Master thesis: Erosion behavior of Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnets (YAG) in contact with reactive etching plasmas

 

Ceramics on the basis of Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnets (YAG) are applied in the semiconductor industry, e.g. as support of Si wavers. During the etching process, physical and chemical interactions between the reactive plasma and the YAG surface appear, which determine the service life time of the components. A precise knowledge of the existing erosion mechanisms is the basis for improving the service life time of such components in a targeted manner. Various factors such as the proportion of undesired secondary phases and microstructural changes play a key role for better understanding the erosion behavior of YAG ceramics.

Therefore, within the scope of the advertised master's thesis, which is carried out in cooperation with an industrial company, YAG ceramics will be produced by field assisted sintering technology/spark plasma sintering (FAST / SPS). This new sintering technology enables the targeted production of components with tailor-made microstructure properties and high relative densities. The YAG components made by FAST/SPS are then exposed to a reactive etching plasma by cooperation partners at the Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) enabling an assessment of the erosion resistance and the main influencing factors.

The aim of the work is to develop a comprehensive view of the erosion behavoir of YAG ceramics in reactive plasmas. The work focuses on understanding the interplay of process and microstructure properties and the active erosion mechanisms..

Your responsibilities

• Processing of YAG ceramics via FAST/SPS
• Sample preparation of etching studies at Ruhr-Universität Bochum
• Comprehensive characterization of samples after the plasma etching treatment, especially with respect to microstructural changes
• Determination of the relationship between processing parameters, plasma etching conditions and erosion phenomena

Your profile

• Studies of e.g. materials science, applied physics, inorganic chemistry, mechanical engineering or related topics
• Basic knowledge of material processing and working in the lab
• Independent work in a motivated team
• Good command of written and spoken English

Our offer

• Participation in an industrial project with a future-oriented topic
• A highly motivated, interdisciplinary work environment at Forschungszentrum Jülich, one of the largest research institutions in Europe
• Professional support of qualified supervisors
• 6 months working contract as student assistant

Please send your applications via e-mail to:
apl. Prof. Dr. Martin Bram
Forschungszentrum Jülich
Institute of Energy and Climate Research
Materials Synthesis and Processing (IEK-1)

m.bram@fz-juelich.de
https://www.fz-juelich.de/iek/iek-1/EN

 

Advertising division: IEK-3 - Techno-economic Systems Analysis

Reference number: 2021M-093, Electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, energy engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science

Master thesis: Computational experiments using aggregated scenarios in stochastic optimization models

Background:
The research in this proposed thesis is within the METIS (Methods and Models for Energy Transformation and Integration Systems) project. METIS is a cooperation of the Jülich Research Center, the RWTH Aachen University, and the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. The project aims to develop simulation and optimization tools to analyze energy markets in Germany and Europe.

Stochastic programs rely on a number of scenarios that form the input data of the underlying optimization model. Large numbers of scenarios can result in poor computational performance due to the correspondingly large optimization model. Thus, aggregation or clustering methods for scenarios are often used. These methods work by picking out representative scenarios from a pool of scenarios, and/or defining a fewer number of new scenarios that are equally representative of the pool of scenarios. There are standard methods available to accomplish this aggregation.

However, this improved computational performance comes at a price of reduced accuracy, or an error, in the corresponding optimization model’s objective function. The aim of this thesis is to perform several computational experiments to determine the quality of these aggregations. Analytical estimation of the errors can also be carried out.

Your Job:
Concretely, your job for the work in the thesis can be divided into the following steps:

• Literature research on different time series aggregation methods for energy system modelling (an existing review paper is provided by the supervisor).
• Implementation of optimization models into a modeling language of your choice.
• Integration of the new scenarios into this code — scenario generation is not required.
• Analysis of the computational performance of the new models for several parameter settings.
• Compilation of the observations into a report. Depending on your interest and the quality of the thesis, the work can also be developed into an article and submitted for review, with you as an author.

Your Profile:
Good knowledge of a modeling language such as (at least one of) Pyomo, GAMS, Gurobi, etc. is required. An extensive background in scenario generation or aggregation is not required, and some existing code is available. Good grades in relevant subjects, and a background in discrete optimization is required as well.

Our Offer:

• You will be actively supported by the supervisor, with weekly meetings via ZOOM.
• A pleasant working environment within a highly competent, international team in one of the most prestigious research facilities in Europe
• You will be supported by top-end scientific and technical infrastructure as well as close guidance by experts.
• You will have the opportunity to work with a young, self-motivated, and performance-driven team of researchers from various scientific fields and take part in the design of a future German and European energy system.

Contact (for applications):
Bismark Singh
Department of Mathematics and Department of Data Science
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen
https://en.www.math.fau.de/edom/team/bismark-singh/

e-mail: bismark.singh@fau.de

Auxiliary Contact Person:
Maximilian Hoffmann
Institute of Energy and Climate Research (IEK)
IEK-3: Techno-economic Systems Analysis
52425 Jülich
https://www.fz-juelich.de/iek/iek-3/EN
Phone.: +49 2461 61-85402
e-mail: max.hoffmann@fz-juelich.de

Master Thesis: Electrochemical Characterization of Metal-Air Batteries

 

IEK-9 Functional Materials and Components department is currently looking for Master Thesis candidates who possess the qualifications below for the earliest possible employment date.

The Institute of Energy and Climate Research - Fundamental Electrochemistry (IEK-9) focuses its research activities on the experimental investigation of electrochemical and kinetic properties of the charge transport and interfacial reactions of novel energy storage systems and converters. Metal–air batteries are promising and attractive energy storage systems for mobile and stationary applications due to their high specific energies compared to Li-ion batteries. To gain a better understanding of the effect of the structure of the anodes and type of electrolytes on the electrochemical activities and performance of metal–air batteries, preparation, design, and characterization of materials and components are essential.

Your Tasks:

• Preparation of anode materials (Pressing, alloying, grinding, polishing, etching etc.) and characterization of the microstructures by microscopy techniques
• Preparation of various types of electrolyte and characterization by spectroscopy techniques
• Battery assembly and fundamental testing
• Electrochemical investigations of the underlying battery processes and optimization of the metal-air battery performance

Your Profile:

• Ongoing master studies in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Physics
• Theoretical knowledge on electrochemistry and batteries
• Experience on electrochemistry and microscopy as well as lab work
• Fluent in English (German is advantageous) and good computer skills

Contact:
Please send your application to:
Dr. Yasin Emre Durmus
Institute of Energy and Climate Research – Fundamental Electrochemistry (IEK-9)
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

Internet: www.fz-juelich.de/iek/iek-9
E-Mail: y.durmus@fz-juelich.de

MSc thesis work: Exploring nanostructured hydrophobic antireflection coatings with a commercial twist

 

The Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering conducts research and arranges related courses in the field of electromagnetics, micro and nanotechnology, radio engineering, and space technology featuring an international team of over 150 Researchers and Research Assistants. The Department is part of the Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering (Aalto ELEC) with world-class research facilities and instruments.

MSc thesis work: Exploring nanostructured hydrophobic antireflection coatings with a commercial twist

We are looking for a Msc student to help in manufacturing different prototype coatings and support in research and characterization of coatings for future commercialization in mind. Coating applications vary from optical components and systems to biomedical applications utilizing the superhydrophobicity of the surface. For a MSc thesis work there are many possible topics here.

Team and technology
We are a 3 person team pursuing the commercialization of superhydrophobic antireflection coatings based on nanostructured aluminium oxide. Current applications of the film range from broadband and omnidirectional optical antireflection coatings to biomedical coatings.The coating technology has been developed by the team, see link for details https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsami.0c12465. Supervising professor for the MSc thesis will be professor Harri Lipsanen from the Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Group.  

Your background
Knowledge of optics/optical coatings or biomedical coatings, and experience in working in a clean room environment are the core of the job so experience/knowledge in these is very helpfull. Fluent English is a mandatory skill.

The following skills or knowledges are also beneficial:

• Experience in microfabrication techniques
• Cell biology and cell growth
• Knowledge of atomic layer deposition
• High-school inorganic chemistry or better is an asset
• Electromagnetics and solid state physics are both beneficial
• Entreprenurial attitude as the project revolves around commercialization
• Interest in science

Salary and contract
This position will be filled up to six (6) months. The salary follows the standard salary level of MSc thesis worker at the School of Electrical Engineering. We prefer that the work starts 1.7.2021 but this is flexible, however the project will end by January 1, 2022.

Students studying for a master’s degree can apply for the position of a MSc thesis worker. A graduated applicant could be hired as a fixed-term project worker for this specific commerzialization project.

How to apply
Please submit your application through our recruiting system and include the following documents as a single pdf package in English:
•    Course transcripts of master’s study
•    Curriculum Vitae
Deadline for applications is August 2, 2021 but we will start reviewing candidates immediately upon receiving new application documents.

More Information
For additional information, please contact D.Sc. Christoffer Kauppinen, christoffer.kauppinen(at)aalto.fi.

Apply

 

Advertising division: IAS-5 - Computational Biomedicine

Reference number: 2021M-011

Master thesis on the molecular dynamics simulations of intrinsically disordered proteins

Description:
A significant fraction of proteins do not possess a defined 3D structure and they can be rather described as ensembles of rather diverse conformations. Molecular simulations and, particularly, enhanced-sampling techniques can be of great help to understand the intricate relationship between their structural dynamics and their biological function. The Master’s project will be performed at the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine at the Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany. The Institute offers a highly cross-disciplinary environment due to its strong connection with the RWTH Aachen University, Germany. We have access to state-of-the art computing platforms, and collaborations with many experimental labs that provide the data needed to the constant validation of our software and research applications.

Your Task:
You will develop and use simulations tools to predict their conformational properties and their interactions with cellular or viral partners. Comparison will be made with mass spectrometry and spectroscopy measurements.

Your Profile:

• Bachelor degree in Physics, Chemistry or related fields.
• Knowledge of Density Functional Theory and/or Molecular Mechanics is a plus
• Basic knowledge of Unix operating system is highly appreciated
• Good spoken and written English

We offer:

• Working in a motivated and highly interdisciplinary environment
• Opportunities of being part of the national and international scientific community
• Friendly working environment

Due to the ongoing pandemic all the work is currently performed remotely. Safety is of paramount importance for us. All necessary equipment (computers etc.) is provided. We are committed to equality and diversity and welcome applications from everyone! If you are interested, you are more than welcome to contact us by email including a motivation letter, a CV, and the exams transcripts.

Contact:

Prof. Paolo Carloni, p.carloni@fz-juelich.de
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH,
Institute of Advanced Simulations & Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (IAS-5/INM-9)
52425 Jülich
https://www.fz-juelich.de/ias/ias-5/

 

Advertising division: ZEA-3 - Analytics

Reference number: 2021M-047, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biology

Master thesis project: Protein processing in mammalian mitochondria

The team Molecular and Biological Systems Analytics at the Central Institute for Engineering, Electronics and Analytics, ZEA-3, at Forschungszentrum Jülich, develops and applies mass spectrometry-based methods with a focus on proteolytic processes and protease function. We are looking for a motivated Master´s degree student (f/m/d) to join our team at the earliest opportunity.

Background
Mitochondria are endosymbiont-derived cellular compartments that serve as key metabolic hubs in eukaryotic cells. Most of the more than 1000 mitochondrial proteins are encoded in the nucleus, synthesized in the cytosol and targeted to mitochondria by an N-terminal targeting sequence that is removed after import. Interestingly, many proteins are further processed in subsequent steps involving several distinct proteases (see PMID: 33453058). Currently the full extent and purpose of this additional processing is unknown.

Aim of the project
This project will dissect proteolytic protein maturation pathways in human and murine mitochondria using mass spectrometry-based proteomics approaches. A key element will involve unbiased analysis of protein termini in mitochondria with genetically modified protease activity using dedicated methods developed in our laboratory (see PMID: 31471496). We will further aim to determine the consequence of these processing steps on substrate protein stability and function.

Your tasks

• Characterize protein N- and C- termini in human and murine mitochondria
• Identify mitochondrial protease substrates
• Improve a method for C-termini analysis
• Learn to operate nano-LC-MS/MS instruments
• Learn to analyze proteomics data using bioinformatics tools

Your profile

• Master´s student in Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biology or closely related discipline
• Knowledge and laboratory experience in biochemistry and/or proteomics
• High level of motivation and reliability
• Collaborative work attitude paired with ability to work independently (after training)
• Very good oral and verbal communication skills in English, fluency in German is beneficial

Our offer

• A highly motivated, supportive group in a diverse, stimulating and interdisciplinary working environment at Forschungszentrum Jülich, one of Europe’s largest research centres
• Continuous professional and scientific support by your supervisors
• A part-time contract as student assistant
• Potential for extended employment (fixed term) depending on interest and performance

Contact
Interested? Please send a cover letter detailing your motivation, your CV and academic transcripts as a single pdf file (max. 10 Mb) to

Prof. Dr. Pitter Huesgen (p.huesgen@fz-juelich.de)
Central Institute for Electronics and Analytics
ZEA-3 Analytics
52425 Jülich

 

Advertising division: IEK-9 - Fundamental Electrochemistry

Reference number: 2021M-060, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or Electrical Engineering

Master Thesis: Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical analysis of Sulphide electrolyte materials for solid-state battery applications

The Institute for Energy and Climate Research, Fundamentals of Electrochemistry (IEK-9), at Forschungszentrum Jülich is seeking qualified applicants for master thesis, in electrochemical research with a focus on the development of solid-state batteries.

The need for electrical storage is prevalent in the modern world, the widespread adoption Li-ion batteries can be found in devices ranging from small personal electronics to larger battery banks used in electric vehicles and stationary energy storage for renewable energy. These batteries although having large capacities have the inherent disadvantage of being a fire hazard leading to a high risk of catastrophic failure. Novel solid-state batteries represents a possible route for the next generation of electrochemical energy storage devices due to their higher stability, longer lifetime and high energy density. Out of the possible candidates for solid state electrolytes sulphides proves to be a promising candidate due to their high energy storage and low cost. However due to the sensitivity of traditional sulphide materials to atmospheric conditions, processing and assembling of the solid-state battery is an issue. Therefore, this project will research and develop new sulphide materials that are more stable in atmosphere for solid-state battery applications.

The successful candidate will synthesize sulphide electrolytes for solid-state batteries and characterize them electrochemically and by material science. New materials will be synthesised to achieve sulphide electrolytes that are more stable in atmospheric conditions either through dopants or modified morphologies. Furthermore, the physical and electrochemical properties of the generated electrolyte materials will be characterized experimentally. Further development of the generated materials as materials in solid-state batteries, to evaluate and optimize the electrochemical properties, is also expected to demonstrate the research results and show potential industrial usability.

Your responsibilities:

• Literature review of state-of-the-art battery research
• Synthesis of sulphide electrolytes for battery applications (liquid state synthesis and solid state synthesis).
• Characterization of material properties and electrochemical properties using SEM-EDAX, XRD, XPS, TGA, EIS, CV, GCPL, etc.
• Advance the sulphide electrolyte performance and optimize the stability.

Your profile:

• Ongoing master education in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or Electrical Engineering.
• Experience on material synthesis as well as in the laboratory.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Good command of written and spoken English is mandatory.

We offer:

• A highly motivated, supportive group in a diverse, stimulating and interdisciplinary working environment at Forschungszentrum Jülich, one of Europe’s largest research centres.
• Continuous professional and scientific support by your supervisors.
• A part-time contract as student assistant.
• Potential for extended employment (fixed term) depending on interest and performance.

Contact:
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Hermann Tempel, h.tempel@fz-juelich.de
Fundamentals of Electrochemistry (IEK-9)
Forschungszentrum Jülich

 

Advertising division: IBI-4 - Biomacromolecular Systems and Processes

Reference number: 2021M-061, (bio)physics, (bio)chemistry, biology and biotechnology

Master thesis/Intership: Tuning aggregation of red blood cells and the shear induced break up

Red Blood Cells (RBCs) are the most abundant type of cells found in the blood. The major role of the cells involve transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from tissues to lungs, respectively. In addition, they perform several important secondary functions. One of them includes aggregation in the presence of glycoprotein like fibrinogen resulting in blood clot and wound healing. The aggregation phenomenon of RBCs can significantly affect the blood flow and circulation. The normal blood flow is sufficient to prevent formation of aggregates. However, in low shear rates the aggregation of RBCs may occur into cylindrical shaped assembly called rouleaux. There are two proposed explanations for the mechanism of the RBC aggregation: bridging and depletion. In bridging, RBCs aggregate when the bridging forces, due to the adsorption of macromolecules onto adjacent cell surfaces. In depletion, the force between cells is due to osmotic pressure gradient between the lower polymer concentration area in depletion layer and a higher polymer concentration in bulk drives the cells together.

Some pathological factors may enhance aggregation One such factor is viral pathogenesis, which can affect RBCs function in several ways. Studies reported that the SARS-CoV-2 virus altered the membrane structure of RBCs, perhaps by altering its deformability resulting in cells poorly responding to environmental changes in hemoglobin oxygen saturation/oxidant stress. In other set of studies, thrombosis due to viral infections have been reported.

In this project, we are interested in investigating the aggregation phenomenon of RBCs in presence of different type of viruses. We have already shown how filamentous bacteriophage fd-virus, that infects bacteria E. coli, can induce aggregation of RBCs via depletion. We are keen to comprehend how viruses that naturally circulate in human blood flow, such as Adenovirus (Type 5), Rhinovirus (Type 3) and Human Coronavirus OC43, affect RBCs aggregation. To study the RBC aggregates, shape and deformation of cells, we combine ultra-fast confocal microscopy with a home-built shear cell that is used to break up the aggregates. Image analysis is performed to extract relevant information on interaction and deformation energies using Python scripts.

The goal of this project is to translate information from image analysis into extractable physical parameters while tuning the interaction to comprehend the aggregation of RBCs in presence of viruses. We are looking for a master student who is interested in the field of bio/soft matter and doing their master studies in (bio)physics, (bio)chemistry, biology and biotechnology. You will be engaged in data acquisition, image processing and/or interpretation of the results, depending on your background. The research activities will primarily be performed at the Forschungszentrum Jülich in collaboration between the Institute of Biomacromolecular Systems and Processes (IBI-4) and Institute of Structural Biochemistry (IBI-7). The experiments will be done in IBI-7 institute in bio-labs with biosafety level 2.

If you are interested please send your documents (CV, certificates or current grades) by
e-mail to
Mehrnaz Babaki (m.babaki@fz-juelich.de)

Forschungszentrum Jülich
Institute of Biological Information Processing
Biomacromolecular Systems and Processes (IBI-4)

POSTDOCTORAL, PhD, and MASTER STUDENT POSITIONS IN SYSTEMS NEUROSCIENCE

 

The Brain & Sound Lab is seeking ambitious, smart and self-driven scientists for open research positions at the postdoc, PhD, and master student levels.

Level of employment: 100%

Start date: Fall 2021.

Location: Basel University, Switzerland.

Your position

The projects have the broad goal of better understanding the neuronal circuits for auditory processing and perception, and include both experiments and data analysis. The successful candidates will have the opportunity to learn and apply several state-of-the-art systems neuroscience techniques such as in vivo extracellular recordings, functional imaging (2P calcium or voltage imaging), behavioral assays, optogenetics, in vivo patch-clamp recordings, viral neural tracing, or immunohistochemistry. The research questions will be chosen from a range of topics in auditory systems neuroscience. For more information about the specific projects at the different levels, please contact Tania Barkat (tania.barkat@unibas.ch)

Your profile

You are our new lab member if you:

have a background in neuroscience, physics, computer science, mathematics, biology, or engineering

have a spirit of intellectual adventure as well as drive and eagerness

can be creative and focused on a project at the same time

have experience or interest in programming data analysis code

run experiments methodically and are adept at troubleshooting and problem solving

ambition to pursue a career in science

enjoy working in a team and like to share ideas with colleagues.

We offer you

We offer attractive employment conditions in an intellectually stimulating environment and a scientifically and culturally rich city. The contract length is adapted to the position.

Our lab aims to understand the role of neural circuits in making sense of sounds. We use a systems neuroscience approach and combine in vivo electrophysiology, functional imaging, behavioral assays, and optogenetics to explore the functions of neuronal circuits in the mouse central auditory system. For more information about our lab, please check www.brainsoundlab.com

Application / Contact

To apply, please send a letter of motivation, a statement of research interest, and your CV to Tania Barkat, tania.barkat@unibas.ch

Master theses: Fluxes and Fate of Microplastics in Northern European Waters

 

In the framework of the European joint project „Fluxes and Fate of Microplastics in Northern European Waters“ (JPI-O FACTS) we will create new knowledge and improve our mechanistic understanding on the sources, transport, occurrence, and fate of small microplastics in northern marine waters. FACTS will combine state-of-the-art analytical, monitoring and modelling approaches in feedback cycles to describe transport and geographical sources of microplastics contamination as well as sinks from the temperate waters of the southern North Sea to the Arctic waters of the Barents Sea. FACTS is structured around a set of sampling campaigns reaching from the German Bight to Svalbard. Plastic particle concentrations, obtained from the proposed sampling campaigns are implemented into oceanographic models.

Where: Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Division "Biosciences", Section Shelf Seas Systems Ecology on Helgoland

Tasks

In the herein poposed Master theses, samples from the water surface, the water column and from sediments will be analyzed, taken in the framework of the FACTS expedition in June 2021 from the North Sea to the Arctic. Samples will be extracted & purified and finally analyzed by FTIR- or Raman-microscopy.

Requirements
We are looking for Master students in chemisty or environmental sciences.

Further Information
The place of employment will be Helgoland.

Start: Early spring 2022

You are interested?
Then please send us your application with Cover letter and CV (with all documents merged into one PDF file) by e-mail to: Dr. Gunnar Gerdts (Gunnar.Gerdts@awi.de) or Dr. Sebastian Primpke (sebastian.primpke@awi.de)


For further information please contact Dr. Gunnar Gerdts (Gunnar.Gerdts@awi.de), +49(4725)819-3245).

6 Master Fellowships in The Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research (CGA) in Germany

 

The Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research (CGA) in Germany is a joint venture of the University of Cologne Excellence Cluster on Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), the University Hospital Cologne, the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing and the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research. Cologne has emerged as a leading global research cluster with a stellar constellation of institutes and scientists dedicated to ageing research in Life Sciences. We offer up to 6 Master Fellowships to highly motivated and talented students holding a B.Sc. degree in Biology or a related subject. The Master fellowship programme is embedded in a cutting-edge research environment and will start on October 1, 2021. Admission to the structured and well established Biological Sciences Master programme of the University of Cologne is a premise of receiving a Master fellowship. Master fellowships are 800 €/ month and will be awarded for a maximum duration of 1.5 years and until the start of the Master thesis project.

We offer

• An outstanding international research environment at one of the most prestigious ageing research cluster in Europe
• Close contact to our principle investigators and research groups of the above mentioned institutes
• Possibility to apply to the Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research for structured PhD studies
• Excellent infrastructure for training and research by internationally recognized scientists in facilities with state-of-the-art technologies
• Support and guidance for international students in all administrative matter

We are looking for

• Highly qualified students holding a B.Sc. degree in Biology or a related subject that are motivated to explore the field of ageing research at an early career stage
• Outstanding 1st year students of the Biological Sciences Master Programme of the University of Cologne that are eager to work in the field of ageing research

Further information

• Application deadline: July 15, 2021
• Online application portal
• Application to the Biological Sciences Master Programme of the University of Cologne is premise and an independent step. Their application  through the webpage of the University of Cologne.
• Contact: cga-coordination@uni-koeln.de.

The associated institutes are committed to diversity, diversity of perspectives and equal opportunity. Applications from people with a disability and their peers are especially welcome. People with a disability are preferred if equally qualified. Applications from women are encouraged.