Caribbean angst purveyor of a conflicted dual self : projected in poetries of Walcott and Brathwaite

This thesis is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in English, 2015.The brutality, of the history of slavery, explains how the Caribbean people suffered a lot through the uprooting of their genealogy, culture, language and heritage. The African people felt alienated, displaced, marooned both for the cruelty of their journey and dehumanizing experience in plantations. This resulted into them having a psychic breakdown which caused the ―Caribbean angst‖. In this paper I attempt to explore this angst through the poems of Derek Walcott and Edward Kamau Brathwaite, who are both Creoles. Being of the same background, I explore especially these two poets and identify where they vary in expressing their view of the angst

An Improved Dynamic Daltonization for Color-Blinds

Color-blindness is an inherited condition which leads to the sufferer not being able to distinguish between certain colors. One of the most widely used algorithms for enhancing a color-blind’s color perception of images is Daltonization. Non-iterative Daltonization leaves the possibility of modifying imperceptible colors into colors that already exist in an image. Iterative Daltonization method provides better results by overcoming this problem. This paper presents a new iterative Daltonization method for protanopes which uses hue to ensure imperceptible colors are not modified into colors similar to existing perceptible ones. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms similar existing methods

Analysis of Quantum Confinement and Carrier Transport of Nano-Transistor in Quantum Mechanics

Quantum mechanics is the branch of physics that consists of laws explaining the physical properties of the nature of nano-particles and their characteristics on an atomic scale. The study of nano-particles significantly challenges our current perception of the universe and the fabric of reality itself. Quantum particles have both wave-like and particle-like characteristics. The fundamental equation that predicts the physical behaviour of a quantum system is the Schrödinger equation and the Poisson equation using Monte Carlo simulations. This gives rise to the wavefunction, electron and hole densities, energy levels and band structure of the system which contains all the measurable information about the particle such as time and position, where position is represented using probabilities. This is because particles do not have one definite position during the time before measurement. In fact, they exist as a fuzzy distribution of all possible states where the likelihood of finding the particle in some states is more probable than others. This is known as being in a superposition of all states. When the quantum system is observed, however, its wavefunction collapses so it consequently falls into one specific position. Moreover, in this chapter we present the simulation results of conduction band profile, electron density (classical and quantum mechanical), eigenstate and eigenfunctions for Si, SOI and III-V MOSFET structures at bias voltage 1.0 V using 1D Poisson-Schrödinger solver

Design and development of Bi directional power meter using microcontroller

The significance of power or energy measurement has been very acute in recent times with the increase of Grid-Tied Solar PV system that needs Net-Metering. Power can be flown in both directions, from grid to load or from load (PV- Panel) to grid line. If power flow from both side is not calculated and surplus power which is not being used at the time instant is not stored, accurate billing is not possible. That is why a bidirectional power meter is required which can measure both the positive and negative power at any instant. The aim of this paper is to develop a bidirectional power meter using microcontroller. The work of this paper constitutes a microcontroller, a current sensor, bulbs as load and a display. The rms values of voltage and current is determined and showed in the display. Then the calibration is done inside the developed program. After that the power is calculated and showed in the display. Then the direction of the power is determined depending on the direction (whether positive or negative) of the power which is also dependent on the phase difference between the voltage and current. If there is no phase difference between the voltage and current, then the power is positive and leaving from the grid. If there is 180 degree phase difference between the voltage and current, then the power is negative and entering to the grid. The direction of the power flow is very important for efficiently of the proposed meter. For some defined load the accuracy of the developed meter is calculated as 94%

The Role of Dhaka's Community-Based Parks in Improving Children’s Mental and Physical Health

This study focused on the significance of Community Park for enhancing children’s mental and physical health at the grassroots level of the community of Dhaka city. To assess the practical scenario both primary and secondary data was used in this study. Convenience sampling techniques have been applied to collect data with a pre-designed structured questionnaire. To reach the study goal, regression analyses have been applied to see the correlation between children’s health and community park activities. Furthermore, categorized the impact to understand the vulnerability. The evidence identified that such community park contributes significantly to children's physical and mental well-being, fostering a positive impact on their holistic development. The study findings demonstrated that ∼ 80% of children think community parks significantly contribute to maintaining their mental wellbeing. Similarly, 61% of children expressed that park activities reduce their stress and anxiety. In addition, regular activities impact on their physical growth which was expressed by 90% of respondents. The result also finds out a strong correlation between the physical and mental health of the children. In addition, it analyzed the correlation of impact between their education and health. Besides, the study also assesses the levels of severity of depression, anxiety, and sleeping disorders in children after covid-19 pandemic. Indeed, results also disclose numerous factors such as infrastructural conditions, greenery stock, safety measures, children's activities and community participation in the community parks. The novelty of the study will help public health experts, psychologists, urban planners, environmentalists, policymakers, public representatives to take an eco�friendly sustainable development plan, thereby fostering a positive impact on children’s holistic development. Furthermore, this study provides some recommendations to increase the overall health conditions of the park’s children's zon

Epigenetic regulation of the COVID-19 pathogenesis: its impact on the host immune response and disease progression

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is highly infectious and may induce epigenetic alteration of the host immune system. Understanding the role of epigenetic mechanisms in COVID-19 infection is a clinical need to minimize critical illness and widespread transmission. The susceptibility to infection and progression of COVID-19 varies from person to person; pathophysiology substantially depends on epigenetic changes in the immune system and preexisting health conditions. Recent experimental and epidemiological studies have revealed the method of transmission and clinical presentation related to COVID-19 pathogenesis, however, the underlying pathology of variation in the severity of infection remains questionable. Epigenetic changes may also be responsible factors for multisystem association and deadly systemic complications of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected patients. Commonly, epigenetic changes are evoked by alteration of the host's immune response, stress, preexisting condition, oxidative stress response, external behavioral or environmental factors, and age. In addition, the viral infection itself might manipulate the host immune responses associated with inflammation by reprogramming epigenetic processes which are the susceptible factor for disease severity and death. As a result, epigenetic events such as histone modification and DNA methylation are implicated in regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines production by remodeling macrophage and T-cell activity towards inflammation, consequently, may also affect tissue repair and injury resolution process. This review aims to discuss the comprehensive understanding of the epigenetic landscape of COVID-19 disease progression that varies from person to person with supporting interdisciplinary prognosis protocol to overcome systemic impairment

Comparison Effect on Biogas Production from Vegetable and Fruit Waste with Rumen Digesta Through Co-Digestion Process

Biogas is the best renewable energy as it can be produced from any biomass for example any plant or living organism. The purpose of this research was to produce biomethane from co-digestion of vegetable and fruit waste with rumen digesta through anaerobic digestion process. In this research, two trials of experiment were conducted. Each trial has three different sample with different mixing ratios. Raw materials used in the experiment was rumen digesta of goat and cow, potato, capsicum, cucumbers, onions, radish, cauliflower, carrot, leafy vegetables, apple, banana, and papaya. In each sample, 1200 gram of raw materials were used. Hydraulic retention time was 30 days. Data was collected by water displacement method. The experiment found that the gas production started from 2nd or 3rd days and stops in 28th or 29th day. Highest production of biogas was 35, 33, 30, 40, 50 and 35 mL/day on the 17th, 14th, 17th, 11th, 12th and 7th day at the mixing ratios of 1:1:2, 1:2:1, 1:1.5:1.5, 1:0.5:0.5, 1:2:2 and 1.5:1.5:1 (Rumen Digesta: Vegetable Waste: Fruit Waste) respectively. The study suggests making digester for the recycling of waste to produce biogas, a renewable and environment friendly energy

Paired growth of cultivated and halophytic wild rice under salt stress induces bacterial endophytes and gene expression responses

IntroductionUtilizing salt-affected marginal lands in coastal regions can help meet the growing demand for rice. We explored a nature-based solution involving wild halophytic rice (O. coarctata, Oc) and commercial rice BRRI Dhan 67 (O. sativa, Os) grown in close proximity to each other under salt stress.MethodsThis was to investigate whether a paired planting strategy could help complement rice growth and yield under stress. We also investigated the gene expression and endophytic bacterial profiles of both Os and Oc in unpaired and paired conditions without and with salt.ResultsPaired plants exhibited lower salt damage indicators such as smaller reduction in plant height, electrolyte leakage and chlorophyll loss, as well as higher K+/Na+ ratio under saline stress. Some of the 39 endophytic bacteria in the mutualism experiment were unique to Oc and transferred to Os when paired. Differentially expressed genes in leaves of paired Os versus unpaired Os were 1097 (994 up-regulated, 101 down-regulated) without salt and 893 (763 up-regulated, 130 down-regulated) under salt stress. The presence of Oc plants under salt stress influenced major biological processes in Os, including oxidative stress; chitinase activity; phenylalanine catabolic process and response to ABA. Protein binding and serine/threonine kinase activity were primarily affected in molecular function. The downregulated WRKY transcription factor 22 in paired conditions under salt stress played a role in the MAPK signaling pathway, reducing respiratory cell death. The upregulated auxin-responsive protein IAA18 gene, involved in hormone signaling and cell enlargement, was present only in paired plants.DiscussionOur findings therefore, offer insights into developing more effective cultivation strategies for sustainable rice production

Factors contributing to online child sexual abuse in Bangladesh: A qualitative inquiry [version 3; peer review: 2 approved]

Background Children globally, including in Bangladesh, are facing various forms of online sexual abuse including sextortion, exploitation, body shaming, and blackmail. They are also coerced into engaging in intimate activities, harassed through the sending of sexual content, among other forms of abuse. We aimed to explore the root cause of online child sexual abuse (OCSA) in Bangladesh. Methods This qualitative research design utilized in-depth interviews (IDIs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) between February and April 2022. The study sample comprised 21 school-going children aged 13−17 years, selected from two different geographical settings (10 from rural areas and 11 from urban areas) in Bangladesh using purposive sampling techniques. They participated in in-depth interviews (IDIs) while additional data was obtained through key informant interviews (KIIs) with 11 multidisciplinary stakeholders. Results Children from both rural and urban areas reported facing abuse in various ways, such as being asked to send naked photos, being invited to be naked in video calls, and being invited to have virtual sex, among others, over the internet. Conclusions The government should consider integrating OCSA education into secondary levels. Additionally, there should be efforts to ensure a safe online environment through content scrutiny, promotion of outdoor activities, and community campaigns. An anonymous reporting system must be implemented, and strict measures under the Children's Act must be enforced against perpetrators. Further intervention studies are needed to ensure effective child protection measures in Bangladesh

A case study of evapotranspiration at five almond orchards on a spectrum of conventional to regenerative management

In an increasingly unstable climate, it is critical to optimize water needed for crop irrigation to secure food production and livelihoods while reducing environmental impacts. Here, we focus on water use for almonds — a crop that occupies roughly 20% of the irrigated agricultural land in California and has long been the focus of scrutiny. Regenerative agriculture, a term used to describe system designs that increase soil health, biodiversity, resilience to climate, and profitability while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and pollution, offers a potential way forward. We used eddy covariance, micrometeorological, and soil moisture measurements from 2022 and 2023 to quantify the evapotranspiration of California almond orchards under different soil and plant management practices and produce comprehensive estimates of the water footprint of different management systems. In five almond orchards, we find that there is little difference between evapotranspiration at regenerative and conventional sites in winter months, and that regenerative sites have similar or slightly lower evapotranspiration during the growing season. Orchards with cover crops had higher infiltration rates of winter precipitation than those without; however, soil moisture did not differ between management types. This case study demonstrates that regenerative management in almond orchards leads to improvements in soil moisture retention without guaranteeing increased evapotranspiration