Copyright Infringement in the Indian Film Industry

This Note focuses on the largest of these industries: Bollywood, the center of Hindi language cinema. In recent years, nearly eight out of every ten Bollywood scripts have been inspired by one or more Hollywood films. Previously, this widespread problem was not visible to those outside of India. The emergence of the internet and better global communications, however, have made Westerners more aware of the cultural copy situation in India. In 2003, best-selling fiction writer Barbara Taylore-Bradford brought a copyright infringement suit against Sahara Television for allegedly making a television series out of her book A Woman of Substance. After winding through the legal system, the Indian Supreme Court refused to uphold a lower court injunction against Sahara and allowed the television show to go on the air. Bradford, although frustrated by her loss, chose not to pursue the matter further

Social capital and waterpipe smoking in a South African university.

Waterpipe smoking (WPS) is a global epidemic. The prevalence of WPS threatens to surpass cigarette smoking in certain parts of the world. Although current WPS interventions have had some effect in creating awareness of the dangers of WPS, these interventions alone have not succeeded in reducing WPS among university students, despite them knowing the harmful effects of WPS. Since WPS is seen to be a social event, a more holistic perspective of reducing WPS through linking health psychology with social factors encountered such as emphasizing the influences of the collective group and social connections on individual smoking behavior. Thus, social capital is a useful concept, which focuses our attention on an important set of resources inherent in relationships, networks, associations and their norms; all of which have been given insufficient priority in the health literature. The aim of this research was to examine what cognitive and structural bonding social capital factors contributed towards the understanding of WPS behaviors. Thus, this study explored three questions: How has exposure to previous WPS campaigns and/ or interventions influenced participants behavior towards WPS? What was the association between structural factors of WPS and bonding social capital among university students in relation to WPS? What was the association between cognitive factors of WPS and bonding social capital among university students in relation to WPS? A qualitative evaluation using three focus group interviews were used to answer the questions. The study design followed an abductive approach. The data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results from the study suggested that even though there have been numerous health interventions to reduce WPS, such as education in schools, posters at the university and TV documentaries, people continue to smoke the waterpipe, despite knowledge of the dangers of WPS smoking. Instead, participants attributed their frequent smoking behavior to groups collectively influencing each other to smoke. Factors of hygiene, homogenous group composition (in terms of race, age and/ or education) and the type of organizational setting (familiar vs. unfamiliar), played a role in the way social relations and interactions influence permeability and mobility of WPS groups, reinforcing structural bonding social capital. Factors of cognitive bonding social capital were also highlighted, where prior contact and gender played a role in setting out conditions of exclusion. Cognitive bonding social capital, along with the structural aspects, is a useful way to understand how these connections may be linked to population health, especially in WPS. Thus, health promoters need to invest more energy into developing programs and policies that take into consideration the social dimensions within the broader context of the university, which social capital may have to offer, contributing to a more critical approach to health psychology when designing interventions and cessation programs

Age at the onset of tobacco smoking in South Africa : a discrete-time survival analysis of the prognostic factors

Background: While knowledge of onset of smoking tobacco, and associated risk factors can aid the formulation of evidence-based policy and interventions, such information is scarce in South Africa. We assessed age at onset of tobacco smoking in South Africa and identified its risk factors. Methods: We analysed data of 15,316 respondents aged 15–98 years from the 2012 South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Descriptive statistics and survival analysis techniques were used alongside weighted percentages. Results: Overall lifetime prevalence of smoking was 20.5%. Among the 3360 ever-smoked respondents, the overall median age at smoking onset was 18 years (Inter-quartile range (IQR) =5) with 2% starting before age 10 while 60% had smoked before age 20. Likelihood of tobacco smoking was higher among adolescents ( = 60 years, thrice higher among males, 29% higher among urban dwellers and thrice higher in Western Cape and Free State than in North West Province. The onset of tobacco smoking was earlier among males, wealthier and “coloured” people from Northern and Eastern Capes. Conclusion: The onset of tobacco smoking peaked at 15–22 years and varied by province, sex, location, race and other characteristics. The age restrictions on smoking in South Africa has changed over time, coupled with the recent open and electronic advertisement of tobacco, and social media could have influenced the earlier onset of tobacco smoking in South Africa. Stricter regulations on tobacco-related advertisement and sales should be implemented.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

“You Travel Faster Alone, but Further Together”: Learning From a Cross Country Research Collaboration From a British Council Newton Fund Grant

Abstract: Providing universal health coverage (UHC) through better maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health (MNCAH) can benefit both parties through North–South research collaborations. This paper describes lessons learned from bringing together early career researchers, tutors, consultants and mentors from the United Kingdom, Kenya, and South Africa to work in multi-disciplinary teams in a capacity-building workshop in Johannesburg, co-ordinated by senior researchers from the three partner countries. We recruited early career researchers and research users from a range of sectors and institutions in the participating countries and offered networking sessions, plenary lectures, group activities and discussions. To encourage bonding and accommodate cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary partners, we asked participants to respond to questions relating to research priorities and interventions in order to allocate them into multidisciplinary and cross-country teams. A follow up meeting took place in London six months later. Over the five day initial workshop, discussions informed the development of four draft research proposals. Intellectual collaboration, friendship and respect were engendered to sustain future collaborations, and we were able to identify factors which might assist capacity-building funders and organizers in future. This was a modestly funded brief intervention, with a follow-up made possible through the careful stewardship of resources and volunteerism. Having low and middle-income countries in the driving seat was a major benefit but not without logistic and financial challenges. Lessons learned and follow-up are described along with recommendations for future funding of partnerships schemes

Nutritional Status and Psychological Impairment in Rural Adolescent Girls: Pilot Data From “KOKAN” Region of Western India

Background: Adolescence is a period during which psychological foundations are laid down as well as consolidated. Not much information is available on rural Indian adolescent girls and their psychological health.Methods: We did a pilot survey of psychological health of 80 adolescent girls residing at KOKAN region of western India. Psychological health was evaluated using Youth Paediatric Symptom Checklist (Y-PSC) consisting of 35 items with maximum score of 70. Girls with a score >30 were classified as psychologically impaired. In addition we also collected random blood sample and measured the micronutrients. Macronutrient intake was estimated by 24 h recall.Results: The mean age of the girls was 14 years with a standard deviation of 1.5. In all 35/76 (46.1%) could be classified as psychologically impaired. There was a high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies with varying degrees. More than 65% were deficient in calcium, zinc and folic acid. About 22% were anemic and 36% were vitamin B1 deficient. More than 75% had a low recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of macronutrients. Those with poor serum calcium concentration had higher psychological score (p < 0.05). Fat and calcium intakes were inversely associated with psychological score (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 respectively). Odds ratios for psychological impairment were significant for those with low calcium levels [1.47 (95% CI 1.21, 4.31)], and for those with low calcium intake 1.43 (1.08, 3.19) and low iron intake 3.04 (1.02, 9.26).Conclusion: Our pilot data has shown the urgent need to improve the nutrition of adolescent girls, which could improve their psychological health

Testing the acceptability and feasibility of video observational methodology to measure parent-adolescent communication and interaction

BackgroundExisting research has shown that the parent-adolescent relationship and its associated communication and interaction styles are important for adolescent development and outcomes. Measuring parent-adolescent communication and interaction using self-report methods has substantial research limitations. Video observational methodologies offer a novel and more objective approach to measuring parent-adolescent communication and interaction from the point of view of participants. This study aims to explore the feasibility and acceptability of this methodology, and analysis using automated coding software in an urbanized context.MethodsThis study recruited parent-adolescent pairs in Soweto, South Africa which included 11–15-year-old adolescents and their biological parents. Parent-adolescent communication and interactions were measured using novel video observational portable head cameras called “Teencams”. Feasibility was evaluated by testing three observational game tasks (Matching pairs card game, Jenga and Charades) to stimulate communication and interaction between 16 parent-adolescent pairs, and the Teencam's ability to record video and audio content. Acceptability was explored using one-on-one interviews with the parents (n = 14), on whether they found the Teencam comfortable to wear, whether the parents believed their adolescents acted naturally, and which observational game tasks were feasible during their interactions. The videos were analysed using automated coding software called FaceReader which detects and codes basic facial expressions.ResultsThe Teencam methodology was found to be feasible and acceptable amongst parent-adolescent pairs in Soweto, South Africa. The Matching pairs card game stimulated excellent interaction and communication with good video and audio quality. Some feasibility limitations were identified in the operations (switching on/off and starting recording), the ability of the device to cope with the movement of the participants, and the lighting conditions of the room, all of which resulted in poor coding and analytic output from FaceReader. Refinements and adjustments were made to the methodological protocol by improving the head cameras and lighting conditions and refining the Matching pairs card game, which resulted in improved analytic output from FaceReader.ConclusionBased on these findings, a methodological protocol was developed to measure parent-adolescent interaction and communication in an urban setting. The unique contribution of this research lies in its potential to lead to improved methodologies for measuring parent-adolescent communication and interactions

“You Travel Faster Alone, but Further Together”: Learning From a Cross Country Research Collaboration From a British Council Newton Fund Grant

Abstract Providing universal health coverage (UHC) through better maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health (MNCAH) can benefit both parties through North–South research collaborations. This paper describes lessons learned from bringing together early career researchers, tutors, consultants and mentors from the United Kingdom, Kenya, and South Africa to work in multi-disciplinary teams in a capacity-building workshop in Johannesburg, co-ordinated by senior researchers from the three partner countries. We recruited early career researchers and research users from a range of sectors and institutions in the participating countries and offered networking sessions, plenary lectures, group activities and discussions. To encourage bonding and accommodate cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary partners, we asked participants to respond to questions relating to research priorities and interventions in order to allocate them into multidisciplinary and cross-country teams. A follow up meeting took place in London six months later. Over the five day initial workshop, discussions informed the development of four draft research proposals. Intellectual collaboration, friendship and respect were engendered to sustain future collaborations, and we were able to identify factors which might assist capacity-building funders and organizers in future. This was a modestly funded brief intervention, with a follow-up made possible through the careful stewardship of resources and volunteerism. Having low and middle-income countries in the driving seat was a major benefit but not without logistic and financial challenges. Lessons learned and follow-up are described along with recommendations for future funding of partnerships schemes

D4.2 Intelligent D-Band wireless systems and networks initial designs

This deliverable gives the results of the ARIADNE project's Task 4.2: Machine Learning based network intelligence. It presents the work conducted on various aspects of network management to deliver system level, qualitative solutions that leverage diverse machine learning techniques. The different chapters present system level, simulation and algorithmic models based on multi-agent reinforcement learning, deep reinforcement learning, learning automata for complex event forecasting, system level model for proactive handovers and resource allocation, model-driven deep learning-based channel estimation and feedbacks as well as strategies for deployment of machine learning based solutions. In short, the D4.2 provides results on promising AI and ML based methods along with their limitations and potentials that have been investigated in the ARIADNE project

Cigarette smoking and reasons for leaving school among school dropouts in South Africa

School dropouts are at heightened risk of tobacco use compared to in-school learners. School dropouts are described as those not currently enrolled in school for the academic year, have not completed their schooling, and are between 13 and 20 years old. This paper examines the relationship between reasons for leaving school and past month cigarette smoking, taking into account gender differences.Multiple logistic regression was used to analyse survey data (n = 4185). Geographical location was also incorporated into the analysis as effect moderators

Out of school youth: exploring the social and cognitive correlates of early school leaving and alcohol and tobacco use

South African youth who have dropped out of school are at heightened risk of tobacco and alcohol use compared to in-school learners. The aim of the thesis is to 1) understand why young people in South Africa leave school, 2) explore the relationship between reasons for leaving school and alcohol and tobacco use, 3) gain insight into the nature and quality of relationships with family and friends and its association with early school leaving, alcohol and tobacco use. Survey and interview data was used in this thesis. The findings highlight the need for interventions to be grounded within a framework of poverty reduction and social upliftment of young people