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Experimental investigation on wake and thrust characteristics of a twin-rotor horizontal axis tidal stream turbine
No full textNoStudy on the performance of the tidal stream turbines could greatly improve tidal stream energy development. Up to date, few studies about the twin-rotor horizontal axis tidal turbines (TRHATTs) are available. In this study, laboratory experiments with a range of approaching flow velocity and yaw angles are conducted to investigate the wake structures in the lee side of the turbine. The experimental results show that there are three ‘rod-liked’ wakes behind the turbine, which merge into one wake further downstream. Increase of the approaching flow velocity can accelerate wake velocity recovery and enhances turbulence intensity. Correspondingly, the thrust and the fluctuation of thrust also increase. When the turbine is subjected to the yawed inflow, one side of the near wake mixing accelerates and the turbulence intensity distribution becomes asymmetric. The study shows that the thrust is slightly reduced with an increase of the yaw angle, and reaches the maximum when the yaw angle is 40°. Fluctuation range of the thrust increases with the increase of the yaw angle, and starts to decrease when the yaw angle exceeds 30°
The legal protection of e-consumers against e-commerce fraud in Malaysia
No full textYesIn the past decade, E-commerce has developed and plays a vital role in our daily lives. However, fraud in E-commerce has increasingly become more prevalent and causes huge monetary loss, especially to E-consumers which usually results in them being unable to get what they have paid for. Fraudsters use various modus operandi to trick E-consumers such as displaying cheap goods via online platforms to induce them to pay for the goods. Despite considerable concerns about E-commerce fraud in Malaysia, the legislative sanction is still inadequate due to the deficiency of the existing legal framework. This paper examines the nature of E-commerce fraud, understand the modus operandi, and look into the legal protection afforded to E-consumers in Malaysia. It employs doctrinal content analysis and secondary data from the Malaysian Penal Code and the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998, academic journals, books, news articles and online databases. The authors contend that the lack of legal protection for E-consumers is due to the insufficiency of the law and the lack of awareness of the gravity of the such crime. Effective governance of fraud in E-commerce is imperative to facilitate prosecution and investigation and holistic protection for the victims of cyber fraud
The Impact of AI on Online Customer Experience and Consumer Behaviour. An Empirical Investigation of the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Online Customer Experience and Consumer Behaviour in a Digital Marketing and Online Retail Context
Get PDFArtificial Intelligence (AI) is adopted fast and wide across consumer industries and
digital marketing. This new technology has the potential to enhance online customer
experience and outcomes of customer experience. However, research relating to the
impact of AI is still developing and empirical evidence sparse. Taking a consumercentred
approach and by adopting Social Response Theory as theoretical lens, this
research addresses an overall research question pertaining to the implications of
online customer experience with AI on consumer behaviour. A quantitative research
strategy with positivist approach is adopted to gather a large sample (n= 489) of online
consumers who have previously interacted with AI-enabled technology. The collected
data is analysed statistically utilising Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and
Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Empirical findings show strong positive effects
of anthropomorphism of AI, para-social interaction with AI, and performance
expectancy of AI on all three customer experience dimensions of informativeness,
entertainment and social presence. Additionally, there is strong statistical support for
the positive effect of informativeness and social presence on continued purchase
intentions (β= .379 and β= .315), while the effects of entertainment are less strong.
The mediating effects of customer experience have been assessed, highlighting social
presence as most important mediator. This research contributes to knowledge by
extending previous customer experience theory and quantifying the influence of online
customer experience with AI on purchase intentions and eWOM. The theoretical insights also translate into direct implications for marketing practice relating to the design, integration, and implementation of more consumer- and outcome-oriented AI applications.Faculty of Management, Law and Social Sciences studentshi
A Framework for Digital Investigation of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Networks. An Investigation into the Security Challenges and Vulnerabilities of Peer-to-Peer Networks and the Design of a Standard Validated Digital Forensic Model for Network Investigations
No full textPeer-to-Peer (P2P) Networks have been presenting many fascinating capabilities to the internet since their inception, which has made and is still gathering so much interest. As a result, it is being used in many domains, particularly in transferring a large amount of data, which is essential for modern computing needs. A P2P network contains many independent nodes to form a highly distributed system. These nodes are used to exchange all kinds of files without using a single server as in a Client-Server architecture. Such types of files make the network highly vulnerable to malicious attackers. Nevertheless, P2P systems have become susceptible to different malicious attacks due to their widespread usage, including the threat of sharing malware and other dangerous programs, which can be significantly damaging and harmful.
A significant obstacle with the current P2P network traffic monitoring and analysis involves many newly emerging P2P architectures possessing more intricate communication structures and traffic patterns than the traditional client-server architectures. The traffic volume generated by these networks, such as uTorrent, Gnutella, Ares, etc., was once well over half of the total internet traffic. The dynamic use of port numbers, multiple sessions, and other smart features of these applications complicate the characterization of current P2P traffic. Transport-level traffic identification is a preliminary but required step towards traffic characterization, which this thesis addresses. Therefore, a novel detection mechanism that relies on transport-level traffic characterization has been presented for P2P network investigation
The importance of the investigation necessitates the formalization of frameworks to leverage the integration of forensics standards and accuracy to provide integrity to P2P networks. We employed the standard Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) model to aid a credible digital investigation. We considered the ADDIE model for validation as a standard digital forensic model for P2P network investigations using the United States’ Daubert Standard, the United Kingdom's Forensic Science Regulator Guidance – 218 (FSR-G-218), and Forensic Science Regulator Guidance – 201 (FSR-G-201) methodologies. The solution was evaluated using a realistic P2P investigation and showed accurate load distribution and reliable digital evidence.Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Nigeri
Genotoxic effects in human peripheral lymphocytes from healthy individuals and head and neck cancer patients after treatment with hydrogen peroxide and pembrolizumab liposome
Get PDFHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. It has commonly been associated with exposure to tobacco-derived carcinogens and alcohol consumption. Pembrolizumab has shown to be effective in the treatment of many types of cancers such as melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, due to its antiproliferative, immunoregulatory properties.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of naked Pembrolizumab and Pembrolizumab liposome on the level of DNA damage, gene, and protein expressions in peripheral lymphocytes from HNC patients and compared to the healthy individuals by using the Comet and micronucleus assays. Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed to assess the potential of improving the repair mechanisms after treatment with naked Pembrolizumab and Pembrolizumab liposome. According to the results, Comet assay and micronucleus assay showed a significantly decreased DNA damage in the lymphocytes from HNC patients after being treated with naked Pembrolizumab and pembrolizumab liposome. Furthermore, the results have shown that naked Pembrolizumab and pembrolizumab liposomes (10 μg/ml) greatly decreased the oxidative stress produced by H2O2.
Both forms of pembrolizumab have also demonstrated improving the repair mechanisms in lymphocytes from HNC patients by modulating the expression of P53, P21, and Bcl-2 at mRNA and protein levels. This study suggested that Pembrolizumab naked and liposome could have an antioxidant role alongside other actions in the treatment of HNSCC. However, further studies on Cancer cell lines and in vivo observation are required to validate the anticancer potential of pembrolizumab naked with liposome in HNC.Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Liby
Developing Digital Transformation Strategy for Manufacturing Firms. Applying Interpretive Structural Modelling to Explore Causal Relationships of Organisational Management Factors
Get PDFDigital transformation represents an unprecedented strategic challenge for established manufacturing companies, but the theoretical understanding of its implications is still lacking. It is accordingly difficult for management to develop an adequate digital transformation strategy and decide on appropriate organisational implementation measures. The aim of this work is therefore to address the organisational management challenges related to digital transformation of manufacturing companies through strategic digital transformation programmes. It is based on the input of 39 managers with diverse backgrounds, digital and non-digital, within the manufacturing industry. This study enhances the open systems organisational theory approach and the concepts of temporary organisations. It identifies 21 different organisational management factors that are relevant for the digital transformation of a manufacturing company. Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) has been applied to derive an empirical model that organises those factors according to their level of influence. The factors related to organisational leadership, internal organisational structures and operational capabilities have the strongest influence on the digital transformation challenges. This includes the understanding that in the context of digital transformation, a strategic programme cannot be conceived separately to the embedding company organisation. The practical implications of the empirical model on management are derived by this study as well. It suggests that the non-linear nature of digital transformation requires management to continuously embrace and not restrict organisational and operational complexity. Instead, focus should be placed on establishing frameworks that provide operational guidance, supported by substantial management efforts to foster commitment across all organisational levels towards digital transformation goals
The ageing hair follicle environment. Alterations in the female scalp and mesenchyme with age.
No full textFemale ageing leads to reduced hair density and thinner fibres. The impact of
the ageing dermal environment on the hair follicles (HFs) remains unclear. This
study documents in situ changes in human female scalp skin of women (19-81
years (yrs)), and corresponding primary cultures of dermal fibroblast (DF) and
dermal sheath (DS) cells.
In situ, the papillary/reticular boundary was indistinguishable in young scalp, but
delineated over 40yrs, with reduced rete ridges, changes in collagen
organisation, reduced podoplanin (PDPN) and increased versican (VCAN)
expression. Hyaluronic acid synthase 2 (HAS2) was highly expressed
throughout the scalp.
Matrix Metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1) and Metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP1),
cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (p16INK4A), 11β-Hydroxysteroid
dehydrogenase type 1 and 2 (11β-HSD1/HSD11B1 and 11β-HSD2/HSD11B2)
mRNA expression increased in aged DFs. In DS cells, HAS2, Vimentin (VIM) ,PDPN, Lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1), Sequestosome-
1 (P62) and Protease nexin-1 (SERPINE2) increased, while α-smooth muscle
actin (aSMA) decreased. Both cell types exhibited elevated cartilage oligomeric
protein (COMP) mRNA expression.
Proteomics revealed elevated COMP expression in the DF secretome with age,
suggesting a more fibrotic phenotype or DS migration into the dermis. DF and
DS lysate protein expression suggests altered extracellular matrix (ECM)
remodelling due to increased levels of MMP-2 and Protease inhibitor
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (Serpin E1/PAI-1). Cathepsin C/DPPI protein
lysate expression decreased in DFs but increased in DS.
In summary, ageing female scalp shows striking structural and biological
changes in the HF environment that may impact hair growth, due to alterations
in ECM, senescence and autophagy associated biomarkers
Molecular basis of transport of surface functionalised gold nanoparticles to pulmonary surfactant
No full textYesLigands like alkanethiol (e.g. dodecanethiol, hexadecanethiol, etc.) and polymers (e.g. poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), polyethylene glycol-thiol) capped to the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are widely used in biomedical field as drug carriers and as promising materials for probing and manipulating cellular processes. Ligand functionalised AuNPs are known to interact with the pulmonary surfactant (PS) monolayer once reaching the alveolar region. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the interaction between AuNPs and PS monolayers. Using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, the effect of ligand density, and ligand length have been studied for two classes of ligands on a PS model monolayer consisting of DPPC, POPG, cholesterol and SP-B (mini-peptide). The ligands considered in this study are alkanethiol and polyethylene glycol (PEG) thiol as examples of hydrophobic and hydrophilic ligands, respectively. It was observed that the interaction between AuNPs and PS changes the biophysical properties of PS monolayer in compressed and expanded states. The AuNPs with hydrophilic ligand, can penetrate through the monolayer more easily, while the AuNPs with hydrophobic ligand are embedded in the monolayer and participated in deforming the monolayer structure particularly the monolayer in the compressed state. The bare AuNPs hinder to lower the monolayer surface tension value at the interface, however introducing ligand to the bare AuNPs or increasing the ligand length and density have an impact of lowering of monolayer surface tension to a minor extent. The simulation results guide the design of ligand protected NPs as drug carriers and can identify the nanoparticles' potential side effects on lung surfactant.ZEH thanks the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Research Fund grant R19-0326 for providing funding. NSG acknowledges support from Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowship
Experiment and numerical modelling of a demountable steel connection system for reuse
Get PDFYesCurrently, steel reuse is only a marginal practice. To facilitate deconstruction and efficient reuse of steel components,
an innovative connection system was proposed. This system adopts a ‘Block Shear Connector (BSC)’ that
allows beam length to be standardised and suitable for a wide range of different sizes of the supporting members
within the same planning grid. This paper presents the experimental and numerical studies of a beam-to-beam
connection using BSCs. The BSC used was made from a standard universal HE / UC section and was bolted to
the beams by using partial depth end plates. The experimental results provided the shear resistance, momentrotation,
failure behaviour, demountability and reusability of the steel components. Further numerical simulation
conducted investigated the effect of some key parameters (steel strength, thickness of BSC web, thickness of
BSC flange, initial bolt stress) on the behaviour of the connections. The results obtained highlighted the
demountability of this innovative bolted connection system and the reusability of structural components.European Commission: Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS-2015, RPJ, 710040
Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of FPR-1 Antagonists in the Treatment of Glioma
Get PDFHigh expression of FPR-1 and its ligands are known to contribute to glioblastoma development. It was hypothesised that antagonists that inhibit FPR-1 may effectively treat glioblastoma. The previously synthesised antagonist, ICT12035, was potent but only exhibited a moderate ability to penetrate the BBB. Therefore, this project aimed to design and synthesise new antagonists with better lipophilicity whilst maintaining potency based on the structure of ICT12035. Apart from ICT13376 (3) being synthesised from ICT13362 (1), all novel antagonists were synthesised following a similar synthetic route. FPR-1 expression was confirmed in a panel of cell lines using flow cytometry, and these lines were then utilised to assess potency and the ability to inhibit cell migration for the antagonists using calcium flux assays and scratch assays, respectively. MTT assays confirmed that the antagonists would be non-toxic to cells. Most novel antagonists showed improved lipophilicity, but none showed higher potency or migratory inhibition than ICT12035. From studying the SAR of the novel series, it could be concluded that introducing an H-bond acceptor at the para-position of the cyclohexane ring is desirable in enhancing the lipophilicity and potency of antagonists. It is also important to avoid introducing any groups to the paraposition of the benzenesulfonyl group that would generate an inductive effect to weaken the molecular binding with surrounding residues. Additionally, introducing bulky groups should be avoided due to the spatial constraints of the binding pocket. Thus, this should be the template for further studies on improving the anticancer potency of this series of compounds