98 research outputs found
Border Imperialism and Environmental Racism
No full textHarsha Walia is an author and activist who is formally trained in the law. She immigrated from India and currently resides in Vancouver, on the lands of the Indigenous Coast Salish people. Harsha has been named one of the most influential South Asians in British Columbia by the Vancouver Sun and one of the ten most popular left-wing journalists by the Georgia Straight in 2010. Naomi Klein has called Harsha “one of Canada’s most brilliant and effective political organizers.” Harsha’s book, Undoing Border Imperialism, was published in 2013 by AK Press. Her writings have appeared in numerous magazines, including Briarpatch, Canadian Dimension, Dominion, Feministing, Fuze, Left Turn, Mondoweiss, People of Color Organize, Rabble, Racilicious, Sanhati, Z Magazine, and others. She has contributed essays to academic journals as well as chapters in the anthologies Power of Youth: Youth and community-led activism in Canada; Racism and Borders: Representation, Repression, Resistance; Beyond Walls and Cages; Stay Solid; Broken Trouble: A Toolbox for Revolution; Organize! Building from the Local for Global Justice, and the Winter We Danced. Harsha is a cofounder of the migrant justice group No One Is Illegal and the progressive South Asian network Radical Desis. She is an organizer in numerous social justice organizations, and has made a number of presentations to the United Nations on social and economic justice issues.Lecture delivered at Humboldt State University on Novermber 5, 2015 by Harsha Walia. Part of the Sustainable futures speaker series sponsored by the Schatz Energy Research Center and the Environment and Community Program
Racism, Austerity and Precarity: Canada\u27s Role in Shaping Anti-Migrant Policies
No full textWhile much attention is focused on Trump and American anti-immigrant measures, the reality is that the US looks to countries like Canada to model its border walls and deportation policies on. Migrants and racialized communities face systemic barriers to labour rights, permanent residency, and dignity in Canada. With escalating white supremacy as a stark reality alongside the national myth of multiculturalism, how do we challenge structural racism and neoliberalism as systems that operate across state-constructed borders?
About the Lecturer: Harsha Walia is a cofounder of the migrant justice group No One Is Illegal, author of the award-winning book Undoing Border Imperialism, and Project Coordinator at the Downtown Eastside Women\u27s Center. For the past two decades she has been involved in grassroots community organizing for migrant, racial, gender and environmental justice. Trained in the law, she has made numerous presentations to the United Nations on Canadian immigration and detention policies. Harsha is a recipient of the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives Power of Youth Award, Westender\u27s Best of the City in Activism Award, and named one of Canada\u27s most brilliant and effective organizers by Naomi Klein
Embedding Approximately Low-Dimensional l_2^2 Metrics into l_1
No full textGoemans showed that any n points x_1,..., x_n in d-dimensions satisfying l_2^2 triangle inequalities can be embedded into l_{1}, with worst-case distortion at most sqrt{d}. We consider an extension of this theorem to the case when the points are approximately low-dimensional as opposed to exactly low-dimensional, and prove the following analogous theorem, albeit with average distortion guarantees: There exists an l_{2}^{2}-to-l_{1} embedding with average distortion at most the stable rank, sr(M), of the matrix M consisting of columns {x_i-x_j}_{i<j}. Average distortion embedding suffices for applications such as the SPARSEST CUT problem. Our embedding gives an approximation algorithm for the SPARSEST CUT problem on low threshold-rank graphs, where earlier work was inspired by Lasserre SDP hierarchy, and improves on a previous result of the first and third author [Deshpande and Venkat, in Proc. 17th APPROX, 2014]. Our ideas give a new perspective on l_{2}^{2} metric, an alternate proof of Goemans' theorem, and a simpler proof for average distortion sqrt{d}
Explicit SoS Lower Bounds from High-Dimensional Expanders
No full textWe construct an explicit and structured family of 3XOR instances which is hard for O(√{log n}) levels of the Sum-of-Squares hierarchy. In contrast to earlier constructions, which involve a random component, our systems are highly structured and can be constructed explicitly in deterministic polynomial time.
Our construction is based on the high-dimensional expanders devised by Lubotzky, Samuels and Vishne, known as LSV complexes or Ramanujan complexes, and our analysis is based on two notions of expansion for these complexes: cosystolic expansion, and a local isoperimetric inequality due to Gromov.
Our construction offers an interesting contrast to the recent work of Alev, Jeronimo and the last author (FOCS 2019). They showed that 3XOR instances in which the variables correspond to vertices in a high-dimensional expander are easy to solve. In contrast, in our instances the variables correspond to the edges of the complex
Study of 13-17th century Marathi manuscripts: author generated metadata and its mapping with Dublin Core
No full textThis paper reports on a study that examined the author generated metadata for 13th–17th century manuscripts. For the study 30 different handwritten Marathi (local language of Maharashtra State, India) manuscripts by Marathi poet saints were analyzed critically especially the start and end note areas (colophon area) from which one can easily identify the author, subject, geographical area, time period of the manuscript, etc. An attempt is made to map these author-generated metadata with Dublin Core elements set. Translated DC elements into Marathi are also used for mapping purpose. The results indicate that authors created good quality metadata to classify the manuscript easily. This research suggests that metadata created by poet saints from 13th–17th century can be easily mapped with DC elements. There are key metadata elements found in manuscripts that need to be incorporated. The study is very significant as the digitization of these manuscripts is under progress and the basic metadata will be useful for "resource discovery" once the data will be made available on the Internet
Parametric study of Aerosol Behaviour and Solvent Emission in a Post Combustion Carbon Capture
No full textThe amine-based post combustion carbon capture process is one of the most advanced and preferred technologies to reduce CO2 emissions from point sources like power plants. The emissions of amine from capture plants is one of the biggest challenges faced by this technology. These emissions typically occur by means of aerosol/mist formation. To develop effective countermeasures, it is crucial to understand the dynamic behavior of aerosols within the column, which is currently not well understood. This manuscript presents the results from a study aiming to understand the mechanism of aerosol growth and its behavior along the absorber column in terms of particles number concentration, particle size distribution, and amine emissions. For that, a series of experiments were performed in TNO's bench scale CO2 capture plant using 30 wt% monoethnolamine (MEA) as solvent. For a SO3 and CO2 concentrations of 5.25ppm and 12.5 vol.% in the flue gas, MEA emissions at the top exit of the column were recorded as 1051mg/Nm3 (with vapour emissions of 201mg/Nm3). In the absence of SO3 in the flue gas, inlet particle concentration was 2.71 x 107/cm3 and resulting MEA emissions reduced by 63.5% to 383mg/Nm3. From the bottom of the column until the point of maximum temperature, the MEA content in the vapour phase (<200mg/Nm3) was consistent with the volatility of the solvent. After this point it drastically increases to 1051 mg/Nm3. Both the number of particles and the total particle mass has lowered from the bottom to the top of the column. For the benchmark test, inlet and outlet total particle concentration were found to be 6.24x 107/cm3 and 2.3x 107/cm3 respectively, while total particle mass is 2.22mg/m3 at inlet and 1.32mg/m3 at outlet. Particles with a diameter below 0:006 μm contribute the most to total particle concentration both at the inlet (50%) and outlet (32%), while particles with diameter of 0:087 μm contributes the most to the total particle mass at inlet (47%) and outlet (55%). The measured total mass of particles was in the order of magnitude of 1mg/m3. This is much lower than the expected aerosol mass emissions, in the order of magnitude of 1 g/Nm3 based on FTIR emissions. Increasing the solvent temperature entering the absorber column to 50C caused an increase in total MEA emission (1345mg/Nm3). An increase in total MEA emissions (1793mg/Nm3) during an increase in solvent ow rate (26kg/h) was also observed due to the presence of excess unreacted free MEA present in the solvent. No particles larger than 0:147 μm were recorded, which might explain the low total mass recorded. The cause for this is still under investigation, but it suggests that the sampling procedure may induce systematic errors to the measurements. Nonetheless, the observations from this study have given further insight into the aerosol dynamics in the absorber column and corresponding emissions.Mechanical Engineering | Energy and Process Technolog
Wafer Level Packaging With Nano Metal Paste Interconnects For UV-C LEDs
No full text: Light emitting diodes (LEDs) have made remarkable progress since their invention and today they can be found in a wide range of applications such as TV remotes, automotive headlamps, general lighting, traffic signals, camera flashes, display and screens. LEDs that emit light in the ultraviolet-C (UV-C) range are used in applications such as air/water purification and sterilization. Cost per chip of these LEDs is relatively higher than the blue LEDs due to the expensive manufacturing process and low demand. But, the market for these LEDs in applications such as water purification is expected to grow in the coming years into a multimillion dollar market resulting in high volume manufacturing and low cost of chips. Consequently there will be a need for high volume and cost effective packaging solution with excellent thermal and optical performance. Existing packaging technologies like ceramic and lead frame packaging are expensive, less productive, and offer limited processing options. Meanwhile, wafer level packaging is a highly productive and cost-effective solution. Today, Silicon is the most common substrate of the integrated circuits. Moreover, its close coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) with the LED base materials such as GaN and AlGaN, and the high thermal conductivity make it a good choice as a substrate of UV-C wafer level package. In this study we developed a silicon wafer level packaging approach combining advanced processes such as through silicon via (TSV) technology and chip to wafer (C2W) bonding for flip chip UV-C LEDs. We have integrated Si reflector cups for redirecting light from the sidewalls of UV-C LEDs using suitable material such as Aluminum. Complexities of a monolithic flow and the advantages of a dual wafer flow will be discussed. A new method to establish the interconnection in TSVs with metal nano pastes (MNPs) is introduced. The current vs voltage characteristics, optical performances, merits of reflectors, and improvements in spectral distributions of each package are measured and characterized. Different ways of bonding the chips to the submount and the thermal resistances of each package are studied. In conclusion we demonstrate the fabrication of a wafer level package for UV-C LEDs with a new cost effective TSV interconnection method using MNPs. We also show that sidewall emission of the LEDs is redirected with almost no loss in light which will be suitable for applications like water purification and protein analysis where the target doesn’t encapsulate the LED.Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer ScienceElectronic Components, Technology and Material
From transregional to transnational: The circulation of Georgian literature in translation
No full textThis thesis investigates the circulation of Georgian literature in translation. The research examines translation flows and the agents involved over time. A picture of the contemporary Georgian literary field, in terms of Pierre Bourdieu’s field theory, is offered, the distribution of Georgian literature in translation is mapped geographically and linguistically, and various forms of internationalization of Georgian literature, including Georgia’s participation as the guest-of-honour at the 2018 Frankfurt Book Fair, are examined. Additionally, a long durée approach reveals that long-term cultural contacts play a significant role in current translation flows. The thesis demonstrates that interperipheral relations do not necessarily depend on mediation from the centers, contrary to what the theories have tended to assume, while also paying attention to “translation zones” distinct from the global centers of consecration and forms of cosmopolitanism alternative to the Western modern model. The research includes a case study of the novel Das achte Leben (for Brilka) (Frankfurter Verlagsanstalt, 2014) by the Georgian-born German author Nino Haratischwili.Esta tesis investiga la circulación de la literatura georgiana en traducción. Para ello, examina los flujos de traducción y los agentes implicados a lo largo del tiempo. El estudio ofrece una imagen del campo literario georgiano contemporáneo en términos de la teoría de campo de Pierre Bourdieu, junto con la exploración de la distribución geográfica y lingüística de la literatura georgiana traducida, y las distintas formas de internacionalización, incluido el estatus de invitada de honor a la Feria del Libro de Frankfurt del 2018. La perspectiva long durée que toma esta tesis revela que los contactos culturales históricos de larga duración juegan un papel importante en la configuración de los flujos de traducción de hoy. Además, esta tesis demuestra que las relaciones interperiféricas no necesitan pasar por los centros como mediación, a diferencia de lo que la teoría tiende a asumir. La tesis también contribuye a pensar “zonas de traducción” distintas de los centros globales de consagración, así como formas de cosmopolitismo alternativas a la occidental moderna. Esta investigación también incluye un estudio de caso de una novela, Das achte Leben (Für Brilka) (Frankfurter Verlagsanstalt, 2014) de Nino Haratischwili (autora nacida en Georgia que vive en Alemania y escribe en alemán).Aquesta tesi investiga la circulació de la literatura georgiana en traducció. Per a fer-ho, examina els fluxos de traducció i els agents implicats al llarg del temps. Concretament, ofereix una imatge del camp literari georgià contemporani en termes de la teoria de camp de Pierre Bourdieu, juntament amb l’exploració de la distribució geogràfica i lingüística de la literatura georgiana traduïda, i els diferents mecanismes que li han permès la internacionalització, inclòs l’estatus de convidada d’honor a la Fira del Llibre de Frankfurt del 2018. La perspectiva long durée que pren la tesi revela que els contactes culturals històrics de llarga durada tenen un paper important en la configuració dels fluxos de traducció d’avui. A més, aquesta tesi demostra que les relacions interperifèriques no necessiten passar pels centres com a mediadors, a diferència del que la teoria tendeix a assumir. La tesi també contribueix a pensar “zones de traducció” diferent dels centres globals de consagració així com formes de cosmopolitisme alternatives a les occidentals modernes. Aquesta recerca també inclou un estudi de cas de la novel·la Das achte Leben (Für Brilka) (Frankfurter Verlagsanstalt, 2014) de Nino Haratischwili (autora nascuda a Geòrgia que viu a Alemanya i escriu en alemany).Arts i humanitat
ISOLATION, IDENTIFICATION, AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NATURAL CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS AND GC-MS ANALYSIS OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF STEM BARK OF MORINGA OLEIFERA WITH ANTI-HYPERGLYCEMIA AND ANTI-MICROBIAL ACTIVITIES
No full textObjectives: The study aimed to isolate and identify novel and known phytochemical compounds from the methanol extract of Moringa oleifera stem bark, to carry out comprehensive phytochemical profiling using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and to evaluate the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the isolated compounds for potential anti-diabetic effects, along with assessing their antibacterial and antifungal activities.
Methods: The methanol extract of M. oleifera stem bark was prepared and subjected to various chromatographic techniques for compound isolation. The structures of the isolated compounds were confirmed through spectral analysis, including proton nuclear magnetic resonance and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, and mass spectrometry spectroscopy. GC-MS analysis was conducted to identify the phytochemical constituents based on peak area, retention time, molecular weight, and molecular formula. The isolated compounds were tested for inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, and their antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated using standard in vitro assays.
Results: Two novel compounds, 4-hydroxy-7-methylmellein and 8-methylluteolin, along with four known compounds, benzyl laurate, 4-hydroxymellein, kaempferol, and quercetin, were isolated from the methanol extract. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of eighty-five compounds in the extract in which 07 compounds identified as common laboratory contaminants or plasticizers, 70 compounds are identified as bioactive phytochemicals, and eight compounds are repeated at different R. Time. Total relative abundance by common laboratory contaminants or plasticizers is 22.61%. Alcohol, alkane, ester, fatty acid, phenolic, sterol, and miscellaneous bioactive phytochemicals are also identified with their total relative abundance, that is, 22.35%, 2.05%, 5.36%, 15.19%, 2.06%, 14.7%, and 15.7% respectively. Sterol, that is, dl-α-Tocopherol and γ-Sitosterol, and alcohols such as isocitronellol, cis-sinapyl alcohol, n-tetracosanol-1, and humulane-1,6-dien-3-ol are identified. The isolated six compounds exhibited inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, indicating potential anti-hyperglycemia properties. In addition, antibacterial and antifungal assays demonstrated significant antimicrobial potential for certain isolated compounds.
Conclusion: The methanol extract of M. oleifera stem bark contains diverse bioactive phytochemicals with notable pharmacological activities, including enzyme inhibition relevant to hyperglycemia management and antimicrobial properties. The discovery of two novel compounds expands the phytochemical knowledge of M. oleifera and supports its traditional medicinal applications
Green consumption and message framing
No full textWhile research on green consumption has typically investigated how people choose green over non-green products, this thesis investigates consumers’ attitudes toward green product messages focusing on the environmental vs. utilitarian value of the product. The author argues that environmental (vs. utilitarian) appeals are more effective for consumers from socioeconomically defined lower classes because moral implications associated with environmental appeals provide a better opportunity for socioeconomically lower-class consumers to perceive their difference in terms of morality. Meanwhile, green product messages that focus on the utilitarian (vs. environmental) value of products may elicit stronger purchase intention for consumers who have higher (vs. lower) skepticism toward brands’ environmental claims.October 202
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