Green HRM Practices and the Factors Forcing it: A Study on Health Care Entities in Chennai

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Global Human Resource Management (GHRM) practices on the efficiency of healthcare organizations in the Chennai area. It aims to understand how GHRM can contribute to the success of these organizations, despite potential conflicts with their core values.   Design/Methodology/Approach: The study employs a research methodology that focuses on healthcare organizations within the Chennai area. It employs a comprehensive approach to analyze the implementation of GHRM practices in this specific context. The research design allows for an in-depth exploration of how GHRM practices influence the efficiency of these organizations.   Findings: The findings of this study reveal that GHRM practices have a substantial impact on the efficiency of healthcare businesses in Chennai. Despite potential conflicts with their core values, these organizations benefit from the advanced HRM strategies associated with GHRM. The study uncovers valuable insights into the role of GHRM in the healthcare industry.   Research, Practical & Social implications: This research has implications for both research and practice. It provides valuable insights for academics and researchers studying the impact of HRM practices on different industries, especially in contexts where traditional values may be challenged. Additionally, it offers practical guidance for healthcare organizations in Chennai and beyond, demonstrating the potential benefits of adopting GHRM practices. On a broader social scale, the study underscores the adaptability and relevance of GHRM in diverse sectors.   Originality/Value: The originality and value of this study lie in its specific focus on healthcare organizations in Chennai and their adoption of GHRM practices. By examining a niche sector within a specific geographic region, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the applicability and benefits of GHRM. It adds to the body of knowledge by highlighting the adaptability of GHRM practices, even in industries with established core values, and underscores the potential for organizational success through strategic HR management

Diversity of intertidal macrobenthic fauna around Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts of Maharashtra, west coast of India

Diversity of intertidal macrobenthic community and environmental parameters namely temperature, salinity, pH and DO were assessed near the proposed nuclear power plant site Jaitapur from 2012 to 2014. Analysis of macrobenthic samples revealed the presence of 54 species belonging to 19 different groups. Highest diversity (14 groups) was observed during the post-monsoon (2014) season. At sandy and rocky shores, polychaetes were dominant followed by crustaceans like amphipod, isopod, penaeid shrimps and decapod larvae. Among all inshore stations, diversity was found to be maximum at Ganeshgule (N SW30 kms). Shannon-Weiner diversity index (2.259) and Margalef’s species richness index (2.502) indicated rich diversity at rocky habitats (N SW30 kms). The present study suggests the stable environmental parameters around the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) sites and is responsible for the rich benthic community. The outcome of the present study may be useful as baseline information on macrobenthos around the proposed Jaitapur NPP site

Association of acute toxic encephalopathy with litchi consumption in an outbreak in Muzaffarpur, India, 2014: a case-control study

Background Outbreaks of unexplained illness frequently remain under-investigated. In India, outbreaks of an acute neurological illness with high mortality among children occur annually in Muzaffarpur, the country’s largest litchi cultivation region. In 2014, we aimed to investigate the cause and risk factors for this illness. Methods In this hospital-based surveillance and nested age-matched case-control study, we did laboratory investigations to assess potential infectious and non-infectious causes of this acute neurological illness. Cases were children aged 15 years or younger who were admitted to two hospitals in Muzaffarpur with new-onset seizures or altered sensorium. Age-matched controls were residents of Muzaffarpur who were admitted to the same two hospitals for a non-neurologic illness within seven days of the date of admission of the case. Clinical specimens (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine) and environmental specimens (litchis) were tested for evidence of infectious pathogens, pesticides, toxic metals, and other non-infectious causes, including presence of hypoglycin A or methylenecyclopropylglycine (MCPG), naturally-occurring fruit-based toxins that cause hypoglycaemia and metabolic derangement. Matched and unmatched (controlling for age) bivariate analyses were done and risk factors for illness were expressed as matched odds ratios and odds ratios (unmatched analyses). Findings Between May 26, and July 17, 2014, 390 patients meeting the case definition were admitted to the two referral hospitals in Muzaffarpur, of whom 122 (31%) died. On admission, 204 (62%) of 327 had blood glucose concentration of 70 mg/dL or less. 104 cases were compared with 104 age-matched hospital controls. Litchi consumption (matched odds ratio [mOR] 9·6 [95% CI 3·6 – 24]) and absence of an evening meal (2·2 [1·2–4·3]) in the 24 h preceding illness onset were associated with illness. The absence of an evening meal significantly modified the effect of eating litchis on illness (odds ratio [OR] 7·8 [95% CI 3·3–18·8], without evening meal; OR 3·6 [1·1–11·1] with an evening meal). Tests for infectious agents and pesticides were negative. Metabolites of hypoglycin A, MCPG, or both were detected in 48 [66%] of 73 urine specimens from case-patients and none from 15 controls; 72 (90%) of 80 case-patient specimens had abnormal plasma acylcarnitine profiles, consistent with severe disruption of fatty acid metabolism. In 36 litchi arils tested from Muzaffarpur, hypoglycin A concentrations ranged from 12·4 μg/g to 152·0 μg/g and MCPG ranged from 44·9 μg/g to 220·0 μg/g. Interpretation Our investigation suggests an outbreak of acute encephalopathy in Muzaffarpur associated with both hypoglycin A and MCPG toxicity. To prevent illness and reduce mortality in the region, we recommended minimising litchi consumption, ensuring receipt of an evening meal and implementing rapid glucose correction for suspected illness. A comprehensive investigative approach in Muzaffarpur led to timely public health recommendations, underscoring the importance of using systematic methods in other unexplained illness outbreaks

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Not AvailableThe effect of exposure to sublethal concentrations of methylparathion on enzyme activities in the liver of rohu, Labeo rohita, was studied during 96 h exposure. Alterations were observed in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) activities in the liver of L. rohita, of mean size 75 ± 6 g. ALP and ASP activity levels in methylparathion treated fishes were significantly (p<0.05) higher than the control fishes. The LDH activity in the liver of L. rohita after methylparathion exposure was two-fold higher (p<0.05) when compared to control. These results revealed that methylparathion affects the intermediary metabolism of L. rohita and that the assayed enzymes can work as good biomarkers of methylparathion contamination.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableFresh water fish, Labeo rohita was exposed to sublethal concentrations (0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mg l-1) of the organophosphorus insecticide, methyl parathion (MP) for 15, 30 and 45 days. Aspartate and alanine amino transferase activity increased with increasing pesticide concentration, suggesting tissue damage and muscular harm due to exposure to methyl parathion. The increase in the activity of alkaline phosphatase suggests an increase in lysosomal mobilization and cell necrosis due to methyl parathion toxicity. The results clearly indicate that the organophosphorus insecticide methyl parathion is toxic at sublethal level and it affects intermediary metabolism of Labeo rohita.Not Availabl

The influence of organophosphorus pesticide-methylparathion on protein, lipid metabolism and detoxifying enzymes in rohu (Labeo rohita)

Methylparathion (MP) is an organophosphorus insecticide used world wide in agriculture due to its high activity against a broad spectrum of insect pests. The aim of the study is to understand the effect of methylparathion on the lipid peroxidation, detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes namely catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione Stransferase (GST), total reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPO), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and disease diagnostic marker enzymes in liver, sarcoplasmic (SP) and myofirbirllar (MF) proteins in muscles, lipids and histopathlogical changes in various organs of Labeo rohita of size 75 i 6g at lethal and sublethal level of exposure. The probit analysis showed that the lethal concentration (LC 50%) for 24, 48, 72 and 96h were 15.5mg/L, 12.3mg/L, 11.4mg/L and 10.2mg/L respectively which is much higher compared to the LC50 for juvenile fish. The LPO level and GST activity increased five folds and two folds respectively on exposure to methylparathion at 10.2 mg/L and the level of the enzymes increased, on sub lethal exposure beyond 0.25mg/L. AChE activity was inhibited by 74% at a concentration of 1.8mg/L and 90% at 5.4mg/L. The disease diagnostic marker enzymes AST, ALT, ALP and LDH increased by about 2, 3 ,3 and 2 folds respectively at pesticide concentration of 10.2mg/L when compared to control. On sub lethal exposure, however the enzymes did not show any significant changes up to 0.5mg/L. At a concentration of 10.2 mg/L, there was a three fold increase in myofibrillar proteins while the increase in sarcoplasmic protein was above 1.5 fold. On sub lethal exposure, significant alteration was noticed up to 30 days up to 1mg/L of methylparathion concentration. Further exposure up to 45 days increased sarcoplasmic proteins (upto 0.5mg/L). ln the case of myofibrillar proteins, noticeable changes were observed at 1mg/L concentration right from 15th day. The cholesterol content in brain tissues increased by about 27% at methylparathion concentration of 5.4 mglL. However at 0.25mg/L sub lethal concentration, no significant alteration was observed in enzyme activity, muscle proteins, lipids and histopathology of the tissues. The results suggest that methylparathion has the potential to induce oxidative stress in fish, and that liver, muscle and brains are more sensitive organs of Labeo rohita, with poor antioxidant potentials at higher concentrations of the pesticide. The various parameters studied in this investigation can also be used as biomarkers of methylparathion exposure.Dept.of Chemical Ocenography,Cochin University of Science and Technolog

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Not AvailableHeavy metals are an important group of chemical contaminants and food is the major vehicle for entry into the system. Fish constitute a major source of heavy metals in food. Concentration of heavy metals in commercially important species of fish, shellfish and fish products from fish markets in and around the Cochin area was evaluated using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The concentration ranges of Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr, As, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, Ni, and Se in the samples were < 0.07 – 1, < 0.07 – 1.32, < 0.05 – 2.31, < 0.05 to 3.65, < 0.1 – 4.14, 0.6 to 165, 0.15 to 24, < 0.02 to 0.85, < 0.08 to 9.2, < 0.032 – 1.38 and; < 0.03 – 1.35 mg per kg, respectively. The present study showed that different metals were present in the samples at different levels but within the maximum residual levels prescribed by the EU and USFDA and the fish and shellfish from these areas, in general, are safe for human consumption.Not Availabl