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Rescaling transformations and the Grothendieck bound formalism in a single quantum system
No full textYe
Functionalized azirine based scaffolds as endothelin inhibitors for the selective anti-angiogenic activity
No full textNoAnti-angiogenic therapy has long been used as an adjunct therapy for the resolution of tumor burden. The current findings describe the synthesis of novel marine-based azirine-containing compounds that exhibit anti-angiogenic mediated anti-tumor activity. Azirine-2-carboxylate inhibited HUVEC-mediated tubulogenesis without causing cell death in a dose-dependent manner. Ex-vivo CAM, in-vivo Matrigel implantation, and ear angiogenesis experiments have all shown that azirine-2-carboxylate effectively inhibits angiogenesis. Furthermore, azirine-2-carboxylate inhibits the migration of ECs without disrupting the preformed tubule network. Azirine-2-carboxylate had adequate intramuscular systemic exposure and inhibited tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. DARTS analysis, competitive binding assay, and gene expression investigations revealed that azirine-2-carboxylate inhibits endothelin-1-mediated angiogenesis. Overall, the discovery of azirine-2-carboxylate demonstrated a potent inhibition of angiogenesis targeting ET1 and a possible application in anti-angiogenic therapy
The Mediating Role of Perceived Organisational Support and Moderating Role of Religiosity: An Empirical Research on Call Centres In the United Kingdom
No full textA rise in Counterproductive Work Behaviours (CWB) within organisations has prompted research into the underlying causes. This research explores the link between the "Dark Triad" personality traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) and CWB in UK call centres. Utilising Social Exchange Theory (SET), the research investigates how perceived organisational support and religiosity influence this link. Employing a positivist approach with a quantitative framework, data was gathered through surveys from 750 call centre agents. The analysis, using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), revealed a significant association between Dark Triad traits and CWB. Interestingly, perceived organisational support weakens this link, suggesting a supportive work environment can mitigate the negative effects of these personality traits. Additionally, religiosity specifically moderates the influence of Machiavellianism and psychopathy on CWB. These findings offer valuable insights for call centre managers. Fostering a supportive work environment through improved well-being initiatives, communication channels, skill development opportunities, and employee recognition can strengthen perceived organisational support and potentially reduce CWB. This research’s novelty lies in applying SET to examine the Dark Triad's impact on CWB within UK call centres. It introduces religiosity as a mitigating factor for specific traits and identifies perceived organisational support as a mediator in the overall relationship
Improving the quality of Computed Tomography brain images in the presence of cochlear implant induced metal artefacts through the additional use of tissue mimicking materials alongside metal artefact reduction software.
No full textYesIntroduction
Metal artefact reduction software (MAR) can be used to improve Computed Tomography (CT) image quality in the presence of implanted metalwork; however, this software is not effective for superficial metallic structures such as cochlear implants (CI).
This study aimed to investigate whether the effectiveness of MAR software could be improved for brain scans with CI present through the use of tissue mimicking materials (TMM) placed exteriorly to the implant.
Methods
In this two-part study, a CI was positioned on the surface of water and anthropomorphic phantoms and imaged using a helical CT brain protocol. Three TMM, Superflab, Sure Thermal heat packs, and Bart’s Bolus, were utilised and images were acquired to assess the resulting artefact reduction in terms of CT numbers, noise and artefact index (Aind). Changes in CTDIvol were assessed for the anthropomorphic phantom scans.
Results
In the water phantom, statistically significant reductions in CT number (p=0.038) and noise (p=0.033) were observed for Superflab, whilst the heat packs produced similar significant reductions in CT number (p<0.001) and noise (p=0.001) for the anthropomorphic phantom images. Aind values were significantly reduced through the use of Superflab (p=0.009) and the heat packs (p<0.001). No significant effects were observed for Bart’s Bolus. CTDIvol increases of generally less than 5% were observed for scans with TMM in place.
Conclusion
The additional use of TMM alongside MAR software yielded statistically significant reductions in CI induced metal artefacts on both water and anthropomorphic phantom scans with minimal dose increases.
Implications for practice
The extent of metal artefacts in clinical head scans with CI in place could be significantly reduced through combined use of TMM and MAR software, consequently providing greater diagnostic confidence in the images
Abdominal noncontrast Computed Tomography scanning to screen for kidney cancer and other abdominal pathology within community-based Computed Tomography screening for lung cancer: results of the Yorkshire Kidney Screening Trial
No full textYesBackground and objective: The Yorkshire Kidney Screening Trial (YKST) assessed the feasibility of adding abdominal noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) to lung cancer screening to screen for kidney cancer and other abdominal pathology.
Methods: A prospective diagnostic study offered abdominal NCCT to 55–80-yr-old ever-smokers attending a UK randomised lung cancer screening trial (May 2021 to October 2022). The exclusion criteria were dementia, frailty, previous kidney/lung cancer, and computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and thorax within previous 6 and 12 mo, respectively. Six-month follow-up was undertaken.
Key findings and limitations: A total of 4438 people attended lung screening, of whom 4309 (97%) were eligible for and 4019 (93%) accepted abdominal NCCT. Only 3.9% respondents regretted participating. The additional time to conduct the YKST processes was 13.3 min. Of the participants, 2586 (64%) had a normal abdominal NCCT, whilst 787 (20%) required an abdominal NCCT imaging review but no further action and 611 (15%) required further evaluation (investigations and/or clinic). Of the participants, 211 (5.3%) had a new serious finding, including 25 (0.62%) with a renal mass/complex cyst, of whom ten (0.25%) had histologically proven kidney cancer; ten (0.25%) with other cancers; and 60 (1.5%) with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Twenty-five (0.62%) participants had treatment with curative intent. Of the participants, 1017 (25%) had nonserious findings, most commonly benign renal cysts (727 [18%]), whereas only 259 (6.4%) had nonserious findings requiring further tests. The number needed to screen to detect one serious abdominal finding was 18; it was 93 to detect one suspicious renal lesion and 402 to detect one histologically confirmed renal cancer. Limitations of the cohort were fixed age range and being prior lung cancer screening attendees.
Conclusions and clinical implications: In this first prospective risk-stratified screening study of abdominal NCCT offered alongside CT thorax, uptake and participant satisfaction were high. The prevalence of serious findings, cancers, and AAAs, is in the range of established screening programmes such as bowel cancer. Longer-term outcomes and cost effectiveness should now be evaluated.YKST was funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research grant number L403C. The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre (C9685/A25177 and CTRQQR-2021\100012), and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR203312). Manchester National Institute for Health Research Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (IS-BRC- 1215-20007). NIHR Advanced Fellowship (NIHR300861)
Pathological Bodies. Specimen Preservation, Death and Display in Britain, 18-19th Centuries.
No full textAcross Britain, many institutions are custodians of historical anatomical and pathological potted specimen collections dating back to the 18-19th centuries. Amongst these collections are those which have been preserved in fluid, often referred to as potted specimens. These collections were created at a time when anatomical study was on the rise in Britain, with potted specimens often considered the most valuable to the anatomist. The human remains obtained for these collections was often dictated by socioeconomic status, meaning body snatching and using unclaimed bodies from institutions such as workhouses
was done to meet the demand of bodies for study. Fluid preserved specimens require a unique skill set to conserve, differ hugely in appearance to other historical and archaeological bodies, and are still on display in museums today.
Using a mixed methods interdisciplinary approach, this thesis aims to further understand the acquisition and conservation of these specimens as well as understand the development in public/professional attitudes towards these remains that were collected in a time of ‘pre consent’ culture. Relatively recently, it has been alluded to that these collections are no longer relevant in the field of medicine due to the availability of modern donors. However, this thesis has demonstrated the importance of these collections in contemporary teaching and research of pathology, epidemiology and medical ethics. This research also suggests that they are significant in opening up conversations on death and dying, contemporary disease, familial health, and the display of the human body.Heritage Consortium, with additional funding awarded for research trips by the British Association of Victorian Studies, the British Society for the History of Science, and the Royal Society.
I would also like to thank the Royal Institution for their generous writing up year funding and support.Content Warning:
This thesis contains images of human remains and discussion of death and dying related topics which may be triggering or upsetting to some
Optimal Operation of Multi-Energy Systems in Integrated Energy Networks with Distributed Peer-to-Peer Energy Transactive Framework
Get PDFMulti-carrier energy systems (MES) and peer-to-peer (P2P) energy sharing have gained research attention for their sustainability benefits to energy systems. As a result, this thesis proposes optimal operation models for integrated energy distribution networks with interconnected MES operating in a P2P market. A stochastic bi-level optimization model is formulated for interconnected energy hubs in an integrated gas/electrical distribution network with P2P trading to simulate the interaction between the distribution network operator (DNO) and energy hubs. A new P2G energy hub is then modelled to capture the strategic interactions and dependencies of the energy networks, enabling more efficient resource allocation and cost minimisation. Furthermore, to improve energy management across multiple energy networks, a novel model is developed to optimally size and site an innovative design for a multi-energy storage system (MESS). Lastly, to investigate the coordination of energy hubs in a fully integrated energy network of electricity/heat/gas, a novel optimisation model is proposed for the multi-node sizing and siting of multiple interconnected MES. The effectiveness of the proposed models was demonstrated through case studies. The results show that by participating in the P2P market, the energy hubs can reduce trade with DNOs, reducing their daily operating cost. Furthermore, the combined effect of P2P and the energy hubs reduced the planning cost of the MESS by 11% and the energy hubs' operating cost by 7%. The results also show that optimally configured MES could support the operation of integrated energy networks with renewable energy. Moreover, the thesis offers valuable strategic decision-making tools for energy system operators
A Novel Artificial Intelligence-Driven Technique for Enhancing Medical Imaging Technologies to Aid Diagnosis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Get PDFNon-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is a disease wherein malignant cancer cells form in the lung tissue. The five-year survival rate decreases as the NSCLC cancer becomes more advanced, from 40% for stage I to only 1% for stage IV; thus, a vital challenge to overcome is the early and correct detection of NSCLC. Due to radiographers being overworked with many
time-consuming duties, new systems that can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of clinical professionals should be considered. Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven techniques can help provide the tools for radiographers to achieve a more accurate and efficient diagnosis of NSCLC.
The deep learning (DL) model presented in this study leverages a novel multimodal approach of using both Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans as inputs to the model. This allows the model to learn from both morphological data from CT scans and functional, physiological data available from MRI scans. As CT scans are the primary modality used in the structural detection of NSCLC, a higher weight is given to the recommendation made based on the information from the CT scan. One of the most important features analysed by the model is that of the Hounsfield Units (HU) of each pixel within the lung, which are used to pinpoint areas of high density within the lungs that are identified as potential tumours. The model achieved a classification accuracy of 97.1% and an Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC-ROC) of 95.7% on a test dataset of 140 patients
Leading change in residential care: A qualitative study to develop Dementia Care Mapping for future implementation
Get PDFBackground: Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) is an observational tool used to deliver person-centred care (PCC) for people living with dementia. While the research to date has demonstrated the positive impact of DCM in care homes, more needs to be
understood about the implementation and uptake of DCM, and staff understanding of PCC in practice.
Aim: The main aim of this thesis is to improve the implementation of DCM in residential care settings.
Methods: A realist review was conducted to develop a theoretical understanding of factors influencing the successful implementation of DCM in care settings. This was followed by a constructivist grounded theory study with fifteen health and social care staff who have trained in DCM to explore their perspective, experiences and understanding of DCM and PCC. Practical recommendations were developed with coproduction used to develop DCM in practice.
Findings: This thesis found that many factors influencing the implementation of DCM in practice are common among PCC interventions. The review emphasised the importance of leadership support in driving practice change. Interviews with
participants found a conflict between the concept of PCC in practice and theory. Practical guidelines and a roadmap were developed for the DCM education team and organisations that aim to implement and use DCM.
Conclusion: This PhD thesis aimed to improve the implementation of DCM, contributing to both its practical development and understanding of factors that influence the implementation of DCM. The findings provide insights into PCC in care homes, particularly regarding care plan formulation and practical application of PCC
Know the score: Empowering sport choices with a straightforward solution
No full textYesRisk factors associated with depression in athletes include biological sex, physical pain, and history of sport-related concussion (SRC). However, although there are well-documented benefits of sport and physical activity on mental health, many sportspeople still take the risk of competing in contact sports. Therefore, this infographic, supported by scientific evidence, aims to provide sportspeople with an informed decision on their participation. This infographic can be used by sports clubs or governing bodies to illustrate the risk that SRC has on the mental health of sportspeople. Likewise, it highlights the elevated risk of being in physical pain and being a female sportsperson. Therefore, this infographic provides a simple message to enhance the decision-making process of sportspeople, ensuring they are making a better-informed choice of their sporting participation and making their own cost/reward judgment