Over the last two decades, ethnic beauty markets in Los Angeles have grown rapidly as cultural commodification soars alongside the growth of migrant workers in the global city. The South Asian beauty ...industry, in particular, has emerged as a site where there is a hypervisibility of ethnic aesthetic practices, such as threading hair removal and henna art, as well as South Asian migrant women who are formally and informally employed in these salons. Threading, often marketed as an Indian, Asian, Ayurvedic and/or Eastern hair removal technique, uses intertwined cotton threads that are rolled across the skin to pluck hair out from the roots. This growing market for threading services has uniquely relied on the labor of migrant women from the subcontinent, one that has been sustained through efforts to authenticate women’s labor as desirably Other. Based on 22 months of ethnographic fieldwork in the South Asian beauty industry, this article examines the structural mechanisms through which migrant women are racialized as ‘authentic’ workers with a focus on businesses’ hiring practices resulting in the hypervisibility of migrant women in the industry, marketing and advertising of these services, as well as state legislation. I use the term ‘racialized authenticity’ to understand these structural productions and the ways they inform the context within which beauty industry interactions take place. These interactions occur in threading salons where racialized expectations around un/desirability are encountered by workers and consumers as well as in training programs where threading is taught. Together, these insights reveal the contradictory forms of South Asian racialization in the US that allow workers to authenticate their labor as desirable for consumers while simultaneously signaling their foreignness.
Abstract
The predicted strong piezoelectricity for monolayers of group IV monochalcogenides, together with their inherent flexibility, makes them likely candidates for developing flexible ...nanogenerators. Within this group, SnS is a potential choice for such nanogenerators due to its favourable semiconducting properties. To date, access to large-area and highly crystalline monolayer SnS has been challenging due to the presence of strong inter-layer interactions by the lone-pair electrons of S. Here we report single crystal across-the-plane and large-area monolayer SnS synthesis using a liquid metal-based technique. The characterisations confirm the formation of atomically thin SnS with a remarkable carrier mobility of ~35 cm
2
V
−1
s
−1
and piezoelectric coefficient of ~26 pm V
−1
. Piezoelectric nanogenerators fabricated using the SnS monolayers demonstrate a peak output voltage of ~150 mV at 0.7% strain. The stable and flexible monolayer SnS can be implemented into a variety of systems for efficient energy harvesting.
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•Hybrid sensors were developed using SnS2 nanoflakes and a thin layer of rGO.•Sensors were tested towards different analytes: NO2, CH4, NH3, C2H6O, C3H6O, H2O.•The sensor showed ...exclusive selectivity and reversibility to NO2.•low detection limit of 0.6 ppm and a response of 9.8% to NO2 was recorded at 80 °C.•A sensing mechanism for the hybrid film based on the sensor behaviour is proposed.
The excellent sensing capabilities of SnS2 and the electrical properties of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are combined to achieve a low-operating temperature NO2 gas sensor. Conductometric gas sensors based on hybrid films of 2D SnS2-rGO are fabricated and evaluated for humidity and different target gases including NO2, CH4, NH3, C2H5OH (ethanol), (CH3)2CO (acetone) at different operating temperatures ranging from 25 °C to 100 °C. The sensor shows exclusive selectivity and reversibility to NO2 as compared to the other analytes, with a low detection limit of 0.6 ppm and a response of 9.8% at 80 °C. The sensing mechanism of the hybrid SnS2-rGO system is described by analysing the effect of NO2 gas on the depletion region established at the interface between SnS2 and rGO layers.
Plasmonic biosensors based on noble metals generally suffer from low sensitivities if the perturbation of refractive‐index in the ambient is not significant. By contrast, the features of degenerately ...doped semiconductors offer new dimensions for plasmonic biosensing, by allowing charge‐based detection. Here, this concept is demonstrated in plasmonic hydrogen doped molybdenum oxides (HxMoO3), with the morphology of 2D nanodisks, using a representative enzymatic glucose sensing model. Based on the ultrahigh capacity of the molybdenum oxide nanodisks for accommodating H+, the plasmon resonance wavelengths of HxMoO3 are shifted into visible‐near‐infrared wavelengths. These plasmonic features alter significantly as a function of the intercalated H+ concentration. The facile H+ deintercalation out of HxMoO3 provides an exceptional sensitivity and fast kinetics to charge perturbations during enzymatic oxidation. The optimum sensing response is found at H1.55MoO3, achieving a detection limit of 2 × 10−9m at 410 nm, even when the biosensing platform is adapted into a light‐emitting diode‐photodetector setup. The performance is superior in comparison to all previously reported plasmonic enzymatic glucose sensors, providing a great opportunity in developing high performance biosensors.
HxMoO3 plasmonic disks are synthesized. H+ and concurrently electrons can be extracted from the host structure during a designed biochemical event. This alteration in charge rapidly changes the plasmon resonance features, hence creating an ultrasensitive platform.
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•Hybrid sensors were developed from Fe-doped WO3 (Fe-WO3) film and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) top layer.•The effect of rGO layer thicknesses (1–44nm) towards NO2 and humidity at ...operating temperatures of 25°C–100°C were evaluated.•The hybrid sensor was proven to be a promising architecture for room temperature gas sensing.•The optimal rGO thickness with the highest response at room temperature was found to be 16nm.•The sensing mechanism of the hybrid films based on the sensor behaviour is proposed.
Gas sensors operating at room temperature have been fabricated from hybrid films of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and iron doped (Fe-doped) WO3. Films with different rGO layer thicknesses (1–44nm) obtained by vacuum filtration method were deposited on to a 250nm thick sputtered Fe-doped WO3 film. Raman, XPS and SEM were used to investigate the morphology and composition of the films. The sensors were tested towards different concentrations of NO2 and relative humidity (RH%) at different temperatures ranging from 25°C to 100°C. The experimental results revealed that the highest response of the hybrid gas sensors towards these target gases is found to be for rGO layer thickness of 16nm at room temperature. The sensing mechanisms of the hybrid films for different temperatures and rGO layer thickness were discussed based on the behaviour of the sensors towards the target gases.
Functional materials coated on optical fibers have demonstrated great potential for optical gas sensing applications. However, their sensitivity is typically limited to the sub‐parts per million ...(sub‐ppm) range. Here, for the first time a 2D near‐infrared plasmonic tungsten oxide (WOx) enabled ultrasensitive fiber optics gas sensor on a side‐polished D‐shape single mode optical fiber is presented. The plasmon resonance wavelength range of 2D WOx is matched with a conventional telecommunications wavelength of 1550 nm for driving the optical fiber, therefore inducing a strong light–matter interaction. Upon the surface adsorption of gas molecules, free electrons in the 2D WOx body are redistributed changing the plasmon resonance properties and hence the transmission through the optical fiber. The sensor is selectively responsive to NO2 at concentrations down to 44 parts per billion (ppb) with a limit of detection of 8 ppb at a relatively low elevated temperature. Such an excellent sensing performance is significantly improved over the previously reported fiber optics NO2 sensors, which suggests the integration of 2D plasmonic degenerated semiconductors as a viable approach to develop high‐performance fiber optics gas sensors.
A 2D near‐infrared plasmonic tungsten oxide enabled ultrasensitive fiber optics gas sensor on a side‐polished D‐shape single mode optical fiber is presented. The sensor is selectively responsive to NO2 at concentrations down to 44 parts per billion (ppb) with a limit of detection of 8 ppb.
Abstract
Introduction
Oral cavity carcinoma is an aggressive tumor, with the tongue being one of the most common subsites of involvement. Surgery is a gold standard method of dealing with ...advanced-stage tumors. However, for early-stage carcinomas of the tongue, the management remains controversial. Several studies have indicated that early-stage cancers have a high chance of occult cervical node metastasis, which, if left untreated, can greatly affect the prognosis. Certain parameters can help identify patients with occult cervical node metastases, and can avoid unnecessary neck dissection in node negative patients. Tumor thickness is one such objective parameter.
Objective
To estimate the frequency of cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with early-stage, node-negative (N
0
) squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.
Methods
In-patient hospital data was reviewed from January 2013 until March 2014, and 78 patients who underwent primary resection of the tumor and neck dissection for biopsy-proven, early stage squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue were included. Data such as tumor thickness, tumor differentiation and presence of occult nodal metastasis in the surgical specimen were gathered from the histopathology reports. The frequency of subclinical cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with early-stage squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue was estimated.
Results
A total of 69% of the patients with tumor thicknesses > 5 mm had tumor metastases in the neck nodes, while 100% of the patients with tumor thicknesses < 5 mm had no neck nodal metastasis.
Conclusion
A tumor thickness > 5 mm is significantly associated with subclinical metastasis, and prophylactic neck dissection is warranted in such cases.
Introduction Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a different entity from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Patients with LPR usually present with a variety of symptoms such as hoarseness, voice ...fatigue, burning sensation in the throat, persistent cough, sore throat, dysphagia, a sensation of a lump in the throat, and chronic throat clearing. The management of LPR is based on medications (proton pump inhibitors) along with lifestyle and dietary modifications. It has been suggested that the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Reflux Finding Score (RFS) are useful parameters to assess patients with LPR. The aim of this study is to assess the subjective and objective benefits of RFS and RSI for diagnosing and management of LPR in the tertiary care center and to find the difference in RSI and RSI scoring with respect to gender. Methods A prospective study was performed and 102 patients were included according to inclusion criteria. RFS and RSI questionnaires were filled on the first visit of patients and then treatment with proton pump inhibitors was started along with lifestyle modification instructions. Questionnaires were filled after four weeks and then 12weeks post-treatment. Repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare the mean RFS and RSI from baseline to the end of treatment. The post hoc analysis was done using the Bonferroni test of multiple comparisons. An independent sample t-test was also used to compare the mean RFS and RSI between genders. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant Results RFS and RSI were found to be significantly decreased post-treatment after four weeks and 12 weeks post-treatment (p-value- <0.01). Eight point eight percent (8.8%) side effects were observed in the study, the change in quality of life after a three-month treatment was significantly improved among 62.7% patients, and 75.5% did lifestyle modifications. In the mean comparison of RFS and RSI with respect to gender, it was observed that the mean RFS of females samples after one month and three months of treatment were significantly less as compared to male samples, p<0.01. There was no significant mean difference observed for RSI after one month and three months of treatment with respect to gender (p>0.05). Conclusion RFS and RSI are convenient and helpful for diagnosing LPR, and they can be easily implemented in ear, nose, throat (ENT) clinics for the subjective and objective assessment of LPR. Females showed greater improvement on laryngoscopy findings (RFS scores) post-treatment as compared to males.
This article reflects on the forms of visibility COVID-19 has enabled to reveal how working-class South Asians navigate the stark realities of living and dying under racial capitalism. Focusing on ...one worker's lived experience during the pandemic, this article highlights the heterogeneity of class experiences among South Asian Americans and explores the ways workers on the factory floor are inducted as existentially essential by the state in an effort to justify their disposability by the market. By subverting this contradictory rhetoric of essentiality, this paper considers the possibility of radical futures that dismantle and transcend these systems of oppression.
Abstract
Introduction
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the head and neck, with the buccal mucosa being the most common site involved. Early locoregional metastasis is a ...hallmark of this disease, and early stage tumors may harbor metastatic nodes that are occult. Certain parameters can help identify high-risk patients for whom the pattern of occult nodal metastasis can be predicted. Tumor thickness is one such objective parameter.
Objective
To determine the relationship of tumor thickness with neck node metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa.
Methods
A retrospective chart review of 102 patients with biopsy-proven squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa with N
0
Necks was performed. All patients underwent tumor resection with neck dissection, and the tumor thickness was measured. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.
Results
A total of 102 patients, of which 73.53% were males and 26.47% were females. The mean age of the patients was 49.3 ± 11.1 years. It was found that the risk of neck node metastasis in buccal squamous cell carcinoma increases 35.5 times for a tumor thickness ≥ 2 mm, and the risk of neck node metastasis in buccal squamous cell carcinoma decreases by 0.58 times for each centimeter decrease in tumor size, while the rate of occult neck lymph node metastasis was found to be 37%.
Conclusion
We conclude that tumor thickness is significantly related with neck nodal metastasis in buccal squamous cell carcinoma, considering the age of the patient and the size of the tumor.
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