A study of Avicenna's concept of the soul in relation to those of Aristotle and Plotinus

Initially attracted to Aristotelianism, Avicenna touched on almost all aspects of Aristotle's philosophy. One of them is the problem of the soul (nafs), of which his accounts reflect both Aristotle's and Plotinus's views. Avicenna's psychological accounts begin with the Aristotelian definition of the soul. With Aristotle he seems to accept the entelecheia view of the soul, which holds that the soul is an actualisation of the body having life in it, that the soul has no activity independently of the body. But he also accepts the immortality of the soul, which seems to be a non-Aristotelian trait. These two views seem to be divergent and contrary. Since Avicenna seems to accept these two apparently contrary views, it is a concern whether he maintains consistency in his system.In order to explore this, we shall take up a reconciliation methodology, focusing on the hypothesis that he combines aspects or elements from the two divergent philosophical systems so as to produce an overall position which can be regarded as consistent. Like Aristotle, A vicenna, while talking about the vegetative and animal souls, holds a functionalist view of the soul, that the soul acts in association with the body; thus properly using the Aristotelian entelecheia formula. But he also holds the immortality of the rational soul, which he sees as a substance capable of subsisting by itself and functioning independently of the body, which suggests he cannot properly apply here the entelecheia doctrine. The thesis investigates how A vicenna understands and applies Aristotle's entelecheia doctrine, and distinguishes his accounts of the non-rational souls (plant and animal) from those of the rational soul (human). A vicenna is seen to have understood the Aristotelian entelecheia doctrine in two different senses in order to hold two different views of the soul-as form and as substance. This thesis examines how he begins with the Aristotelian definition and framework of the soul and slips away from the fundamental themes of Aristotelianism, and accepts certain elements of neo-Platonism by tracing as many divergences and analogies as possible between Avicenna's concepts and those of Aristotle and Plotinus.The thesis also explores whether Avicenna, by modifying the Aristotelian sense of the entelecheia doctrine, can derive substantial arguments for the immortality of the soul from the Aristotelian tradition. We endeavour to show that although there is a tendency to attribute the view of the immortality of the soul to Aristotle, it is inconsistentent, given the orthodox Aristotelian platform of the entelecheia doctrine, to hold the two views, which are in fact divergent. Avicenna, although he modifies the entelecheia doctrine in order to accommodate the immortality view of the rational soul and attributes it to some extent to Aristotle's philosophy, does not, indeed, find convincing argumentation in the Peripatetic tradition; rather, his arguments, we shall show, are derived from neo-Platonism, mainly from Plotinus. This involves him in reconciling both views, selecting the elements that best suit his overall position, and evidently in doing so he sets himself astray from the mainstreams of both Aristotelianism and neo-Platonism

The Digital Underworld: Combating Crime on the Dark Web in the Modern Era

The Digital Underworld: Combating Crime on the Dark Web in the Modern Er

Voltage and frequency regulation of a stand-alone self-excited induction generator with an unregulated prime mover

The squirrel-cage induction machine is very attractive for small and medium power generation schemes because of its low cost, robustness and high power density (W/kg). However, the magnitude and the frequency of the generated voltage depend upon the rotor speed, the amount of capacitive excitation, and the load in stand-alone systems with unregulated prime movers. A common approach for providing regulated voltage and frequency to the load is the use of an asynchronous link (ac-dc-ac) power electronic converter. The main disadvantage of this scheme is that the two series connected ac-dc converters have to be rated at least to the rated generator output power. This thesis investigates the use of a single reduced rating ac-dc converter, or voltage source inverter (VSI), connected to the stator of a self-excited induction generator (SEIG) for regulating purposes. Reactive power control is used to regulate the voltage magnitude while active power control, made possible by using a battery bank at the dc side of the VSI, regulates the voltage frequency. An experimental set-up is implemented for the proposed scheme operating with unregulated micro hydro and wind turbines, implemented on a prime mover emulator. The experimental results are in agreement with the simulation results, theoretical analysis and design specification

Tissue origin of cytotoxic natural killer cells dictates their differential roles in mouse digit tip regeneration and progenitor cell survival.

Regeneration of amputated digit tips relies on mesenchymal progenitor cells and their differentiation into replacement bone and tissue stroma. Natural killer (NK) cells have well-characterized roles in antigen-independent killing of virally infected, pre-tumorous, or stressed cells; however, the potential for cytotoxic activity against regenerative progenitor cells is unclear. We identified NK cell recruitment to the regenerating digit tip, and NK cytotoxicity was observed against osteoclast and osteoblast progenitors. Adoptive cell transplants of spleen NK (SpNK) or thymus NK (ThNK) donor cells into immunodeficient mice demonstrated ThNK cell-induced apoptosis with a reduction in osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and proliferative cells, resulting in inhibition of regeneration. Adoptive transfer of NK cells deficient in NK cell activation genes identified that promotion of regeneration by SpNK cells requires Ncr1, whereas inhibition by ThNK cells is mediated via Klrk1 and perforin. Successful future therapies aimed at enhancing regeneration will require a deeper understanding of progenitor cell protection from NK cell cytotoxicity

A new fasciocutaneous flap model identifies a critical role for endothelial Notch signaling in wound healing and flap survival.

Flap surgery is a common treatment for severe wounds and a major determinant of surgical outcome. Flap survival and healing depends on adaptation of the local flap vasculature. Using a novel and defined model of fasciocutaneous flap surgery, we demonstrate that the Notch ligand Delta-like 1 (Dll1), expressed in vascular endothelial cells, regulates flap arteriogenesis, inflammation and flap survival. Utilizing the stereotyped anatomy of dorsal skin arteries, ligation of the major vascular pedicle induced strong collateral vessel development by end-to-end anastomosis in wildtype mice, which supported flap perfusion recovery over time. In mice with heterozygous deletion of Dll1, collateral vessel formation was strongly impaired, resulting in aberrant vascularization and subsequent necrosis of the tissue. Furthermore, Dll1 deficient mice showed severe inflammation in the flap dominated by monocytes and macrophages. This process is controlled by endothelial Dll1 in vivo, since the results were recapitulated in mice with endothelial-specific deletion of Dll1. Thus, our model provides a platform to study vascular adaptation to flap surgery and molecular and cellular regulators influencing flap healing and survival

Cytotoxicity and phytotoxicity of some selected medicinal plants of the family Polygonaceae

The cytotoxicity of the crude methanolic extracts of Rumex hastatus, Rumex dentatus, Rumex nepalensis, Rheum australe, Polygonum persicaria and Polygonum plebejum (Family Polygonaceae) was determined against Artemia salina at 1000, 100 and 10 mg/ml. R. hastatus, R. dentatus and R. nepalensis showed significant activity at a concentration of 1000 mg/ml against Artemia salina. R. australe showed low activity at 1000 mg/ml and no activity at 100 and 10 mg/ml. At concentration of 10 mg/ml, R. australe showed no activity. Similarly the phytotoxicity of the crude extracts of these six plants was determined against Lemna minor. All the plants except R. hastatus showed significant activity at a concentration of 1000 mg/ml. Moderate activity was shown by R. australe, R. nepalensis and P. persicaria at the concentration of 100 mg/ml. All the plants showed low phytotoxic activity at concentration of 10 mg/ml

Prospect of Sustainability Course for Student’s Engagement in ESD

Educating and preparing young graduates with an actionoriented education program is the prime requirement for any country. Therefore, the Sustainability course is designed to develop resource persons to fulfill the immediate country’s demand for adequate ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) skilled graduates. Currently Bangladesh is thriving for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by implementing the sustainability practices into the educational institutions. However, IUBAT is the pioneer for setting the sustainability course in undergraduate studies for any disciplines. Since today more than 10,000 undergrad students of the different disciplines have been taught the sustainability course where they engaged and practiced for any environmental degradation and resource conservation. Moreover, these students also spreading their sustainability knowledge and practices going to secondary and higher secondary school and colleges as a part of course assignments. Meanwhile IUBAT is a Green Campus, therefore students can practice for ESD with the appropriate green facilities. The aim of this paper is to disseminate the knowledge sharing that IUBAT leads introducing sustainability education at undergraduate level. This also highlights how IUBAT students are dedicated to participate and practicing for sustainable education for their lifelong learning which ultimately supports a nation’s dream of achieving SDGs by 2030

Representations of South Asians in Japanese animation

This thesis examines the representations of South Asians in Japanese animation in the context of increased South Asian visibility in Japan within the last 30-40 years. Depictions of South Asians in mediascapes across the world have often fallen into globalised tropes and stereotypes and assumptions made by both creators and audiences. This research examines the codification of these stereotypes as racialised cultural markers to provide a basis for measuring and examining the depiction of South Asians in Japanese animation. Analysis of the chosen case studies has been done by centring the racial and cultural politics of race representation in anime. As there is little to no research specifically on the subject of South Asian representation, I have drawn from and applied cultural, film and race theories and contextualised anime depictions within the wider context of the Japanese mediascape. In doing so I have determined the extent to which South Asians are “Othered” in Japanese media through a range of globalised and indigenised tropes as well as issues regarding cultural homogenisation of South Asians, racial and cultural hierarchies within South Asian communities. Despite a growing population of South Asians in Japan, this topic remains a relatively new one in academia, this thesis aims to provide a foundation from which future research into race representation in Japanese animation may go beyond the usual scope

KBAD-A Real Time Opportunity for Sustainability Education During Covid-19

In achieving Sustainable Development Goals, the university holds a leading position. However, throughout the year long pandemic attachment between university and student has moved towards a more virtual platform. It has become a great challenge for both students’ and educational institutions to continue education through online platform. Facing the challenges of pandemic IUBAT successfully continues the online educational program. KBAD-Knowledge Based Area Development, a UNU (United Nations University) Flagship project has proven effectiveness in building links with IUBAT to students across the country. This program is to produce at least one technical graduate from 87,963 villages of Bangladesh. Door to door proper guidance for higher education is provided in the remote villages with financial assistance and interest free loans for the meritorious and needy. Since 2010, a total 9,381 students have graduated and another 11,699 are currently studying under KBAD from 535 out of 550 Upazilas and Thanas across the country. In the year of 2018, Merit Scholarship has been given approximately BDT 164.9 million; Interest free loan approximately BDT 20 million; Special Scholarship BDT 0.66 million with a total sum 185.56 million BDT or 2.2 m USD. Generally, 15% (Fifteen) more scholarship has been given to female students to ensure gender equity.  There is no other such university sponsored scheme/program for financial loan available in the country.  In the period of COVID-19, an additional 15% (fifteen) tuition fee waiver has been given to all, admission fee reduced 50%, a 6 USD fund transferred to the students to avail mobile data. Students have graduated with technical and ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) skills as it is a mandatory practice of this university. This nationwide education promotion made it a sustainable campaign outreaching the majority of remote villages of the country and encouraging technical education to the underprivileged group of the society along with the urban students. This unique program complies with SDG goals 4.3, 4.4 and 4.7. These goals ensure equal access of affordable, technical, tertiary and sustainable education to all leaving no one behind. KBAD is a model to eradicate educational discriminancy in a nation by removing financial barriers in tertiary education.Keyword: Sustainability Education, KBAD, Education Loan, Equal Access of Tertiary Education, Mentoring Rural Student

Antibacterial, antifungal and insecticidal activities of some selected medicinal plants of polygonaceae

The antibacterial, antifungal and insecticidal activities of the crude extract of Polygonum persicaria, Rumex hastatus, Rumex dentatus, Rumex nepalensis, Polygonum plebejum and Rheum australe have been studied. Six bacterial species were used, of which Citrobacter frundii, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes and Staphylococcus aureus were the most susceptible bacterial species to crude extract with MICs 16, 5.0, 25 and 0.156 mg/ml, respectively. Among the tested fungal species Fusarium solani, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger were more susceptible to crude extracts with MICs 0.75, 2.15, and 1.75 μg/ml, respectively. The crude extracts of R. dentatus and R. nepalensis show significant insecticidal activity against Sitophilus oryzae; P. persicaria and P. plebejum show significant insecticidal activities against Tribolium castaneum, respectively. The above selected plants were shown by in vitro assays to be a potential source for natural antifungal, antibacterial and insecticidal agents.Key words: Polygonum persicaria, Rumex hastatus, Rumex dentatus, Rumex nepalensis, Polygonum plebejum, Rheum australe, antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal