Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dalit Women and the Question of Representation: Issues of Caste and Gender

Gupta (2016) in The gender of caste: Representing Dalits in print points out that media and print are responsible for creating the stereotypical images of Dalit women. They are always represented by their caste identities and not as individuals. Female bodies are represented as closely knit to their caste identities; the characteristic of the caste becomes the representation of the bodies of Dalit women. On the one hand, Dalit women are represented by the upper caste as wicked, cunning, house breakers, immoral, ugly and polluted, and on the other hand, they are represented as weak and passive victims who need care and help to come out of their misery. But it is not the case when the Dalit women represent themselves. So, the question here arises: How are caste and gender related? What is the role of caste in the manipulation of the identity of Dalit women? How is caste identity related to the question of gender and the creation of stereotypes in the context of Dalit women? What are the structures which are working in the formation of stereotypes which are directly or indirectly related to such representations? This paper explores the complex relationship between representation, caste and gender concerning the representation of Dalit women through the analysis of Joseph Macwan’s The Stepchild.
The Correlation Between Biofilm-Forming Ability of Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from the Respiratory Tract and Clinical Characteristics in Children

Objective This study aimed to investigate the biofilm-forming ability, molecular typing, and antimicrobial resistance of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) strains isolated from the respiratory tract of children and their correlation with clinical characteristics. Methods All CA-MRSA strains were isolated from hospitalized children, and their presentation, molecular typing, antimicrobial susceptibility, and biofilm formation were investigated. The clinical characteristics were compared between the strong and weak biofilm producer groups. Results Fifty-three CA-MRSA strains were isolated from the respiratory samples of 53 children, with nearly half of them being young infants (0–12 months). Approximately, 88.7% (47/53) of the isolates were resistant to four or more antibiotics, mainly β-lactam antibiotics, lincosamides, and macrolides. Twelve sequence types (STs) and 20 subtypes of staphylococcal protein A (spa) typing were identified, with ST59-t437 (39.6%, 21/53) as the predominant subtype. All strains showed the ability to form biofilms. When compared to children with weak biofilm-forming CA-MRSA strains, those with strong biofilm-forming strains had higher proportions of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) (88.5% vs 59.3%), obvious cough symptoms (84.6% vs 51.9%), and severe chest imaging manifestations (76.9% vs 37.0%). Furthermore, a strong biofilm-forming ability significantly increased the risk of prolonged cough in children with LRTI (44.4% vs 14.3%), and a positive correlation between the duration of cough and the extent of biofilm formation was observed. Medical history investigation revealed that the strong biofilm-forming group had a much higher percentage of macrolides intake than the weak biofilm-forming group in the last month before admission (61.5% vs 14.8%). Conclusion ST59-t437 was the most prevalent clone in CA-MRSA respiratory isolates among the hospitalized children. All CA-MRSA strains formed biofilms. The stronger the biofilm-forming ability, the more serious and prolonged were the respiratory symptoms.
Tetrazine-Induced Bioorthogonal Activation of Vitamin E-Modified siRNA for Gene Silencing

The temporal activation of siRNA provides a valuable strategy for the regulation of siRNA activity and conditional gene silencing. The bioorthogonal bond-cleavage reaction of benzonorbonadiene and tetrazine is a promising trigger in siRNA temporal activation. Here, we developed a new method for the bio-orthogonal chemical activation of siRNA based on the tetrazine-induced bond-cleavage reaction. Small-molecule activatable caged siRNAs were developed with the 5′-vitamin E-benzonobonadiene-modified antisense strand targeting the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene and the mitotic kinesin-5 (Eg5) gene. The addition of tetrazine triggered the reaction with benzonobonadiene linker and induced the linker cleavage to release the active siRNA. Additionally, the conditional gene silencing of both exogenous GFP and endogenous Eg5 genes was successfully achieved with 5′-vitamin E-benzonobonadiene-caged siRNAs, which provides a new uncaging strategy with small molecules.
A Way to Enhance the Efficiency of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) can perform better than Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) because VAWTs are relatively simple, quiet, and easy to install. It can take wind from any directions, and operate efficiently in urban areas where turbulent wind conditions usually happen. The weakest point for its configuration, however, is its low efficiency so more intensive research is required.Actual VAWT performance can be predicted based on a determination of the forces acting on blades that produce the turbine’s torque. Thus, this paper proposed a new model of force analysis for calculation of VAWT’s performance and a way to enhance the efficiency of VAWT through proper variations of the pitch angles. Additionally, in order to increase the efficiency of the VAWT for a given tip speed ratio, the solidity in term of blade’s number can be adjusted.Results show that right changes in the value of pitch angles and proper selection of the number of blades can considerably increase the efficiency of the turbine and reduce amplitude of turbine’s torque variation. The new model of force analysis can be helpful for aerodynamic analysis of the VAWT turbine for its better design.
Perylene-Diimide Molecules with Cyano Functionalization for Electron-Transporting Transistors

Core-cyanated perylene diimide (PDI_CY) derivatives are molecular compounds exhibiting an uncommon combination of appealing properties, including remarkable oxidative stability, high electron affinities, and excellent self-assembling properties. Such features made these compounds the subject of study for several research groups aimed at developing electron-transporting (n-type) devices with superior charge transport performances. After about fifteen years since the first report, field-effect transistors based on PDI_CY thin films are still intensely investigated by the scientific community for the attainment of n-type devices that are able to balance the performances of the best p-type ones. In this review, we summarize the main results achieved by our group in the fabrication and characterization of transistors based on PDI8-CN2 and PDIF-CN2 molecules, undoubtedly the most renowned compounds of the PDI_CY family. Our attention was mainly focused on the electrical properties, both at the micro and nanoscale, of PDI8-CN2 and PDIF-CN2 films deposited using different evaporation techniques. Specific topics, such as the contact resistance phenomenon, the bias stress effect, and the operation in liquid environment, have been also analyzed.
Human Platelet Lysate Induces Antiviral Responses against Parechovirus A3

Human platelet lysate (hPL) contains abundant growth factors for inducing human cell proliferation and may be a suitable alternative to fetal bovine serum (FBS) as a culture medium supplement. However, the application of hPL in virological research remains blank. Parechovirus type-A3 (PeV-A3) belongs to Picornaviridae, which causes meningoencephalitis in infants and young children. To understand the suitability of hPL-cultured cells for PeV-A3 infection, the infection of PeV-A3 in both FBS- and hPL-cultured glioblastoma (GBM) cells were compared. Results showed reduced PeV-A3 infection in hPL-cultured cells compared with FBS-maintained cells. Mechanistic analysis revealed hPL stimulating type I interferon (IFN) antiviral pathway, through which phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), STAT2, interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) were activated and antiviral genes, such as IFN-α, IFN-β, and Myxovirus resistance protein 1 (MxA), were also detected. In addition, an enhanced PeV-A3 replication was detected in the hPL-cultured GBM cells treated with STAT-1 inhibitor (fludarabine) and STAT1 shRNA. These results in vitro suggested an unexpected effect of hPL-activated type I IFN pathway response to restrict virus replication and that hPL may be a potential antiviral bioreagent.
Hierarchical Nanocomposites Electrospun Carbon NanoFibers/Carbon Nanotubes as a Structural Element of Potentiometric Sensors

This work proposes new carbon materials for intermediate layers in solid-contact electrodes sensitive for potassium ions. The group of tested materials includes electrospun carbon nanofibers, electrospun carbon nanofibers with incorporated cobalt nanoparticles and hierarchical nanocomposites composed of carbon nanotubes deposited on nanofibers with different metal nanoparticles (cobalt or nickel) and nanotube density (high or low). Materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and contact angle microscopy. Electrical parameters of ready-to-use electrodes were characterized using chronopotentiometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The best results were obtained for potassium electrodes with carbon nanofibers with nickel-cobalt nanoparticles and high density of nanotubes layer: the highest capacity value (330 µF), the lowest detection limit (10−6.3 M), the widest linear range (10−6–10−1) and the best reproducibility of normal potential (0.9 mV). On the other hand the best potential reversibility, the lowest potential drift (20 μV·h−1) in the long-term test and the best hydrophobicity (contact angle 168°) were obtained for electrode with carbon nanofibers with cobalt nanoparticles and high density of carbon nanotubes. The proposed electrodes can be used successfully in potassium analysis of real samples as shown in the example of tomato juices.
Determination of salinity and sugar concentration using microwave sensor

A microwave sensor is presented in this letter for the detection of salinity and sugar concentration. The microwave sensor is used for the transmission and reception of electromagnetic wave. The sensor has a circular shaped radiating patch with semi‐circular shaped slots. The antenna sensor is prototyped on a low‐cost FR4 substrate which is 1.60 mm thick. The sensor has a small size of 26 mm × 24 mm. The high‐frequency structural simulator (HFSS) is utilized to model the microwave sensor. The sensor detects the salinity and sugar concentration by means of the reflection coefficient. The dielectric constant changes with the increased percentages of the salt and sugar which reduces the reflection coefficient. The microwave sensing device shows considerable sensitivity to determine the salinity and sugar concentration.
Association study of novel single nucleotide polymorphisms of androgen receptor and estrogen receptor-α genes with male infertility in Northwest of Iran: A case-control study

Abstract Background: Observational evidence on the association of novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor-α (ER- α ) genes with odds of male infertility are rare. This is particularly relevant in the Iranian population where male infertility is relatively high. Objective: This study was designed to investigate the relationship between different SNPs of these genes and male infertility among the Iranian population. Materials and Methods: The present project was a population-based, case-control study conducted on 120 idiopathic azoospermia or severe oligospermia infertile cases alongside 120 age-matched subjects enrolled as controls. Overall, 3 variants from the AR gene and 2 variants from ER- α were genotyped - ARrs137852568, ARrs137852599 and AR rs137852563, and ER- α rs796065354 and ER- α rs104893956- using amplification refractory mutation system methods. Results: The obtained results indicated a significant association between AR rs1378525568 TT genotype as well as AR rs137852599 C allele with odds of male infertility (OR: 0.433, CI: 0.197-0.951 and OR: 0.545, CI: 0.304-0.978, respectively). Other variants of AR were not related to male infertility. A significant association was noted between predisposition polymorphism ER- α rs796065354 genotypes with male infertility. This significant association was not seen between ER- α rs104893956 and the risk of idiopathic azoospermia or severe oligospermia. Heterozygote overdominance was also observed in ESR rs796065354 but not in the other variants studied. Conclusion: Pieces of evidence were found on the association of novel polymorphisms of AR and ER- α with male infertility among the Iranian population. However, larger studies are warranted to confirm our findings.Key words: Male infertility, Androgen receptor, Estrogen receptor- α .
Morphological, Molecular, and Biochemical Characterization of a Unique Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) Genotype Showing Seed-Coat Color Anomalies Due to Altered Anthocyanin Pathway

This study reports the identification of a unique lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) genotype L4717-NM, a natural mutant (NM) derived from a variety L4717, producing brown, black, and spotted seed-coat colored seeds in a single plant, generation after generation, in different frequencies. The genetic similarity of L4717 with that of L4717-NM expressing anomalous seed-coat color was established using 54 SSR markers. In addition, various biochemical parameters such as TPC (total phenolic content), TFC (total flavonoid content), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), H2O2 (peroxide quantification), TCC (total carotenoids content), TAC (total anthocyanin content), and TAA (total ascorbic acid) were also studied in the seeds, sprouts, and seedlings of L4717, brown, black, and spotted seed-coat colored seeds. Stage-specific variations for the key biochemical parameters were recorded, and seedling stage was found the best for many parameters. Moreover, seeds with black seed coat showed better nutraceutical values for most of the studied traits. A highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) and positive correlation was observed between DPPH and TPC, TAA, TFC, etc., whereas, protein content showed a negative correlation with the other studied parameters. The seed coat is maternal tissue and we expect expression of seed-coat color as per the maternal genotype. However, such an anomalous seed-coat expression, which seems to probably be governed by some transposable element in the identified genotype, warrants more detailed studies involving exploitation of the anthocyanin pathway.
Loneliness From the Adolescent Perspective: A Qualitative Analysis of Conversations About Loneliness Between Adolescents and Childline Counselors

There is limited qualitative research on the experience of loneliness in adolescence, meaning key facets of the loneliness experience that are important in adolescence may have been overlooked. The current study addresses that gap in the literature and explores how loneliness is experienced in the context of adolescence from the perspective of adolescents. About 67 online counseling conversations between Childline counselors and adolescents (ages 12–18 years; 70% females) who had contacted Childline to talk about loneliness were analyzed using Thematic Framework Analysis to establish commonalities and salient issues involved in adolescent experiences of loneliness. Young people considered loneliness to be an intense experience that negatively impacted their daily lives. Experiences of loneliness revolved around difficulties with peer relationships, but turmoil at home worsened those experiences. Young people often employed short-term coping strategies that distracted them from loneliness. Issues with trusting others and self-worth acted as barriers to seeking long-term help. Recommendations include (1) the training of teachers and parents to recognize and support young people experiencing loneliness and (2) further research to establish the coping strategies that are used by adolescents who successfully overcome loneliness.
A Multiple Stakeholder Perspective on the Impact of COVID-19 on Dementia Care

The aim of this study was to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dementia care from a multiple stakeholder perspective. We used a multi-method design, with a cross-sectional survey followed by focus groups/interviews. Surveys were completed by people living with dementia (n = 27), family caregivers (n = 161), and health and social care professionals (n = 77). A sub-sample (n = 55) participated in an interview or one of 9 focus groups. Surveys were analyzed with descriptive statistics and focus group/interview data were analyzed using a thematic approach. Participants reported an impact of COVID-19 on dementia care, including less access to care and resources for care. Telehealth and tele-support/education were reported to be effective alternatives to support care. Themes from the qualitative data about dementia care were: (1) planning and providing care, (2) making choices around risk and safety, (3) experiences of loss, and (4) technology and dementia care. The results of this study present opportunities to improve the quality of care through addressing inequities and identifying improved and innovative approaches to address social isolation and virtual care for this vulnerable population.
Effect of Temperature and Nonlinearity of PMMA Material in the Design of Observation Windows for a Full Ocean Depth Manned Submersible

AbstractRenewed international interest in exploring the hadal zones (6,000‐11,000 m) promoted the development of full ocean depth deep-sea manned submersibles. The manned cabin is the most critical component in deep-sea manned submersibles. An essential requirement to guarantee the safety of the manned cabin is the proper design of the observation windows. The current design approach, which is available in design rules such as ASME PVHO-1.2012, did not have sufficient experimental basis when applied for full ocean depth observation windows. In this study, a full-scale polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) window model is designed and tested under quasistatic loading-unloading cycles in a high-pressure chamber. Strain variations in several critical points and axial displacement in the inner center are recorded and compared with simulation results, and a large discrepancy was found. The potential influencing parameters, such as temperature and material nonlinearity, are investigated. It was found that correction of these two factors can explain the discrepancy. The newly determined material properties can be used in the design of full ocean depth observation windows.
Synthesis and regeneration of advanced optical modulation formats

This thesis explores all-optical regeneration techniques for advanced modulation formats with the overall aim of increasing the transmission reach of optical data links. In order to carry out this work, a number of tools were developed for the generation of advanced optical modulation formats. They included a combination of techniques involving the use of a delay line interferometer (DLI), time gating and coherent temporal superposition. A BPSK seed signal was used to generate QPSK (with a single DLI) and 16-QAM (with two concatenated DLIs) signals. The all-optical regeneration schemes studied in this thesis take several forms: phase preserving amplitude regeneration; phase only regeneration; and phase and amplitude regeneration, many of them including PSA configurations as building blocks. Firstly, phase preserving amplitude regenerators were numerically and/or experimentally investigated. A multilevel amplitude regenerator in a PSA configuration, which was based on parametric pump-saturation, was analysed. A highly nonlinear fibre based dual-pump degenerate scheme was used to effect amplitude regeneration on a 4-level amplitude shift keying signal. Another amplitude regeneration scheme, this time based on optical injection locking, was also experimentally analysed, transmitting a BPSK signal over a 600-km long dark fibre link. Secondly, a wavelength converting PSA-based phase regenerator for an M-PSK signal was developed by coherently summing the conjugated signal with the (M - 1)th phase harmonic, where M is the number of modulated symbols in the signal. This regenerator offers flexibility of operating power and harmonic mixing coefficient. Both numerical and experimental studies prove the feasibility of the proposed scheme. Another proposed regenerator, operating at the gain minima in a PSA configuration and working by coherently summing the signal to the π phase shifted (M+1)th harmonic, offers squeezing in both the amplitude and phase of the input signal. The latter work of this thesis introduces a phase regenerator which is designed to target higher-order M-PSK signals using a (simpler) M/2-PSK PSA-based regenerator.
Working Hard or Hardly Working? An Examination of Job Preservation Responses to Job Insecurity

The question of how job insecurity affects workplace behaviors has been the source of debate in the academic literature as well as in the popular press. The current study leverages and expands ideas from the Conservation of Resources theory about resource investment to examine how and when job insecurity is associated with behaviors indicative of promotive or protective job preservation strategies aimed at social or task targets. We present two studies. The first study takes a longitudinal approach to examine the bidirectional relationships between job insecurity and job performance, counterproductive work behaviors, knowledge hiding, and self-presentation ingratiatory behavior. The second study examines job preservation motivation as a mechanism linking job insecurity to these work behaviors, and it considers specific elements of threats as moderators (i.e., perceived threat controllability, perceived threat proximity). Together these studies suggest that job insecurity is associated with strategic behavior when employees are facing proximal threats to their jobs; however, these efforts are rarely in the best interest of organizations.
Variable Selection for Multivariate Statistical Process Control

This article proposes a methodology to select a subset of variables to measure and monitor for multivariate statistical process control (SPC). In contrast with most dimensionality reduction approaches for SPC, we reduce the number of variables that must be measured, thereby reducing the time and cost associated with inspection. We develop a two-stage procedure that selects the variables in a manner that retains as much information on the full set of variables as possible. In the first stage, the variables are sorted according to some measure of information content, which has broad applicability outside of SPC. In the second stage, the selected variables are determined using two alternative tools. The first tool is a general criterion based on the amount of residual information in the nonselected variables. The second tool is based on the performance of the control chart in detecting simulated out-of-control events. We illustrate the usefulness of the approach with simulation results and a real metal-forming application.