We present a simple, efficient, and unified solution to the problems of synchronizing, initializing, and integrating clocks for systems with different types of failures: crash, omission, and arbitrary failures with and without message authentication. This is the first known solution that achieves optimal accuracy-the accuracy of synchronized clocks (with respect to real time) is as good as that specified for the underlying hardware clocks. The solution is also optimal with respect to the number of faulty processes that can be tolerated to achieve this accuracy.

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There is a dearth of published research on uptake and utility of mental health apps in India, despite a rising global trend in the application of technology in the field of mental health. We describe the development and pilot testing of a self-help intervention for depression, PUSH-D (Practice and Use Self-Help for Depression) for urban Indians. This guided self-help app, with essential and optional zone sections, was developed to provide a comprehensive coverage of therapeutic strategies drawn from cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy, supportive psychotherapy, and positive psychology. Pilot testing was carried out using a single group pre-, post- and follow-up design in 78 eligible participants. Participants were typically young adults with major depression or dysthymia and significant impairment in functioning. Almost two-thirds of the participants had never sought professional mental health help. Significant reductions in depression and improvement in the functioning and well-being were notedon standardized measures in participants completing all 10 essential zone sections. These gains were maintained at follow-up. The results were similar for partial completers, who completed fiveout of the 10 essential sections. PUSH-D is one of the first indigenously developed self-help apps for depression and it shows promise in reducing the treatment gap for depression in India.

Background: Growing awareness of treatment gap for common mental health problems has provided an impetus to development of a variety of mental health apps. However there is a dearth of literature on potential users of such apps in India. Information of this nature can be vital in efforts at further development and dissemination of such apps for enhancing their public health impact. Methods: The paper focuses on examining the profile of individuals who expressed an interest in a newly developed internet based self-help program, called PUSH-D (Practice and Use Self-Help for depression). The PUSH-D pilot-trial was announced on various platforms and participation was solicited from individuals in the community. All those who communicated an interest were requested to participate in an initial evaluation session. Hundred and two individuals completed the evaluation that involved use of interviews and standardized questionnaires to assess depression severity, well-being, and functional impairment. Results: An average PUSH-D seeker was likely to be a young adult, with at least undergraduate level of education and was equally likely to be a male or a female. PUSH-D seekers were likely to have major depression or dysthymia; with mild to moderate severity of symptoms and significant impairment in functioning. Co-morbidities were evident only in a minority of PUSH-D seekers. Conclusions: About two third of PUSH-D seekers had never sought mental health services. Various barriers to seeking face to face professional consultations were reported. The results highlight the potential role of internet- based self-help programs for addressing treatment gap in India.