Political communication in the 1991 general election in India with special reference to Andhra Pradesh.

This research on Political Communications in the general elections and its effectiveness is one of the first of its kind on India, the literature having concentrated on voting behaviour in relation to socio-economic characteristics. The importance of communication during elections has been inadequately researched because of the diversity of the country. Through a content analysis of the coverage of election information in the media and case studies of party campaigns, the study evaluates the campaign practices in the mass media and conventional interpersonal forms. It highlights the electronic and outdoor forms like posters, wall writings, symbol displays and cutouts that were important during the 1991 elections. The thesis then examines the impact of these campaigns through a panel survey on a sample of 1155 electors from the three constituencies of Hyderabad, Secunderabad and Nagarkurnool in Andhra Pradesh. The voting patterns have been evaluated in relation to access to and the impact of different forms of political' communications. Research revealed that Indian political communication campaigns were well organised and professional advertising agencies were hired to promote the parties. Campaigns have been systematically planned through the development of creative and media strategies. Apart from the mass media channels, interpersonal forms continued to be important to reach the diverse electorate. There was a high level of exposure to newspapers, radio and television which were sought as important sources for election related information. Interpersonal forms were found to be persuasive. Education, urbanization, gender, caste and religion are important factors influencing the voters' perceptions and receptivity to electoral communications. But, while increased level of information does heighten the level of political awareness, it does not determine the final outcome. An important aspect was that families largely tended to vote as single units with men generally deciding who to vote for. Women showed relatively little interest in politics (though comprising an important 45% of voters) and their under representation in the study necessitated the need for weighting. The assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in the middle of the elections adds an important dimension to the research, from those who voted in a normal election and those in the 'sympathy wave'. This study, though conducted under unusual circumstances does provide a much needed insight into the political changes in the country and the increasing use of US inspired media driven campaign practices of political marketing combining comfortably with conventional practices of political marketing in India. A final yet important aspect of this research is the exploration of the problems of survey research in a country of cultural plurality such as India. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Predicting Facebook addiction and state anxiety without Facebook by gender, trait anxiety, Facebook intensity, and different Facebook activities

Background and aims: Although social networking sites brought giant convenience, many negative effects on users’ psychological well-being need more investigation. This study used a survey to examine Facebook addiction and state anxiety without Facebook. As research shows gender is related to trait anxiety and may interact with trait anxiety to influence state anxiety, we also assess the interaction effect between gender and trait anxiety. Methods: A total of 526 college students in the US participated in the survey. A systematic sampling method was used and an e-mail invitation with the link of the survey was sent to every third student on the students’ e-mail list. Study measures included demographics, trait anxiety, Facebook intensity, different Facebook activities, Facebook addiction, and state anxiety without Facebook. Hierarchical multiple regression was run to test how trait anxiety, gender, Facebook intensity, and different types of Facebook activities predict Facebook addiction and state anxiety. Results: Facebook use intensity predicts Facebook addiction (β = 0.573, p < .001) and state anxiety (β = 0.567, p < .001). Facebook use for broadcasting positively predicts Facebook addiction (β = 0.200, p < .01) and state anxiety (β = 0.171, p < .01). Trait anxiety positively predicts Facebook addiction (β = 0.121, p < .05) and state anxiety (β = 0.119, p < .05). Gender interacts with trait anxiety and jointly predicts Facebook addiction (β = 0.201, p < .01). Discussion and conclusions: Trait anxiety, Facebook intensity, and broadcasting behavior on Facebook positively predict Facebook addiction and state anxiety. Moreover, gender interacts with trait anxiety, so that the gender difference in Facebook addiction is significant only when trait anxiety is low

A review on determinants and barriers affecting the transition from curative care to palliative care in patients suffering from terminal cancer

The integration of palliative care into comprehensive cancer care has become increasingly recognized as an essential aspect of cancer treatment. Palliative care can improve patient outcomes, symptom management, and overall satisfaction with care. However, despite the benefits of palliative care, several barriers exist that prevent its widespread implementation, including lack of awareness and understanding of palliative care, lack of access to palliative care services, and stigma associated with palliative care. The decision to transition from curative to palliative care is complex and influenced by several factors, including patient preferences, disease stage, and prognosis, symptom burden, comorbidities, and social support. Effective communication between healthcare providers, patients, and families is essential in ensuring that patients are informed about their options and can make informed decisions about their care. This literature review aims to explore the factors that influence the decision to transition to palliative care and to identify the barriers to the implementation of palliative care in cancer patients. The review also discusses strategies to overcome these barriers and highlights the importance of integrating palliative care into cancer care from the time of cancer diagnosis.

AI is a viable alternative to high throughput screening: a 318-target study

: High throughput screening (HTS) is routinely used to identify bioactive small molecules. This requires physical compounds, which limits coverage of accessible chemical space. Computational approaches combined with vast on-demand chemical libraries can access far greater chemical space, provided that the predictive accuracy is sufficient to identify useful molecules. Through the largest and most diverse virtual HTS campaign reported to date, comprising 318 individual projects, we demonstrate that our AtomNet® convolutional neural network successfully finds novel hits across every major therapeutic area and protein class. We address historical limitations of computational screening by demonstrating success for target proteins without known binders, high-quality X-ray crystal structures, or manual cherry-picking of compounds. We show that the molecules selected by the AtomNet® model are novel drug-like scaffolds rather than minor modifications to known bioactive compounds. Our empirical results suggest that computational methods can substantially replace HTS as the first step of small-molecule drug discovery

Information policies in Asia: development of indicators

This report on the information policy indicators reflects the key requirements for assessing national information policies, the telecommunication networks, the public- private partnerships and legislation and regulatory mechanisms that support information creation and dissemination, and the means by which they can be verified in building epistemic societies. The scope of information policy is broad. For the purposes of this report, information policy can be defined as the collection of policies and strategies that are designed to promote the development of a better-managed information society. These policies include, but extend beyond, those that are concerned with processes, management, promotion and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). The need for building a knowledge-based society requires significant contributions from its stakeholders – governments, communities, businesses, civil society and international organizations among others. The role of policy makers is critical because it involves an ability to assess the demands of the stakeholders objectively, equitably and cost-effectively, and, above all, create systems of governance that ensure stability, predictability, rule of law, and fair competition that open up avenues for investments from the private sector and international organizations Across the Asia-Pacific region there has been a steady development in the information policies that support the information sector. This sector is expected to grow – incrementally in those countries that have been early starters, and exponentially among those who started later – if policies keep abreast of needs. As such, government initiatives are seen in the establishment of information/ICT ministries at the apex level and/or departments in others. In most of the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, the acquisition of technology, creation of infrastructure and improving the quality of human resources are significant engagements, but a lot has yet to be achieved. Lesser-developed countries like Bhutan, Lao PDR, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Tajikistan, among others, appear to be putting together blueprints for the development of information sectors. It may be noted that despite low levels of socio-economic development and grappling with problems of widespread poverty, social unrest, political instability and economic distress, there appears to be a desire to build and expand information systems/networks in a majority of countries through concerted government policies, infrastructure development and international support. This report focuses on assessing country information policies on seven broad dimensions in the context of achieving the goals of information-based societies. These cover (a) overall national policies; (b) telecommunications infrastructure and networks; (c) the content and delivery of&nbsp;information; (d) the information industries in the public and private sectors; (e) legal and regulatory frameworks; and (f) the skills and competencies of human resources – providers and consumers. &nbsp

E-Seva In Andhra Pradesh

Women must be included and empowered to compete in this internet-driven global economy. The economic stakes are too high to do otherwise. This study provides an understanding of the economic and social impact on women working in the government launched E-seva (electronic-service) project that provides integrated services through a single window system. The study through interviews and surveys provides an understanding of how Internet and new technologies are aiding in the transformation process in empowering the much deprived poor Indian women. Apart from increasing the access and use of ICTs, it is resulting in economic independence and improved social status.-which is the very basic need for women in India&nbsp

Are girls sexualized on social networking sites? : An analysis of comments on Instagram of Kristina Pimenova

Scholarly literature has focused on sexualization of girls through fashion and advertising that has resulted in stereotypes, low self-esteem, poor body image and vulnerability. New Media and social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat among others have become a platform for girls to post their photographs and call for comments on their beauty, clothes and presentation. This article through a content analysis discusses people’s comments on a few Instagram pictures of a young 10-yearold model Kristina Pimenova, described as the most beautiful girl in the world. Results over a period of one year found that most of the remarks emphasize a sexual meaning, physical attractiveness, love and intimacy. Besides, the highly commented categories raise low self-esteem and jealously among kids and confirm the negative effects of sexualization of children. A few also mention the dangers of the exposure to these social networking sites, such as intrusion of privacy and pedophiles