A two-coil mutual inductance technique to study matching effect in disordered NbN thin films

Although matching effects in superconducting anti-dot arrays have been studied extensively through magneto-resistance oscillations, these investigations have been restricted to a very narrow temperature window close to the superconducting transition. Here we report a "two coil" mutual inductance technique, which allows the study of this phenomenon deep in the superconducting state, through a direct measurement of the magnetic field variation of the shielding response. We demonstrate how this technique can be used to resolve outstanding issues on the origin of matching effects in superconducting thin films with periodic array of holes grown on anodized alumina membranes

Origin of Matching Effect in Anti-dot Array of Superconducting NbN Thin Films

We investigate the origin of matching effect observed in disordered superconducting NbN thin films with periodic array of holes. In addition to the periodic variation in the electrical resistance just above the superconducting transition temperature, Tc0, we find pronounced periodic variations with magnetic field in all dynamical quantities which can be influenced by flux-line motion under an external drive such as the magnetic shielding response and the critical current which survive in some samples down to temperatures as low as 0.09Tc0. In contrast, the superconducting energy gap, D which is a true thermodynamic quantity does not show any periodic variation with magnetic fields for the same films. Our results show that commensurate pinning of the flux line lattice driven by vortex-vortex interaction is the dominant mechanism for the observed matching effects in these superconducting anti-dot films rather than Little-Parks like quantum interference effect.Comment: 18 pages, 6 figure

An Empirical Examination of the Influence of Information and Source Characteristics on Consumers’ Adoption of Online Reviews

The growth of online commerce has given consumers a number of convenient options to shop from. This has led to the proliferation of e-commerce players that offer variety of products and services with customer-centric terms and conditions. However, absence of avenues to test the product(s) before buying, shoppers perceive inherent risk associated with online buying, especially related to products’ quality and features, terms and conditions of sales, etc. To overcome this pre-purchase dissonance and compensate for the lack of previous experience, they look for reliable information and guidance. Hence, to make decisions, e-buyers rely on the reviews provided by other shoppers. Therefore, it becomes imperative for e-retailers to determine antecedent factors that influence the adoption of online reviews. Using heuristic-systematic model, this study has identified the relative significance of information credibility, argument quality, quantity sufficiency and source credibility in influencing the adoption of reviews available online. It was observed that the two categories of influencers impact the reviews’ adoption albeit through the two mediators - perceived usefulness and perceived value of reviews. Theoretical and practical implications have also been highlighted. Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/pajais/vol9/iss1/5

COVID-19: considerations for optimum surgical team protection before, during and after operation

SARS CoV-2, the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has caused a global pandemic. Surgeons’ obligation, as always, will be to provide timely, high-quality surgical care that achieves the best outcomes for patients. It is imperative to ensure the safety of health-care workers not only to safeguard continuous patient care but also to ensure they do not transmit the virus further. Viral particles have been found in nasal swabs, pharyngeal swabs, sputum, bronchial swabs, gastrointestinal tissue, blood, and stool.Surfaces in isolation rooms and even clinician shoe covers have tested positive as well. Some key considerations for protecting surgical teams; structure frequent communication before key events; assume the entire operation theater will be contaminated; choose personal protective equipment (PPE) effective against aerosolized particles; adapt surgical technique to reduce exposure risks; use a “buddy system” for donning and doffing; after operation/recovery; going home – what should be done to keep your family safe. Though careful planning and appropriate PPE are essential, the most effective way to prevent viral exposure is to avoid performing non-essential surgical procedures. Non-operative approaches may be a safe alternative to surgery for some patients. Many patients, however, will require emergency operative intervention

N-terminal PDZ-like domain of chromatin organizer SATB1 contributes towards its function as transcription regulator

The special AT-rich DNA-binding protein 1 (SATB1) is a matrix attachment region (MAR)-binding protein that acts as a global repressor via recruitment of CtBP1:HDAC1-containing co-repressors to its binding targets. The N-terminal PSD95/Dlg-A/ZO-1 (PDZ)-like domain of SATB1 mediates interactions with several chromatin proteins. In the present study, we set out to address whether the PDZ-domain-mediated interactions of SATB1 are critical for its in vivo function as a global repressor. We reasoned that since the N-terminal PDZ-like domain (amino acid residues 1-204) lacks DNA binding activity, it would fail to recruit the interacting partners of SATB1 to its genomic binding sites and hence would not repress the SATB1-regulated genes. Indeed, in vivo MAR-linked luciferase reporter assay revealed that overexpression of the PDZ-like domain resulted in de-repression, indicating that the PDZ-like domain exerts a dominant negative effect on genes regulated by SATB1. Next, we developed a stable dominant negative model in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cells that conditionally expressed the N-terminal 1-204 region harbouring the PDZ-like domain of SATB1. To monitor the effect of sequestration of the interaction partners on the global gene regulation by SATB1, transcripts from the induced and uninduced clones were subjected to gene expression profiling. Clustering of expression data revealed that 600 out of 19000 genes analysed were significantly upregulated upon overexpression of the PDZ-like domain. Induced genes were found to be involved in important signalling cascades and cellular functions. These studies clearly demonstrated the role of PDZ domain of SATB1 in global gene regulation presumably through its interaction with other cellular proteins

Segmenting Online Shoppers: A Study Of Consumers' Web Portal Selection Motivations For E-Shopping

As the internet permeates geographic boundaries and varied demographic strata, electronic commerce/online shopping is witnessing exponential growth. The objective of this research is to segment online shoppers based on attributes of web portals. A survey using a questionnaire was administered to 203 shoppers in India. Factor analysis is used to determine the factors that influence the selection of web portals. The robustness of the model developed using factor analysis was checked using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Finally, cluster analysis was applied for identifying the clusters of respondents and profiling them. Based on cluster analysis, the study identified four segments: Traditional Shoppers, Benefit Seekers, Convenience and Assurance Seekers and Information and Price Seekers. Each of the four segments varies considerably in terms of their selection of website/portals for purchases, portraying the differences in their online shopping orientation. Against the general perception that shoppers prefer web portals that provide best user experience and attractive web atmospherics, this research shows that their inclination is towards brand image of the web portal and also being able to get value proposition through the website. Firms need to develop plans to consider the unique characteristics of the online market segments for an optimum allocation of marketing expenses. Findings of this research may be used as guidelines for the development of multi-dimensional strategic framework by online retailing firms

Clustering Shoppers By Mall Experience For Emerging Indian City

India is undergoing drastic transformation in its organised retail sector. Followed by Tier 1 cities, Tier 2 cities are also witnessing an upsurge in retail malls, owing to the burgeoning middle class, growing income levels and a more accommodative attitude towards modern shopping formats. However, due to increased competition and relatively lower population in these cities, the malls are ending up eating each other's footfalls. Therefore, it is highly imperative for mall managers to ascertain features that would differentiate them from their competitors. The objective of this study is to segment and profle shoppers based on their orientation towards different factors associated with an organised retail using hierarchical and non-hierarchical clustering techniques. Two segments were identifed through the analysis. Each segment was profled in terms of mall attractiveness characteristics, demographics and behavioural factors. Results of both hierarchical and k-means cluster analysis suggests two prominent groups among shoppers, namely relatively higher aged service class people and young students. Constituents of these segments also reveal distinct patterns. The younger segment pays more importance to variables like mall events and promotional schemes being organised by malls and/ or retailers. There is less impact of these variables on aged service class segment. This study is a useful contribution to the existing body of knowledge on management of shopping malls in India and is unique in terms of its focus on consumers' in tier two Indian cities like Raipur. This enables retail managers to prepare suitable retailing policies and strategies to cater to each segment

Physics Potential of the ICAL detector at the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO)

The upcoming 50 kt magnetized iron calorimeter (ICAL) detector at the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) is designed to study the atmospheric neutrinos and antineutrinos separately over a wide range of energies and path lengths. The primary focus of this experiment is to explore the Earth matter effects by observing the energy and zenith angle dependence of the atmospheric neutrinos in the multi-GeV range. This study will be crucial to address some of the outstanding issues in neutrino oscillation physics, including the fundamental issue of neutrino mass hierarchy. In this document, we present the physics potential of the detector as obtained from realistic detector simulations. We describe the simulation framework, the neutrino interactions in the detector, and the expected response of the detector to particles traversing it. The ICAL detector can determine the energy and direction of the muons to a high precision, and in addition, its sensitivity to multi-GeV hadrons increases its physics reach substantially. Its charge identification capability, and hence its ability to distinguish neutrinos from antineutrinos, makes it an efficient detector for determining the neutrino mass hierarchy. In this report, we outline the analyses carried out for the determination of neutrino mass hierarchy and precision measurements of atmospheric neutrino mixing parameters at ICAL, and give the expected physics reach of the detector with 10 years of runtime. We also explore the potential of ICAL for probing new physics scenarios like CPT violation and the presence of magnetic monopoles.Comment: 139 pages, Physics White Paper of the ICAL (INO) Collaboration, Contents identical with the version published in Pramana - J. Physic

महिषासुर: मिथक व परंपराएं

इक्कसवीं सदी के दूसरे दशक में भारत में महिषासुर आंदोलन द्विज संस्कृति के लिए चुनौती बनकर उभरा। इसके माध्यम से आदिवासियों, पिछड़ों और दलितों के एक बड़े हिस्से ने अपनी सांस्कृतिक दावेदारी पेश की। लेकिन यह आंदोलन क्या है, इसकी जड़ें समाज में कहां तक फैली हैं, बहुजनों की सांस्कृतिक परंपरा में इसका क्या स्थान है, मौजूदा लोक-जीवन में महिषासुर की उपस्थिति किन-किन रूपों में है, इसके पुरातात्विक साक्ष्य क्या हैं? गीतों-कविताओं व नाटकों में महिषासुर किस रूप में याद किए जा रहे हैं और अकादमिक-बौद्धिक वर्ग को इस आंदोलन ने किस रूप में प्रभावित किया है, उनकी प्रतिक्रियाएं क्या हैं? आदि प्रश्नों पर विमर्श हमें एक ऐसी बौद्धिक यात्रा की ओर ले जाने में सक्षम हैं, जिससे हममें अधिकांश अभी तक अपरिचित रहे हैं। क्या महिषासुर दक्षिण एशिया के अनार्यों के पूर्वज थे, जो बाद में एक मिथकीय चरित्र बन कर बहुजन संस्कृति के प्रतीक पुरुष बन गए? क्या यह बहुत बाद की परिघटना है, जब माकण्डेय पुराण, दुर्गासप्तशती जैसे ग्रंथ रच कर, एक कपोल-कल्पित देवी के हाथों महिषासुर की हत्या की कहानी गढ़ी गई? इस आंदोलन की सैद्धांतिकी क्या है? प्रमोद रंजन द्वारा संपादित किताब “महिषासुर: मिथक व परंपराएं” में लेखकों ने उपरोक्त प्रश्नों पर विचार किया है तथा विलुप्ति के कगार पर खड़े असुर समुदाय का विस्तृत नृवंशशास्त्रीय अध्ययन भी प्रस्तुत किया है। इस पुस्तक में समकालीन भारतीय साहित्य में महिषासुर पर लिखी गई कविताओं व गीतों का प्रतिनिधि संकलन भी है तथा महिषासुर की बहुजन कथा पर आधारित एक नाटक भी प्रकाशित है। समाज-विज्ञान व सांस्कृतिक विमर्श के अध्येताओं, सामाजिक-राजनीतिक कार्यकर्ताओं, साहित्य प्रेमियों के लिए यह एक आवश्यक पुस्तक है

The global, regional, and national burden of adult lip, oral, and pharyngeal cancer in 204 countries and territories:A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Importance Lip, oral, and pharyngeal cancers are important contributors to cancer burden worldwide, and a comprehensive evaluation of their burden globally, regionally, and nationally is crucial for effective policy planning.Objective To analyze the total and risk-attributable burden of lip and oral cavity cancer (LOC) and other pharyngeal cancer (OPC) for 204 countries and territories and by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) using 2019 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors (GBD) Study estimates.Evidence Review The incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to LOC and OPC from 1990 to 2019 were estimated using GBD 2019 methods. The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate the proportion of deaths and DALYs for LOC and OPC attributable to smoking, tobacco, and alcohol consumption in 2019.Findings In 2019, 370 000 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 338 000-401 000) cases and 199 000 (95% UI, 181 000-217 000) deaths for LOC and 167 000 (95% UI, 153 000-180 000) cases and 114 000 (95% UI, 103 000-126 000) deaths for OPC were estimated to occur globally, contributing 5.5 million (95% UI, 5.0-6.0 million) and 3.2 million (95% UI, 2.9-3.6 million) DALYs, respectively. From 1990 to 2019, low-middle and low SDI regions consistently showed the highest age-standardized mortality rates due to LOC and OPC, while the high SDI strata exhibited age-standardized incidence rates decreasing for LOC and increasing for OPC. Globally in 2019, smoking had the greatest contribution to risk-attributable OPC deaths for both sexes (55.8% [95% UI, 49.2%-62.0%] of all OPC deaths in male individuals and 17.4% [95% UI, 13.8%-21.2%] of all OPC deaths in female individuals). Smoking and alcohol both contributed to substantial LOC deaths globally among male individuals (42.3% [95% UI, 35.2%-48.6%] and 40.2% [95% UI, 33.3%-46.8%] of all risk-attributable cancer deaths, respectively), while chewing tobacco contributed to the greatest attributable LOC deaths among female individuals (27.6% [95% UI, 21.5%-33.8%]), driven by high risk-attributable burden in South and Southeast Asia.Conclusions and Relevance In this systematic analysis, disparities in LOC and OPC burden existed across the SDI spectrum, and a considerable percentage of burden was attributable to tobacco and alcohol use. These estimates can contribute to an understanding of the distribution and disparities in LOC and OPC burden globally and support cancer control planning efforts