A systematic review and meta-analysis of screening and diagnostic accuracy for hearing loss among under-five children in South-Asian region

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramesh Athe ◽  
Rinshu Dwivedi ◽  
Krushna Chandra Sahoo ◽  
Debdutta Bhattacharya ◽  
Shalu Jain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Hearing Screening ◽  
Risk Indicators ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Under Five ◽  
Under Five Children ◽  
Asian Region ◽  
South Asian Region

Purpose Congenital hearing disabilities among children are associated with lifetime discrepancies in the attainment of speech, poor academic-performance, socio-individual isolation and emotional-maladjustments. The present study aims to combine evidence from randomized, controlled trials to assess the accuracy of hearing-screening procedures and relative diagnostic-tests concomitant with partial/permanent hearing loss (HL) among neonatal and under-five children. Design/methodology/approach The steps in this process were conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred-Reporting-Items-for-Systematic-reviews-and-Meta-Analysis) guidelines. The PubMed, ProQuest, Science-Direct, Cochrane-Library and secondary reference databases were searched. Analyses were carried out by using fixed/random-effects-models for calculating the summary estimates on hearing-screening and test-procedure. Meta-regression-analysis is performed to explore the influence of confounders on the net-pooled effect. Findings A total of 1,656 articles were identified, and 1,575 were excluded as they were not relevant to the purpose of the study. Further, out of 81 studies, 67 were excluded with reasons and 14 were included in the final analysis. Three independent reviewers have assessed the titles/abstracts for their potential relevance. The results from meta-analysis indicate that hearing-screening was significantly higher in the intervention group (n 8,102; OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.34, 0.79; p < 0.00001), as depicted via forest plot. Meta-regression analysis indicates a positive relationship between the age and effect size (regression-coefficient 0.638, 95% CI 0.005, 0.731; p < 0.05). Research limitations/implications The evidence from the present study can be used as reference for identifying the associated risk indicators, improved hearing-screening and reduction of hearing disability among under-five children. Practical implications The results of this review will be used for implementation of a new-born hearing screening, diagnostic accuracy and understanding the risk indicators for HL among under-five children in the South-Asian region. The evidence will be helpful for strategic directions for improved hearing screening and reduction of hearing disability among under-five children. Social implications By understanding the underlying dynamics of hearing-screening procedures, hearing-impairments can be identified at an early stage and required treatment can be provided to the children. Originality/value The findings of this study indicate that early detection, screening and diagnosis of the HL among the children, especially among the infants and new-born (0–2 years of age), will be of utmost importance in reducing the prevalence of HL, especially among the South-Asian region. This study can be used as a reference for other future studies in the area of hearing-screening, diagnostic accuracy and associated risk indicators among children.

scholarly journals Climate change, regulatory policies and regional cooperation in South Asia

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Habib Zafarullah ◽  
Ahmed Shafiqul Huque
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Asia ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Regional Cooperation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The South ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regulatory Policies ◽  
Asian Region ◽  
South Asian Region

Purpose With climate change and environmental degradation being major issues in the world today, it is imperative for governments within a regional setting to collaborate on initiatives, harmonize their policies and develop strategies to counter threats. In South Asia, several attempts have been made to create a common framework for action in implementing synchronized policies. However, both political and technical deterrents have thwarted moves to accommodate priorities and interests of collaborating states. The purpose of this paper is to assess these issues and existing policies/strategies in selected South Asian countries and evaluate integrated plans of action based on collaborative partnerships. Design/methodology/approach Using a broad exploratory and interpretive approach, this paper evaluates how harmonization of environmental principles and synergies among countries can help reduce the effect of climate change and environmental hazards. Based on a review of ideas and concepts as well as both primary and secondary sources, including official records, legislation, inter-state and regional agreements, evaluation reports, impact studies (social, economic and ecological), and commentaries, it highlights several initiatives and processes geared to creating environmental protection standards and practices for the South Asian region. Findings Climate change has resulted in devastating impacts on people. It contributed to the proliferation of climate refugees and high incidence of poverty in South Asia. The region faces both political and technical obstacles in developing a sustainable approach to combat climate change. This is exacerbated by non-availability of information as well as reluctance to acknowledge the problem by key actors. The best strategy will be to integrate policies and regulations in the various countries of the region to develop strategic plans. The approach of prevention and protection should replace the existing emphasis on relief and rehabilitation. Originality/value The paper provides a critical overview of the climatic and environmental problems encountered in the South Asian region and provides pointers to resolving shared problems through the use of policy instruments for regulating the problems within the gamut of regional environmental governance. It attempts to identify solutions to offset regulatory and institutional barriers in achieving preferred results by emphasizing the need for redesigning regulatory structures and policy approaches for ecological well-being.

Assessing the trade of digitisable goods: implications for South Asia

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahul Nath Choudhury
Keyword(s):  
International Trade ◽  
South Asia ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Policy Decision ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Asian Region ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Difference ◽  
South Asian Region

PurposeThe technological progress has made it possible to transform a physical good into a digital one. This development has influenced international trade and a large volume of these digitisable items are increasingly crossing national boundaries. Goods like books, music and games which were earlier traded physically are now traded online. Digitalisation is reducing the cost of engaging in international trade, connecting businesses and consumers globally, helping to diffuse ideas and technologies and facilitating the coordination of global value chains. The emerging avenues of trade and its format supplemented with fast and ever-changing technology have posed a serious challenge for the policymakers around the world. Policymakers are grappling with several issues regarding digital trade for quite a long time but failed to provide any solution. Institutions like WTO and OECD are also seized with this matter. Yet, we do not have any correct assessment of the potential volume of digital trade. Second, due to the moratorium signed in WTO countries are unable to impose any duty of digital trade. South Asian region which is a net importer of these items loses a huge amount of revenue. Hence, in this study, we make an attempt to assess the potential volume of digital trade in South Asia. The study further tries to estimate the possible loss of tax revenue incurred by this region during the last decade. For both South Asia and India the results for actual import figure are found to be less than the estimated value. A gap of around US$1 billion was found between the actual and estimated import of India, while for South Asia it was the US$ 7 billion.Design/methodology/approachFor estimation, the study largely follows Banga (2019) and extends the methodology further to estimate the tariff revenue loss. Following Banga (2019) the study identifies a list of goods that can be traded in both digitally or physically. In other words, a list of digitisable goods is prepared. Then their import by the South Asian region is measured. Then we examine the tariffs imposed by the individual South Asian countries on the physical trade of these items. The estimation is done by projecting the value of the global physical imports of digitisable products from 2011 to 2017 would have been without digitalisation and what the actual global imports are with digitalisation in this period. The difference between the two gives estimates of total digital imports by the region. The total physical imports of digitisable products in the period 2011–2017 are estimated applying the cumulative growth rate (CAGR) of regional imports of these products over the period 1998–2010. The difference between the estimated physical imports and the actual physical imports provides the estimates of digital imports. Finally, the summation of the tariffs for each of the items gives us the possible figure that the countries are losing by not imposing customs duties.FindingsThe study finds globally an estimated value of digitise items to be US$246 billion which is around the US$100 billion higher than the actual value of $147 billion during 2017. For both South Asian region and India estimated import is found to be higher than the actual value. The study estimated an import of $1 billion and $7 billion took place during 2017 in India and South Asia respectively.Originality/valueDigital trade is undoubtedly one of the highest debated topics in international trade forums. Experts from both academic and corporate discourse are seized with this matter. Policymakers around the globe are poised with this issue to develop a comprehensive policy framework which facilitates the growth of the sector and at the same time safeguard the interest of the stakeholders. South Asian nations like India, Bangladesh and Pakistan are also grappling with this. In this background, it becomes utmost important to estimate the loss that they are incurring to take an informed policy decision.

Evaluation of institutional repositories of South Asia

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 192-212
Author(s):  
Sumeer Gul ◽  
Shazia Bashir ◽  
Shabir Ahmad Ganaie
Keyword(s):  
Web 2.0 ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Content Management ◽  
The South ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Repositories ◽  
Asian Region ◽  
Characteristic Features ◽  
South Asian Region

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the status of institutional repositories (IRs) in the South Asian region. The various characteristic features of IRs are studied. Design/methodology/approach Open directory of open access repositories (DOAR) as a data-gathering tool was consulted for extracting the desired data. Findings India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh lead other South Asian nations in terms of IRs count. Majority of the IRs are operational in nature with higher number of operational IRs from India. In terms of record count, India leads the list. “Journal articles” outscore other content type and majority of the IRs have OAI-PMH as their base URL. DSpace stays a prioritized software for content management in IRs. Majority of the IRs have not defined their content management policies. English stays a prioritized language of the content dotting the South Asian IRs and majority of the IRs not providing usage statistics. A good score of IRs has incorporated Web 2.0 tools in them with RSS as the preferred Web 2.0 tool. A good count of the IRs has not customized their interface. Majority of the IRs have interface in two languages. Research limitations/implications The main limitation of the study is that the findings of the research are based on the data collected through the repositories indexed by Open DOAR. Originality/value The study tries to explore the characteristic features of IRs from the South Asian region.

scholarly journals Importance of Confidence Building Measures for bridging the gap between Pakistan & India

2020 ◽  
Vol V (IV) ◽  
pp. 41-48
Author(s):  
Muhammad Tasleem Ashraf ◽  
Ali Shan Shah ◽  
Abdul Basit Khan
Keyword(s):  
South Asian ◽  
Academic Work ◽  
The South ◽  
Asian Region ◽  
High Tension ◽  
South Asian Region

This research would base on the detailed investigations and steps taken by both countries to build confidence and trust to meet their conflicts and reducing uncertainty and promoting peace. This research will also point out the achievement of confidence building measures which has made possible both sides to start talks to meet the bilateral issues of both sides. The study will examine the importance of CBMs to reduce high tension between India and Pakistan which has made the south Asian region regional peace in danger. The study has also examined the academic work to realize the importance of good relations between the two neighboring nations having the long common border and mutual disputes since independence.

scholarly journals Prevalence of pneumonia and its associated factors among under five children in East Africa. Meta-analysis and systemic review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biruk Beletew Abate ◽  
Melaku Getahun Bimrew ◽  
Ayelign Mengesha Kasie ◽  
Mesfin Kassaw Wudu ◽  
Molla Azmeraw
Keyword(s):  
East Africa ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Eastern Africa ◽  
Systemic Review ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Under Five ◽  
Under Five Children ◽  
The Impact ◽  
National Prevalence

Abstract Introduction Pneumonia is defined as an acute inflammation of the Lungs’ parenchymal structure. It is a major public health problem and the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in under-five children especially in developing countries. In 2015, it was estimated that about 102 million cases of pneumonia occurred in under-five children, of which 0.7 million were end up with death. Different primary studies in Eastern Africa showed the burden of pneumonia. However, inconsistency among those studies was seen and no review has been conducted to report the amalgamated magnitude and associated factors. Therefore, this review aimed to estimate the national prevalence and associated factors of neonatal sepsis in Eastern Africa. Objective The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the magnitude of pneumonia and its associated factors among under-five children in East Africa. Methods Using PRISMA guideline, we systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed studies that examined the prevalence and associated factors of pneumonia from PubMed, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar. Heterogeneity across the studies was evaluated using the Q and the I 2 test. A weighted inverse variance random-effects model was applied to estimate the national prevalence and the effect size of associated factors. The subgroup analysis was conducted by country, study design, and year of publication. A funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to see publication bias. Sensitivity analysis was also done to identify the impact of studies. Result A total of 34 studies with 87, 984 participants were used for analysis. The pooled prevalence of hypothermia in East Africa was 34% (95%CI; 23.80–44.21). Use of wood as fuel source (AOR= 1.53; 95%CI:1.30-1.77; I 2 = 0.0% ;P=0.465), cook food in living room (AOR= 1.47;95%CI:1.16-1.79; I 2 = 0.0% ;P=0.58), caring of a child on mother during cooking (AOR= 3.26; 95%CI:1.80-4.72; I 2 = 22.5% ;P=0.26), Being unvaccinated (AOR= 2.41; 95%CI:2.00-2.81; I 2 = 51.4% ;P=0.055), Child history of ARTI(AOR= 2.62; 95%CI:1.68-3.56; I 2 = 11.7% ;P=0.337) were identified factors of pneumonia. Conclusions The prevalence of pneumonia in Eastern Africa remains high. This review will help policy-makers and program officers to design pneumonia preventive interventions.

scholarly journals What Leads to Intra-Industry Trade between Sri Lanka and South Asia?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thilini Saparamadu ◽  
Nesrine Akrimi
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
South Asia ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Economies Of Scale ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Value Added ◽  
The South ◽  
Industry Trade ◽  
Asian Region ◽  
South Asian Region

This study ascertains the determinants of Intra-Industry Trade (IIT) with particular reference to IIT between Sri Lanka and its major trading partners in South Asia; namely; India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The study uses secondary data published in World Development Indicators, Penn World Table from 1992 to 2017. The level of IIT is calculated by using data gathered from Comtrade Data Base. Using panel data regression, the study adopts Random Effect model to analyze the regression results. The study concludes that economies of scale measured by difference of value added in the net output of the manufacturing sector and market size measured by average gross domestic product exert a significant influence on the level of IIT in the South Asian region. Differences of per capita Gross National Income (GNI - difference in income level) and tariff rate (the proxy for trade barriers) poses a negative influence on the level of IIT. The policymakers should be concerned about the possibility to increase IIT in the South Asian region. Based on the findings of the study, the present research offers policy recommendations to promote IIT within the region.

Is Tourism an Accelerator of Economic Growth? An Evidence from South Asian Region

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Nazir ◽  
Minhas Akbar ◽  
Irem Batool ◽  
Ammar Hussain
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Asian Region ◽  
South Asian Region
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