Digital Commons Network^™

Being An Inessential Woman: Sexual Fluidity And Migratory Identities In Mohsin Hamid’S Exit West, Dhanya V. Sankar, Sarbani Banerjee

Journal of International Women's Studies

This paper explores the experiences of principal characters in Mohsin Hamid’s novel Exit West, particularly the woman protagonist Nadia, as they battle with displacement and assimilation. The novel highlights the challenges faced by Nadia, a migrant woman, as she navigates through constant mobility and cultural adaptation. This continuous movement engenders a similar fluidity in her sexual orientation as she searches for a home. Nadia represents the “inessential woman” of Elizabeth Spelman’s book of the same name, a woman who is othered by White, middle-class feminists who may view Muslim women as shackled by heterosexuality and religious sanctions. Yet Nadia …

Subdued Voices And Marginalized Lives: Reading R. K. Narayan’S Waiting For The Mahatma Through Feminist Standpoint Theory, D. Sundar Singh, S. Pressila Daissy, Roland Rencewigg P.

Journal of International Women's Studies

Standpoint feminism, based in second-wave feminist theory, insists that knowledge is situated in the social world and contends that marginalized groups, through their experiences of oppression and struggle, hold experiential understandings of power relations. This paper examines R. K. Narayan’s complex depiction of a young woman actively involved in India’s freedom struggle in his novel, Waiting for the Mahatma (1955/2004), through the lens of Sandra Harding’s feminist standpoint theory. The novel’s central character, Bharati, through her varied trajectories of resistance and accommodation within patriarchal structures, illustrates marginalized women’s understandings and their mirroring of social inequalities and power relations that are …

Homophobic And Transphobic Bullying: Impacts On The Mental And Physical Health Of Queer Black Adolescents In Kacen Callender’S Young Adult Fiction, Uthra Devi R.K., C. Jothi, S. Rema Devi

Journal of International Women's Studies

This paper examines how homophobic bullying profoundly impacts the mental and physical health of Black queer children, with a particular focus on the rising suicide rate within this marginalized community. Analysing the representation of homophobic and transphobic bullying in Kacen Callender’s young adult fiction, this study explores the devastating impact of both verbal and nonverbal forms of abuse, including rejection, intimidation, and social isolation. These negative experiences contribute to long-term emotional distress, leading to an increased vulnerability to anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Meyer’s minority stress theory is used to examine how systematic ignorance and rejection of queerness render Black …

A New Melian Dialogue: Feminist Thinkers On Security Problems Of The 21st Century, Heather Rellihan, Michael Coffey

Journal of International Women's Studies

This essay critically engages with two important works on feminist foreign policy— Kristina Lunz’s The Future of Foreign Policy is Feminist and Cynthia Enloe’s Twelve Feminist Lessons of War—both of which offer useful insights for the evolving field of critical security studies. The authors of this essay have divergent backgrounds—a professor of women’s, gender, and sexuality studies and a defense scholar—which reflect a central tension in feminist foreign policy between feminist principles and the paradigms and exigencies of defense policy makers. Through a constructed conversation between its authors, this essay engages the arguments of Lunz and Enloe to ask …

Advancing Gender-Inclusive Financial Systems: A G20 Policy Agenda For South Africa, Tinuade A. Ojo, M. E. Sotunsa, Diana J. Fox, Karen Carpenter, Leith L. Dunn

Journal of International Women's Studies

This policy brief calls for comprehensive reforms of South Africa’s financial systems to broaden women’s access to capital. Women’s economic empowerment is critical to inclusive and sustainable development in Africa. Despite ongoing global commitments to gender equality, systemic financial exclusion continues to marginalise women—particularly in South Africa—thereby impeding their full economic participation. Microfinance has emerged as a pivotal strategy for fostering financial inclusion among women, especially those in rural and economically disadvantaged urban areas. International models, such as the Grameen Bank, have illustrated that women from low-income backgrounds often exhibit higher loan repayment rates than their male counterparts. Institutions specifically …

Book Review: Feminist Afterlives Of The Witch: Popular Culture, Memory, Activism, Subhasis Pal

Journal of International Women's Studies

No abstract provided.

Book Review: Gendered Violence In Public Spaces: Women’S Narratives Of Travel In Neoliberal India, Barnana Baidya, Partha Bhattacharjee

Journal of International Women's Studies

No abstract provided.

Letter-To-The-Editor To The Study By Bartek J Et Al “Multidisciplinary Consensus-Based Statement On The Current Role Of Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization (Mmae) In Chronic Subdural Hematoma (Csdh)” – A Letter From The International Csdh Research Group Committee, Icoric, T.S.R. Jensen, J. Duerinck, D. Holl, C. Iorio-Morin, J. Soleman, E. Edlmann

Peninsula Medical School

No abstract provided.

Il-1 Signal Inhibition In Alcohol-Related Hepatitis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Of Canakinumab, Nikhil Vergis, Vishal Patel, Karolina Bogdanowicz, Justyna Czyzewska-Khan, Rosemary Keshinro, Francesca Fiorentino, Emily Day, Paul Middleton, Stephen Atkinson, Thomas Tranah, Mary Cross, Daphne Babalis, Neil Foster, Emma Lord, Alberto Quaglia, Josephine Lloyd, Robert Goldin, William Rosenberg, Richard Parker, Paul Richardson, Steven Masson, Gavin Whitehouse, Cyril Sieberhagan, David Patch, Nikolai Naoumov, Ashwin Dhanda, Ewan Forrest, Mark Thursz

Peninsula Medical School

Background and Aims: Short-term mortality in alcohol-related hepatitis (AH) is high, and no current therapy results in durable benefit. A role for interleukin (IL)-1β has been demonstrated in the pathogenesis of alcohol-induced steatohepatitis. This study explored the safety and efficacy of canakinumab (CAN), a monoclonal antibody targeting IL-1β, in the treatment of patients with AH. Methods: Participants with biopsy-confirmed AH and discriminant function ≥32 but Model for End-Stage Liver Disease ≤27 were randomly allocated 1:1 to receive either CAN 3 mg/kg or placebo (PBO). Liver biopsies were taken before and 28 days after treatment. The primary endpoint was the overall …

Impact Of Social Deprivation Upon The Preoperative Pathway And Early Surgical Outcomes After Pancreatoduodenectomy For Pdac And Non-Pdac Periampullary Cancer In England: The Surg-Panc-Uk Study, Surg-Panc-Uk Study Group On Behalf Of Augis, Thomas W Thorne, Siobhan C Mckay, Samir Pathak, Richard Wilkin, Jenifer Barrie, John Moir, Keith J Roberts, Somaiah Aroori

Peninsula Medical School

BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic deprivation is linked to poorer outcomes in many cancers, however the impact of social deprivation on survival in resectable pancreatic and other peri-ampullary cancers appears mixed. Moreover, no studies consider the impact of social deprivation on diagnostic pathway length.

METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study of adults with suspected periampullary cancer undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy in England. Following surgery, patients were stratified by cancer type (PDAC, duodenal cancer, cholangiocarcinoma and ampullary cancer) and the impact of social deprivation (IMD deprivation quintiles) upon short-term survival and diagnostic pathway length analysed.

RESULTS: 648 patients from England with social deprivation data were identified, …

Discussing Poverty Within Primary Care Consultations: Implications For Mental Health Support, F. Thomas, K. Wyatt, K. Berzins, I. Lee, J. Horrell, A. Mcloughlin

Peninsula Medical School

No abstract provided.

A Mapping Review Of Studies Exploring The Barriers And Facilitators To A Dementia Diagnosis Through An Intersectionality Lens, Ben Hicks, Katherine Wheatley, Emma Porter, Nicolas Farina, Sube Banerjee

Peninsula Medical School

BackgroundPromoting a ‘timely’ diagnosis is a global policy directive.AimsThis review adopts an intersectional approach, visually mapping the existing literature to highlight gaps in the evidence base on barriers and facilitators to dementia diagnosis.MethodA systematic approach was undertaken, following the PRISMA guidelines, updating previous reviews. The literature search was conducted on PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL Complete and Scopus. In line with mapping review methodology, we report the current state of the literature by describing the number of studies that outline barriers and facilitators to seeking help for a dementia diagnosis, split by social categorisation.ResultsOn the 7 June 2024, a total of 45 …

From Hospital Discharge To Long-Term Care: Unmet Rehabilitation Needs In Cauda Equina Syndrome Patients From A National Uk Cohort, Uces Collaborators, British Neurosurgical Trainee Research Collaborative, Holly Roy, Krithika Anil, Jack Read, Marcus J. Drake, Ingrid Hoeritzauer, Julie Woodfield

Peninsula Medical School

Objectives: Although long term disability may be a consequence of cauda equina syndrome (CES), the evidence base for the effect of rehabilitation or different rehabilitation strategies is lacking. Our aim was to understand long term neurological deficits (understood as rehabilitation needs) and current rehabilitation provision for patients with CES. Methods: We retrospectively analysed data from a large UK wide cohort of CES patients presenting between 1st June 2018 and 31st May 2019. Rehabilitation referrals and attendance were described, and symptoms at discharge and one year were identified as potential targets for rehabilitation. Results: Physiotherapy was the most common inpatient rehabilitation …

Tetrazole-Containing Naphthalene Bis-Sulfonamide Keap1-Nrf2 Interaction Inhibitors With Unexpected Binding Modes, Nikolaos D Georgakopoulos, Sandeep K Talapatra, Sharadha Dayalan Naidu, Dina Dikovskaya, Maureen Higgins, Jemma Gatliff, Roxani Nikoloudaki, Marjolein Schaap, Jasmine M Walker, Christopher Wardby, Albena T Dinkova-Kostova, Sarah Harris, Frank Kozielski, Geoff Wells

Peninsula Medical School

Naphthalene bis-sulfonamides are amongst the most studied inhibitors of the interaction between Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap1), a ubiquitination facilitator protein and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor associated with diverse cytoprotective responses. The compounds bind to the C-terminal Kelch domain of Keap1 and occupy the Nrf2 binding pocket, causing Nrf2 to accumulate and increase the expression of a battery of antioxidant response element genes. The binding modes of the compounds have been characterised through a series of X-ray crystallography and binding assay studies. In this work we have evaluated a series of symmetric and asymmetric …

The Weapon Focus Effect On Memory For Male And Female Perpetrators, Faith Christel Aasen

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research on the weapon focus effect suggests that weapon presence causes reduced memory accuracy for perpetrator details due to weapons being surprising and unexpected. The unusualness hypothesis suggests that a stronger weapon focus effect should occur when the perpetrator defies typical gender stereotypes, such as a woman holding a gun. The current study sought to examine how the weapon focus effect impacts eyewitness memory for male and female perpetrators, specifically exploring the magnitude of the effect on female perpetrators. The current study further investigated whether the own gender bias attenuates the weapon focus effect on memory for female perpetrators. …

Hazard Impact Assessment Of Brine Spills On Groundwater Pollution In Western North Dakota, Grace Dzifa Agbozo

Theses and Dissertations

The rapid expansion of oil and gas production in North Dakota’s Bakken Formation has heightened environmental concerns, particularly groundwater contamination from brine spills. Brine, a highly saline byproduct of oil extraction, poses a serious threat to water quality due to its chemical composition. This study examines brine spill impacts from 2013 to 2024 across Williams, Mountrail, McKenzie, and Dunn counties using GIS and the DRASTIC model, enhanced with Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Overlay techniques. Essential hydrogeological factors were analyzed to produce vulnerability index maps. Furthermore, spatial autocorrelation (Moran’s I), Optimized Hot Spot Analysis, and Emerging Hot Spot Analysis …

Comparative Analysis Of Lstm-Based And Traditional Hydrologic Models For River Discharge Prediction: A Case Study Of The Goose River, Adewale Ajao

Theses and Dissertations

Streamflow predictions are important in planning water resources and effective hydrological management. Physically based models such as the Hydrologic Engineering Center-Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) have been used in the past for this purpose. Still, the use of machine learning models such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) has been proven to complement the use of traditional models. This study compares the reliability performances of HEC-HMS and LSTM models to predict the streamflow of Goose River Watershed in North Dakota. The objective of the research is to perform a comprehensive comparative analysis between the performance of HEC-HMS and LSTM models to predict …

Mathematical Modeling Of Cyber-Physical Attacks In Iot Systems: An Epidemiological Approach, Tunde Alesinloye

Theses and Dissertations

The Internet of Things (IoT) has made electronic devices more interconnected, which has increased cybersecurity threats while also bringing previously unimaginable convenience. In this study, we explore the dynamics of malware transmission in IoT systems using a mathematical modeling methodology that draws inspiration from epidemiological approaches. To better characterize contemporary cyber-defense tactics like honeypots and proactive device hardening, we specifically suggest the SEIR-DX model, which expands the traditional SEIR framework by adding two extra compartments: Deceptive (D) and Secured (X).

The transitions between the six compartments Susceptible, Exposed, Infected, Recovered, Deceptive, and Secured are described by a system of nonlinear …

Domain Adapted Signal Classification For Simulated And Real-World Signals, Mohammad Ali

Theses and Dissertations

Signal classification models based on deep neural networks are trained on a set of data either simulated or over-the-air that are restricted to specific channel environments, varying distortion conditions such as SNR offsets. The consequence are models that unexpectedly do not do well in scenarios when the feature distribution between domains are too large such as when simulated models are deployed in real world environments. In this regard, we propose signal classification framework leveraging Domain-Adversarial Neural Networks to address SNR variability for simulated data Unsupervised Domain Adaptation frameworks for simulated to real world signals. Our first approach employs domain adversarial …

Spatial And Temporal Assessment Of Meteorological Drought Using The Standardized Precipitation Index (Spi) And Its Effect On Crop Yield Over The Corn Belt Region Of The United States From 2000 To 2023, Victor Araya

Theses and Dissertations

Climate change and global warming have contributed to extreme weather events and patterns, including severe flooding, earthquakes, wildfires, and drought. Drought happens to be the deadliest catastrophic event around the world. Drought's impact on ecosystems and local communities has been increasing in many parts of the world, including the United States and, most importantly, the corn Belt, which also happens to be the country's food basket. Understanding drought prediction and mitigation can be investigated through drought indices. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) is considered the most reliable in this study. It is used in this study to present the critical …

Advanced Motor Control Using Td3 Model-Free Reinforcement Learning, Muhammad Azam

Theses and Dissertations

Motor control plays a critical role in industrial automation, ensuring the precise regulation of speed, torque, and position across various applications. Traditional motor control techniques, such as open-loop, closed-loop, and feedback control, have been widely used but face limitations in handling complex and dynamic systems. Recent advancements in machine learning (ML) offer potential improvements in motor control by enabling systems to learn optimal control policies autonomously. This research investigates the integration of Reinforcement Learning (RL) with Field-Oriented Control (FOC) for the control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs). The study aims to address a significant gap in reward function design, …

Machine Learning-Guided Discovery Of Metal-Ligand Catalysts For Affordable Green Hydrogen Produced Via Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers, Achouak Benarbia

Theses and Dissertations

The rising demand for clean and sustainable energy sources has underscored the critical role of hydrogen in the global energy transition. However, the widespread adoption of green hydrogen remains constrained by the high cost and scarcity of platinum-based electrocatalysts used in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. This dependence inflates production costs and poses long-term risks related to supply security and scalability. While numerous studies have explored alternative materials, the discovery of efficient and stable non-platinum catalysts remains a major bottleneck due to the vastness of chemical space and the resource-intensive nature of experimental screening. To address this challenge, this study …

Applying The 4d Model Of The Country Image To Explore The Relationship Between Saudi Arabia’S Sport Diplomacy And Its Perceived Image Among American Adults, Ibrahim Bin Jaman

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the relationship between Saudi Arabia’s sports diplomacy and strategy of hosting major international sports events and its image among American adults. Notably, the Saudi government’s strategic use of hosting sports events aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, fostering economic diversification and promoting tourism. The conducted study examined American adults’ exposure to international sports events held in Saudi Arabian, this exposure’s correlation with the image of the country, and potential differences in the perception of Saudi Arabian between American adults who have been exposed to sports events in Saudi Arabia and those who have not. A …

Next-Gen Device For Uniform Cellular Migration Assay Execution, Nicholas M. Bittner

Theses and Dissertations

Cellular migration assays, particularly scratch assays, are pivotal in biomedical research for cell motility, wound healing, and metastasis. However, conventional scratch assays suffer from variability due to operator dependence, non-uniform scratch geometry, and a modified microenvironment that impacts reproducibility. This thesis presents the development and validation of a low-cost, 3D-printed device designed to standardize cellular migration assays. The device utilizes a spring mechanism and a biocompatible elastomer to create a uniform cellular exclusion zone without harming the surrounding cells. Through iterative prototyping and testing with MCF10A cell lines, the device demonstrated a significantly lower average standard deviation of length compared …

Evaluation Of Schlafen Family Proteins In Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Savannah Brown

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the role of Schlafen (SLFN) family proteins in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), a subtype known for its aggressive behavior and poor response to treatment. Through a series of studies, this dissertation examines the interplay between multiple SLFN proteins, chemotherapy resistance, and immune modulation, revealing the potential of SLFN12 as both a biomarker and therapeutic target for improving treatment outcomes, particularly in overcoming chemoresistance in TNBC.

Breast cancer, the most common cancer worldwide, includes various subtypes like TNBC, which lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, making it resistant to conventional therapies. SLFN proteins, first discovered in mice, regulate …

Virulence Of Emerging Tick-Borne Pathogens, Borrelia Miyamotoi And Borrelia Mayonii, Dawn Cleveland

Theses and Dissertations

As climate change leads to global expansion of tick habitats, tick borne diseases are becoming more prevalent and widespread, and emerging tickborne pathogens Borrelia miyamotoi and Borrelia mayonii warrant increased study. Both B. miyamotoi and B. mayonii are vectored by the same tick species as B. burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, with B. miyamotoi causing a relapsing fever-like disease known as Borrelia miyamotoi disease (BMD), and B. mayonii causing a Lyme disease-like illness with atypical clinical presentations. This dissertation has two aims. The first aim encompasses B. miyamotoi infection and growth, isolation of clonal populations, and characterization of …

Autonomous Corrosion Detection In Steel Structures Using Different Non-Contact Techniques, Amrita Das

Theses and Dissertations

Metallic corrosion is an electrochemical process that can occur due to the formation of aqueous adlayers on the metal surface. It is often described as reverse metallurgy, as corrosion drives refined metals back to their lowest energy state, namely an oxidized, ore-like form. Environmental factors that promote corrosion include precipitation, high humidity, and chemical condensation, which can result from the hygroscopic nature of pollutants deposited on the surface. There is a significant impact of metallic corrosion on the U. S. economy including infrastructure, transportation, utilities, production, and manufacturing. The total direct cost of corrosion in the United States has been …

Great Expectations: How Gender Assigned At Birth Shapes Viewpoint Based Perceptual Disparities In Gender-Diverse People, Adelyn Emter

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine disparities between personal beliefs and perceived societal ideologies about earning gendered traits and maintaining masculinity and femininity, with a focus on gender-diverse perspectives and the influence of gender identity on responses to social research. The current study recruited 334 gender-diverse participants to compare Viewpoint and Gendered Trait based on participant Gender Assigned at Birth, using twelve statements about earning and maintaining masculinity and femininity. The Traditional Egalitarian Sex Role (TESR) Inventory and Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) Scale were used as covariates which significantly contributed to the model. As expected, societal belief scores …

Beyond The Game: Designing An Nil First-Year Seminar Through Thematic Analysis Of Division 1 Student-Athletes Perspectives, Laura Dimattia

Theses and Dissertations

The 2021 relaxation of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations by the NCAA has transformed collegiate athletics, granting student-athletes the opportunity to profit from their personal brands. These changes deliver financial and personal advancement opportunities but introduce new challenges. Student-athletes encounter challenges in managing responsibilities related to athletics, academics, and commercial activities amid evolving NIL compliance requirements. Universities struggle to manage multiple pressures including compliance requirements and recruitment strategies along with challenges from the Transfer Portal.

This study explores the motivational factors behind student-athletes' engagement with NIL and their learning preferences through a qualitative approach. The researcher conducted in-depth interviews …

An Explainable Ai Framework For Detecting Harmful Algal Blooms (Habs) In Freshwater Lakes, Meera Gopinath Sujatha

Theses and Dissertations

The increase in economic impacts due to the rapid growth of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater lakes has prompted the development of monitoring and prediction systems. However, limited target data hinders reliable predictions on HAB formations. To address this limitation, this dissertation focuses on providing solutions through data-driven,interpretable, and explainable machine learning models. In Chapter 3, an interpretable multivariate regression model such as Vector Autoregressive (VAR) was used to analyze the important factors that contribute to the formation of cyanobacteria in lakes. The causality tests performed on multiple water quality data helped to determine Alkalinity, Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), andWater Temperature …