When horizons darken: the process and experience of religious conversion among Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in London

This work is an inquiry into the religious conversion from folk Hinduism into Pentecostal Christianity among Sri Lankan Tamil refugees living in London. There is an estimated number of 35,000 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in London. Many of them have decided to 'change their religion' in their quest for a community. They have formed some 22 new All-Tamil Pentecostal congregations in London, with an overall attendance of some 3,000 every Sunday. The overwhelming majority of their members are Tamils from Sri Lanka, and most of them converted from their ancestral folk Hinduism into a variety of Pentecostal Christianity. Until the present time (July 1999), the language of communication and communion of the religious services was almost exclusively Tamil; there are now signs of English being gradually introduced in order to incorporate Tamil children who are becoming more fluent in English than in Tamil. There are indications that this trend towards bilingualism and biculturalism in the religious services will spread steadily in the future.The author attempts to combine the insights and methods of the social sciences and theology, in the persuasion that they can complement each other in an attempt to understand the religious phenomena. The author insists that religious conversion is a social phenomenon, and not only an individual event, though theologians tend to study it as a divine-human encounter on individual basis; social scientists tend to consider religious conversion as an exclusively social event. The author is persuaded that it would be impossible to understand the case of religious conversion among Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, without due consideration paid to the political, social and economic background of the converts, both 'back home' in Sri Lanka and 'out here' in London.For this reason the author begins his story in the integrated life of Sri Lankan Tamil villages before the war, continues with the sudden disintegration of family, temple and village, and describes the predicament of Tamil refugees in London, concluding with their incorporation into small Pentecostal communities. The data is gathered through a) in-depth recorded interviews; b) participatory observation of religious services, social events, family gatherings, etc., in line with his holistic approach; c) numerous unrecorded conversations with Tamil Christians and Hindus alike; d) the Tamil literature and folk-lore that is being produced in London.The analysis of the data yields important results, such as: a) conversion is first to a community, and through the community to God; b) there is little evidence that the converts have thoroughly repudiated their previous Hindu religiosity; c) the belief system of the converts is of the utmost simplicity, without reference to the official teaching from the pulpits; d) the common life and mutual affection play a much more important role than common beliefs; e) the event of conversion and the ongoing incorporation, belonging and participation in their respective closely knit religious communities have had a profound therapeutical effect that facilitates the transition from loneliness to communion, from meaninglessness to purpose in life, and from being helpless to becoming helpful, and so forth

Larvicidal and repellent activity of tetradecanoic acid against Aedes aegypti (Linn.) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say.) (Diptera:Culicidae)

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the larvicidal and repellent efficacy of tetradecanoic acid against Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) L. and Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus) Say (Diptera: Culicidae).MethodsLarvicidal efficacy of tetradecanoic acid was tested at various concentrations against the early third instar larvae of Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus. The repellent activity was determined against two mosquito species at three concentrations viz., 1.0,2.5 and 5.0 ppm under the laboratory conditions.ResultsThe tetradecanoic acid was found to be more effective against Cx. quinquefasciatus than Ae. aegypti larvae. The LC50 values were 14.08 ppm and 25.10 ppm, respectively. Tetradecanoic acid showed lesser repellency against Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus. The highest repellency was observed in higher concentration of 5.0 mg/cm2 provided 100% protection up to 60 and 90 min against Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus respectively.ConclusionsFrom the results it can be concluded the tetradecanoic acid is a potential for controlling Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti mosquitoes

Une étude pilote d’un programme cursus longitudinal de méditation pleine conscience durant le doctorat en médecine

Background: To support student well-being, a mindfulness curriculum in undergraduate medical education was launched at our university in 2014. We describe the program and report 3-year results. Methods: Medical students responded to online questionnaires on mindfulness (Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory), empathy (Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy), resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale) and perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale) and were surveyed for demographics, home practice, and subjective experience at curriculum launch and yearly for 3 years. Results: In respondents, high stress (19.2 (SD=6)) and low resilience (71.2 (SD=12.5)) scores were seen throughout training. Scores for mindfulness correlated positively with those for empathy (r=.217 p<0.01) and resilience (r=.539, p<0.01), and negatively with stress scores (r=-.380, p<0.01). While overall scale scores did not statistically change after curriculum implementation, statistically significant increases were seen in mindfulness (12%, p=0.008), empathy (5%, p=0.045), and resilience scores (12%, p=0.002) with a trend toward lower stress scores (8%, p=0.080) in respondents who felt they applied the curriculum principles. Two hours of reported home practice per week was associated with statistically significant changes (14% increased mindfulness scores p<0.001; 6% increased empathy scores p<0.001, 10% increased resilience scores p=0.003; 11% decreased stress scores p= 0.008). Despite positive program evaluations for both mandatory and elective sessions, student attendance at elective sessions was low. Conclusion: A mindfulness curriculum integrated into formal undergraduate medical education is feasible. Benefits may be confined to those students who apply curriculum principles and practice regularly. Further study is needed.Contexte : Pour soutenir le bien-être des étudiants, un cursus de méditation pleine conscience dans le cadre du programme de doctorat en médecine a été lancé à notre université en 2014. Nous décrivons le programme et communiquons les résultats après trois ans. Méthodes :  Des étudiants en médecine ont répondu à des questionnaires en ligne sur la pleine conscience (inventaire de pleine conscience de Freiburg), l’empathie (Échelle de Jefferson sur l’empathie du médecin), la résilience (échelle de résilience de Connor-Davidson) et le stress perçu (échelle du stress perçu) et ont été interrogés pour les caractéristiques démographiques, la pratique de la méditation pleine conscience à domicile et l’expérience subjective au moment du lancement du cursus et, ensuite, annuellement pendant trois ans. Résultats : Chez les répondants, un degré de stress élevé (19,2 (ET = 6)) et une faible résilience (71,2 (ET = 12,5)) ont été observés tout au long de la formation. Il y avait une corrélation positive entre les la pleine conscience et l’empathie (r = 0,17, p < 0,01) et de la résilience (r = 0,539, p < 0,01), et négative avec le stress (r = -0,380, p < 0,01). Alors que les résultats globaux ne changent pas statistiquement après la mise en œuvre du cursus, des augmentations statistiquement significatives ont été observées pour la pleine conscience (12 %, p = 0,008), l’empathie (5 %, p = 0,045) et la résilience (12 %, p = 0,002) avec une tendance vers des résultats inférieurs pour le stress (8 %, p = 0,080) chez les répondants qui estimaient avoir appliqué les principes du programme. On retrouvait des changements significatifs chez les répondants qui rapportaient avoir pratiqué deux heures par semaine à domicile (résultats accrus de 14 % pour la pleine conscience (p < 0,001), de 6 % pour l’empathie (p < 0,001) et de 10 % pour la résilience (p = 0,003), et réduits de 11 % pour le stress (p = 0,008)). Malgré des évaluations de programme positives pour les sessions obligatoires et optionnelles, l’assiduité des étudiants aux sessions optionnelles était faible. Conclusion : Un cursus de méditation pleine conscience intégré dans des études formelles de doctorat en médecine est faisable. Les avantages peuvent être confinés aux étudiants qui appliquent les principes du programme et qui le pratiquent sur une base régulière. D’autres études sont requises

Choosing Wisely: Resource Stewardship Education in Canadian Medical Schools

Abstract Resource stewardship has important implications in terms of healthcare costs as well as patient safety. Currently, there is limited formal teaching in the undergraduate curriculum in Canadian medical schools that addresses this topic. Recently, Choosing Wisely Canada has launched a student campaign to integrate Choosing Wisely concepts into the curriculum, hoping to challenge medical students into thinking about value-based healthcare and patient safety. This article intends to highlight need for resource stewardship education, including associated test costs and its impact on the healthcare system. The strategies currently being implemented at the University of Ottawa will also be discussed.  Résumé L’intendance des ressources a d’importantes répercussions sur les coûts liés aux soins de santé, ainsi que sur la sécurité des patients. À l’heure actuelle, le curriculum de premier cycle des écoles de médecine canadiennes comporte peu d’enseignement formel à ce sujet. Récemment, Choisir avec soin (version francophone de « Choosing Wisely Canada ») a lancé une campagne étudiante pour intégrer les concepts de Choisir avec soin au curriculum, dans l’espoir d’encourager les étudiants en médecine à réfléchir aux soins de santé et à la sécurité des patients fondés sur la valeur. Cet article cherche à souligner l’importance de la formation sur l’intendance des ressources, incluant les coûts associés aux examens et leur impact sur le système de soins de santé. Les stratégies mises en œuvre à l’Université d’Ottawa à l’heure actuelle seront également présentées.

AEROBIOLOGY OF MULBERRY FIELDS IN VELLORE DISTRICT

ABSTRACT Mulberry which forms the exclusive source of food for commercial silk producing silk worm (Bombyx mori L.) is affected by a number of diseases and pests. The aerobiology of crop field was very limited and much of the fields were to be opened for investigation. It affects the nutrition, growth and cocoon production of silkworm. Hence a detailed investigation was carried out on the aerobiology of mulberry fields in Vellore district. The Vellore district comprises of eight taluks, 14 ranges and 64 subdivisions. Much of the Vellore district land area is cultivated by Mulberry as a cottage industry. It is found that from October to January rainfall was maximum, Vaniyambadi, Tirupattur and Gudiyattam receives maximum rain. The humidity is relatively maximum during the period of October to September 1999. The temperature was maximum from March to June. This helps for the spread and growth of various microflora and airspores in Vellore district environs. From these data, the causative organisms of various diseases of Mulberry were identified. This data will be helpful for the treatment, management of the much useful plant Mulberry in Vellore district

Stakeholders' views and opinions on existing guidelines on “How to Choose Mental Health Apps”

BackgroundMental health Applications (Mhealth Apps) can change how healthcare is delivered. However, very little is known about the efficacy of Mhealth Apps. Currently, only minimum guidance is available in Assessment and Evaluation Tools (AETs). Therefore, this project aims to understand AET developers' perspectives and end users' experiences and opinions on “how to choose a Mhealth App”.ObjectiveThe primary objectives were: (1) obtaining stakeholder's opinions and experiences of development and use of AETs for Mhealth Apps, their weaknesses and strengths, and barriers in their implementation of Mhealth Apps; (2) the experiences of App users, their analyzation and, obstacles in the use of apps; and (3) to quantify themes related to choosing a Mhealth App.MethodsThis qualitative study, used a sampling method to recruit six stakeholders (one App developer, two AET developers, an individual with lived experience of mental health illness, and two physicians) who were interviewed using a topic guide. These were examined by researchers (CT, WK, & FN) using thematic content analysis. Additionally, an anonymous online survey of 107 individuals was conducted.FindingsOur analyses revealed six main themes: (a) needs and opportunities; (b) views on Mhealth apps; (c) views & opinions on AETs; (d) implementation barriers; (e) system of evaluation and; (f) future directions. The first key concept was, all stakeholders agreed that Apps could significantly impact mental health and that end-users were unaware of mental health AETs and Apps. Secondly, due to commercial interests, end-users reliability of App evaluations requires clear conflict-free guidelines. Thirdly, AETs should be evaluated and developed through a rigorous methodology. Finally, stakeholders shared insights into future developments for AETs and Mhealth Apps. Additionally, online survey respondents chose a “health professional” as their preferred source of guidance in selecting a Mhealth app (84%) and best suited to develop guidelines (70%).ConclusionThe interviews and survey highlight the need for Mhealth Apps to be regulated and the importance of health professionals' engagement in the implementation process. Similarly, without well-defined roles for App evaluations within the health care system, it is unlikely that AETs will have wider spread use and impact without risk

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Abstract. -Background: Plant based repellent against mosquito borne diseases are used recently because synthetic repellents cause side effects like breathing problem, eye irritation, head ache, cough, etc. The use of natural products for dengue control would protect the environment, reduce dependence on expensive synthetic repellents and also generate local employment. Material and Methods: Essential oil was isolated by steam distillation which was used against the bites of Aedes aegypti and duration of protection period was assessed. Skin-irritant potential test was also conducted on 25 healthy volunteers by using four-point scale. Results: The increase in the concentrations of essential oil increased the mean protection time against the bites of Aedes aegypti. The lowest mean protection time was 180.0 min for 2.5% and highest time of 255.0 min for 10%. The mean score of zero for skin-irritant potential test for all the concentrations indicated that the essential oil did not cause irritation to human skin. Conclusions: Results indicated that the use of plant based repellent for the control of dengue fever would replace the currently used synthetic repellents which causes many side effects

Full Length Research Article - Larvicidal and Adult Emergence Inhibition Effect of Centella asiatica Brahmi (Umbelliferae) against Mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera : Culicidae)

Ethanolic extract of Centella asiatica leaves were evaluated for the larvicidal and adult emergence inhibition activity against mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus under five constant temperatures 19, 22, 25, 28 and 31°C in the laboratory. Toxicity of this extract increased with temperature. The 50% medium lethal concentrations ranged between 6.84 ppm at 19°C and 1.12 ppm at 31°C. A similar trend was observed for the 90% lethal concentrations which varied from 9.12 to 3.63 ppm at the two temperatures, respectively. The adult emergence inhibition activity of this extract at LC50s of different temperatures was generally more pronounced in increased temperatures. These results suggest that the leaf extract of C. asiatica is promising as larvicide and adult emergence inhibitor against Culex quinquefasciatus and might be used directly in small volume aquatic habitats or breeding sites of limited size around human dwellings