavalent [11.09 %], hepatitis B [5.75 %], oral poliovirus vaccine [5.48 %], Diphtheria‑Pertussis‑Tetanus [2.66 %], and measles [2.17 %]) but also for newer vaccines (hepatitis A [4.2 %], rotavirus [3.4 %], typhoid [3.3 %],and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine [2.5 %]). As the private sector continues to remain an important access point for immunization services in the country, avenues for potential synergy between public and private sectors should be explored to improve the coverage and quality of immunization services.

1 table, 16 ref

039026   BASU S, MARIAM W, SANTRA S, GARG S, SINGHAL R (Community Medicine Dep, Maulana Azad Medical Coll, New Delhi, Email: warishamariam@gmail.com) : Re-exposure animal bite management among incident animal bite cases in a secondary care hospital in Delhi, India. Ind J Pub Health 2020, 64(1), 72-4.

Complete post exposure prophylaxis with 4 doses of anti‑rabies vaccine (ARV) in a previously vaccinated (nonnaïve) individual results in administration of two extra ARV doses resulting in wastages of precious resources comprising vaccine logistics, human resources, physician, and patient time. This cross‑sectional study conducted in a secondary care hospital in Delhi among 175 incident animal bite cases observed 39 (22.3 %) had an animal‑bite history within the previous 5 years. A total of 19 (10.8 %) cases reported a history of complete ARV vaccination during a previous animal‑bite exposure. However, in the absence of supportive patient medical documentation, all the animal bite cases without exception were prescribed a full course of ARV irrespective of their previous exposure status. Rabies immuno globulins (anti rabiesserum) were also re‑administered in 13 (81.2 %) cases. National guidelines for rabies prophylaxis should, therefore, consider the inclusion of an explicit decision‑making algorithmic mechanism when the health‑care provider is confronted with this situation carrying the potential for hidden vaccine wastage.

1 table, 12 ref

039025   RANE T M, MAHANTA T G, RYAVANKI S P, GOGOI B, BORUAH M (Community Medicine Dep, Tezpur Medical Coll, Dibrugarh- 786 001, Assam, Email: drtulikagoswami@gmail.com) : Home-based newborn care voucher initiative in Assam: An evaluation. Ind J Pub Health 2020, 64(1), 66-71.

An innovative home‑based newborn care (HBNC) voucher system has been introduced in Assam to improve home visits of accredited social health activists (ASHAs), make them more accountable, and empower the community. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of HBNC voucher initiative in Assam. A mixed methodology study was conducted in 2018 including 4 districts of Assam. A quantitative study was done among a sample of 836 lactating mothers by interviewing them through house‑to‑housevisits. A qualitative study was done by in‑depth interview of various health‑care service providers. Of 836 lactating mothers, 65 % received HBNC voucher; 45.6 % received at the time of discharge, and 5.3 % during antenatal care. The purpose of HBNC vouchers as a tool of validating ASHAs’ home visits was explained to only 14.5 % of lactating mothers. Examination of newborn (44.6 %), counseling on breastfeeding (57.1 %), counseling on care of baby (39.2 %), and counseling on immunization (49.2 %) were the services commonly provided by ASHA during HBNC visits. Voucher system improved incentive payment system, but uninterrupted supply was a problem area as stated by ASHAs. Auxiliary nurse midwives and ASHA supervisors told that voucher system had improved ASHA home visits, payment system, and increased identification of danger signs of newborns. HBNC voucher system as an innovative approach was found to be effective. Coverage of services varied among different districts. Uninterrupted supply of the vouchers, periodic resensitization of health workers on its use, and increasing awareness among the community is needed to be sustained.

3 tables, 19 ref