198 research outputs found
Merchants of Virtue
No full textMerchants of Virtue explores the question of what it meant to be Hindu in precolonial South Asia. Divya Cherian presents a fine-grained study of everyday life and local politics in the kingdom of Marwar in eighteenth-century western India to uncover how merchants enforced their caste ideals of vegetarianism and bodily austerity as universal markers of Hindu identity. Using legal strategies and alliances with elites, these merchants successfully remade the category of “Hindu,” setting it in contrast to “Untouchable” in a process that reconfigured Hinduism in caste terms. In a history pertinent to understanding India today, Cherian establishes the centrality of caste to the early-modern Hindu self and to its imagination of inadmissible others.
“A refreshingly different perspective on the history of caste and untouchability in India, enlarging the field of scholarship from its focus on the colonial era by telling us how precolonial configurations of power in the locality shaped the everyday experience of caste.” — GOPAL GURU, coauthor of The Cracked Mirror and Experience, Caste, and the Everyday Social
“This provocative and empirically rich study offers a plenitude of fascinating insights into aspects of western Indian history ca. 1800, from kingship and caste hierarchy to abortion and alcohol consumption. Particularly innovative is its focus on the critical role played by merchants in articulating social identities that became widespread in modern times.” — CYNTHIA TALBOT, author of The Last Hindu Emperor
“A pathbreaking book that explodes essentialist views of the construction of Hindu and Muslim identities in precolonial India. Divya Cherian provocatively argues that the category of ‘Hindu’ was the primary locus for a system of radical othering that excluded Untouchables (and Muslims as Untouchables) through mechanisms of state, law, and everyday life.” — CHRISTIAN LEE NOVETZKE, Professor of South Asian and Religious Studies, University of Washingto
Merchants of Virtue
No full textMerchants of Virtue explores the question of what it meant to be Hindu in precolonial South Asia. Divya Cherian presents a fine-grained study of everyday life and local politics in the kingdom of Marwar in eighteenth-century western India to uncover how merchants enforced their caste ideals of vegetarianism and bodily austerity as universal markers of Hindu identity. Using legal strategies and alliances with elites, these merchants successfully remade the category of “Hindu,” setting it in contrast to “Untouchable” in a process that reconfigured Hinduism in caste terms. In a history pertinent to understanding India today, Cherian establishes the centrality of caste to the early-modern Hindu self and to its imagination of inadmissible others.
“A refreshingly different perspective on the history of caste and untouchability in India, enlarging the field of scholarship from its focus on the colonial era by telling us how precolonial configurations of power in the locality shaped the everyday experience of caste.” — GOPAL GURU, coauthor of The Cracked Mirror and Experience, Caste, and the Everyday Social
“This provocative and empirically rich study offers a plenitude of fascinating insights into aspects of western Indian history ca. 1800, from kingship and caste hierarchy to abortion and alcohol consumption. Particularly innovative is its focus on the critical role played by merchants in articulating social identities that became widespread in modern times.” — CYNTHIA TALBOT, author of The Last Hindu Emperor
“A pathbreaking book that explodes essentialist views of the construction of Hindu and Muslim identities in precolonial India. Divya Cherian provocatively argues that the category of ‘Hindu’ was the primary locus for a system of radical othering that excluded Untouchables (and Muslims as Untouchables) through mechanisms of state, law, and everyday life.” — CHRISTIAN LEE NOVETZKE, Professor of South Asian and Religious Studies, University of Washingto
Improved collision detection in StarLogo Nova
No full textThesis: M. Eng., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 2015.This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections.Cataloged from student-submitted PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (page 65).StarLogo Nova is blocks-based educational software that allows students to write and play their own 3D games online. It is the online version of StarLogo TNG. This thesis explores the problem of needing more accurate collision detection in StarLogo Nova while maintaining reasonable performance. Three new collision detection systems for StarLogo Nova are developed and evaluated. Compared to the spheres used to perform collision checks in the current system, the first new system, called the TightestFitCollider, introduces a variety of bounding spheres, bounding boxes, and bounding capsules as bounding structures that may fit the models in StarLogo Nova more closely. The second system, called the HierarchicalCollider, uses hierarchies of bounding boxes to perform even more precise collision detection than the TightestFitCollider. Finally, the third system combines the first two systems, so that the advantages of each can be used as appropriate. The three systems are evaluated for their accuracy and performance within the StarLogo Nova framework.by Divya Bajekal.M. Eng
Micropropagation system for Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) - an important ornamental plant
No full textMaster of Science-BiotechnologyThe present investigation was carried out on an important ornamental plant Dianthus caryophyllus belonging to family Caryophyllaceae. The different vegetative parts i.e. nodal explant, shoot apices, stem and leaves were excised from field grown mature plant and thereafter planted on variously supplemented Murashige and Skoog’s medium for multiple shoot proliferation, callus induction and de novo adventitious root and shoot formation
Dianthus exhibits a good degree of propensity of multiple shoot proliferation from nodal and shoot apex segments. Multiple shoot proliferation from nodal explants was observed on MS medium supplemented with BAP(4.4-8.8µM) or Kn(4.65-9.30 µM)either alone or in conjunction with lower concentrations of NAA(1.47-7.35µM). Out of all the combinations tried, best results were, however, obtained on MS+BAP(4.4µM) where 16-18 shoots were formed from single axillary bud and shoot apex.
The present material had a great organogenic potential as it exhibited a high efficiency of de novo adventitious root and shoot formation directly from the stem segment. Profuse growth of lateral roots occurred on the entire surface of stem segment along with adventitious shoot formation on lower concentrations of NAA(7.35µM). These roots were short and bore root hairs profusely. Further incorporation of CM(15%) to the NAA supplemented medium considerably enhanced the rooting where entire segment was covered over with clumps of roots. The roots were thin, white having dense root hairs. A high efficiency of adventitious shoot formation from the stem segment was observed. Stem segments cultured on MS medium supplemented with NAA(1.47-7.35µM) either alone or in conjunction with BAP(4.4µM) or Kn(9.30µM) and MS + BAP(4.4µM) or MS+ Kn(9.30µM) produced adventitious shoots directly on the surface of stem explants without the formation of intervening callus.
The regenerated shoots thus formed were excised and transferred to different root inducing media to form complete plantlets. Among the various growth regulators tested, NAA(7.35µM) showed the best results where rooting occurred. Attempts are underway to establish regenerated plantlets into the soil.
Callusing of the nodal segment, shoot apices, leaf and stem segments occurred immediately after culturing on optimal chemical milieu. Murashige and Skoog’s agar gelled medium supplemented with NAA (29.4 µM), with or without CM (15%) or 2,4-D (19.48 µM) + Kn(4.65 µM) turned out to be optimal for initiation and sustained growth of calli from different plant parts. The calli were pale yellow, friable and fast growing. Formation of green friable callus from the leaf explant on 2,4-D (4.87µM) + BAP(0.88 µM) + 2000mg/l casein hydrolysate was the best medium reported.
The callus thus formed from different vegetative parts on the medium were more or less identical in morphology. The calli obtained from all the parts were heterogenous being composed of parenchymatous ovoid, oblong, semicircular cells or those with aberrant shapes. Histogenetic differentiation in the form of tracheids was observed in all the calli. Tracheids occurred singly or in groups and possessed scalariform thickenings on their walls. No organogenetic differentiation could be effected from the calli on the various media tried.Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences, Thapar University, Patial
Antiepileptic drugs for the primary and secondary prevention of seizures after subarachnoid haemorrhage
No full textBackground: subarachnoid haemorrhage may result in seizures both acutely and in the longer term. The use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in the primary and secondary prevention of seizures after subarachnoid haemorrhage is uncertain, and there is currently no consensus on treatment.Objectives: to assess the effects of AEDs for the primary and secondary prevention of seizures after subarachnoid haemorrhage.Search methods: we searched the Cochrane Epilepsy Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2013, Issue 1) in The Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE (1946 to 12th March 2013). We checked the reference lists of articles retrieved from these searches.Selection criteria: we considered all randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials in which patients were assigned to a treatment (one or more AEDs) or placebo.Data collection and analysis: two review authors (RM and JK) independently screened and assessed the methodological quality of the studies. If studies were included, one author extracted the data and the other checked it.Main results: no relevant studies were found.Authors' conclusions: there was no evidence to support or refute the use of antiepileptic drugs for the primary or secondary prevention of seizures related to subarachnoid haemorrhage. Well-designed randomised controlled trials are urgently needed to guide clinical practice
Three essays on consequences of earnings informativeness
No full textThe dissertation contains three essays that examine the market and audit consequences of earnings informativenss. In the first essay, I develop a new measure of earnings complexity based on the option market reaction both before and after the announcement of earnings. Motivated by previous theoretical work by Kim and Verrecchia (1991, 1994) and empirical findings in Patell and Wolfson (1979, 1981), I expect my measure to provide insights into the underlying information environment faced by investors around the earnings announcement. I apply three sets of validity tests and the results of these tests show that firms with high disclosure score as per my measure experience improved market liquidity, less informed trading in stock and option market, less profitability earned by insiders, and a stronger response by analysts. These results indicate me measure does capture disclosure transparency from perspective of uninformed traders. Overall, I construct a financial information measure that could be widely applied and shows that the ability to reduce uncertainty through financial reports plays a significant role in market trading. The second essay investigates the effect of financial statement comparability on corporate bankruptcy risk. Based on three different comparability measures developed by De Franco et al. (2011) and Barth et al. (2012) and expected default risk (EDF) based on Merton (1974)’s model, I document that financial statement comparability is negatively related to EDF in current and future periods with the relationship being stronger in the near term. Cross-sectional tests reveal that the marginal effect of comparability on default risk is most pronounced for companies with less visibility, more investment, less monitoring, and for companies in high-tech industries, which is consistent companies with worse information environment and monitoring benefit more from comparable statements. Comparability could help to reduce default risk through improved information efficiency and more long-term oriented investors using path analysis. My results help to demonstrate that financial statement comparability might help both to explain and to reduce default risk. In the third essay, I examine how principles-based accounting standards affect auditor’s pricing decision and auditing efficiency. The debate over the effectiveness of principles-based and rules-based accounting in previous literature shows mixed evidence about the benefits for either policy. Using a firm-year level measure of the extent of principles-based accounting standards developed in earlier literature, I find robust results showing that firms with more principle-based accounting-policy pay less auditing fees. Further evidence shows the different level of audit fees charged on firms that rely on more principle-based standards might be partially explained by decreased litigation risk, misstatement risk, and auditing effort. Finally, I identify some factors that reduce the gap about rules-based standards: the relative advantage of principle-based standards decreases when firms do not have good governance to constrain earnings manipulation by managers, and when auditors have expertise in areas of those complex standards.Ph.D.Includes bibliographical referencesby Yushi Wan
Magnetic resonance imaging of the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO₂)
No full textThesis (Ph. D.)--Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, 2010.This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections.Cataloged from student submitted PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (p. 120-128).Oxygen consumption is an essential process of the functioning brain. The rate at which the brain consumes oxygen is known as the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO₂). CMRO₂ is intimately related to brain health and function, and will change in settings of disease and functional activation. Accurate CMRO₂ measurement will enable detailed investigation of neuropathology and facilitate our understanding of the brain's underlying functional architecture. Despite the importance of CMRO₂ in both clinical and basic neuroscience settings, a robust CMRO₂ mapping technique amenable to functional and clinical MRI has not been established. To address this issue, a novel method called QUantitative Imaging of eXtraction of Oxygen and TIssue Consumption, or QUIXOTIC, is introduced. The key innovation in QUIXOTIC is the use of velocity-selective spin labeling to isolate MR signal exclusively from post-capillary venular blood on a voxel-by-voxel basis. This isolated signal can be related to venular oxygen saturation, oxygen extraction fraction, and ultimately CMRO₂. This thesis first explores fundamental theory behind the QUIXOTIC technique, including design of a novel MRI pulse sequence, explanation of the principal sequence parameters, and results from initial human experiences. A human trial follows, in which QUIXOTIC is used to measure cortical gray matter CMRO₂ in ten healthy volunteers.(cont.) QUIXOTIC-measured CMRO₂ is found to be within the expected physiological range and is comparable to values reported by other techniques. QUIXOTIC is then applied to evaluate CMRO₂ response to carbon-dioxide-induced hypercapnia in awake humans. In this study, CMRO₂ is observed to decrease in response to mild hypercapnia. Finally, pilot studies that show feasibility of QUIXOTIC-based functional MRI (fMRI) and so-called "turbo" QUIXOTIC are presented and discussed.by Divya Sanam Bolar.Ph.D
European Narratives on Remote Working and Coworking During the COVID-19 Pandemic
No full textThis open access book offers a multidisciplinary and comprehensive perspective regarding the immediate and long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on coworking spaces in the European Region. The current pandemic has imposed several effects on work and spaces for work. Some are immediate effects and will last for a short time (such as the closing down of the space), some will last longer (namely, the reorganisation of the space to meet the physical distancing), and some will stay for a long time (remote working and hybrid working). Although the literature on coworking spaces and the effects of the pandemic is growing fast, empirical studies are yet limited. Within this context, this book seeks a twofold aim: (i) to contribute to the fast-growing literature on coworking space and their effects at different scales; (ii) to present a multidisciplinary perspective about the effects of the yet-lasting Corona-pandemic effects on the patterns of remote working and consequently on coworking spaces, as the most diffused form of new working spaces.History, Form & Aesthetic
Clinical trend discovery and analysis of Taiwanese health insurance claims data
No full textThesis: M. Eng., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 2016.This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections.Cataloged from student-submitted PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (pages 61-62).Data-driven analysis can improve our understanding of medicine, and data from electronic health records and labs has been used successfully in predictive tasks. Less advanced analysis has been done on health insurance claims data, which can be rich and more structured but large in scale. Taiwan has had nationalized health insurance for twenty years; its National Health Research Institute Database (NHIRD) contains records of insurance claims, including medications, prescriptions, and treatment costs for both inpatient and outpatient visits, spanning sixteen years and a million patients. The NHIRD enables longitudinal studies of a patient's medical progression as well as aggregation and generalization to population-level insights. We conducted preliminary exploration of data trends in aggregate, such as diagnosis code frequency and average treatment cost over time. An infrastructure to perform large-scale queries and handle results was required to effectively use the NHIRD for research applications. After indexing database tables to improve query performance, we created a pipeline in Python to connect to and query the database, analyze data for hypothesis discovery and hypothesis testing, convert Taiwanese codes to international standards, and produce plots and graphs. This pipeline was used to examine drug side effects and comorbidities observed across a population, accounting for demographic variables. We also studied patient-specific longitudinal matrices of medical events, which were highly sparse. We attempted quantitative imputation methods to densify these matrices, but because the data was binary (indicating the presence of an event at a given time), categorical, and irregular, advanced imputation offered limited benefit. Nevertheless, we discovered interesting patterns in cohorts of diabetes patients treated with various classes of drugs. This information can be exploited in computational phenotyping and other learning methods, and combined with other data sources it could increase accuracy of clinical predictive tasks.by Divya P. Pillai.M. Eng
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