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The role of collaboration in tackling food loss and waste: Salient stakeholder perspective
Get PDFYesWhile studies indicate that collaboration between stakeholders plays a prominent role in reducing food loss and waste (FLW), they have not specified which stakeholder group's collaboration will be more effective in reducing FLW. To fill this gap in the literature, this paper aims to identify and classify fruit and vegetable supply chain (FVSC) stakeholders according to their salience level and offer mitigation strategies for different salient stakeholder groups to tackle FLW. The study was conducted in Turkish FVSC because fruit and vegetable loss accounted for 53% of the total food loss. A multi-method approach was utilised to achieve the aim. First, 26 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Turkish FVSC experts to determine FVSC stakeholders and FLW drivers. Second, to identify and classify salient stakeholders, stakeholder mapping was undertaken. Collaboration-related mitigation strategies are offered high salient stakeholders and other stakeholder groups to reduce the amount of fruit and vegetable loss and waste. According to content analysis results, 25 supply chain actors are identified as stakeholders, and 15 are classified as salient stakeholders who can be more effective in tackling FLW. In addition, based on the results, 26 FLW drivers are identified according to different supply chain stages. Collaboration-based mitigation strategies were developed to diminish the impact of FLW causes at different stages. This study is one of the early attempts to classify food supply chain stakeholders according to saliency level. This study offers collaboration-related mitigation strategies to eliminate FLW drivers that cause loss and waste between specific stages of the FVSC.The research was supported by The Scientific & Technological Research Council of Turkey (Tübitak 2211-A project no: 1649B031503919)
The development of a liposomal form Secukinumab – an IL 17 pathway inhibitor in the treatment of psoriasis
Get PDFVarious approaches are currently used to treat and manage psoriasis, and biological treatments are
often the latest approaches. All biological treatments have major side effects as they are given
systemically via injections. One of the latest biological treatments for psoriasis, one which has
shown great efficacy with fewer side effects, is Secukinumab. Secukinumab is an anti-IL17
antibody that works by stopping the action of IL17, a cytokine that is known to have a major role
in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. This work is based on the development of a new way to commence
drug therapy to reduce the side effects of the treatment.
Our work is based on the studies of the genotoxicity of the drug Secukinumab in its bulk and
liposome form using comet and micronucleus assays on lymphocytes. The results from both assays
have illustrated the safety of the drug and demonstrated the reduction of the DNA damage induced
in both healthy individuals and patients with psoriasis. Secukinumab significantly decreases-H2O2 induced damage and efficiently attenuates its adverse effects both in the comet (p<0.0001) and
micronucleus assays (p<0.01). The two concentrations of Secukinumab used (2.1 and 2.8μg/ml)
efficiently decreased H2O2-induced DNA damage in both groups to nearly the level of the negative
control. Overall, Secukinumab reveals protective and anti-genotoxic effects by demonstrating its potential in reducing DNA damage caused by oxidative stress and by not inducing any further
damage in the lymphocytes of either healthy individuals or patients. Liposomes are highly versatile
which have been proven efficient for therapy and research applications. The discovery of new
therapies in the treatment of psoriasis is a considerable challenge and is now a necessity. Our study
was the first one to determine the genotoxicity of various concentrations of the drug in the
lymphocytes of psoriasis patients compared to healthy individuals. In the MTT assay, the data
showed a decrease in % cell survival rates after exposure to different concentrations of
Secukinumab. Also, the results demonstrated no statistically significant differences on
confounding factors such as ethnicity, smoking, drinking habits, gender and age among psoriasis
patient and healthy controls. The regulation of gene expression levels of IL-17, IL-22 and RORC
were assessed after treatment with Secukinumab in the bulk and liposome form via RT-PCR analysis. Secukinumab bulk (2.1μg/ml) treatment significantly down-regulated gene expression of
IL-17, IL22 and RORC to 0.46-fold, 0.47-fold and 0.5-fold, respectively. However, Secukinumab
liposome (2.1μg/ml) only decreased the expression of IL-17 and IL-22 significantly, by 0.46-fold
and 0.53-fold, respectively. On the other hand, studying the expression of P53 and P21 using
qPCR revealed that Secukinumab bulk and liposome has no effect on the expression of these genes
in lymphocytes from healthy individuals and psoriasis patients.
Western blotting was used to investigate the effect of Secukinumab in both forms on protein
expression levels IL-17, IL-22 and RORC. Analysis of the results showed that Secukinumab bulk
and liposome had no significant effect on expression levels of any of these proteins in lymphocytes
derived from healthy individuals. However, there was a statistically significant down-regulation
observed in the protein expression levels of IL-17, IL-22 and RORC in lymphocytes obtained from the psoriasis patients, confirming the sensitivity of the compromised lymphocytes from patient group to Secukinumab treatment. With Secukinumab (bulk form) administration, a 0.5-fold
decrease was observed in IL-17, 0.59-fold decrease in IL-22, and a 0.6-fold decrease in RORC
expression. However, liposome form reduced their levels to 0.47–fold, 0.5-fold and 0.47–fold,
respectively, when compared to the control group. While it had no significant effect on expression
of P53 and P21 proteins in lymphocytes from healthy individuals and psoriasis patients and there
was no difference observed in their regulation. In conclusion, the use of Secukinumab liposome as
topical drug delivery system may be suitable replacement for improving the drug bioavailability
and its side effects.Libyan Cultural Attaché and Libyan embass
Physicochemical and biopharmaceutical characterization of novel derivatives of gallic acid
Get PDFGallic acid is a known antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory activity in addition to other biological activities, but GA efficiency is restricted due to low permeability and low oral bioavailability. This study was designed to investigate the solubility, permeability, oral bioavailability, enzymatic stability with cytochrome CYP2D6, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of novel gallic acid sulfonamide derivatives; TMBS, and THBS. In addition, a novel in silico permeability model was designed to predict the permeability and bioavailability of eighty derivatives of GA.
In sillico prediction of intestinal permeability of GA derivative indicated an increase in permeability with increased lipophilicity and decreased aqueous solubility, replacing the carboxylic group with sulfonamide group has increased intestinal permeability. A significant (P <0.01) increase was observed in the permeability of TMBS and THBS over GA, in both gastric fluids and HIEC cells. TMBS was O-demethylated by CYP2D6. TMBS had greater ROS scavenging activity than GA in HIEC-6 cells. There was a significant (P< 0.05) increase in anti-inflammatory activity of THBS, and TMBS compared to ibuprofen. TMBS, and THBS had better oral bioavailability than GA.
This data suggests that the in silico permeability model can be used in the future to study new candidate of gallic acid, and further in vivo and clinical investigations are required to introduce TMBS and THBS as a new antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drugs
Time will tell: Material surface cues for the visual perception of material ageing Insights from psychophysics, online experiments, image processing and a science festival
No full textThis thesis explores the visual perception of material change over time, a novel topic that has received little attention so far. We aimed to understand the material surface features and mental representations associated with material change over time by the human visual system, and possibly wider cognitive systems. To this end, we performed a series of experiments with varying methodologies. These included a psychophysics experiment, online experiments, and data collection during a science festival. The latter showed that the general public mentioned “Faded (colour)” most often to describe material change over time and that specific material surface change features clustered around specific materials. In another experiment, material type, but not colour or the geometrical distribution, had a significant effect on perceived material change. Other experiments partially contradicted this finding. It was found that perceived material type showed a significant, non-linear association with perceived material change, replicating earlier findings on the effect of material type. In contrast, material surface lightness, a constituent of colour, was associated with perceived material change. The same held for components of the geometrical distribution. They showed a minor contribution to the perception of material change, but a major one to perceived material type. Together, our findings suggest that the human visual system seems to use constituents of material surface colour as a cue to material change over time. The geometrical distribution seems to play a minor role. Although these contributions may vary with material type, as our findings showed that material type affected the perception of material change over time.DyViTo (Dynamics in Vision and Touch) has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020
research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 76512
Understanding Factors Facilitating the Diffusion of Financial Technology (FinTech) A Case Study of the Gulf Cooperation Council
Get PDFThis study focuses on the factors influencing the diffusion of FinTech in the Gulf
Cooperation Council countries, analysing both financial institutions and technology
companies. The research acknowledges the challenges associated with the spread
of FinTech and aims to address these issues. The research employs Institutional
Theory.
To achieve comprehensive insights, a qualitative technique is employed. The initial
phase involves an extensive literature review to understand FinTech and identify
gaps in academic research. Subsequently, the impact of PESTEL factors is
highlighted based on the literature. In the third stage, semi-structured interviews are
conducted with 25 participants, representing three to four individuals per country.
The Thematic Analysis approach is employed to analyse the interview data.
The study's findings reveal that several factors significantly influence the adoption
of FinTech services as a preferred transaction method. Perceived utility, security,
and social impact concerns are identified as drivers of behavioural intentions.
Additionally, the technical attributes and ease of use of digital tools impact
behavioural patterns. Furthermore, the innovation and technical features embedded
within FinTech products and services contribute to their diffusion and acceptance.
The research has practical implications for both academia and practitioners in the
FinTech industry. It assists financial service providers and institutions in designing
user-centric FinTech products and services. Enhancing security and usability is
crucial to improving the user experience and consumer confidence. By considering
technological and behavioural characteristics and analysing the impact of PESTEL
elements, this study contributes to the existing literature on technology diffusion,
providing valuable insights to academics and practitioners
Effect of solid-state shear milled natural rubber particle size on the processing and dynamic vulcanization of recycled waste into thermoplastic vulcanizate
No full textYesNatural rubber (NR) and crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) waste streams were devulcanized by solid state shear milling (S3M), producing a fine powder that may be more easily reprocessed. Understanding devulcanization and the nature of decrosslinked thermoset materials is of utmost importance for turning these waste steams into functional products. It was found that the devulcanized powders contained significant concentrations of radicals, which may be active in the subsequent revulcanization process. The produced devulcanized powders were converted into recyclable thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) by twin screw extrusion. Reprocessing of these powders into value-added products is an important step in recycling and the use of extrusion allows for high throughput and industrial viability. Herein, we demonstrate that the optimal conditions for reprocessing are dependent upon the particle size of the devulcanized powder. Furthermore, dynamic vulcanization is affected by the nature of these recyclate powders. The successfully prepared TPVs showed similar properties to virgin materials, with a high elongation to failure. Therefore, the conversion of waste rubber into the rubber phase of a TPV shows significant promise in moving towards sustainable products, providing the revulcanization step can be well controlled.EPSRC and NSFC; Joint UK-China Low Carbon Manufacturing Grant, Grant number EP/S018573/1
Environmental Hydraulics, Turbulence and Sediment Transport
Get PDFYesIn the research on environmental hydraulics, its turbulence and sediment transport, constant challenges have been faced. The complexity of hydraulic impacts towards sediment morphology and turbulent flow properties makes research in this area a difficult task. However, due to pressure from climate change and the mounting issue of pollution, environmental flow studies are more crucial than ever. Bedforming within rivers is a complex process that can be influenced by the hydraulics, vegetated field, and various suspended and bedload transports. Changes in flow conditions due to rain and flood can further complicate a hydraulic system. To date, the turbulence, morphologic, and bedforming characteristics of natural environmental flows are still not well understood. This book aims to bring together a collection of state-of-the-art research and technologies to form a useful guide for the related research and engineering communities. It is useful for authorities and researchers interested in environmental and civil engineering studies, as well as for river and water engineers to understand the current state-of-the-art practices in environmental flow modelling, measurement and management. It is also a good resource for research, post-, or undergraduate students who wish to know about the most up-to-date knowledge in this field
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
The effect of PEO homopolymers on the behaviours and structural evolution of Pluronic F127 Smart Hydrogels for Controlled Drug Delivery Systems
No full textYesUnderstanding the structure-property relationships of drug delivery system (DDS) components is critical for their development and the prediction of bodily performance. This study investigates the effects of introducing polyethylene oxide (PEO) homopolymers, over a wide range of molecular weights, into Pluronic injectable smart hydrogel formulations. These smart DDSs promise to enhance patient compliance, reduce adverse effects and dosing frequency. Pharmaceutically, Pluronic systems are attractive due to their unique sol-gel phase transition in the body, biocompatibility, safety and ease of injectability as solutions before transforming into gel matrices at body temperature. This paper presents a systematic and comprehensive evaluation of gelation and the interplay of microscopic and macroscopic properties under both equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions in controlled environments, as measured by rheology in conjunction with time-resolved Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS). The non-equilibrium conditions investigated in this work offer a better understanding of the two polymeric systems’ complex interactions affecting the matrix thermo-rheological behaviour and structure and therefore the future release of an active pharmaceutical ingredient from the injectable DDS.Understanding the structure-property relationships of drug delivery system (DDS) components is critical for their development and the prediction of bodily performance. This study investigates the effects of introducing polyethylene oxide (PEO) homopolymers, over a wide range of molecular weights, into Pluronic injectable smart hydrogel formulations. These smart DDSs promise to enhance patient compliance, reduce adverse effects and dosing frequency. Pharmaceutically, Pluronic systems are attractive due to their unique sol-gel phase transition in the body, biocompatibility, safety and ease of injectability as solutions before transforming into gel matrices at body temperature. This paper presents a systematic and comprehensive evaluation of gelation and the interplay of microscopic and macroscopic properties under both equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions in controlled environments, as measured by rheology in conjunction with time-resolved Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS). The non-equilibrium conditions investigated in this work offer a better understanding of the two polymeric systems' complex interactions affecting the matrix thermo-rheological behaviour and structure and therefore the future release of an active pharmaceutical ingredient from the injectable DDS
Geotechnical Behaviour of Fly Ash–Bentonite Used in Layers
No full textYesIncreasing infrastructure growth has forced the construction industry to look for wasteful, cheap, and suitable materials for construction. An investigation into the geotechnical utilization of fly ash was carried out in the present study. Practical applications normally involve the use of large quantities of fly ash, so proper mixing of the fly ash with other materials may not be significantly achieved. Therefore, the present paper investigates the behaviour of a fly ash–bentonite layered system with different ratios. The physical properties and chemical composition of fly ash and bentonite were determined. SEM and energy dispersive X-ray experiments were also used to investigate the morphology and phase compositions of fly ash and bentonite. A series of consolidated undrained (CU) triaxial tests on fly ash–bentonite were carried out to investigate shear strength characteristics. Fly ash (F) and bentonite (B) were used in the following ratios: 1:1 (50% F:50% B), 2:1 (67% F:33% B), 3:1 (75% F:25% B), and 4:1 (80% F:20% B), with different numbers of interfaces (N), i.e., 1, 2, and 3 for each ratio. The deviator stress and cohesion value were found to increase with the number of interfaces for each ratio. The angle of shear resistance changed marginally with the increase in the fly ash–bentonite ratios and varying interfaces