Cradle of Creativity: Strategies for in-situ Conservation of Agro Biodiversity

Given the inter-relationship of different agro ecological sub-systems in any country, success of the strategy of diffusion of varieties invariably adversely affects the conservation of agro biodiversity. At the same time, given the climate change and other fluctuations in the environment, in-situ conservation of agro biodiversity is most essential for future survival of the society. This study is a part of a long term investigation being pursued by the first author about the micro level changes at plot level in the farmers’ fields and their implications for micro policy at national and international level. Same villages were studied in 1988-89 and 2000-02 to look at the degree of erosion of agro biodiversity. In addition, a survey on preferred incentives for in-situ conservation was also conducted among the local communities. The implications of the study for monetary and non-monetary incentives for conservation have been drawn. Different models of incentives for possible action research have been described. There are not too many studies that provide micro level evidence over a decade on the subject. The findings were presented to the national policy makers though actual response in practice so far has been limited.

Adoption of Medication Management Technologies by U.S. Acute Care Hospitals after the HITECH Act

Medication errors and adverse drug events (ADEs) are a significant public health concern in the United States as they pose a threat to patient safety. The medication management process is a complicated process in U.S. acute care hospitals, consisting of a series of steps such as ordering, transcribing, dispensing and administration and each step is prone to medication errors.The use of technology is considered to be an important intervention in improving the medication management process and thereby reducing medication errors and ADEs and further improve patient safety. The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, implemented in the year 2011, is the most important regulation in recent years focused on enhancing the use of IT in the health care system.This study examined the organizational and environmental correlates of the adoption of Medication Management Technologies (MMTs) by U.S. acute care hospitals after the HITECH Act. The rational adaptation perspective of the resource dependence theory is utilized in this study, using panel data from 2009 to 2013 with a one-year lag for independent variables and mixed-effects regression models for analyses. The study operationalized adoption of MMTs through seven measures: global adoption of MMTs, adoption of closed loop medication management, adoption of meaningful use MMTs and adoption-levels for the four steps of the medication management process: ordering, transcribing, dispensing and administration. Hospitals were more likely to adopt MMTs in the time after the implementation of the HITECH Act (2012, 2013) and were less likely to adopt MMTs before the implementation of the HITECH Act (2009, 2010) as compared to the HITECH Act implementation period (2011). The study further found that the resource dependence construct of munificence, operationalized through organizational size, and the construct of interdependence, operationalized through private payer mix was significantly associated with the adoption of MMTs

Between emulation and innovation: Upendrakishore Ray and the ambiguities of colonial modernity

Using the example of Upendrakishore Ray (1863-1915), a well-known Bengali artist, writer, technologist and publisher, this essay critiques prevalent theories that portray colonial Indian modernity as a largely derivative discourse. Addressing Ray’s globally-recognized contributions to the refinement of technologies for the printing of photographs and paintings, the paper shows howRay’s relative lack of resources could not obstruct his innovative approach and investigates why, in spite of his originality, his Western recognition was no more than transient. Turning then to Ray’s views on pictorial art, the essay shows how in this area, he merely followed the precepts of Western ‘academic’ art and failed to attain any originality. Indian engagements with modernity, the essay concludes, were neither exclusively original nor invariably imitative, and we need new theoretical approaches that can accommodate this diversity and unpredictability

Surgical outcome with single stage procedure for neglected congenital talipes equinovarus

Background: Congenital talipes equinovarus is one of the commonest congenital anomalies. In developing countries like India especially in the rural population still there are many myths, culture and awareness issues regarding this deformity. Many patients get initial treatment with casting but tend loose follow ups in this prolonged treatment. To give optimal results in these scenarios, the technique for single stage procedure which includes bony and soft tissue repair gives excellent results.Methods: In a retrospective longitudinal study, 13 children with neglected clubfeet were involved. Valid consent, clinical and radiological evaluation was done. Patients underwent single stage (bony and soft tissue) procedure described in the study. Post operatively data was collected and scoring was done as per International clubfoot study group (ICSG) at each follow ups.Results: A total 13 children out of whom 9 were male and 4 females, all having unilateral deformity were studied. The age group was between 5-22 years (mean 13.5). Postoperatively, the children were followed at 6 months intervals. As per ICSG score 10 patients had excellent results, 3 patients had good results and none had poor results. 2 patients had minor complication - delayed wound healing (2-3 weeks).Conclusions: Treatment of neglected clubfoot using single stage procedure dorsal close wedge osteotomy with soft tissue release has a high rate of good and excellent results, with low frequency of complications. It is a good alternative to conventional procedures for management of neglected clubfeet in developing countries, where compliance of patient is a problem