How Do I Support Someone Living With Epilepsy?

Author: Ms.R.Tejashree – Tutor in the Department of Neuro Electro Physiology
SIMATS- Saveetha College of Allied Health Sciences
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai.

In this write up we will explore seizure disorder and its causes, symptoms, and how to provide first-aid treatment for seizure. A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, and levels of consciousness. Having two or more seizures at least 24 hours apart that do not have a known cause is considered to be epilepsy. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders of childhood. Epilepsy affects both sexes and all ages with worldwide distribution. The prevalence and the incidence of epilepsy are slightly higher in men compared to women and tend to peak in the elderly, reflecting the higher frequency of stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, and tumors in this age-group. Focal seizures are more common than generalized seizures both in children and in adults. Epilepsy is a treatable condition, with up to 80% entering prolonged periods of seizure remission and up to 50% continuing to be seizure-free after treatment discontinuation.

 Epilepsy has often been considered a disorder surrounded by myths and misconception. The seizures are short – lived, lasting only for a few seconds to minutes, and recovery is immediate. The person may experience sudden loss of consciousness, jerking movements of arms and legs, staring, stiffening of the body, breathing problems, and loss of bowel control. They may also ave hallucinations of sight, smell, sound, taste, touch and memory. Genetic factors, brain tumors, stroke, degenerative diseases, trauma, chronic alcohol, stress, high illness may cause epilepsy. It is not always possible to identify a cause for epilepsy with any confidence. The main form of treatment for epilepsy is drugs. Sometimes people can learn to control their seizures by avoiding clear precipitants, for example alcohol or lack of sleep. But the large majority require anti – convulsant medication, often over a period of many years. Seizures impact their lives in many ways including creating barriers to employment and education and facing a sense of discrimination and isolation from their peers who donʼt understand what happens when they see a seizure occur.

 It is important for the public to know how to respond to all seizures. So people must know how to help seizure patients through first aid treatments. Some general steps to help someone who is having any type of seizures are to stay calm and remain with the person until the seizure ends, keep the person safe and protect them from injury by removing any nearby objects, and turn the person onto their side. Call 108 if the seizure is prolonged for more than 5 minutes. Do not restrain the person and do not put anything in the mouth during an attack.

 To lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures and save lives. This lecture highlights the information on epilepsy and its causes, symptoms, and medications and most importantly how to help the seizure person by providing first aid treatment.

 SIMATS – Saveetha College of Allied Health Sciences conducted an awareness program on
Sustainable Development Goals in Saveetha School of Physical Education on the topic entitled “Awareness on seizure disorder”.

Vietjet Wins Prestigious Award for Human Resource Digital Transformation Strategy

Chennai, February 22, 2024) – Vietjet, Vietnam’s leading new-age carrier, has been crowned with the “Best Human Resource Digital Transformation Strategy Award” at the 32nd World HRD Congress in Mumbai, India. The award ceremony brought together over 200 speakers and 3,000 global leaders in the field of Human Resources and industry experts from over 119 countries and territories worldwide.

The airline is highly recognized for its strategic process, which involves leveraging digital technologies to enhance and optimize HR processes, functions, and human capital management. These initiatives aim to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and employee experience while also contributing to the development of personnel within the organization. Some of the key criteria assessed include initiatives in translating and combining vision with action, HR strategy, and cultivating competencies for the future to enable the organization to be future-ready.

Vietjet is an internationally diverse workplace with over 6,000 officers and employees from more than 50 countries and territories. The airline has been voted the best workplace in Asia and a leading employer for many years. With effective management policies, especially in human resources, Vietjet is among the few airlines that quickly recovered and expanded its flight network after the pandemic.

With “People” identified as the top priority resource, the airline is committed to sustainable development with a core focus on human resource development. The company continuously innovates and fosters creativity to maximize the potential of its workforce, providing opportunities for employees’ self-development and contributing to the growth of the company, the aviation industry, and the community in the digital age.

LG India inaugurated its Business Innovation Center in Chennai

National, 20th February 2024 – LG Electronics inaugurated its fourth Business Innovation Center in Chennai today. This new facility is dedicated to showcasing LG’s top-line Enterprise and Consumer products and solutions and B2B2C products and solutions in an experiential setup, providing visitors with an opportunity to witness closely the latest innovations and explore the limitless possibilities with cutting edge offering.

lg business innovation

The LG Business Innovation Center in Chennai is a testament to LG’s dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions across various sectors. It features a comprehensive range of products, including Information Displays, Commercial Air Conditioners, Information Technology, and state-of-the-art Consumer Durable products. The center serves as a platform for businesses & users to test and experiment with these solutions, fostering creativity and collaboration.

Among the key highlights of the Information Display category are the 136 All-in-One LED Screen, LG MAGNIT, LG Transparent OLED Signage and LG CreateBoard. In addition to this, the Business Center also features the System Air Conditioning products & solutions.

Attendees at the Business Center can explore LG’s industry-leading Multi V 5 and Multi V S series, renowned for their exceptional COP and compatibility with a wide range of indoor units. From customized air conditioning solutions to meet specific industry requirements to the latest flagship product, Multi i HOME, designed for premium residences and villas, LG demonstrates its dedication to providing innovative solutions for diverse customer needs.

Architectural favourites, such as the Round Cassettes and 1-way cassettes, both recipients of the prestigious “Red Dot Design” award, are also on display, showcasing LG’s commitment to aesthetics and design excellence. Furthermore, visitors will have the opportunity to discover the innovative Hydro Kit, a popular solution in the hotel and hospital industries, offering simultaneous hot water generation (as a by-product) alongside air conditioning.

Commenting on the same, Mr. Hong Ju Jeon- MD, LG India, said, “We’re thrilled to expand our innovation journey with the launch of our fourth Business Innovation Center in Chennai. It’s not just a new facility; it’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to bringing the latest technology right to your doorstep. Our team in Chennai is ready to welcome you with open arms, offering hands-on experiences with our top-line products like the LG MAGNIT, Transparent OLED Signage, Multi V 5 and Multi V S series. We strongly believe in the value of teamwork and creativity, and we’re eager to collaborate with partners to explore limitless opportunities together.”

LG MAGNIT, the revolutionary Micro LED Display, redefines visual experiences with its cutting-edge technology and exceptional performance. LG MAGNIT captivates audiences with its deep blacks and vibrant colours. Its efficient power consumption and real-time Connected Care service ensure reliability and longevity.

LG Transparent OLED Signage represents a new era of visual communication, offering high transparency and vivid colours that seamlessly integrate with the surroundings. With its slim structure and expandable design, it provides endless possibilities for creative expression in various environments.

The LG MULTI V 5 is a revolutionary HVAC solution for high-rise buildings, boasting advanced technologies that ensure maximum energy efficiency and minimized operational costs. With its Dual Sensing Control, it intelligently monitors humidity and temperature, optimizing comfort while conserving energy. Additionally, its innovative features such as Smart Load Control and Enhanced Heating ensure reliable performance even in challenging conditions, making it the ultimate choice for energy-conscious buildings.

The MULTI V S by LG offers a compact and eco-conscious VRF solution ideal for residences and small offices.. Equipped with the R1 Compressor and controlled via the ThinQ™ app, the MULTI V S delivers high performance with minimal environmental impact, offering users maximum comfort and convenience.

The opening of the LG Business Innovation Center in Chennai underscores LG’s commitment to driving innovation and empowering businesses across India. Through this center, LG aims to collaborate with partners and customers to co-create solutions that address their specific needs and challenges.

Jacob John Paul Joins InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort as Director of Human Resources.

We are thrilled to announce that Jacob John Paul has joined InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort as the Director of Human Resources through the “Room to Grow” program. Jacob is well-known within IHG Hotels and Resorts, having previously spearheaded people strategies at Crowne Plaza, Chennai, as the Director of Human Resources.

Jacob John Paul

 Over his 2+ years with IHG, he has made substantial contributions to the hotel’s success. Jacob’s journey in the hospitality industry commenced after he completed his Master’s in Business Administration from Thangavelu Engineering College. He has consistently prioritized instilling IHG’s culture of high performance and recognition. Outside of work, Jacob is passionate about driving, and dancing is a cherished hobby.

 Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Jacob in his new role and wishing him the very best. Your support as he settles into this position is invaluable.

Indian Street Premier League’s Chennai Singams Unveils its Brand Identity

Chennai, February 16th, 2024: The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) franchise Chennai Singams unveiled their logo for the highly anticipated inaugural edition of the league. Rajdipkumar Gupta, Sandipkumar Gupta- promoters of Route Mobile Ltd and Actor Suriya Sivakumar are the co-owners of Chennai Singams, a Chennai-based franchise.

Chennai Singams - LOGO

 The logo with a roaring lion depicts the great strength and valour of Chennai. The standout logo perfectly aligns with ISPL’s mission to merge the spirit of the streets with the grandeur of stadium cricket. Additionally, the highlighted yellow colour in the logo visually depicts the radiance of Chennai.

 Rajdipkumar Gupta, Co-Owner of Chennai Singams said “Both I and Sandip besides being entrepreneurs are very passionate towards sports and the same reflects in our ownership of multiple clubs in MCA that have produced talented players like Sudhir Naik, Zaheer Khan, Wasim Jaffer, Rajesh Pawar, Raju Sutar, Nilesh Kulkarni besides our ownership of North Mumbai Panthers that plays at the Mumbai T20 Premiere League and Saraswati Sports Complex in Mumbai that provides good sporting amenities.

 Additionally, he stated, “Women’s Cricket is another focus area we would like to develop and currently we have set up a team via National Cricket Club from which 5 women and 5 men are part of the Mumbai State team in BCCI”

 ISPL is scheduled to kick off from March 6 th to March 15 th 2024, in Mumbai, The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) is India’s first-ever T10 tennis ball cricket tournament. Promising an enthralling display of cricketing brilliance, the tournament will feature 19 high-intensity matches, boasting a line-up of six teams – Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Srinagar.

“Orchids The International School introduces Hands-on Learning Experience”

Chennai, February 15th, 2024: Orchids The International School, one of the leading international K12 chain of schools, well-known for its innovative efforts in progressive teaching, has launched the innovative Imagine Hub in Chennai. The Imagine Hub launched in Perumbakkam Campus features Astronomy, Robotics, MAC Coding, Tinkering, Dance, Theater, Music, Weaving & Printing, Pottery & Painting, and Horticulture. The labs will also be available in Orchids Pallikaranai campus. The Imagine Hub labs have been built by Homelane, an innovative interior design company utilizing technology to offer comprehensive end-to-end interior solutions.

imagine

 The state-of-the-art labs were inaugurated by renowned Father-Daughter Choreographers Sridhar Master – Akshadha Sridhar, Indian Cinematographer- Vijay Kartik Kannan, Former Regional Director ICCR Chennai- K.Mohamed Ibrahim Khaleel, Influencer and Blogger- Mohamed Irfan, Film Editor- Shafique Mohammed Ali, Indian Cinematographer-Vidhu Ayyanna, VP Academics, Orchids- Manjula B, Principal of Orchids The International School, Perumbakkam Campus- Lavanya T and Shiv Kumar, Zonal Head-Chennai, Orchids.

 Speaking on the lab launch, Manjula B, VP Academics, Orchids said, “The Imagine Hub labs align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023, emphasizing experiential learning and STEM integration. Lab based Education offers hands-on experiences and experimentation, empowering passive learners to become active participants. By actively engaging students in conducting experiments, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions, this approach fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. These Hubs are designed to equip students with the tools necessary to use knowledge effectively. It will not only help our students reach their true potential but also help us in contributing to India’s goal of becoming ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.”

  Mr. K.Mohamed Ibrahim Khaleel, applauding the launch said “I believe the Imagine Hub labs will be key in sparking curiosity and creativity in our children. Orchids is really stepping up to offer a well-rounded education, both in STEM and Performing & Visual Arts. With the launch of such innovative labs, it is going to shape the next generation of researchers and problem- solvers, and that’s something worth celebrating.”

 Commenting on the launch Father-Daughter Choreographer Sridhar Master-Akshadha
Sridhar said “We believe strongly that dance not only enables a healthy form of expression through movement but also nurtures the overall well-being by enhancing fine and gross motor skills and mind-body coordination. Through the launch of Imagine Hub by Orchids The International School dedication to artistic nurture mirrors my own passion – to ignite and champion the creative spark in every student.”

 The creation and execution of the Imagine Hub underscore Orchids' dedication to cultivating well-rounded competencies among students. Beyond academic excellence, the objective is to foster a comprehensive preparedness for various domains such as sports, creative expression, future artistic endeavors, and essential life skills like coding and robotics.

StartupTN launches new initiatives

Chennai, 9th February 2024: The Hon’ble Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Thiru. T.M. Anbarasan launched various new initiatives of the Tamil Nadu Startup and Innovation Mission at an event held at the CMRL Building Auditorium, Nandanam on Wednesday (07.02.2024).

Picture 01 - StartupTN - Seiga Pudhumai

 The Hon’ble Minister launched Smart Cards for Startups and issued them to the first 10 Startups. The Smart Card offers a comprehensive selection of products and services at subsidised rates, specially tailored to meet the needs of Startups in their early stages. Startups can significantly enhance and expedite their business growth by making use of the products and services at an affordable cost. StartupTN has collaborated with various partners to provide a diverse range of products and services to equip Startups with essential resources and support at a reduced cost.

 The products and services have been broadly classified into six different categories:
Legal & Compliance, Marketing/Business Consulting, Finance and Insurance, Human Resources and Smart Workspace, Software and IT/ITES, and Media and Entertainment. The Hon’ble Minister gave away sanction orders to four Startups run by entrepreneurs from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Communities, amounting to Rs 9.05 Crore under the Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund as equity investment.

 The Minister launched products and services of 20 Startups run by women entrepreneurs under the Women Launchpad initiative. LaunchPad is a platform designed to help Startups gain initial offline and online market traction for their new Brands and Products on a public forum. This will spur creativity and build excitement for Startups.

 The Hon’ble Minister also launched the Open Innovation portal, aimed at connecting corporates/government agencies with innovators, Startups and researchers. They can take up the problem statements/challenges posted by corporates and government agencies and come up with innovative solutions.

 The Minister also launched a Branding Course titled ‘Nil-Brand-Sell’ under the BrandLabs initiative of StartupTN. Startups can make use of the content created by branding expert Mr. Praveen Shekar.

 Addressing the participants, Hon’ble MSME Minister, Thiru. T.M. Anbarasan said that to increase participation of people in Startup activities, various funding opportunities are being created by the State Government. They include TANSEED, Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund, and Innovation Voucher Program.

 He said that since the State Government performed better in the Startup ecosystem space, Tamil Nadu State received the recognition ‘Best Performer’ in the Union Government’s States’ Startup India Ranking. The Regional Startup Hubs established by the State Government through StartupTN are creating sensitisation on entrepreneurship throughout the State.

 MSME Secretary, Tmt. Archana Patnaik, I.A.S., Mission Director and CEO of StartupTN, Thiru. Sivarajah Ramanathan, and branding expert Mr. Praveen Shekar participated in the program.

Federal Bank launches RuPay backed NCMC wallet Debit Cards

6th February 2024, Chennai:  Federal Bank becomes one of the earliest private sector banks to launch NCMC integrated Debit cards. National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) is a feature introduced on RuPay Contactless Debit Card which allows cardholders to make payments across NCMC-enabled terminals at metro stations, buses, etc in an offline mode within fraction of second, just by tapping the card on the card reader. NCMC is equipped with multiple functions, including stored value payments (currently up to Rs.2000/- and subject to change as prescribed by RBI from time to time) to simplify travel across different modes by digitizing payment.

Federal Bank

 For activating the NCMC functionality and to start using the card for offline transactions, the cardholder is required to enable “contactless feature” either through Mobile banking, Internet banking or through IVR. Post enablement, visit the customer care desk of Metro station and initiate the activation and money load transaction. Money can be loaded in the card through cash or through the existing savings account at the metro counter itself. After loading money, the customer can just tap the card at the entry and exit of the terminal and unveil the convenience of travelling without purchasing a ticket separately. The amount debited/available will be displayed on the metro terminal screen at the time of tapping the card.

  ‘We are thrilled to unveil a new and ambitious project for Federal Bank RuPay Debit Card holders who can now use their debit cards for offline payments at transit operators. The NCMC is poised to revolutionize the way citizens navigate urban transportation networks across the country. With the goal of enhancing convenience and efficiency, the NCMC introduces a unified approach to travel, simplifying the commuting experience for millions. We feel that this step taken by Federal Bank and RuPay would empower the ustomers and give them the flexibility to travel and pay on the go’- said Chitrabhanu KG, SVP and Country Head- Retail Assets and cards- Federal Bank.

Aquaconnect Secures $4M (INR 33Cr) in Pre-Series B Funding Round Led by S2G Ventures

Chennai, February 06, 2024: Aquaconnect, a full-stack aquaculture platform with embedded fintech that leverages satellite remote sensing and artificial intelligence to improve the efficiency of stakeholders in the fish and shrimp farming industry, completed a $4 million (INR 33 Cr) Pre-Series B funding round led by S2G Ventures.

Aquaconnect will utilize the new capital to continue scaling its operations and enhance its coverage of the major aquaculture production states in India. The company has recently expanded its footprint in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam, and achieved 4x revenue growth in the last fiscal year

rajamanohar.

With this new funding, Aquaconnect also seeks to double its Aqua Partner network in the next 6 months, strengthening post-harvest linkage solutions and expanding its product portfolio with farmer-focused innovations, formal credit services, and new products to amplify its reach and impact. Aqua Partners are rural entrepreneurs who provide last-mile assistance to farmers while delivering the company’s services, including farm advisory, access to feed and other farm inputs, and post-harvest market linkage to domestic and international buyers.

Commenting on the Pre-Series B funding round, Rajamanohar Somasundaram, Founder & CEO of Aquaconnect, said, “The investment from S2G reinforces our mission of transforming the Indian aquaculture landscape through a phygital approach. The funds come at a critical juncture as we gear up for our next phase of growth to capture new opportunities, with an intense focus on expanding our operations in major markets. This expansion is more than just scaling. It’s about deepening our impact within the farming communities by strengthening our Aqua Partners and seafood buyer network, thus creating a more sustainable ecosystem while simultaneously enhancing the service offerings and innovative tech-driven solutions to strengthen our position in the aquaculture sector.”

“Aquaconnect’s full-stack solution is revolutionizing aquaculture in India through reliable access to a diverse set of farming input products, working capital financing, marketplace commerce, and streamlined logistics,” said Kate Danaher, Managing Director at S2G Ventures. “Aquaculture is the fastest growing method of food production in the world, and a critical solution for long-term food security. Platforms that contribute to the viability of the sector through sustainable farming practices and trade are paramount. As a leading organization in the second largest aquaculture market in the world, we believe Aquaconnect is ideally positioned to capture meaningful market share and contribute to a future of sustainable growth across the sector.”

Aquaconnect raised $15 million in a Series A funding round last year from Lok Capital, Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) Ventures, Suneight Investments, AgFunder, Omnivore, Rebright Partners, Flourish Ventures, and Hatch Blue.

“Data Patterns reports growth of 33% in Revenue and 53% in PAT in Q3”

Chennai, February 1, 2024: The Board of Directors at Data Patterns (India) Limited (NSE: DATAPATTNS | BSE: 543428), a vertically integrated Defence and Aerospace electronics solutions provider catering to the indigenously developed defence products industry, today approved the limited review financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.

 performance Highlights

INR in Cr.

Particulars Q3 – FY24 Q3 – FY23 Q2 – FY24 9 months – FY24 9 months – FY23
Total Income       150.81 113.66 119.15      371.26 273.75
Revenue from Operations       139.51 111.81 108.31      337.51 268.35
Operational EBIDTA         60.04 47.04 40.73      128.60 98.47
Profit Before Tax (PBT)         65.72 44.64 46.27      146.87 92.73
Profit After Tax (PAT)         50.97 33.32 33.79      110.59 68.65
Gross Margin 67.69% 66.34% 67.68% 66.24% 65.43%
EBIDTA Margin 43.04% 42.07% 37.61% 38.10% 36.69%

Q3 (2023 – 2024)

  • Total Revenue for Q3 increased by 33% from Rs. 113.66 Cr in quarter ended December 31, 2022 to Rs. 150.81 Cr in quarter ended December 31, 2023 and the revenue from operations increased by 25% in the corresponding period.
  • The Company’s Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization (Operational EBIDTA) increased by 28% from INR 47.04 Cr for the quarter ended December 31, 2022 to INR 60.04 Cr in the corresponding quarter ended December 31, 2023
  • Profit Before Tax (PBT) improved by 47% from INR 44.64 Cr in the quarter ended December 31, 2022 to INR 65.72 Cr in the quarter ended December 31, 2023
  • Profit After Tax (PAT) also increased by 53% from Rs. 33.32 Cr in the quarter ended December 31, 2022 to Rs. 50.97 Cr in the quarter ended December 31, 2023.

9 Months (2023 – 2024)

  • Company’s total Revenue for the 9 months ended December 31, 2023 was Rs. 371.26 Cr, an increase of 36% over the 9 months revenue of Rs. 273.75 Cr in FY 2022-23. Revenue from operations increased by 26% from INR 268.35 Cr to Rs. 337.51 Cr in the corresponding 9 months.
  • Operational EBIDTA increased by 31% from INR 98.47 Cr in the 9 months ended December 31, 2022 to INR 128.60 Cr in the corresponding period ended December 31, 2023.
  • Profit Before Tax (PBT) improved by 58% to Rs. 146.87 Cr in the 9 months ended December 31, 2023 as compared to INR 92.73 Cr in the corresponding period ended December 31, 2022.
  • Profit After Tax (PAT) increased by 61% from Rs. 68.65 Cr in the 9 months ended December 31, 2022 to Rs. 110.59 Cr in the 9 months ended December 31, 2023.

ORDER BOOK

  • Orders on hand as on date                         – INR 975.40 Cr
  • Negotiation completed & yet to receive order             – INR    64 Cr
  • Including orders negotiated converted into orders, the order book will be INR 1009 Cr
  • Order book as on April 01, 2023 was Rs. 924.10 Cr

   from the CMD’s Desk

Commenting on the company’s performance, Mr. Srinivasagopalan Rangarajan, Chairman & Managing Director, Data Patterns (India) Limited said, “We are pleased to announce another successful quarter in-line with our expectations. Revenue grew by 25% YoY to Rs 1,395 mn. We have consistently maintained robust margins, with Gross Margins at 68% and EBITDA Margins at 43%. This achievement reflects our unwavering dedication to excellence, innovation, and operational efficiency. Looking ahead, we are committed to ongoing investments in product development to seize the broader opportunities presented by the Government of India’s Defense program.”