Background Anaemia in pregnancy is a continuing public health challenge in low and middle-income country (LMIC), most importantly, India. National initiatives such as Anaemia Mukt Bharat have been implemented since 2018; nevertheless, there has always been suboptimal adherence to oral iron and folic acid supplementation (IFAS) among pregnant women. This study evaluated the adherence to IFAS and identified factors associated with compliance among pregnant women in rural central India. Methods A community-based mixed-method cross-sectional study was conducted among 97 third-trimester pregnant women registered at a randomly selected primary health centre in Wardha district, Maharashtra, India. Quantitative data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Compliance was defined as consumption of ≥ 80% of prescribed IFAS tablets during the preceding 14 days. Descriptive statistics, univariable logistic regression, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed using R software version 4.1.2. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Qualitative data were obtained through 12 in-depth interviews with pregnant women, caregivers, and healthcare stakeholders and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic approach. Results Overall compliance with IFAS was 67.0% (65/97). The most frequently reported barriers to regular intake were forgetfulness (63.9%), busy schedules (27.8%), and fear of side effects (26.8%). Univariable analysis demonstrated significant associations between compliance and maternal education, caste, type of ration card, husband’s education, healthcare provider interaction, myths and taboos, awareness regarding iron absorption, dietary practices, and systemic illness (p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, missing IFAS doses (AOR = 0.006; 95% CI: 0.00008–0.081; p = 0.002) and experiencing side effects (AOR = 0.10; 95% CI: 0.014–0.49; p = 0.009) remained independent predictors of non-compliance. Qualitative findings highlighted forgetfulness, gastrointestinal side effects, misconceptions, poor dietary diversity, financial constraints, and health system challenges as key barriers, while counselling, family support, and community health worker follow-up facilitated adherence. Conclusions Among rural Indian pregnant women, Compliance of IFAS was moderate and influenced by behavioural, sociocultural, dietary and health system factors. Focusing on counselling, tackling side effects, misperceptions of supplementation among beneficiaries and families along with ensuring continuous availability of supplements in the health systems may help improve adherence as well as ultimately reducing maternal anaemia.
This review investigates the transformation of the financial services sector through the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI). The study employed a TCCM framework based systematic literature review integrated with content analysis to extract meaningful insights from 96 articles published between 2010 and 2024. Drawing upon the emerging literature on AI‐enabled significant transformation in the financial industry, the study identifies four themes: (1) leveraging algorithms for enhanced business decision‐making and fraud detection, (2) predictive analytics in financial decision‐making, (3) AI‐driven robo‐advising and personalized financial services, and (4) challenges surrounding compliance and trust. We also trace the evolution of AI adoption in finance, highlighting a significant acceleration in implementation. While AI has transformed areas such as trading, credit scoring, and customer support, challenges remain in the areas of using AI ethically, data privacy, and regulatory compliance. Our findings reveal a noticeable absence of robust theoretical frameworks in existing research. To address these gaps, we propose future research directions, including exploring novel theories such as Prospect Theory, utilizing data governance frameworks to expand the geographical scope beyond major markets. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of AI's influence on the financial services sector and offers recommendations for future research in this rapidly evolving field.
Background: Globally India ranks as second highest in terms of tobacco users. As per the GATS survey, 11% of all adults smoke and 21% of all adults are using the smokeless form of tobacco. The aim of the study is to assess the level of dependence on tobacco in the urban slum population aged 18 years and above in Mumbai. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study amongst 100 adults aged 18 years and above, selected sequentially from the sampling frame of tobacco users in the urban slum of Mumbai. Results: Amongst the 100 respondents 63 were males and 37 were females, 48% were aged 55 years or older and only 12% were below 35 years of age. All females in the study used smokeless form of tobacco, whereas 74.6% of the males used smokeless form of tobacco. 51% respondents reported the age of initiation of tobacco as 20-24 years and 34% reported a family member using tobacco products. Less than Rs. 200 per month was being spent on purchasing tobacco products by 77% of the respondents. High dependency score in Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) was observed in 26.3% and 51.2% of smokers and smokeless tobacco users respectively. Conclusions: In the urban slum of Mumbai, smokeless form of tobacco is more prevalent than smoke form of tobacco and is highly addictive both in males and females. Family influence played a major role in initiation of tobacco use among females as compared to males.
This study employs a uses and gratifications approach to understand Indian Gen Z listeners’ sustained interest and motivations in consuming low-fidelity (lo-fi) music during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Lo-fi (or low fidelity) music is recognizable through its singular imperfections, slow tempo, layered ambient background noise, and heavy reverb; it encompasses a visual art style and aesthetic. This inductive qualitative study interviews 23 Gen Z lo-fi music listeners and two lo-fi music producers to uncover themes including negative mood management, reminiscence, accessibility, social interaction, and Bollywoodness. This research contributes to how Gen Z listeners access a wide range of music, have exclusive reasons for their choices, and have nuanced reasons for why they experience frustrations towards the lo-fi music genre. The findings also have implications for potential lo-fi producers in understanding why listeners are drawn towards lo-fi music, how they consume and interact with it, and how it can evolve for newer audiences.
Turbocharging is a vital technology for enhancing internal combustion engine (ICE) performance and efficiency while enabling engine downsizing to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. This research analyzes turbocharger systems by examining their components—turbine, compressor, intercooler, and waste-gate—and their roles in boosting engine efficiency. It explores how exhaust energy drives the turbine to compress intake air, improving power output. The study evaluates turbocharger impact on fuel economy, emissions, and engine response under various driving conditions. It also considers wheel design, material selection, and durability under high temperatures and speeds. Advanced simulations using CFD and FEA analyze airflow, pressure, and thermal behavior to optimize performance. This research affirms turbocharging’s role in creating high-performance, fuel-efficient, and environmentally sustainable engines, offering insights that support the design of next-generation automotive propulsion systems with improved thermal management and emissions control.
