On the fringe of COVID-19: our experience in Joseph Hospitals

Background: The coronavirus pandemic is an ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). There is no evidence that pregnant women are more likely to get seriously ill from coronavirus but pregnant women have been included in the list of people at moderate risk (clinically vulnerable) as a precaution. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of COVID positive cases and its management.Methods: This is a prospective observational study done in the Department of OBGYN, Joseph hospitals, Chennai, Tamil Nadu over a period of 4 months (April-July 2020).Results: Over the month of April and May, among the tested population none had positive result. But in the month of June and July, we had 6.3% and 8.2% of patients tested positive among the population due to universal screening.Conclusions: This study highlights the difficulty in small hospitals to allocate the resources, handle the patient and importantly protect the staff. These are difficult times and the private hospitals must come forward to help the government set up in handling the cases on “the fringe of COVID”

Management strategies to improve the academic performance of previously disadvantaged secondary schools in the grade 12 examination.

The importance of secondary school education in moulding learners into responsible citizens of tomorrow cannot be ignored or undermined. Secondary school education is the stepping stone for unlimited opportunities for learners to explore the career choices that they have to pursue further in their lives. Every year the performance of secondary schools in the matric examination come under spotlight as soon as the results are published. Many schools in the previously disadvantaged communities perform poorly in the matric examination each year. This research aims at drawing up management strategies that could be used to improve the performance of learners in the matric examination in the poorly performing schools. The literature study reveals that effective management and leadership is an essential characteristic of a successful school. Managers of schools that are poorly performing in the matric examination have to set up proper systems in place to ensure effective teaching and learning. Effective participation of all stakeholders in the management of the education of the learners is essential to improve the academic performance of learners in the matric examination. Quality subject delivery by educators in the classroom is the most important and indispensable factor that can improve the academic performance of learners in the secondary schools. Active participation of parents in the education of their children is essential to improve the discipline of the school as well as the academic performance of the learners. The literature study also reveals that poor socio-economic conditions can negatively influence the academic performance of learners. Schools that are poorly performing require visionary and innovative managers to turn them around into centres of excellence. Managers of schools have to seek the assistance and cooperation of the community and the business people to improve the quality of education provided in schools. Availability of necessary physical facilities enhance the quality of teaching and learning and the academic performance of learners in the various subjects. A questionnaire was used to collect the data required for this research. Forty schools that are poorly performing and forty schools that are well performing in the matric examinations were selected for this research. All these schools exist in the previously disadvantaged communities. Based on the information gathered using the questionnaire, each item in the questionnaire is analysed and discussed. After the factor analysis, the significance of the difference between the factor means of the various groups for each of the factors were analysed and explained. The data obtained suggests that in many schools (66,5% of schools surveyed), there is a lack of effective management structures that are essential for the implementation of quality teaching and learning. Lack of support and active participation of the parents in the education of the learners can be noticed from the information gathered. Poor management of school resources for effective teaching and learning can be also observed from the data collected. Lack of physical facilities is still a major problem in many (54,5% of the schools surveyed) schools. Lack of shared vision and cooperation among the stakeholders of education for the provision of quality education is evident in many schools. Ill-disciplined and non-committed learner bodies are a major challenge to many schools in the previously disadvantaged communities. The research shows that, organisational support and individual support are crucial to the success and the improvement of the academic performance of a school. The management strategies to improve the academic performance of previously disadvantaged schools in the grade 12 examination has two components namely: organisational support and individual support. The SMTs of schools have to set up management systems in place to ensure effective teaching and learning at schools. It is the responsibility of the SMTs to provide a suitable atmosphere needed for effective curriculum delivery at schools. The human, physical and financial resources of a school should be managed most effectively for quality education for all. Management strategies that will provide opportunities for all stakeholders to participate effectively in the school development programmes should be organised by the SMTs of schools. Schools have to introduce and implement strategies to improve the learner attendance and discipline for quality education and to improve the academic performance. The SMTs of schools have to introduce programmes that will increase the participation and support of parents in the education of learners. The academic performance of schools cannot be improved without providing sufficient individual support to the learners and educators. Based on the needs of the educators and learners, schools have to organise various programmes to support them to improve the academic performance in the grade 12 examination. Workshops and in-house training for educators are some of the ways to support the educators to enhance the quality of curriculum delivery at schools. Additional academic support programmes like extra lessons during afternoons and holidays can assist learners to improve their performance. Schools should have necessary systems in place to address the socio-economic needs of learners. In chapter 6, the findings of the research as well as the recommendations of management strategies to improve the academic performance of previously disadvantaged schools in the grade 12 examination are also given.Prof. T.C. Bisschof

The effect of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme a reductase inhibitors on oxidative and hypoxic stress in the vascular endothelium

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) improve endothelial cell (EC) function by enhancing the synthesis of Nitric Oxide (NO) and attenuating the endothelial leucocyte interaction and platelet aggregation. However the effects of statins on endothelial cell proliferation, apoptosis and the mediators of these responses are not clearly defined.The aims of this research were: 1) To determine the effect of statin on EC proliferation and apoptosis. 2) To assess these cellular processes in the presence of oxidative stress and hypoxia. 3) To study the cellular response to these stresses in the presence of a statin. 4) To assess the effect of sudden withdrawal of statin on the endothelial cell proliferation and apoptosis.Statins exert a proliferative effect on EC at low concentrations and induce apoptosis at higher doses. Oxidative stress and hypoxia induce apoptosis in the EC, mediated via enhanced expression of an apoptotic protein, Bax. Statins abrogate the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of oxidative and hypoxic stress by modulating the expression of Bax and cell cycle regulator protein Cyclin D. Acute withdrawal of statins reverses the protective effects on EC survival by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting the proliferative activity

IMPACT OF ROTATORY VESTIBULAR STIMULATION AND CURCUMA LONGA ON SPATIAL LEARNING AND MEMORY IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS

ABSTRACTObjective: This study was aimed at investigating the effect of rotatory vestibular stimulation and the capacity of the powerful antioxidant curry spiceCurcuma longa (turmeric) on neuromorphological and brain cholinesterase activity in rats to analyze the behavioral changes and cognition in healthyWistar albino rats.Methods: A total of 72 adult male Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups. For Group A (control group) neither vestibularstimulation nor the turmeric was administered, Group B (rotatory vestibular stimulated group), rotatory vestibular stimulation was given for5 minutes in a rotatory vestibular apparatus at a rate of 50 revolutions per minute in clockwise direction for 30 days, Group C (turmeric alone) treatedwith 2 mg/kg of turmeric for 30 days, Group D (turmeric+vestibular), treated with 2 mg/kg of turmeric followed by 5 minutes of rotatory vestibularstimulation for 30 days.Results: Group B shows improvement in learning via a reduction in number of trails for acquisition and retention, and an increase in dendriticbranching points and intersections and also a reduction in acetylcholinesterase level.Conclusion: Rotatory vestibular stimulation provides improvement in cognition via neuromorphological and biochemical changes than rotatoryvestibular stimulation and turmeric in combination and turmeric alone, though there is no significant difference between the treated groups.Rotatory vestibular stimulation in combination with turmeric (Group D) shows a nonsignificant increase in dendritic arborization ensures a longlasting promising effect in cognition enhancement through a long period of treatment. Further detailed study on combination of rotatory vestibularstimulation and turmeric is required to explore the mechanism of therapeutic action of this intervention as a useful remedy for the management ofcognitive disorders. Keywords: Rotatory vestibular stimulation, Turmeric, Learning and memory, Hippocampal neuron

The Likert Organisational Profile: Methodological Analysis and Test of System 4T in Tourist Destinations

In the working paper (Butterfield & Farris 1974), which was done at Massachusetts Institute of Technology,20 item Likert Organisational Profile (LOP) was administered twice to 256 employees in 13 Braziliandevelopment banks. Actual and ideal bank profiles were similar to those found in U.S and elsewhere. In thesaid working paper, test-retest reliability of the LOP as a whole was moderate. Here after the pilot studySystem1-4T Rensis Likert Scale has been revalidated with 17 items and the test-retest reliability has beentested with Karl Pearsons Coefficient of Correlation over two time series with stronger correlation coefficientof .88. In the organisational climate survey, median averages have been taken in order to measure theorganisational health. It has been found that the organisational health at tourist destinations improved afterthe OD interventions, the said fact is doubly checked with direct employee feedback. So it is corroborated with valid data that System 1-4T is a reliable tool to apply in organisational health and hence to rectifyorganisational pathologies.Key Words: LOP, Test-retest reliability, Organisational Health, Median Averag

New Learning Theory and its Resultant Impact on Achieving Economic Objectives: An Experimental Organisation Development (OD) Approach with respect to Local Tourist Guides at Thenmala and Periyar Tiger Reserve

There are different approaches to OD. But all models of OD is concerned with behaviour modification of employees and hence to improve their efficiency and that of the organisation. Here the researcher has developed Variable Analysis Model of OD. The concept is very simple if any problem of the employee in his internal or external environment (Independent Variable) gets sorted out; it would result in behaviour modification (Dependent Variable) of the employee. Here when the tourist service quality problems got sorted out through REL, it resulted in behaviour modification of the local tourist guides. Behaviour modification led to lower level of tourist complaints and greater economic benefits for the local tourist guides. When REL was applied, tourist complaints came down to below one percent in Thenmala and PTR. In both the destinations, there is a significant improvement in local tourist guides' economic benefits after the introduction of REL. Less complaints from the part of tourists, obviously show greater customer satisfaction. When the customer satisfaction levels of tourists improved considerably, it resulted in generous tip from their part. It has been empirically proved that behaviour modification of local tourist guides' is negatively correlated with problems in their working environment. Hence the research hypothesis stands. Key Words: OD, Variable Analysis Model, Welfare Economics, Dependent Variable, Independent Variabl

The Importance of Relationship development in the GCC region

The noun ‘Relationship’, is defined by Collins English Dictionary (2012) as 1. the state of being connected or related 2. association by blood or marriage; kinship 3. the mutual dealings, connections, or feelings that exist between two parties, countries, people, etc. a business relationship You can see from the above definition that there are several inferences that can be developed out of this single word. But is a relationship easily discernible? Are its dimensions opaque or transparent? Can it be easily contrasted simply by looking at it? Can it be evolved, grown, diminished, or separated? These are questions, if they are faced, they could make a simple word like ‘relationship’ look vague, abstract, and sometimes utterly confusing. In fact, discerning the intricate and delicate web of relationships is an art that requires not just looking at it from a single dimension but comprehending it through an experience in its entirety. Our client M/s Balfour Beatty Rail, UK (from now on as BBR) has chosen us as a three member team for our MBA company-based management project. Our aim is to analyse the importance of relationships in the Arab World, and analyse its critical dimensions. Currently, BBR’s culture, environment, organisational periphery, and business algorithms are different than what the Arab World requires as a pre-requisite for any business activity in the region. These pre-requisites are certain forms of relationships that are not easily understood in Western cultures. The region, as we have witnessed through our research, does accept Western ideas, concepts of development, and innovation but not at all at the expense of relationships (Hutchings and Weir, 2006). We felt very early in the project that these relationships, which are embedded in the socio-political and socio-cultural aspects of the region are seldom understood or even accepted by Western organisations and its people, normally resulting in bitter experiences of the region (Little, 2004). We also believe that BBR also has all the capabilities, competencies, legacy, and attributes that can help it be a winner in this region. But winning in the GCC market requires more than just competencies, abilities, or strengths (Kurian et al., 2012a). In our opinion the major ceteris paribus quotient of success within the region is about discerning and articulating the underlying relationships of the region (Hutchings and Weir, 2006), and so along with BBR’s competencies, resources, and presence the organisation needs to understand, accept, emulate, and develop viable relationships in the region. Our research identifies and analyses these elusive, opaque cultural aspects in the backdrop of evaluating the current and future rail infrastructure business development opportunities that have erupted in the region since 2006 and weaves together an argument for BBR’s immediate and long-term presence in the region along with the essential elements that should go with it

The Importance of Relationship development in the GCC region

The noun ‘Relationship’, is defined by Collins English Dictionary (2012) as 1. the state of being connected or related 2. association by blood or marriage; kinship 3. the mutual dealings, connections, or feelings that exist between two parties, countries, people, etc. a business relationship You can see from the above definition that there are several inferences that can be developed out of this single word. But is a relationship easily discernible? Are its dimensions opaque or transparent? Can it be easily contrasted simply by looking at it? Can it be evolved, grown, diminished, or separated? These are questions, if they are faced, they could make a simple word like ‘relationship’ look vague, abstract, and sometimes utterly confusing. In fact, discerning the intricate and delicate web of relationships is an art that requires not just looking at it from a single dimension but comprehending it through an experience in its entirety. Our client M/s Balfour Beatty Rail, UK (from now on as BBR) has chosen us as a three member team for our MBA company-based management project. Our aim is to analyse the importance of relationships in the Arab World, and analyse its critical dimensions. Currently, BBR’s culture, environment, organisational periphery, and business algorithms are different than what the Arab World requires as a pre-requisite for any business activity in the region. These pre-requisites are certain forms of relationships that are not easily understood in Western cultures. The region, as we have witnessed through our research, does accept Western ideas, concepts of development, and innovation but not at all at the expense of relationships (Hutchings and Weir, 2006). We felt very early in the project that these relationships, which are embedded in the socio-political and socio-cultural aspects of the region are seldom understood or even accepted by Western organisations and its people, normally resulting in bitter experiences of the region (Little, 2004). We also believe that BBR also has all the capabilities, competencies, legacy, and attributes that can help it be a winner in this region. But winning in the GCC market requires more than just competencies, abilities, or strengths (Kurian et al., 2012a). In our opinion the major ceteris paribus quotient of success within the region is about discerning and articulating the underlying relationships of the region (Hutchings and Weir, 2006), and so along with BBR’s competencies, resources, and presence the organisation needs to understand, accept, emulate, and develop viable relationships in the region. Our research identifies and analyses these elusive, opaque cultural aspects in the backdrop of evaluating the current and future rail infrastructure business development opportunities that have erupted in the region since 2006 and weaves together an argument for BBR’s immediate and long-term presence in the region along with the essential elements that should go with it

A Review of Autoimmune Diseases Associated with Cancer

The focus of this review is on the relationships between autoimmune diseases and cancer from two closely related perspectives: 1.Those autoimmune diseases which are often associated with malignancies. 2.Those prevalent cancers which may increase the risks of developing autoimmune disorders. The review concludes with a brief discussion of some selected innovative approaches to cancer immunotherapy

HAILEY-HAILEY DISEASE – A CASE REPORT

Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD) is a rare autosomal dominant skin condition discovered in 1939 by Hailey brothers. Prevalence is found to be around 1 in 50,000 and is relatively uncommon in India. First onset of disease occurs between 20 to 40 years of age, usually presented in the 3rd and 4th decades of life. Here, we report a case of a 50-year-old female who presented with clinical features of the HHD and showed greater response to the treatment