Influence of stigma and shame in HIV screening among women in prostitution

Background: Shame and stigma brings about undesirable attribute and significantly contributes to the HIV screening and STI treatment seeking, particularly among sex workers. Societal compulsion and feelings of perceived stigma and shame make the sex workers more vulnerable and likely to destabilize their community and the community at large, if no attention is paid. Hence this study was necessitated to document the experiences of stigma and shame and its influence in HIV screening. Methods: This descriptive research was conducted among commercial sex workers (CSW) enlisted by a NGO. Using simple random sampling procedure research team has interviewed 58 respondents. Semi structured interview schedule was used to explore the knowledge, sexuality, experience of shame and stigma. Michigan Alcohol Screening Test brief scale was used to assess alcohol dependence. Written informed consent was obtained from participants prior to data collection. Results: Rates of shame and stigma were high among the study participants. Income, knowledge of HIV, alcohol dependence, and number of partners, access to pornographic films, history of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and shame was independently associated with HIV screening. However, marital status of the respondents was inversely related to HIV screening. Conclusions: Experience of shame associated with the profession was so intense among CSW. This experience of shame acts as a barrier in getting screened for HIV while stigma may not be a powerful barrier

Assessment of germination percentage and growth parameters of different varieties of Napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum) on sodic soil of Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu, India

Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is a fast-growing forage crop cultivated throughout the year in tropical and subtropical regions. A phytoremediation study was undertaken at the Agricultural College and Research Institute (AC & RI), Killikulam, Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu, India, during 2020-2021 to evaluate the performance of cumbu napier varieties on sodic and neutral soil. Four cumbu napier varieties, CO (BN) 6, CO (BN) 5, KKM 1 and CO (CN) 4, were tested in both soils. Pots were filled with 10 kg of soil. Three cuttings of cumbu napiers per pot were planted as per the treatment schedule. Germination and growth parameters were observed up to three harvests. The results of the present study revealed that the germination percentage of variety CO (BN) 6 was highest (100%) among the varieties under sodic conditions. Growth parameters such as plant height, leaf length, number of leaves, and number of clumps of this variety showed better efficiency under high sodic levels than other varieties. This variety CO (BN) 6 could tolerate and be established well under alkaline soil and produced amaximum plant height (134 cm) and a higher number of clumps (10) during the third harvest. The growth pattern of cumbu napier varieties was in the order of CO (BN) 6> CO (BN) 5 > KKM 1 > CO (CN) 4. Furthermore, the experimental results revealed that cumbu napier could be recommended as a suitable crop for sodic soil

A STRATEGY TO MANAGE THE NPAs OF PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS

ABSTRACT The global rating agency, MOODY's recently in its report of 2013 as rated that the Indian Public Sector Banks from 'Stable' to 'negative'. The RBI is also observed that in 2012-13 the NPAs of public Sector Banks were significantly increasing due to the poor asset quality and ineffective information systems. The study was taken with an objective of analyzing the impact and effect of NPAs of public sector banks and to suggest the suitable strategies to control and manage NPAs. The sample size taken for the study was 120 and the data was collected by way of questionnaire. The risk matrix for NPAs explains that the cause for NPAs are the internal and external factors among which the willful default by the borrower(external) and inefficient credit appraisal system(internal) are the key determinants. The findings of the study were to suggest the steps to minimize the credit risk and control the NPAs. The various factors determining the NPAs of Public Sector banks at higher degree are identified and various suggestions are given to minimize the NPAs

A pilot study on willingness to participate in future preventive HIV vaccine trials

Background & objectives: In India, phase-I human clinical trials for a preventive HIV vaccine are being conducted at Pune and Chennai Centres. In order to find out the willingness of populations at risk to participate in future preventive HIV vaccine trials (HIVVTs) and to assess the factors that enhance or deter them from participation, a study was conducted at Chennai and Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among transport workers, people attending sexually transmitted infection clinics, injection drug users, men having sex with men, women in sex industry and a representative sample of monogamous married women, by employing measurement scales. A structured questionnaire on knowledge and attitudes about the HIV vaccine was used to measure the participants’ knowledge and attitudes about HIV vaccine and HIVVTs. Results: Of the 112 participants, 67 (60%) were men. Mean age of the respondents was 32 yr; 68 per cent were high school educated. Majority of respondents were willing to participate in a future HIVVT and the reasons were altruism, protection from HIV, and support for the researchers. Major concerns were vaccine efficacy, side effects of the vaccine and the impact of a HIV vaccine on the participants’ lives. Majority (85%) agreed that sex without condom would not be safe despite the availability of an HIV vaccine. Interpretation & conclusion: It is likely that high-risk volunteers will be willing to enroll in HIVVTs. Barriers and concerns should be dealt with carefully by providing correct information. Also there is a need for more education to ensure participants’ understanding of key concepts of HIV vaccine trial

Climate-Resilient Crops for a Sustainable Future: The Promising Case of Minor Millets in Tamil Nadu Irrigated Modernization Project (TNIAMP)

This study integrated continuous data on the impact of the area and yield of minor millets in the sub-basins of Tamil Nadu and correlated it with the area and yield of minor millets in the sub-basins cultivated under the TNIAMProject. In this study, minor millet crops such as foxtail millet, ragi, finger millet, and varagu were introduced in fourteen sub-basins and their yield was carefully collected. This included all parts of Tamil Nadu. This study investigated the suitability of different sub-basins for crop diversification by exploring matching management practices with respective yield potentials. In this study, it was recorded that the yield was more than 3000 kg per acre in the sub-basins of Nagarai River, Lower Vellaru, Pambar River, Krishnagiri, Lower Bhavani, Varaha River, Cauvery River, and Lower Tamirabarani. This has also increased the area under cultivation in these sub-basins. The study found that the area and yield of minor millets in the sub-basins of Tamil Nadu have increased significantly under the TNIAMProject. This is attributed to the input subsidy and technological interventions provided under the project. The study recommends that the excess yield of minor millets caused by the TNIAMProject should be converted into value-added products and documented for sale in the respective areas. This will help to increase the income of farmers and promote the cultivation of minor millets

A Review on Nutritional Properties and Health Benefits of Finger Millet

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is one of the important small millets with high nutraceutical value in the world. Most of the millet farmers attracted by Finger millet cultivation due to its wide adoptability in different soil types and climate. It also grows well in hot climates with short rainfall periods and cool climates with warm millets. A multitude of small farmers grow finger millet with limited water resources and in many countries this crop is often referred to as “poor people's crop”. The grains of finger millets are very small in size with brown, light brown and white in colours based on different cultivars. The white cultivars have been developed mainly for the baking industry, the brown and light brown types used for porridge while the brown cultivar is utilized for brewing traditional opaque beer in Southern Africa. Finger millet has the highest source of calcium and iron when compared to the other cereals. Finger millet contains high concentration of carbohydrates, dietary fibre, phytochemicals and essential amino acids; presence of essential minerals; as well as a gluten‑free status. Diet is a major focus of public health strategies aimed at maintaining optimum health throughout life, thus preventing early onset of chronic diseases as well as promoting healthier ageing. Many researchers have described that finger millet helps in natural weight loss, strengthens bone, prevents diabetes, prevents anti-ageing, maintains blood pressure levels, protects from disease, improves in hemoglobin status in children etc.,. Studies on the different properties of foods have shown that consumption of certain foods may provide greater health benefits. Finger millet is not only used for human consumption, but it is also used as feed for cattle and birds. Finger millet is used in the preparation of different foods both in natural and malted forms, like porridge, puddings, pancakes, biscuits, roti, bread, noodles, and other snacks. Besides this, it is also used as a nourishing food for infants when malted and is regarded as wholesome food for diabetic patients. Therefore, necessary need to needs to increase production and productivity through various improved technologies to meet our requirements in future and also strengthen public distribution system for achieving nutritional security

Rapid Progression of HIV Infection in Infancy

Transmission of HIV from mother to child can occur in utero, during labor or after delivery via breast feeding. Data on the fate of babies born with HIV in India are scarce. We present details of 25 infants with perinatally acquired HIV infection (virologically confirmed) to highlight the observed high rate of morbidity and mortality within the first 18 months of life. Our findings of rapid disease progression among perinatally infected HIV positive children underline the importance of early diagnosis and treatment