Embark On A Journey "Into The Newness" With TEDxMAHE Bengaluru

Manipal Academy of Higher Education Bengaluru is thrilled to announce the inaugural edition of TEDxMAHE Bengaluru. With the theme of "Into the Newness”, the event will center around fresh imaginations and transformative practices of social change. It will emphasize the importance of originality and innovation in reshaping societies by igniting discussions that inspire collective efforts to transform the spaces and bring about positive societal change. The event is scheduled for February 16, 2024, and will commence at 9.00 at the MAHE Bengaluru Auditorium.

TEDxMAHE Bengaluru will present a diverse array of speakers, ranging from arts and sciences to health and gaming. All the speakers, carefully selected for their pioneering work, are based in the vibrant city of Bengaluru, reflecting the city's culture of innovation and openness.

The key speakers are Dr. Satyanarayana Ramanaik (Adolescent Health Leader), Ishita Shah (Designer, Historian), Dr. Madegowda C (Social Scientist), Paras Sharma (Mental Health Advocate), Shilpa Mudbi (Performance Artist), Summaiya Khan (Inclusion Advocate), Swathi Shyam Sunder (AI Head), Pasha Bhai (Dakhani rapper), Poornima Seetharaman (Game designer), Farah Ishtiaq (Scientist) and Vivek Mishra (Founder, Fibroheal Woundcare). These speakers embody the event's theme, "Into the Newness," offering unique perspectives on social change and innovation.

Noteworthy is the gender diversity among the expert lineup, as the majority of speakers are women, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive range of perspectives.

The last date to RSVP via email is 14 January 2024. Secure your passes for an opportunity to discover, learn, and be part of the collective journey towards societal transformation.

Registration is taking place on https://www.tedxmahebengaluru.com/

39% Indians’ Potential Love Interest Turning Out To Be Scammers – McAfee Modern Love Research

Highlights

New Study Reveals The Role Of AI In Love And Matchmaking, Amplifying Greater Concerns On Deciphering Real From Fake

77% Indians came across fake profiles/photos that looked AI-generated on dating platform and social media

26% said they’d talked with a potential love interest, to discover it was actually an AI-generated bot and not a real person

Boosting confidence, 56% Indians are motivated to used AI to write Valentine’s Day messages to their love interest

81% of Indians reported receiving a better response rate using AI-generated content than using their own original content

Today, McAfee, a global leader in online protection, unveils its second annual “Modern Love” study, about the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in online dating, and the implications this has for increased catfishing and romance scams. This study surveyed 7,000 people in seven countries worldwide, including India. The rise of powerful AI tools complicates the online dating landscape. By leveraging easy-to-use AI tools, romance scammers can craft convincing messages and realistic profile images to trick people looking for love online.

The key findings of this study revealed that 77% of Indians said they’d come across fake profiles and/or photos that look AI-generated on dating websites or apps, or on social media. Further, the prevalence of romance scams emerged with 39% of Indians saying their conversations with a potential love interest online turned out to be with a scammer. 26% said they’d talked with a potential love interest, to discover it was actually an AI-generated bot and not a real person.

91% of Indians revealed they, or someone they know, have been contacted by a stranger through social media or text message and started to “chat” with them regularly to know them better. With that in mind, those looking for love are often more vulnerable to scams when connecting with strangers, and cybercriminals use that vulnerability to their advantage by engaging in long and sophisticated attempts to steal from victims.

Furthermore, the study also discovered that more than half, 65% Indians have used ChatGPT/AI to help create pics or other content for a dating app. Specifically this Valentine’s Day, 56% of Indians are planning to or considering using AI to write messages for their love interest as it helps boost their confidence. However, this contrasts sharply with people’s feelings about receiving AI-generated content: 60% of people said they would be hurt or offended if they found out their Valentine’s message was written by a machine / Artificial Intelligence.

Despite mixed feelings and experiences, the effectiveness of AI is undeniable: 81% of people reported receiving more interest and better responses using AI-generated content than when they drafted or used their own original content.

And if you’re not on dating apps/sites, the McAfee Labs team reveals you still need to exercise caution online with an increase in Valentine-related scams. This includes Valentine-related malware campaigns (25% surge), malicious URLs (300% increase), and a variety of romance-themed spam and email scams (a staggering 400% increase), with the majority focused on Valentine’s shopping and gifts. McAfee Labs expects these numbers will continue rising as February 14 gets closer, urging vigilance.

“The possibilities of AI are endless, and unfortunately, so are the perils. For people who are shy about starting conversations, short on time to craft the perfect message, or whose photos could be brightened, AI offers tools to help enjoy all the fun and excitement that comes with online dating.,” said Steve Grobman, McAfee’s Chief Technology Officer.

"Unfortunately, we know cybercriminals also use AI to scale malicious activity. With love-seekers spending more time online leading up to Valentine's Day, scammers are using AI to pose as love interests to steal your money or personal information. We encourage people to balance romantic hope with healthy skepticism, to pause before sharing sensitive information online, and to ensure they use the right tools to protect their privacy, identity, and personal information," continued Grobman.

Steps for protecting yourself from online romance and AI scams.

People can help prevent financial and emotional heartbreak by taking the following steps:

Scrutinize any direct messages you receive from a love interest, via a dating app or social media. One way to spot a scammer is to watch for consistent, AI-generated messages. These are often quite generic or lack substance. Additionally, it’s important to be sure not to click on any links in messages you receive from someone you have not met in person.

Do a reverse-image search of any profile pictures the person uses. If the search results show that your love interest is associated with another name or with details that don’t match up with what they’ve told you, you may be chatting with a scammer.

Never send money or gifts to someone you haven’t met in person, even if they send you money first. Scammers often send money to soften up their victim and build trust, so don’t share personal or account information, even if the other person is forthcoming with theirs.

Talk to someone you trust about this new love interest. It can be easy to miss things that don’t add up when you are feeling hopeful and excited. So, pay attention to your friends or family when they show signs of concern, and take the relationship slowly.

Invest in tools to help identify online scams. McAfee’s portfolio of products includes innovative protection features, such as McAfee Scam Protection, that detects and protects you in real time from never-before-seen threats and scams – whether that’s dangerous links shared on text, email, search results, or social media. In addition, McAfee recently announced deepfake detection is on the horizon, furthering McAfee's commitment to use AI to fight AI scams and help arm consumers with the ability to detect deepfakes.

Survey Methodology

The survey was conducted online in January 2024 by Market Research Company, MSI-ACI via email inviting people 18 years and older to complete an online questionnaire. In total 7,000 adults completed the survey from 7 countries included the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, India, and Japan.

About McAfee

McAfee Corp. is a global leader in online protection for consumers. Focused on protecting people, not just devices, McAfee’s consumer solutions adapt to users’ needs in an always online world, empowering them to live securely through integrated, intuitive solutions that protect their families and communities with the right security at the right moment. For more information, visit https://www.mcafee.com.

Tata Motors Partners With UN-Backed LeadIT Initiative To Accelerate Transition Towards Net-Zero Emissions

Tata Motors, a global leader in the automotive industry, announces its partnership with the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT), a global alliance launched by the governments of Sweden and India at the UN Climate Action Summit in September 2019. As a member of LeadIT, Tata Motors will be able to harness the power of global best practices, influence policy-making, and together with other members strengthen its climate action plans, thereby accelerating its transition towards net-zero emissions.

Speaking on the development, SJR Kutty, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Tata Motors, said, “We are excited to join forces with LeadIT, a milestone that underscores our deep-rooted dedication to environmental sustainability. Our pledge to attain net-zero emissions across our Passenger Vehicles (PV) business by 2040, and our Commercial Vehicles (CV) business by 2045, is a testament to our commitment to a greener future. Joining forces with LeadIT propels us closer to these ambitious goals, facilitating our journey towards sustainable transformation. This collaboration will not only expedite our own transition but also catalyse a climate for change within the automotive industry. We eagerly anticipate working alongside other pioneering companies within LeadIT, creating a dynamic ecosystem of shared insights and collective advancement. Together, we aim to drive the automotive industry forward, championing a sustainable future for all.”

Expressing the group's enthusiasm at welcoming Tata Motors into the group, Romina Pourmokhtari, Minister for Climate and the Environment, Sweden and Co-Chair of LeadIT, said, “This membership signals an important commitment to net zero from a leading global manufacturer in the supply chain. Demand signals are crucial for the transformation of our industry. Fostering dialogues and strengthening partnerships in areas where transition challenges need to be addressed is core to achieving reduced climate emissions. Industry is driving the green industrial transformation here in Sweden and we hope to inspire change globally. I look forward to seeing Tata Motors in our group of leading partners."

Tata Motors is embracing sustainability as a business transformation with significant progress in zero-emission products, renewable energy, circular economy, water neutrality and biodiversity. The company has already installed 109 MW of renewable energy capacity and plans to add ~300 MW in the next three years to become a RE100 company. Over the past 3 years, Tata Motors has reduced its Scope 1+2 emissions intensity by 44% and is pioneering the electric and zero emissions vehicle revolution along with a host of low-emissions alternate powertrain options to enable deep decarbonisation in its Scope 3 emissions.

Upholding the principles of the circular economy, Tata Motors is driving TATVA- a Circular Economy framework working across Materials, Energy, Lifetime and Utilization pathways for a holistic transformation. The company has also established five Re.Wi.Re facilities across various cities, designed to extract maximum value while leaving minimal footprint at the end of a vehicle’s lifecycle. Tata Motors is dedicated to water stewardship, achieving water-neutral or positive status at three of its plants. The company is integrating nature and biodiversity into its business strategy, conserving habitats around its operating sites, aligning with scientific methods to map and set targets across its value chain, and undertaking flagship conservation projects that have a positive impact beyond its value chain. These achievements highlight Tata Motors' commitment to sustainability and its leadership in the industry.

A New Standard of Protection Introduced In India: The New BMW 7 Series Protection

* BMW Protection Core: A very high level of protection against ballistic attacks and explosions.

*  Class-leading dynamic performance: Newly developed V8 petrol engine sets new standards in its class.

* Unique combination of protection, comfort and performance, specifically tailored to personal security needs.

BMW Group India has introduced the new BMW 7 Series Protection. The car will be exclusively available with the petrol engine and as a completely built-up unit (CBU) from today onwards.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “For over 45 years, BMW has set the standard in design and development of armoured vehicles. The new BMW 7 Series Protection succeeds in blending an unrivalled protection concept with outstanding levels of ride comfort and spaciousness, exceptionally advanced equipment features and the class-beating dynamic prowess for which the brand is renowned. This is a new kind of protection vehicle that meets the highest standards of ballistic protection and individual requirements. Even though this is a protection vehicle, you will immediately forget about this fact the moment you sit inside and experience its exceptional luxury.”

The new BMW 7 Series Protection offers customised protection from attacks with firearms or explosives for at-risk individuals. It has been classified as offering class VR9 protection based on the internationally recognised official test criteria of Germany's Vereinigung der Prüfstellen für Angriffshemmende Materialien und Konstruktionen (Association of Test Laboratories for Attack-Resistant Materials and Constructions - VPAM, for short). The certification is based, among other things, on the third edition of the guidelines for Bullet Resistant Vehicles (VPAM BRV) with regard to ballistic resistance and the guidelines for Explosive Resistant Vehicles (VPAM ERV, third edition) and PAS 300 with regard to blast resistance. The glass for the model even protects against fire from calibre 7.62x5Li R ammunition - a threat from the highest civilian resistance class VPAM 1 0. A partial protection extension is also available as an option for the new BMW 7 Series Protection in defined bodywork areas against fire from VPAM 1 0 ammunition.

In order to ensure the confidentiality of our elite clientele, BMW provides exclusive consultancy and personalized sales and service support all across the country. The new BMW 7 Series Protection is serviced by certified special garages only. Access to the vehicle is restricted to very few selected and specially trained personnel. As part of the special customer service, BMW offers special driver training programs for security vehicles.

The new BMW 7 Series Protection

The new BMW 7 Series Protection is designed for people with a special need for protection, but it also sets standards in terms of elegance and aesthetics. The core structure of this model is basis the unique protection architecture called the Protection Core. This heavily armoured inner core surrounds the entire passenger compartment and invisibly provides unprecedented protection for its occupants. It forms a self-supporting protective cell, which is then combined with protection-spec doors, armouring for the underbody and safety glass.

The visual highlight on the exterior is the contour line lighting impressively showcasing the BMW Kidney ‘Iconic Glow’, whether at a standstill or while driving. When deactivated, the technology is not visible. The headlights are divided into two parts. At the top are the daytime running lights, complete with the BMW Crystal Headlights. Their sparkling Swarovski crystals reflect ambient light in a multi-faceted way even when not illuminated, resulting in an impressive shimmering effect. Underneath are the LED headlights for high beam and low beam. With BMW Effortless Door, the car provides a motorised assistance for opening and closing the doors. The new BMW 7 Series Protection is fitted with 20-inch light-alloy wheels as standard, which represents a standout offering in its segment and enables the use of a particularly powerful braking system. The PAX tyres have a runflat ring positioned on the wheel rim which allows the car to continue its journey at up to 80 km/h even in the event of a total loss of pressure. Optionally, the cars can be equipped with All-door Emergency Exits in case one needs to leave the vehicle quickly. BMW Pennant Holder and BMW Flashing Lights and beacons are also available as an option.

The appointments and design of the interior can be adapted to personal needs and desires at a detail level. The BMW Multifunction seats for front and rear offers high level of seating comfort with additional adjustment possibilities. Multifunction seats, BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated seats are all part of standard specification. In the interior, the innovative BMW Interaction Bar defines the revolutionary cockpit design. This backlit bar looks like a piece of crystal jewellery where air vents are integrated almost invisibly. Passengers in the second row of seats in the new BMW 7 Series Protection benefit from the standard electrically operated BMW Sun Protection blinds for the windows on both sides. The sunblind opens by around ten centimeters at the touch of a button to allow a view outside. The standard-fitted Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System lays on a high-end audio experience. The 1,265-watt digital amplifier, individually adjustable equalizers and 28 speakers combine to deliver a full, even sound for all those on board. The standard-fitted Intercom system allows the car's occupants to communicate with people on the outside without having to open doors or windows. The optional Executive Lounge includes comfort seats with a reclining function for the rear seat behind the front passenger. The BMW Travel & Comfort package, available as an option, enhances the overall rear seat experience of the occupants. Another item on the options list is a BMW Cooling Box integrated between the rear seats to ensure the on-board drinks supplies are kept cold.

The new BMW 7 Series Protection has the latest­ generation V8 unit under the bonnet. Its BMW TwinPower Turbo technology includes an upgraded turbocharging system with electrically operated blow-off valve and indirect charge air cooling, along with a cross-bank exhaust manifold. The new 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine uses 48V mild hybrid technology to optimise power delivery and efficiency. The car produces an output of 390 kW / 530 hp and a maximum torque of 750 Nm. The car accelerates from 0 – 100 km / hr in just 6.6 seconds with a top speed of 210 Km/hr.

The new BMW 7 Series Protection features the latest generation of BMW iDrive with "QuickSelect" and BMW Operating System 8.5. The advanced display and operating system offer a redesigned entry screen and "QuickSelect” access with an improved menu structure oriented towards consumer electronics devices. The new entry screen permanently shows the map view of the navigation system or other displays that can be individually configured. The cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps now not only offers an Augmented View display on the Information Display behind the steering wheel, but also improved functions for even more precise and charging station optimised navigation.

BMW ConnectedDrive technology includes BMW ID, MyBMW App, Digital Key Plus, Emergency Call, Real-time Traffic Information, Remote Services, smartphone parking and Amazon Fire TV. BMW iDrive with Operating System 8 on the new BMW 7 Series Protection offers all the possibilities for interaction between occupants and the vehicle – using touch, gesture or speech. It is complemented by the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant system which has a self-learning intelligence that adopts a driver’s individual habits, proactively provides useful tips on new driving functions and seamlessly integrates smartphone apps.

The spread of Driver Assistance Systems is more extensive and they support the driver and also increase comfort and safety. The new BMW 7 Series Protection is the first and only protection vehicle in its segment to be fitted with Integral Active Steering. This rear-wheel steering functionality not only reduces the car's turning circle when manoeuvring, it also increases precision and the dynamic response through quickly taken corners. BMW Park Assistance Plus ensures a better view when parking and manoeuvring, preventing any damages to the car in unclear situations. Standard equipment includes functions like Cruise Control, Attentiveness Assistant, and Reversing Assistant.

BMW EfficientDynamics includes features such as 8-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission, Auto Start-Stop, ECO PRO mode, Brake-Energy Regeneration, Electronic Power Steering, 50:50 Weight Distribution, Driving Experience Control switch and many other innovative technologies.

Samsung R&D Institute Bangalore Launches ‘Samsung Innovation Campus’ Programme At KLE Institute Of Technology, Hubli

* Engineers at Samsung R&D Institute, Bengaluru will work on collaborative research projects with KLEIT students and faculty

* The programme to impart training and learning on domains such as Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Coding & Programming and Data Science

Samsung R&D Institute Bangalore (SRI-B) has inaugurated the Samsung Innovation Campus programme at the KLE Institute of Technology (KLEIT), Hubli  to upskill youth in future tech domains such as Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Coding & Programming, and Data Science. This initiative strengthens Samsung’s commitment towards the Government’s Skill India initiative as part of its vision of #PoweringDigitalIndia.

At the classroom facility, students and faculty at KLEIT will work on advanced technology training as well as projects on domains such as Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Coding & Programming, and Data Science to make students industry-ready. Through the integration of technology, basic software skills and emerging capabilities, the programme seeks to empower its participants to grow into well-rounded professionals.

Additionally, the initiative also intends towards faculty development program through mentorship from SRI-B, to bridge the gap between industry and academia.

Mr. Mohan Rao Goli, CTO, SRI-B along with Prof. Rajesh Hegde, Dean (R & D), IIT Dharwad inaugurated the Samsung Innovation Lab at KLEIT, in presence of Prof. Ashok Shettar, Vice Chancellor, KLE Technological University and other distinguished members including Mr. Srimanu Prasad, Head, Tech Strategy, SRI-B and Prof. Sharad Joshi, Principal of KLEIT.

“The goal of the Samsung Innovation Campus is to contribute to the development of India by empowering youth, through education, training and development. Our partnership with KLEIT is a stepping stone towards creating an innovation centre that brings out the potential of the youth and trainers. This collaboration will not only enhance our research & development capabilities in emerging areas, such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Big Data, and IoT etc. but will also connect us with a talent pool that will build innovative solutions to real-life problems”, said Mohan Rao Goli, Chief Technology Officer, Samsung R&D Institute, Bengaluru.

“Through the creation of this Innovation Centre, our students will gain invaluable insights to challenges facing the industry and will learn to develop technical skills to solve them. We are optimistic about our partnership with Samsung to significantly contribute to India's advancement in these critical new technology fields which will empower the youth of India to effect positive change,” said Prof. Ashok Shettar, Vice Chancelor of KLE Technological University.

Through this initiative, SRI-B plans to upskill approx. 100 students and professors per year at KLEIT. SRI-B is already working with four engineering colleges across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, engaging more than 500 students on courses of Artificial Intelligence, Coding & Programming, IoT, and Big Data. More than 100 students have already received their certification of completion.

The demand for engineers/scientists with knowledge in Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence & Data Science is high. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Samsung is providing students with the tools they need to succeed in these growing fields. The Samsung Innovation Campus curriculum is designed to help close the skills gap and provide opportunities to students for growth in their job roles.

Samsung Innovation Campus acts as a hub for students and professors to work with SRI-B experts that enables them to have an in-depth understanding of the technologies through hands-on exposure to solve real-world challenges using cutting-edge Technologies.

Samsung Innovation Campus is the Company’s global citizenship programme that aims to bridge proficiency gaps in the country by skilling students on cutting-edge technology. Samsung has so far set up eight Samsung Innovation Labs in IIT-Delhi, IIT-Kanpur, IIT-Hyderabad, IIT-Kharagpur, IIT-Roorkee and IIT-Guwahati, IIITDM-Kurnool and IIT-Jodhpur as part of its Samsung Innovation Campus programme. So far, these labs have trained over 1,000 students.

De Beers Forevermark Presents The Forevermark Icon Collection: An Everlasting Symbol Of Forever This Valentine’s Day

Celebrating meaningful relationships and everlasting love, De Beers Forevermark showcases the classic Forevermark Icon Collection, encapsulating the moment of forever with natural, beautiful diamonds this Valentine’s Day.

Designed to represent the brilliance of the stars in night sky, the Forevermark Icon collection is perfect for partners who seek to celebrate their unique journey or for those who want to capture a significant moment from their time together.

Crafted to maximise the radiance of a beautiful, natural diamond at its heart, the Forevermark Icon collection comprises of stylish earrings, asymmetric bangles, distinctive rings and contemporary pendants, crafted from 18K yellow, white and rose gold. With designs featuring ornate openwork, colourful enamel, pavé set diamonds and various diamond shapes, the Forevermark Icon collection is contemporary and effortless fine jewellery that can be worn on its own or layered with other favourite pieces to create a unique statement.

The Forevermark Icon Collection is a curated selection of meticulously crafted pieces designed to capture the essence of romance and sophistication. Each item in this collection embodies the spirit of eternal love, making it the perfect choice for commemorating cherished moments and expressing heartfelt sentiments.

"The Forevermark Icon Collection embodies the essence of everlasting love and cherished commitments. Crafted with the modern consumer in mind, these timeless designs blend classic simplicity with elegant sophistication. Perfect for everyday wear, they serve as a cherished reminder of those unforgettable moments. This Valentine's Day, we invite couples to explore the iconic pieces within our collection, each meticulously crafted to symbolize the enduring nature of their relationships." stated Amit Pratihari, Vice President at De Beers Forevermark.

De Beers Forevermark understands the significance of Valentine's Day as a time to cherish and celebrate the special connections that enrich our lives. With the Forevermark Icon Collection, couples can express their love and appreciation with timeless elegance and sophistication.

To explore the Forevermark Icon Collection, visit www.forevermark.com or your nearest authorized retailer De Beers Forevermark.

USC’s New Study Reveals Facts On Under Prescription Of ORS In India- That Could Save Half A Million Children’s Lives Each Year!

* A new study by researchers at University of Southern California (USC) explains why kids aren’t getting a cheap, effective treatment for diarrhea

Health care providers in developing countries know that oral rehydration salts (ORS) are a lifesaving and inexpensive treatment for diarrheal disease, a leading cause of death for children worldwide — yet few prescribe it.

A new study published in Science suggests that closing the knowledge gap between what treatments health care providers think patients want and what treatments patients really want could help save half a million lives a year and reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics.

“Even when children seek care from a health care provider for their diarrhea, as most do, they often do not receive ORS, which costs only a few cents and has been recommended by the World Health Organization for decades,” said Neeraj Sood, Senior Author of the Study, Senior Fellow at the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics and a professor at the USC Price School of Public Policy.

“This issue has puzzled experts for decades, and we wanted to get to the bottom of it,” said Sood, who also holds joint appointments at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and the USC Marshall School of Business.

A closer look at childhood illness in India

There are several popular explanations for the underprescription of ORS in India, which accounts for the most cases of child diarrhea of any country in the world:

*  Physicians assume their patients do not want oral rehydration salts, which come in a small packet and dissolve in water, because they taste bad or they aren’t “real” medicine like antibiotics.

*  The salts are out of stock because they aren’t as profitable as other treatments.

* Physicians make more money prescribing antibiotics, even though they are ineffective against viral diarrhea.

To test these three hypotheses, Sood and his colleagues enrolled over 2,000 health care providers across 253 medium-size towns in the Indian states of Karnataka and Bihar. The researchers selected states with vastly different socioeconomic demographics and varied access to health care to ensure the results were representative of a broad population. Bihar is one of the poorest states in India with below-average ORS use, while Karnataka has above-average per capita income and above-average ORS use.

The researchers then hired staff who were trained to act as patients or caretakers. These “standardized patients” were given scripts to use in unannounced visits to doctors’ offices where they would present a case of viral diarrhea — for which antibiotics are not appropriate — in their 2-year-old child. (For ethical considerations, children did not attend these visits.) The standardized patients made approximately 2,000 visits in total.

Providers were randomly assigned to patient visits where patients expressed a preference for ORS, a preference for antibiotics or no treatment preference. During the visits, patients indicated their preference by showing the health care provider a photo of an ORS packet or antibiotics. The set of patients with no treatment preference simply asked the physician for a recommendation.

To control for profit-motivated prescribing, some of the standardized patients assigned as having no treatment preference informed the provider that they would purchase medicine elsewhere. Additionally, to estimate the effect of stockouts, the researchers randomly assigned all providers in half of the 253 towns to receive a six-week supply of ORS.

Provider misperceptions matter most when it comes to ORS underprescribing

Researchers found that provider perceptions of patient preferences are the biggest barrier to ORS prescribing — not because caretakers do not want ORS, but rather because providers assume most patients do not want the treatment. Health care providers’ perception that patients do not want ORS accounted for roughly 42% of underprescribing, while stockouts and financial incentives explained only 6% and 5%, respectively.

Patients expressing a preference for ORS increased prescribing of the treatment by 27 percentage points — a more effective intervention than eliminating stockouts (which increased ORS prescribing by 7 percentage points) or removing financial incentives (which only increased ORS prescribing at pharmacies).

“Despite decades of widespread knowledge that ORS is a lifesaving intervention that can save lives of children suffering from diarrhea, the rates of ORS use remain stubbornly low in many countries such as India,” said Manoj Mohanan, co-author of the study and professor of public policy, economics, and global health at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. “Changing provider behavior about ORS prescription remains a huge challenge.”

Study authors said these results can be used to design interventions that encourage patients and caretakers to express an ORS preference when seeking care, as well as efforts to raise awareness among providers about patients’ preferences.

“We need to find ways to change providers’ perceptions of patient preferences to increase ORS use and combat antibiotic resistance, which is a huge problem globally,” said Zachary Wagner, the study’s corresponding author, an economist at RAND Corporation and professor of policy analysis at Pardee RAND Graduate School. “How to reduce overprescribing of antibiotics and address antimicrobial resistance is a major global health question, and our study shows that changing provider perceptions of patient preferences is one way to work toward a solution.”

About the study

In addition to Sood, Wagner and Mohanan, co-authors of the study include Rushil Zutshi of RAND Corporation and Pardee RAND Graduate School and Arnab Mukherji of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore.

This research was funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (Grant 5R01DK126049).