A portrait of a bride in Taufiq Rafat’s poem, Wedding in the Flood: a feminist analysis

This study endeavors to analyze Taufiq Rafat’s poem Wedding in the Flood in the light of feminist theory. Feminist literary theory is difficult to define because feminism itself is difficult to define. The term feminism does not claim to account for all women’s experiences in exactly the same way because women have different experiences based on race, religion, sexual orientation, class, age, heritage, geographical location, physical appearance, etc. There is great diversity within feminism. However, this study shows how the women are easily suppressed, subjugated, and marginalized in the name of traditions and customs made by the male-dominating society to control the women. The whole poem revolves around a bride and elements like dowry. So, the main aim of this research is to find out to what extent Taufiq Rafat’s poem Wedding in the Flood corresponds to the principles of feminism in a patriarchal society

Activity and Anti-Aflatoxigenic Effect of Indigenously Characterized Probiotic Lactobacilli against <i>Aspergillus flavus</i>—A Common Poultry Feed Contaminant

Aflatoxin contamination in human food and animal feed is a threat to public safety. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) can be especially damaging to poultry production and consequently economic development of Pakistan. The present study assessed the in vitro binding of AFB1 by indigenously characterized probiotic lactobacilli. Six isolates (Lactobacillus gallinarum PDP 10, Lactobacillus reuetri FYP 38, Lactobacillus fermentum PDP 24, Lactobacillus gallinarum PL 53, Lactobacillus paracasei PL 120, and Lactobacillus gallinarum PL 149) were tested for activity against toxigenic Aspergillus flavus W-7.1 (AFB1 producer) by well diffusion assay. Only three isolates (PL 53, PL 120, and PL 149) had activity against A. flavus W-7.1. The ameliorative effect of these probiotic isolates on AFB1 production was determined by co-culturing fungus with lactobacilli for 12 days, followed by aflatoxin quantification by high-performance liquid chromatography. In vitro AFB1 binding capacities of lactobacilli were determined by their incubation with a standard amount of AFB1 in phosphate buffer saline at 37 &#176;C for 2 h. AFB1 binding capacities of isolates ranged from 28&#8211;65%. Four isolates (PDP 10, PDP 24, PL 120, and PL 149) also ceased aflatoxin production completely, whereas PL 53 showed 55% reduction in AFB1 production as compared to control. The present study demonstrated Lactobacillus gallinarum PL 149 to be an effective candidate AFB1 binding agent against Aspergillus flavus. These findings further support the binding ability of lactic acid bacteria for dietary contaminants