“Youth Response to Religious Diversity and Religious Beliefs” A Study across College Students in the City of Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Chennai formerly known as Madras, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu and India's fourth largest metropolitan city. The status of the groundwater depends on a large number of individual hydro-biological parameters. Pollutants are added to the groundwater system through anthropogenic activities and natural processes. Solid waste from industries is being dumped near the factories and subjected to reaction with percolating rainwater and reaches the groundwater level. The percolating water picks up a large amount of dissolved constituents and reaches the aquifer system and thus it contaminates the groundwater. The aim of the present study was carried out to assess the status of the groundwater in Chennai city using physicochemical and biological parameters according to the standard methods (APHA 1998). Two zones (North and South) from Chennai city were selected for the studies from each Zone 25 sampling stations were fixed and the analysis was made during summer and monsoon seasons (Jan - Dec) 2007. Results indicate that the groundwater of the study area is bacteriologically not safe and need treatment before it is used for drinking purposes. Thus, this study assumes greater importance in the public health management point of view.

Gross anatomy courses that incorporate the use of cadaveric specimens feature the concepts of death and mortality in addition to structures of the human body. Although death is often a poignant topic for various religious traditions, the concept of religion is seldom considered in anatomy courses. In fact, a number of religious traditions consider the dead with the utmost respect and deem dissection practices to be somewhat disrespectful or taboo. Since the Liaison Committee on Medical Education Standards require medical students to acquire cultural competence in belief systems during their education, religious diversity and inclusion are important concepts to consider in medical curricula, especially in anatomy. This study aimed to determine the effects of first‐year medical students’ religious beliefs on their performance on several outcomes measures (e.g., exams, quizzes, final grade) in an anatomy course using cadaveric dissection. This study also aimed to determine if students noted any cultural insensitive practices among the faculty, teaching assistants, or fellow students and whether those practices might have impacted their overall anatomy experience. This study was deemed exempt by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Internal Review Board. The student volunteers (n=151) were administered a survey inquiring about their dissection and course experiences as well as interactions with their cadavers. The survey also inquired about students’ demographic information, including their religious or secular beliefs and practices, and their views on religious or secular diversity, cultural sensitivity, and other forms of sensitivity. Most students identified with Protestant Christianity (n=62) while others identified with Catholic Christianity (n=10), other forms of Christianity (n=24), Agnosticism (n=19), Atheism (n=14), non‐religious spirituality (n=10), Hinduism (n=4), Buddhism (n=3), and Islam (n=2). Several students (n=3) preferred not to answer. A majority of the students (n=82) felt that religious or secular diversity is important to consider and that they (n=120) engaged in culturally sensitive practices in regards to respect for various religious or secular beliefs during the dissection experience in the gross anatomy lab. Only a minority of students (n=57) thought other forms of sensitivity (e.g., gender sensitivity, disability sensitivity, etc.) were important to consider in an anatomy course. Further analyses will determine whether the students’ religious or secular beliefs and practices influenced their performance on their quizzes, exams, and final grade in the gross anatomy course and whether the students who felt like they did not engage in cultural sensitive practices had a negative experience overall. A discussion of cultural competence and of topics such as religious or spiritual diversity and gender sensitivity might be critical to implement in a gross anatomy course. A more inclusive environment in which all individual characteristics are considered and valued might foster improved learning and experiential outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Scrub typhus is a zoonotic rickettsial illness caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi and has been reported from Southeast Asia, the Asian Pacific Rim, and Australia. It is an emerging pathogen in Southern India, especially in the urban setting. The objective of this study was to identify scrub typhus infection among febrile patients and to identify clinical manifestations related to the disease. METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional study, febrile patients who presented to the Department of Experimental Medicine at the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University between November 2015 and February 2016 were enrolled. Demographics and clinical manifestations were recorded using a semi-structured questionnaire. Serum was separated from 2 ml of blood sample for testing. The Scrub Typhus Detect ELISA test was performed as per manufacturer's instructions. Statistical data analysis was done. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were enrolled and their age ranged from 4 to 80 years with a mean of 30 years. Nearly 56% were males. Ig M antibodies for O. tsutsugamushi were present in 23% of cases. Most (65%) of the positive patients were females. About 48% positives for scrub typhus were 4–20 years old. Clinical presentations in these patients were fever (100%), myalgia (73.9%), headache (65.2%), nausea (60.9%), cough (60.9%), abdominal pain (52.2%), vomiting (47.8%), breathlessness (39.1%), diarrhea (34.8%), and decreased urine output (26.1%). Eschar was seen in 7 patients of whom 2 were positive for scrub typhus. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, 23% of febrile patients were positive for scrub typhus infection. Therefore, it needs to be included in the differential diagnosis of febrile illnesses in Chennai city.

Predicting COVID-19 vaccination behavior among U.S. college students using the Health Belief Model (HBM). Cross-sectional survey. Online. A convenience sample of students in a public university in the U.S. (N = 411). Demographics; COVID-19 vaccination behavior as outcome variable; HBM variables (perceived threat of COVID-19, perceived individual benefit of vaccination, perceived community benefit of vaccination, perceived vaccine-safety barrier, perceived vaccination-cost barrier [time and effort], self-efficacy), and fear of COVID-19 as proximal predictors; religious beliefs and political beliefs as distal predictors. Questions/items measuring all variables in the survey data collection were taken from relevant and peer-reviewed publications and were modified to reflect the context of COVID-19. Structural equation modeling (SEM). The model fit the data very well (χ2/df = 2.27/5 = .45, p = .810; RMSEA = .000). Perceived individual benefit (β = .489, p < .001), perceived vaccine-safety barrier (β = -.151, p = .001), perceived vaccination-cost barrier (β = -.152, p < .001), and political beliefs (β = -.094, p = .029) are significant predictors of vaccination behavior. Effects of religious beliefs are completely, and effects of political beliefs are partially mediated by perceived individual benefit and the two barrier variables. Perceived individual benefit, the two barrier variables, and political beliefs are direct predictors, while religious beliefs are an indirect predictor, of COVID-19 vaccination behavior, suggesting that the HBM can effectively inform strategies to promote vaccination. Political beliefs are a much stronger predictor than religious beliefs. Students who are more religious or conservative tend to perceive less individual benefit and greater barriers to vaccination, making them less likely to get vaccinated. A limitation of this study is the disproportionate number of female participants (77.9%).

The aim of the study was to determine the association of lipid profile with high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), obese, hypertensive in type 2 diabetes in north Chennai area, Tamil Nadu, India. Nearly 300 blood sample were collected from patients in JPM diagnostic centre, north Chennai, Tamil Nadu and grouped them into diabetic (n=150) and non diabetic (n=150). Behavioral characters were calculated by using the data from the questionnaire like age, sex, height, weight, food habits, obesity, blood pressure (BP), family history, alcohol and smoking habits were correlated for interpretation. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured by using standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Hypertension was diagnosed as per the criteria provided by the WHO (1959&1978). The body weight was calculated by taking weight in kg and height was measured in cms. The body mass index was calculated from the formula BMI = weight in kg/(height in meters) 2 Patients were taken as obese if their body mass index was 29.9. All biochemical analyses were done on a semi autoanalyser (RA 50). hs-CRP levels were measured with Elisa reader (Star Fax 325). The lipid concentration level was significantly higher in diabetic patients compared with non diabetic patients, serum total cholesterol mean ± SD 209.57±26.56 (P<0.001), serum triglycerides mean ± SD 184.78±49.10 (P<0.001), serum LDL - cholesterol mean ± SD 165.27±29.43,(P<0.001) and decrease in serum HDL-cholesterol levels mean ± SD 42.30±7.12, (P<0.001), and total cholesterol/HDL ratio, mean ± SD 5.13±1.27 (P<.001), Regression analysis revealed obese to be strongly associated with diabetes observed. BMI mean±SD 26.93-3.10 (P<0.001). hs-CRP values increased with increase of obese mean ± SD 6.71±2.78 (ANOVA P<0.001) and HbA1c mean± SD 8.54±1.07 (ANOVA P<0.001). Lipid concentration is elevated in hypertensive with diabetes serum total cholesterol mean ± SD 211.61±26.21 (P<0.001) and compared with hypertensive with non diabetic subjects. Lipid concentration level increased (Total cholesterol, LDL, TGL&VLDL) and decreased (HDL) in diabetes subjects. Lipoprotein particles significantly higher in diabetic female, compared to diabetic male. hs-CRP, increased in obese diabetes when compared with non obese diabetics, and obese non diabetics. hs-CRP strongly associated in obese with diabetes. Lipid concentration elevated in hypertensive with diabetes. The risk factors such as obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, food habits and family history were found to promote the development of type 2 diabetes.

Effect of process parameters of pulsed current tungsten inert gas welding on weld pool geometry of titanium welds M. Balasubramanian ∗ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Velammal Engineering College, Surapet, Anna University, Guindy, Chennai 600 025, Tamilnadu, India V. Jayabalan Department of Manufacturing Engineering, Anna University, Guindy, Chennai 600 025, Tamilnadu, India V. Balasubramanian Centre for Materials Joining & Research, Department of Manufacturing Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar-608 002, Tamilnadu, India Manuscript received 8 July 2009; in revised form 12 April 2010

Two edible fishes, Bulls eye, Priacanthus hamrur (Percidae) and Hard tail scad, Megalaspis cordyla (Carangidae) from the waters of Royapuram coast, Chennai, Tamil Nadu were chosen for isolation of bacterial human pathogens in their gills, intestine, muscle and skin. Based on their growth characteristics on specific culture media, the following human bacterial pathogens, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio cholerae and Shigella dysenteriae were isolated in both the fishes. The medium of the fishes and the sediments of their habitat were furthermore collected and examined for pathogens. Different bacterial species were found in the medium that was analyzed, including the human pathogens isolated from the fishes. Surprisingly the five human bacterial pathogens harbored in the fishes were found in the medium but not in the sediment. This research is primarily to highlight the quality of these two edible fishes in the coastal waters of Royapuram, Chennai and to create awareness amid fish eating population.

Purpose: Assessing the IE process is not linear and poses challenges to researchers because of several factors. One such factor is the complexity of defining the indicators for assessment inclusion. Using the Index for Inclusion (Booth &amp; Ainscow, 2011), the researchers attempted to examine the opinions of school principals towards IE in Chennai City, Tamil Nadu State, India.Design/methodology/approach: This study used a descriptive survey approach involving 81 school principals from secondary and higher secondary schools in Chennai city, Tamil Nadu State, India, using convenient sampling. The researchers used the Index for Inclusion (adapted from Booth &amp; Ainscow, 2011) to measure school principals’ perceptions of IE. This index measures three dimensions of inclusion: creating an inclusive culture, producing inclusive policies, and evolving inclusive practices. Principals were asked to rate their perceptions of IE in their schools on a 4-point Likert scale (1= need more information, 2 = disagree, 3 = agree to some extent, 4 = definitely agree). Descriptive statistics, such as Mean and Standard Deviation, were used to determine principals’ perceived level of inclusion in their schools. In addition, inferential statistics such as the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to determine the differences in the perception of principals based on the number of trainings they received in IE and the number of students with special needs (SWSN) in their schools. Spearman’s correlation was used to determine the relationship between the three dimensions of the index for inclusion.Findings: Descriptive data analysis revealed that the majority (88%) of the principals perceived that their schools performed at moderate to low levels in IE. In addition, of the 47 indicators, school principals were perceived to have a high level of inclusion with respect to eight indicators, a low level in eight indicators, and a moderate level of inclusion in 31 indicators. In addition,the results revealed that the number of trainings received in IE and the number of SWSN enrolled in their schools did not influence principals’ perceptions of IE. Furthermore, significant positive correlations were reported between the dimensions of the index for inclusion, revealing the interconnectedness of inclusive school culture, policies, and practices. Practical Implications: Given that 88% of principals perceive their schools to perform at moderate to low levels of inclusion, school improvement plans should be developed to focus on specific indicators where schools are under performing. Such schools should be provided with targeted and practical support to improve IE. As the number of trainings received by principals did not influence their perceptions of inclusion, this suggests the need to revisit the content and delivery of IE training programs. As the number of special needs students did not influence principals’ perceptions, inclusion efforts should focus on all students, not just those with disabilities. Schools should work to better align their inclusive policies, culture, and practices as these areas are interconnected. Originality/value: This study’s findings contribute to the existing body of literature by offering valuable insights into how principals’ perceptions of IE can be measured using the index for inclusion.

This study focuses on disaster impacts and recovery in Tamil Nadu, drawing on insights from Chennai city and Nagapattinam district. The research is part of a larger three-year project called “Recovery with Dignity”, which examines the experiences of recovery in post-disaster situations across three states in India – Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala – and explores how recovery processes represent vulnerable populations. In this report, we focus on three key disasters in Tamil Nadu: the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the 2015 South India flood, and the 2018 Cyclone Gaja. Through these events, we examine how the ways disasters and their losses are represented shape recovery outcomes. The study uses a range of data, from a review of state policies in Tamil Nadu (2005-2019), an analysis of media articles published in English and Tamil (2004-2019), to interviews with disaster-affected people and secondary stakeholders. The findings indicate that disaster responses and outcomes are highly differentiated based on how disaster-affected people and their needs and losses are represented. To enable inclusive recovery, it is necessary to recognising the heterogenous nature of disaster impacts and acknowledge different ideas of what recovery means.

Passenger cars were a luxury in a bygone era and times have changed since then. It is now an era that embraces globalisation. Privatisation has opened doors and monopoly hardly exists today. Families buy cars with rise in disposable incomes and to commute to work and educational institutions besides leisure activities. The car variants are aplenty and there seems to be stiff competition between variants in the same manufacturing company. The dream of buying cars in India continues unabated. Personalities of humans helps perceive their behaviour and likely action. Similarly, personality of cars helps perceived their look, functioning, efficiency and perhaps their owner’s social status. Research was undertaken in the passenger car industry at the city of Chennai in Tamilnadu State of South India. The objective was to investigate the impact of certain variables on the personality of the car brand and the manufacturer. Variables impacting car brand personality that were chosen for the research comprised Trust, Self-Connection, Passion, Intimacy, and Brand Partner Quality. The relationship between car brand personality and brand loyalty was also assessed. Tools like multiple regression analysis and correlation were used. Results reveal the extent of impact of these variables.

Background: Exposure to tobacco at a young age leads to a subsequent smoking habit in large proportions of the population in adulthood. Social and mass media have both positive and negative effects on adolescents’ behavior and social skills and therefore play vital roles in driving this behavior. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of film stars on smoking initiation and tobacco use among male adolescents aged 13–15 years in Chennai city, Tamil Nadu, India. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional design. In total, 200 students from schools that serve low-income households participated in the study. All the students completed a 20-item questionnaire on the perceived severity of smoking, perceived barriers to quitting, and factors affecting quitting. Results: None of the participants had a history of smoking. One (0.5%) participant stated that he smoked daily. All the participants agreed that exposure to media images of smoking behavior among their favorite film stars would not encourage them to smoke. In terms of peer pressure, one (0.5%) participant stated that he would accept a cigarette if offered one by a friend. Only descriptive information of the collected data was tabulated as the aim of the study was to collect the baseline data and not to test any prespecified hypothesis. Conclusion: In our study, peer pressure seemed to play more influence on the smoking initiation by adolescents than the film stars on mass media. Though all of them agreed that they would not be provoked by media images of film stars smoking, one participant was likely to initiate the habit on being offered by his friend. Hence, the evidence suggests the need for reorientation of research modalities to better identify early initiators of smoking.

Aim: To determine the impact of the increased size of the pictorial health warnings (PHW) on cigarette packets amongst chronic smokers, and to ascertain whether there will be a decrease in the smoking levels due to the increased graphics representation on cigarette packets on the public.Materials and methodology: The study involved 60 chronic smokers, aged 18 to 48 years residing in Chennai, Tamil Nadu who were interviewed using a structured questionnaire that includes person's demographic data and questions that indicated the dependency, chronicity, and severity of addiction to smoking of the person and impact of pictorial health warnings displayed on the cigarette packets.Conclusion: The study results showed that after the increase in the size of the pictorial warnings, only 43.9% of the participants suggested that this increase will bring down smoking levels in the public. This indicates that dire measures should be undertaken to create a more pronounced impact on the public to help reduce the overall smoking levels and increase the general long-term health of the population.

This paper presents groundwater quality of Ambattur industrial area in Chennai City. Ten different locations were selected for the study and compared. The parameters studied were pH, total alkalinity, total hardness, turbidity, chloride, sulphate, fluoride, total dissolved solids and conductivity. From overall analysis, it was observed that there was a slight fluctuation in the physico-chemical parameters among the water samples studied. Comparison of the physico-chemical parameters of the water sample with WHO and ICMR limits showed that the groundwater is highly contaminated and account for health hazards for human use.

Introduction: Global warming is one of the serious issues that people face around the globe (WHO 2011). It is important for us that the earth is around for our kids for a long time to come. Hence, as a dentist, it is our responsibility to extend our contribution toward environmental protection using an eco-friendly approach in clinical practice. Aim of Study: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and awareness of green dentistry among graduate and postgraduate dental practitioners in Anna Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered close-ended questionnaire comprising of 15 questions among 250 dental practitioners to evaluate the awareness of green dentistry and procedures involved in implementing them. The questions were prepared to assess the knowledge, attitude, and implementation of green dentistry. Results: The overall knowledge regarding green dentistry was similar among the participants, but those with postgraduate degree reported a slightly higher percentage of awareness (73.6%) and preferred digital radiography (62.3%) than undergraduate practitioners. Conclusion: The current study suggests that the implementation of green dentistry practices among the graduate and postgraduate dental practitioners is not adequate.

Tamil Nadu is one urban state which is industrialized and fast growing after the 1990s.The manufacturing and service sectors have been growing quickly, which contributes to the state's enormous labour demand.As Rural to urban migration is increasing in India for both the short term and the long-term movements, the migrants depend largely upon the construction sector for employment.Chennai and other areas of Tamil Nadu have emerged as the construction industries main hubs and draws migrants from and within the state and from other states flowing into these sectors.As Tamil Nadu is the home for more than 10 lakhs migrant workers especially working in construction segments.Every year, almost a lakh young men and women move from villages to Tamil Nadu with dreams to get better jobs and quality of life.Covid-19 had a major hit on the economy and turned it upside down all at once.The pandemic has caused a huge recession across all the countries.Many people were affected by the disease, many lost jobs, the global economy and the individual's economic condition was severely affected.Considering the importance of establishing policies for migrants, especially towards the construction sector Firstly, the study examines the challenges faced by the migrant workers during pandemic with respect to provisions, residence, job, income, healthcare covid and non-covid related issues, mobility, and sanitation with the help of in-depth interview data collected from migrants' construction workers in Chennai city.Secondly the paper focuses on various policy measures undertaken by the Government of India and Tamil Nadu to resolve the problem of the migrant workers.Thirdly, the paper Provides suggestions that can help governments be better equipped to handle these issues in the future.Random sampling technique is used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data's which is collected from different areas of Chennai city, Vignette technique would be used to study the problems faced by the migrant's workers during pandemic the qualitative data is analysed using vignettes to analyses the problem of the migrants during pandemic.