Perception of teachers towards on-line education with specific context to hospitality education in India

Background: On-line education in a way was a forced introduction in our education system in wake of COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers as well as students became a part of this shift in education delivery mostly by force and rather by choice. However, in the short run itself it was realised that while shifting to this new-medium has its own challenges it also comes with its own set of advantages. Background: This research paper attempts to study and analyse the perception of teachers in hospitality education towards on-line education. Objective of study is to identify the major challenges and benefits of hospitality education as perceived by faculty members. Methodology: Descriptive research design was employed. The study was conducted by administering a structured questionnaire among faculty members of various IHMs and analysis of data was done. Locale is pan-India reached through google questionnaire method with a sample size of 50 faculty members from different IHMs in the country. Data was analysed with the help of excel tools, bar diagrams and graph. Results: Research revealed that in spite of the sudden paradigm shift in the macro environment faculty members responded well to the challenge of optimising learning for students in an on-line mode. Initially 80% faculty members found this shift challenging but now 80 percent believe that blended learning is future. Assessments and sustaining interest of students however are major challenges with 82 and 84 percent of faculty members respectively agreeing to this being a major issue. Conclusion: Teachers perceive blended learning to be a norm in future. It is perceived that while it's very difficult to impart skill training in an on-line mode, for theoretical classes this could be a preferred mode.

Internal migration during COVID-19 pandemic: an analysis through the lens of social organisations

In March 2020, a large number of people moved from cities to their homes in rural areas, and a few months later, many returned to cities. These journeys were undertaken not only during the COVID-19 pandemic against the advisory of governments and public health experts, but the circumstances of travel were also under extreme hardship. How may we understand this intense response by people? By drawing on the migration theory and the roles of social ties or social organisation, we can better explain peoples' reactions during this pandemic. Notably, we find non-material values, such as the dignity of labour or responsibilities to family, are significant to decision -making, and there is a desire not to compromise on these values. Further, our analyses find that the distinction between pre-disaster and post-disaster situations may not be helpful.

Epidemiological and clinical profile of COVID-19 cases attending rural health training centre of one of the medical colleges of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Introduction : Understanding the epidemiological and clinical profile of COVID-19 cases and pattern of disease is very much required for future preparedness. Objective : To assess the epidemiological and clinical profile of cases of COVID 19 Method : Cross sectional descriptive study was carried out at a Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC). All cases reported in the month of January 2022were included in the study. The information about the epidemiological and clinical profile was collected from RHTC records by conducting telephonic interview. Results : Total 83 cases were reported. Among them, 43 (54.4%) cases were in age group 20-39 years. Male: Female ratiowas 1.37:1. Therewas one death and patient had ovarian cancer as co-morbidity. Total 71 patients could be contacted for telephonic interview. Fever was most common symptom andwas presenting symptom on first day followed by cough/cold and sore throat. None had shortness of breath or chest pain. Hospitalization rate was 5.63% and none required oxygen supplementation or intensive care. Recovery period was 3-5 days. Out of total, 90% cases were fully vaccinated and 95.8% had knowledge of CAB. Diabetes and hypertension were most common comorbidities andwere statistically significantlymore in age > 40 years. Conclusions : The COVID-19 cases in the beginning of year 2022 had clinical presentation different than the earlier waves. Periodic situational analysis can guide in policymaking for handling this pandemic in future.

Parameters of coagulation in COVID-19 patients: a correlation with clinical severity

Introduction: COVID-19 infection can be complicated by coagulation derangement and a high risk of thromboembolic episodes. Our study aimedto investigate coagulation parameters in COVID-19 patients and their correlation with clinical severity. Methods: We analyzed coagulation parameters PT, APTT, D-Dimer, and Fibrinogen in 98 RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to the Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India. Results: This study involved 69 males (70.50%), and 29 (29.5%) were females. The mortality rate was 6.12% (n= 06). Forty-six patients (46.94%) had comorbidities. Thirty-four patients had elevated PT, and 7 had high APTT, whereas D-dimer and fibrinogen levels were raised in 68 and 61 patients, respectively. Among all four parameters, D-Dimer levels were significantly associated with disease severity. Conclusion: Derangement of D-dimer levels is significantly associated with disease severity in COVID-19 infection.

Challenges faced in biomedical waste management by waste handlers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care hospital: a qualitative study

Introduction : Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) saw an overhaul in the biomedical waste management (BMWM) practices. Waste handlers were at the brunt of these changes. If the challenges pertaining to BMWM at the ground level are better understood, more effective measures to overcome them can be formulated. Objectives: 1. To identify myths and concerns regarding BMWM in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. 2. To explore the challenges faced in BMWM amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. 3.To explore opportunities and future perspectives of BMWM. Method: In-depth interviews were conducted among 17 purposively selected Class IV health care workers during August to November 2021 in a tertiary care institute in Mumbai. Data was reported using thematic analysis. Results: Three major themes - challenges and concerns faced by BMW handlers, enablers/motivators, opportunities and future practices were generated from the transcripts. Various challenges faced by waste handlers were- difficulties in segregation and transport of BMW, exhaustion from PPE usage and fear of acquiring and spreading COVID-19 from work, stigma faced from public, and handling COVID-19 deaths. Support from family and colleagues, incentives and a positive change in public perception enabled them to work. Forming redressal committees, addressing job security concerns and timely provision of good quality equipment can improve hospital waste management measures in the future. Conclusion: It is of utmost importance to address challenges faced by waste handlers in BMWM. Onus should also be on periodic training in BMWM.

A Study on the Key Elements of Bangladesh's Vaccine Diplomacy During COVID-19

In May 2022, Bangladesh was ranked fifth in a Global Index comprising of 121 countries' performance of managing the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic. The Index provided Bangladesh with global recognition of its endeavours that aimed at lowering the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases since the mid-2020, in which the country's vaccine diplomacy played a greater role. In view of that the present study identified the key elements of Bangladesh's vaccine diplomacy in the context of the pandemic. The study employed the qualitative approach of the social science research, while the data were generated from both primary and secondary sources. The study found that Bangladesh pursued a proactive vaccine diplomacy with a combination of five key elements: identifying the critical areas of intervention, figuring out the volume of internal demand, counting on multiple sources of vaccines, generating diverse source of external funding and making the most use of ‘soft power' strategy. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Asian & African Studies (Sage Publications, Ltd.) is the property of Sage Publications, Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Assessment of liver function in COVID-19

Introduction: COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that commonly involved the respiratory system. However, the virus can affect any organ in the body including the liver. Hepatic involvement in COVID-19 could be related to the direct cytopathic effect of the virus, an uncontrolled immune reaction, sepsis, or drug-induced liver injury. Background: The current study aims to evaluate the relevance of liver enzyme derangement in COVID-19. Methods: The sample size of 165 patients, tested positive for covid 19 and underwent liver enzyme testing. These patients were categorized into mild, severe, and critical diseases based on clinical evaluation, radiological findings, and biochemical parameters. Results: Of 165 patients selected 103 (62.4%) have mild disease, 40(24.2%) have severe and 12(7.2%) suffered from the critical disease. 48(29.1%) patients show deranged liver function. 83.3% of critical patients and 45% of severe patients show deranged liver function.9.09%of patients died due to severe COVID-19 infections showing moderately to severe liver function derangement. Conclusions: This study concludes that the severity of COVID-19 disease may increase due to chronic liver disease, particularly fatty liver. Atypical ALT and AST levels during hospitalization were indicative of liver injury and correlated with the severity of patients.

Hygiene predictors among COVID-19 screened individuals during the first wave in Mumbai: a cross-sectional survey

Introduction: taught The most important lesson COVID-19 pandemic is basic hygiene practices. It is important to understand hygiene practices among patients during first wave, when meager knowledge about the management of COVID-19 was available. To assess the adopted behavioral practices Objective: and predictors for COVID-19 infection among screened individuals during the 1st wave. A cross- Method: sectional study included COVID-19 screened individuals attending COVID -19 screening OPD at Mumbai. Total 950 participants were interviewed telephonically using convenient sampling method. Logistic regression nanalysis was performed. A total 950 respondents participated, with median age of36 Results: years (range:18yrs to 83 years). Respondents, RTPCR positive or quarantined were 36%. Analysis concludes that practices of having seen or read about hand hygiene, face hygiene, maintaining social distancing, cough etiquettes and enforcement of strict lockdown were significantly associated with lower risk of COVID-19 infection (p value <0.05). Hygiene Practices were followed correctly by more than 50% of this Conclusion: cohort however few individuals were able to answer knowledge related questions correctly. Simple hygiene practices like face hygiene, cough etiquettes, social distancing, strict following of lockdown and having seen or read information on hand washing were predictors of COVID-19 infection. The study highlights the need for quick and rigorous attempts to educate people during a state of a health emergency.

A serum interleukin-6-based analysis of patients with nasopharyngeal swab reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction negative for SARS-CoV-2 infection with CO-RADS 4 and 5 on computed tomography of the chest

Background: Serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels have been studied in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease (COVID-19). Methods: We studied the utility of treatment with tocilizumab in COVID-19 patients (n=19) with a negative nasopharyngeal swab real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2 who had suggestive computed tomography (CT) findings, namely, COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS) 4,5. Results: Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that serum IL 6 at a cut-off of >56.9 pg/L was a predictor of mortality in nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR negative patients with suggestive CT findings. Tocilizumab had no significant effect on the mortality. Conclusions: In nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR negative patients with suggestive chest CT findings, elevated serum IL-6 levels > 56.9 pg/L predicted mortality. However, treatment with tocilizumab had no effect on mortality.

A comprehensive overview on COVID-associated mucormycosis

In recent times, numerous reports of systemic fungal infections have been a major concern. The angioinvasive fungal infection, mucormycosis has surged in patients with COVID-19 due to various factors, mainly uncontrolled diabetes and inappropriate corticosteroid use. The prevalence of this acute and fatal fungal infection caused by Mucorales-related fungal species has been highest in the Indian population. COVID-associated mucormycosis (CAM) has a propensity for contiguous spread, and exhibits high morbidity as well as mortality. Unless promptly detected and treated, it is associated with a poor prognosis. A high index of suspicion, aggressive surgical debridement and use of systemic antifungal agents continue to be the standard of care for CAM. Moreover, there is an imperative need to address this public health issue by increasing public awareness and education. This article provides a comprehensive overview on the emergence of CAM during the pandemic, the current burden, pathophysiology, diagnostic interventions and management of CAM in Indian clinical practice.

Predictors of severity in COVID-19

Background: In the context of home monitoring of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 disease (COVID-19) patients, it is imperative to evaluate the accuracy of finger pulse oximetry oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the assessment of hypoxia. Methods: Retrospective data analysis was performed on (n = 132) hospitalised COVID-19 patients with various levels of severity, in whom SpO2, haematological, biochemical and arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters were measured within 48 h after admission. Discrepancy between SpO2 and arterial blood oxygen saturation SaO2 was compared between mild, moderate and severe COVID-19 to assess the accuracy of finger pulse oximetry. Results: We found that total white blood cell count, neutrophil %, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, ferritin, C-reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly increased in severe COVID-19, while lymphocyte % was significantly less when compared to mild and moderate cases. Multivariable analysis suggested that red cell distribution width (RDW) and LDH together account for significant variance in the severity of disease. The SpO2 and SaO2 were significantly less in the severe group. The difference between SpO2 and SaO2 has a clinically meaningful albeit statistically nonsignificant trend with the discrepancy greater in severe COVID-19 cases when compared to mild and moderate cases. Conclusions: Finger pulse oximetry has the potential to underestimate the severity of hypoxia in severe COVID-19 and this has implications in the decision to start oxygen therapy. RDW and LDH constitute the best parsimonious set of variables to predict severity.

Factors prompting augmented reality adoption in sacred places

There is evidence that sacred places across the world are launching augmented reality (AR) applications. This application of AR is somehow prompted by the most recent Covid-19 pandemic where in-person experiences are altered by the virtual. AR, as an innovative technology, augments the physical environment with digitally generated imagery that can generate privileges for tourists in sacred places and become the reason to trigger cultural conflicts and religious controversy. This in-depth interview-based research aims to explore the tourists' views and ideas of applying AR in the Mosque City of Bagerhat of Bangladesh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in terms of possibilities, cultural conflicts, and religious controversy. Findings show that the application of AR in a sacred place can support tourists in many useful ways, can offer them positive experiences, and help in sustainability concerns of the site. However, the application of AR in a sacred place can be an element of conflicting interests between the religious and general tourists. Adequate attention is thus required from the parties involved in terms of applying AR in the Mosque City of Bagerhat of Bangladesh, a sacred religious site.

Guest preferences and future challenges in the post COVID-19 scenario - an exploratory study of hotel front office department

Background: The hospitality industry is recovering, evolving, and adapting itself in the post COVID-19 era through innovative and sustainable practices backed by the use of technology in entire hotel operations. The hotel Front Office department is no exception in utilizing these evolved practices to understand and influence the customer behaviour while exploring all possible measures to enhance the overall guest stay experience in the post-COVID times. The Front Office department plays a vital role in the passage of accurate and timely information required for flawless guest management in the hotels. Throughout the COVID-19 period, the Front Office practices have evolved through different stages depending upon the factors such as guest preferences, safety and security measures, hygienic conditions, sustainability and use of technology. Objectives: The major objectives are to study the post COVID-19 Hotel guest preferences of non-star category hotels with respect to changing scenario in the Hospitality Industry, to analyse the gaps between hotel guest expectations and perceptions in service quality with special mention of the front office department and to highlight the future challenges faced by hotel industry and suggest possible measured to overcome these challenges. Methodology: Hybrid research approach has been adopted in this study. Grounded theory in qualitative research approach with interview and semi-structured questionnaires are the data collection tools. Survey method with structured questionnaire are quantitative data collection tools. Collected data were analysed through content and thematic tools for qualitative data and quantitative data were analysed through descriptive statistics (Mean, SD, percentage) and paired t-test as an inferential statistical tool has been applied in this study for conclusion purpose. Results: Result indicates negative as Expected value - perceived value = - (negative). Conclusion: It is concluded that hotel-guests' are not satisfied as provided facilities are not as per guests' expectation. This study gives overview of guests' expectation. It helps hoteliers for modification of hotel's facilities for the guest. The limitation of the study is that the study is conducted in NCR only. Hotels of the same category in the other cities/town may be conducted for getting actual scenario of the phenomena of the hotels. In addition, the study proposes that hotels should adjust their room and service pricing to reflect the reduced demand during the COVID era. Furthermore, the hotel industry will face ongoing challenges, and hotels must be adaptable to remain competitive. By embracing new technologies, providing distinctive experiences, and implementing sustainable practices, hotels can overcome these challenges and flourish in the years ahead.

Analyzing the role of 'emotional intelligence' in developing leadership in the Indian hospitality sector

Background: Emotional intelligence has become a buzz word;Emotional Quotient (EQ) has long overtaken the Intelligence Quotient (IQ). A manager capable of recognizing and managing emotions of the self and of others may be more adept at work. Hoteliers have to work long hours due to which staff may become disgruntled and when insufficient returns are received, it may show up in their behaviour at work. The hotel industry is a service oriented industry which has an intangible product to sell, something that is produced and consumed in the same instant. Objectives: To understand in depth, the concept of emotional intelligence in hospitality. To analyze the link between EI and its role in developing effective leaders in hospitality. Methodology: Convenience sampling was used and the samples were approached online due to COVID. The samples were shortlisted from the personal contacts of the authors in Hyderabad's 5 star hotels holding management level positions. Out of 50-60 samples approached, 43 samples consented for their inclusion. Results: EQ has been ignored in hospitality curriculum with 55% sample base completely agreeing to and same should be for hiring, as voted by all 43 samples. 26 samples were also in complete favor of EI being a necessary pre-requisite for promotions. Conclusion: EI is extremely necessary in leader building and developing EI focused course for the under-graduates will help inculcate the quality in later stages of career.

Re-building strategies adopted by the hospitality sector in the post COVID 19 period

Background: The Novel Coronavirus shock affected impacted the entire world. It affected the hospitality sector badly during the pandemic situation. The hotel industry adopted various strategies to overcome this pandemic situation. Objectives: The study attempts to find out the conditions and the re-building strategies adopted by the hospitality industry such as the amenities and facilities provided to the guest and also the safety measures taken by the hotels during the pandemic situation. Methodology: The study is descriptive in nature. During the pandemic situation there were several problems faced by the hotel industry. The various problems were discussed with the operating departmental heads and the other hotel staff such as executives, associates and job trainees. The primary data was collected from the hotel staff through questionnaire method using the online platforms like Google forms and it was send to the respective persons. 250 samples were taken for the study which included core departmental heads, employees and the trainees of the hotels. Stratified random sampling techniques were used for collecting the data. The data collected was classified and tabulated. The data was analyzed by using different statistical techniques like percentage analysis, Correlation analysis with the help of IBM SPSS Version 23. Results: Safety measures taken by the departments included restaurants being sanitized;rearranging the furniture for maintaining a social distancing;the kitchen staffs getting properly sanitized;wearing mask and gloves. Sterilizing and sanitizing the guest and their belongings before rooming the guest. The billing system was shifted more towards the electronic mode. The staff guided the guests to follow the instructions during their stay in the hotel. Conclusion: The hotel premises including the public areas and the lobby were sterilized and sanitized every two hours in most hotels. The workers were asked to work in staggered shifts. The guest who come to visit and stay in the hotel were made to feel safe and comfortable with the services.

Food commerce upshots with their former locus in the economy with respect to the pandemic 2020 - a drawback or an aid in South Kolkata, West Bengal

Background: The Food Commerce industry has flourished massively during the past decade in South Kolkata in West Bengal, with new outlets opening every now and then, so much so that this region is known as 'Food Street'. Regardless of their scale of operations, each of these outlets had well established themselves, catering to their respective target markets and earning decent amount of revenue over the years. However, this growth suffered a setback owing to the origin of novel Coronavirus SARS-n-CoV-2. The growth rate declined to a great extent over the span of two years, with recent studies showing an overall stunted growth rate. Even though online marketing of these outlets and selling the food through delivery apps have aided the entrepreneurs, the cost to revenue ratio is not at par with that of the times before the pandemic hit. Overall, the pandemic has impacted the eateries in more way than initially imagined. Objectives: (a) To reveal the various problems and scenarios of managing food business during the Covid-19 pandemic in South Kolkata region;(b) To compare the present scenario of the food industry with how things were before prior to the pandemic to understand the nature of change during this time frame;and, (c) To describe the challenges and methods implemented by the food retail business entrepreneurs and managers of the randomly selected establishments to hold a steady business flow during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methodology: The study follows a descriptive research design. Therefore, the research will describe the characteristics of the sample under study. The food outlets of South Kolkata have been chosen as the study location. 100 respondents were selected. The respondents are those who consume food from these outlets such that they represent the wider target market of the 'Food Street'. Both Primary Data and Secondary Data were used. Primary Data was collected through sample survey. Random Sampling technique was used to choose the respondents. The study used quantitative data, therefore, only Quantitative analysis was performed. Results: The Research was able to depict the comparison between the present scenario and the situation prior to the pandemic. The study was able to reveal the challenges and problems that the food outlets had to suffer from. Also, the methods or strategies taken up by the entrepreneurs of these outlets to overcome the pandemic were discovered. 46% of the respondents opted for "Mobile Food Delivery" as their strategy to revive from losses. Conclusion: With COVID-19 having altered - and still in the process of altering - the definition of "normal" across the world, most industries are still scrambling to adjust. The effect on the restaurant industry has been particularly dramatic. With restaurants and pubs closed for sit-down service, many establishments are struggling to keep their heads above water. The food outlets located in South Kolkata shares the same fate and the research is able to highlight this effectively.

Organic food and obesity: factors influencing actual purchase of organic food in COVID-19 pandemic with moderating role of organic food availability

Purpose: Organic food consumption decreases the risk of becoming obese or overweight. This study intends to see the influence of customer perceived value, COVID-19 fear, food neophobia, effort and natural content on the intention to purchase organic food (IPOF) that leads to the actual purchase of organic food (APOF). Moreover, organic food availability is a moderator between IPOF and APOF. Design/methodology/approach: PLS-SEM is used for hypothesis testing. A purposive sampling technique was followed to gather data from organic food consumers in Lahore, Gujranwala and Islamabad and a total of 479 questionnaires were part of the analysis. Findings The outcomes show that customer perceived value, effort and natural content is positively related to IPOF. Despite this, COVID-19 fear and food neophobia are negatively associated with IPOF. IPOF and organic food availability are positively related to APOF. Finally, organic food availability significantly moderated between IPOF and APOF. Practical implications: This study outcome reveals that companies of organic food can recognize customer perceived value, COVID-19 fear, food neophobia, effort, natural content and organic food availability in their decision-making if they determine the actual purchase of organic food. This study offers a valuable policy to companies of organic food to enhance customer's behavior in purchasing organic food in Pakistan. Besides, practitioners and academicians can benefit from this study finding. Originality/value: This initial research integrates customer perceived value, COVID-19 fear, food neophobia, effort, natural content, IPOF and organic food availability to determine APOF in the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, consumption value theory is followed to develop the framework.

Potential acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among population residing in the urban and rural field practice areas of a tertiary care teaching hospital of West Bengal: a comparative study

Background: "Covishield" and "Covaxin" were the two vaccines which were approved for emergency use in India. As there is uncertainty regarding these vaccines, this study aimed to estimate the proportion of acceptance of vaccination against COVID-19 in West Bengal;to identify the possible barriers of vaccine acceptance prevalent among the study population and;to find out the association of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination with the socio-demographic and other predictor variables. Methods: Oobservational study with cross sectional design was conductedon 294 participants in Muchisa, Budge Budge II and Ward No. 81 of Borough 10, Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) selected by Stratified Random Sampling in 2021 using a predesigned, pretested and structured schedule. The statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 16.0. The data were explored using Pearson's chi-square test and logistic regression. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The potential acceptance of Covid-19 vaccination was 59.5% with higher adoption in urban population. The most potential barrier in acceptance of vaccine was "fear of side effects". Higher level of education and history of Covid-19 in the locality were associated with higher acceptance of the vaccination in both the urban and rural areas. Conclusion: A study emphasized on the need for mass campaigns and other behavior change communication activities for addressing the myths surrounding the disease and the newer vaccines and hence improving the currently low vaccine acceptance.

Prevalence of Internet addiction and the effect of Internet usage on lifestyle of college students of Haryana during COVID 19 lockdown period

Introduction: Since 1990, Internet usage is increasing day by day and availability of smart mobile phones and electronic gazettes like tablet, laptop etc. has given it an exponential rise. During COVID-19 lockdown period, Internet usage pattern has changed a lot as per behaviour of students studying in schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutes etc. Background: To study the prevalence of Internet addiction and the effect of Internet usage on lifestyle of college students of Haryana. Method: Total 1035 students, of various educational streams in various colleges of Haryana state were included in the study and data was collected by pre-tested self-designed questionnaire and young's Internet addiction test questionnaire was used to assess its effect on life style. Results: Out of 1035 students, 436 (42%) participants were below average users of Internet, followed by 369 (36%) average users and 230 (22%) excessive users of Internet. Average of total score of young Internet addiction questionnaire was 27.72. Various life style factors like feeling stressed while working, neglects other activities, miss a diet, checks Internet many times, obsessed with phone and Internet usage per day were found significantly associated with Internet addiction (p < 0.05). Conclusion : Excessive Internet usage during COVID-19 pandemic may lead to various abnormal behavior changes which cause negative effect on various aspects of students like emotional, hyperactivity, depression, sleeping disorder etc.

Role of homestay in reviving tourism in Shimla

Background: At seasonal tourist destinations like Shimla, rooms may remain vacant and unoccupied during lean periods. To add on, pandemic has already shut many small lodging facilities. Background: The aim of this study is to improve our understanding of how homestay activities can contribute to revitalize sustainable tourism trends in Shimla, the study assumes particular importance in a period of economic crisis characterized by post COVID trauma. Methodology: A survey was conducted in Shimla after first wave of corona virus from September 20 to December 20 as soon as the travel restrictions were uplifted. The travel and accommodation preferences of tourists were observed and found to be shifting towards less frequently visited places avoiding mass tourism. To highlight the role of homestays in reviving these tourism trends, three objectives were identified. Two separate questionnaires were developed to get the quantitative and qualitative data for this research. The data was tabulated and evaluated using SPSS tool. Results: The findings presented the analysed profile of the potential homestay operators as well as visitors seeking homestay tourism. It also reports the motivations, expectation and experience of the tourists regarding various aspects of homestay. Conclusion: Homestays can act as potential vital tool in reviving tourism.