Locating Violence in Kusum Kumar’s Suno Shefali (Listen Shefali)

India has a long tradition of social dramas that dates back to the 19th century. Such plays have been instrumental in raising social and political awareness among the masses. Located within this strong tradition of ‘socials’, is Kusum Kumar’s hard-hitting play Suno Shefali (Listen Shefali). Originally written in Hindi in 1975 and published in 1978, the play is significant for it engages with violence and oppression at the intersection of caste, class and gender at a time when feminist scholars had not theorized intersectionality as an important analytical tool of analysis. The play also predates several important Indian plays, especially by the male playwright, that deal with the problems of caste system in India. In this essay, I will attempt to study various forms of violence committed on a Dalit woman at the intersection of gender, caste and class in Kumar’s Listen Shefali using theoretical concepts like Kimberle Crenshaw’s ‘intersectionality’, Johan Galtung’s ‘structural violence’, M. Weigert’s ‘personal violence’, Pierre Bourdieu’s ‘symbolic violence’ and Gayatri Chakravarty Spivak’s ‘epistemic violence’

Shakespeare Reception in India and The Netherlands until the Early Twentieth Century

In his article Shakespeare Reception in India and The Netherlands until the Early Twentieth Century Vikram Singh Thakur locates Shakespeare in two different cultural contexts by looking at its reception in The Netherlands and India. His analysis is based on the fact that Shakespeare was a foreign playwright to both cultures yet both have gradually assimilated his works into their respective cultures and made him, probably, the most performed foreign playwright since the 1870s. Thakur aims at understanding how the reception of a work in different cultures is mediated by various social, cultural, historical, and ideological sieves through which the work gets filtered and reaches the target audience

Observationally inferred dark matter phase-space distribution and direct detection experiments

We present a detailed analysis of the effect of an observationally determined dark matter (DM) velocity distribution function (VDF) of the Milky Way (MW) on DM direct detection rates. We go beyond local kinematic tracers and use rotation curve data up to 200 kpc to construct a MW mass model and self-consistently determine the local phase-space distribution of DM. This approach mitigates any incomplete understanding of local dark matter-visible matter degeneracies that can affect the determination of the VDF. Comparing with the oft used Standard Halo Model (SHM), which assumes an isothermal VDF, we look at how the tail of the empirically determined VDF alters our interpretation of the present direct detection WIMP DM cross section exclusion limits. While previous studies have suggested a very large difference (of more than an order of magnitude) in the bounds at low DM masses, we show that accounting for the detector response at low threshold energies, the difference is still significant although less extreme. The change in the number of signal events, when using the empirically determined DM VDF in contrast to the SHM VDF, is most prominent for low DM masses for which the shape of the recoil energy spectrum depends sensitively on the detector threshold energy as well as detector response near the threshold. We demonstrate that these trends carry over to the respective DM exclusion limits, modulo detailed understanding of the experimental backgrounds. With the unprecedented precision of astrometric data in the GAIA era, use of observationally determined DM phase-space will become a critical and necessary ingredient for DM searches. We provide an accurate fit to the current best observationally determined DM VDF (and self-consistent local DM density) for use in analyzing current DM direct detection data by the experimental community.Comment: 13 pages, 10 figures, 4 tables, version accepted by PR

Observationally inferred dark matter phase-space distribution and direct detection experiments

We present a detailed analysis of the effect of an observationally determined dark matter (DM) velocity distribution function (VDF) of the Milky Way (MW) on DM direct detection rates. We go beyond local kinematic tracers and use rotation curve data up to 200 kpc to construct a MW mass model and self-consistently determine the local phase-space distribution of DM. This approach mitigates any incomplete understanding of local dark matter-visible matter degeneracies that can affect the determination of the VDF. Comparing with the oft used Standard Halo Model (SHM), which assumes an isothermal VDF, we look at how the tail of the empirically determined VDF alters our interpretation of the present direct detection WIMP DM cross section exclusion limits. While previous studies have suggested a very large difference (of more than an order of magnitude) in the bounds at low DM masses, we show that accounting for the detector response at low threshold energies, the difference is still significant although less extreme. The change in the number of signal events, when using the empirically determined DM VDF in contrast to the SHM VDF, is most prominent for low DM masses for which the shape of the recoil energy spectrum depends sensitively on the detector threshold energy as well as detector response near the threshold. We demonstrate that these trends carry over to the respective DM exclusion limits, modulo detailed understanding of the experimental backgrounds. With the unprecedented precision of astrometric data in the GAIA era, use of observationally determined DM phase space will become a critical and necessary ingredient for DM searches. We provide an accurate fit to the current best observationally determined DM VDF (and self-consistent local DM density) for use in analyzing current DM direct detection data by the experimental community

Recent advances in nanotheranostics for triple negative breast cancer treatment

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most complex and aggressive type of breast cancer encountered world widely in women. Absence of hormonal receptors on breast cancer cells necessitates the chemotherapy as the only treatment regime. High propensity to metastasize and relapse in addition to poor prognosis and survival motivated the oncologist, nano-medical scientist to develop novel and efficient nanotherapies to solve such a big TNBC challenge. Recently, the focus for enhanced availability, targeted cellular uptake with minimal toxicity is achieved by nano-carriers. These smart nano-carriers carrying all the necessary arsenals (drugs, tracking probe, and ligand) designed in such a way that specifically targets the TNBC cells at site. Articulating the targeted delivery system with multifunctional molecules for high specificity, tracking, diagnosis, and treatment emerged as theranostic approach. In this review, in addition to classical treatment modalities, recent advances in nanotheranostics for early and effective diagnostic and treatment is discussed. This review highlighted the recently FDA approved immunotherapy and all the ongoing clinical trials for TNBC, in addition to nanoparticle assisted immunotherapy. Futuristic but realistic advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning not only improve early diagnosis but also assist clinicians for their workup in TNBC. The novel concept of Nanoparticles induced endothelial leakiness (NanoEL) as a way of tumor invasion is also discussed in addition to classical EPR effect. This review intends to provide basic insight and understanding of the novel nano-therapeutic modalities in TNBC diagnosis and treatment and to sensitize the readers for continue designing the novel nanomedicine. This is the first time that designing nanoparticles with stoichiometric definable number of antibodies per nanoparticle now represents the next level of precision by design in nanomedicine

Studies on plasma treatment and priming of seeds of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

The present investigation was carried out at Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan during the year 2014 -2015 to study the “Effect of cold plasma treatment and priming on bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cultivar California Wonder) for seed germination and seedling vigour. The seeds were ex-posed to various durations of oxygen plasma treatment using glow discharge technique at FCIPT, Institute for Plas-ma Research, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. Seeds were pre-treated with power of 100 W for treatment durations of 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 minutes for 0, 4, 8 and 12 month durations. The changes in surface morphology of plasma treated seeds were studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Contact Angle Goniometer. Along with plasma treatment, seeds were also treated with standard priming method i.e osmoprimng for comparison. Results showed that plasma treatment alone as well as in combination with osmoprimng up to 6 minutes duration had positive effects on seed germination and seedling vigour. Germination and vigour indices significantly increased by 21.75% and 90.71% respectively. Characteristics of germination percentage, speed of germination, seedling vigour index-I & II, significantly increased by 13.92%, 1.39 cm, 0.38 mg, 322.07 respectively, compared with control. And it was found that immediately after plasma exposure the germination (84.41%) and vigour (228.50) was highest and it was reduced to (73.54%) and (174.27) after 12 months of storage. These results indicated that cold plasma treatment might promote the growth and modify the speed of germination i.e. higher speed of germination was observed in seeds exposed to plasma treat-ment for 6 minutes (59.82%), whereas, lowest germination speed (40.76%) was observed in untreated control

Geochemistry and geodynamic implications of magmatic rocks from the Trans-Himalayan arc

Present study aims at understanding the genetic and tectonic relationship between the enclaves and enclosing granitoids, acidic volcanics and mafic dykes of the Ladakh plutonic complex. Similar rocks from Lhasa Block (Tibet) are also studied and compared. In terms of SiO2 abundance, the enclaves vary in composition from basic to acidic but are predominantly andesitic-basalt. Mafic dykes intruding the Ladakh plutonic complex are of predominantly andesitic-basalt composition. Granitoids and acidic volcanics from Ladakh and Lhasa blocks are compositionally granodiorite, quartz monzonite and granite. They are predominantly meta-aluminous with slight peraluminous characters. The acidic volcanics, however, have K2O/Na2O > 1. All these rocks show calc-alkaline characteristics with high Al2O3 abundance, their rare earth elements (REE) and multi-element patterns depict enrichment of large ion lithophile elements (LILE)-light REE (LREE) and depletion of high field strength elements (HFSE) including Nb, P and Ti. It is suggested that the enclaves in Ladakh plutonic complex probably represent the initial pulses of magmatism, in response to intra-oceanic northward subduction of Neo-Tethyan ocean beneath an immature arc. Subsequently huge pulses of granitoids were intruded as the arc matured, sutured with southern continental margin of Eurasian plate and the lithosphere thickened. The granitoids in turn were cut by mafic dykes and acidic volcanics probably representing the last significant episode of subduction related magmatism in this region. It is suggested that the youngest, highly siliceous acidic volcanics may represent melts generated by partial melting and/or dehydration of upper part of subducted north Indian continental lithosphere and southern Eurasian active margin wedge, subsequent to the closing of Neo-Tethyan ocean and collision of Indian and Eurasian plates

A Comprehensive Review of the Use of Plant-Derived Antioxidants in the Management of Non-Alcoholic Liver Toxicity

ABSTRACT With its rising incidence, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a global health problem. Hepatic lipid buildup, inflammation, and oxidative stress are the results of complex interactions between metabolic, genetic, and environmental variables in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The potential significance of antioxidants generated from phytochemicals in alleviating non-alcoholic liver damage has garnered substantial interest among the many treatment methods. The goal of this thorough review is to summarize and assess the body of research on the application of antioxidants derived from phytochemicals in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. A comprehensive examination of peer-reviewed research from many databases demonstrates a wide variety of phytochemicals with antioxidant characteristics and their possible effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatic lipid metabolism. Prominent phytochemicals such as curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, silymarin, and green tea catechins are among those whose antioxidative processes are included in the review. Preclinical and clinical research on these substances have revealed encouraging results, suggesting that they may be able to lessen inflammation and hepatic steatosis while also enhancing liver function. We investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying their protective benefits, including reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and modification of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The study also discusses the shortcomings and difficulties in the existing research, highlighting the necessity of more clinical trials, standardized dosing schedules, and research into the possible synergistic effects of mixing several phytochemicals. To present a fair picture of the therapeutic application of phytochemical antioxidants, safety issues and possible negative effects are also included. This review emphasizes the potential use of phytochemical-derived antioxidants in the treatment of non-alcoholic hepatic damage. Including these organic substances in all-encompassing lifestyle interventions might be a good way to both prevent and cure NAFLD. Keywords: Phytochemicals, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Anti-oxidants, Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), Toxicity

Effect of growing media, pinching and paclobutrazol on growth and flowering of Barleria cristata for suitability as pot plant

A study was conducted to see the effect of three growing media (soil from natural habitat, soil from natural habitat and FYM (2:1), v/v and soil, sand and FYM (2:1:1), three pinching treatments (No pinch, single pinch and double pinch) and paclobutrazol (0, 75, 150 ppm) on growth and flowering of seedlings as well as vegetatively propagated (rooted stem cuttings) of Phillipines violet or blue bell barleria (Barleria cristata L.). Plants raised through seeds and rooted cuttings differed significantly among themselves for various growth and flowering parameters. Plants raised under both methods of propagation showed optimum plant height (1.5 to 2.5 times to the height of the pot) when grown in soil from natural habitat and FYM with single and double pinching in absence of application of paclobutrazol for growing as pot plant. Seedlings recorded maximum number of secondary side shoots (20.58), leaves (177.42), flower clusters (16.17), flowers (23.58)/plant when grown in soil from natural habitat and FYM with double pinching and with the application of 75 ppm paclobutrazol and seed raised plants showed early visible bud formation and flowering when grown in all growing media without pinching and application of 75 ppm paclobutrazol. However, the cutting raised plants recorded maximum number, of secondary side shoots (16.00), leaves (171.67), flower clusters (17.83), flowers (24.42)/plant when grown in soil from natural habitat and FYM with double pinching and with the application of 75 ppm paclobutrazol. Seed raised plants showed better results in case of plant height, length of primary side shoots and plant spread than cutting raised plants while cutting raised plants recorded early visible bud formation and flowering and maximum number of flower clusters/plant than seed raised plants. Based on the findings of present investigations, seed raised Barleria cristata. plants grown in pots containing soil from natural habitat added with FYM (2:1, v/v), double pinching and application of 75 ppm paclobutrazol is recommended for better growth and flowering

Anaesthetic Considerations in Simultaneous Management of Pulmonary and Hepatic Ruptured Hydatid Cyst: A Case Report

Administering anaesthesia in ruptured hydatid cyst of lung/liver has always been challenging. The major perioperative goal of management in such patients include protection of healthy lung, chance of anaphylaxis, deranged liver enzymes and coagulation profile, hepatic resection, postoperative management of bronchopleural fistula, blood loss and analgesic management of large incision. We report a case of successful management of a 40-year-old male with hepatic and pulmonary ruptured hydatid cyst with bronchopleural fistula under general anaesthesia (using double lumen tube) and thoracic epidural