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Intersectional marginality: Compounding structural violence against Dalit Christians in India
No full textYesThe limited literature on anti-Christian violence in India focuses on physical forms of violence. This chapter instead shows how the experience of structural violence faced by Dalit Christians is compounded due to the intersecting marginalities of religion and caste. Particularly, this chapter focuses on the structural violence experienced from the state, in the form of the imposition of anti-conversion laws, and the denial of state resources to Dalit Christians such as affirmative action policies. This chapter argues that as the Hindutva ideology has become further embedded in India’s political-legal structure, the situation of structural violence has deepened and compounded.The full-text of this article will be released for public view at the end of the publisher embargo on 18 June 2026
A review on the potential application of ultra-high performance concrete in offshore wind towers: Insights into material properties, mechanisms, and models
No full textYesUltra-high performance concrete (UHPC), characterized by its high strength and toughness as well as durability, provides a promising solution for the construction of offshore wind towers (OWTs). This paper comprehensively reviews the durability and the dynamic mechanical properties of UHPC for OWTs under the impacts of the marine environment. Furthermore, the modifying effects of additives, including supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and reinforcing fibers, as well as nanofillers on UHPC are explored. Overall, UHPC possesses a dense microstructure that impedes the intrusion of harmful substances, and owing to the incorporation of additives, UHPC exhibits outstanding dynamic mechanical properties, making it an ideal material for applications in OWTs subjected to vibration fatigue and dynamic impact loads. Incorporating SCMs into UHPC can improve the durability and environmental benefits while maintaining similar dynamic mechanical properties concurrently. Nanofillers can serve as a beneficial supplement to steel fibers providing improved durability and dynamic mechanical properties by endowing UHPC dense microstructure and high system energy. Various models of marine environmental and loading actions on UHPC, examining ion transport, matrix degradation, and constitutive models, are concluded to gain insight into the underlying destructive mechanisms. These underlying mechanisms and the theoretical models further deepen the understanding of the service performance of UHPC in marine environments, thus providing the design guidance for the potential applications of UHPC in OWTs.National Science Foundation of China (52308236 and 52368031), and the Major Science and Technology Research Project of the China Building Materials Federation (2023JBGS10–02), Natural Science Joint Foundation of Liaoning Province (2023-BSBA-077), and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (DUT24GJ202)
Stochastic Expansion planning Model for a coordinated Natural gas and Electricity Networks Coupled with Gas-fired Generators, Power-to-Gas Facilities and Renewable Power
Get PDFYesThis paper presents a stochastic expansion planning model for coordinated natural gas and electricity networks, incorporating gas-fired generators, Power-to-Gas facilities, and renewable power sources. The primary objective is to minimize the total cost over the planning horizon, addressing the significant interdependencies between these networks which, if planned independently, can lead to higher overall costs. The originality of this work lies in its comprehensive integration of both systems, leveraging their synergies to optimize infrastructure investment and operational efficiency. Methodologically, the model employs mixed integer linear programming (MILP) within the General Algebraic Modelling System (GAMS), using a Scenario Tree concept to account for the stochastic nature of renewable energy sources (RESs) and load variations. Data from an adapted twenty-node Belgium gas network and a sixteen-bus UK electricity distribution system were utilized. Results demonstrate substantial cost savings and improved system performance with the integrated approach, validating the model's effectiveness.UKRI Knowledge Transfer Programme Partnership between the University of Bradford and U Energy (Yorkshire) Ltd., Huddersfield, UK. Grant KTP012748
Utilization of carbon dioxide using electrochemical reduction: A review
Get PDFYesThis article explores the electro-chemical Carbon dioxide Reduction Cell (eCO2RC), delving into fundamental
principles, methods, applications, and the latest approaches for converting CO2 emissions into valuable products.
Product outcomes depend on electron exchange and electrode surface attributes used in the CO2 reduction. The
study focuses on C1 and C2 products, emphasizing the necessity for selective materials and catalysts to enhance
product recovery while minimizing energy consumption. Converting eCO2 into valuable products is seen as a
crucial method for transforming waste into value, addressing the challenge of mitigating global warming through
gas emission reduction.Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) Grant # NPRP NPRP13S-0202-200228, and Qatar Shell Research Technology Center (QSRTC) as a co-founder
The contradictory role of febuxostat in ABCG2 expression and potentiating hypericin‐mediated photodynamic therapy in colorectal cancers
No full textYesPhotodynamic Therapy (PDT) is an emerging method to treat colorectal cancers (CRC). Hypericin (HYP) is an effective mediator of PDT and the ABCG2 inhibitor, Febuxostat (FBX) could augment PDT. HT29 and HEK293 cells showed light dependant cytotoxic response to PDT in both 2D and 3D cell models. FBX co-treatment was not found to improve PDT cytotoxicity. Next, ABCG2 protein expression was observed in HT29 but not in HEK293 cells. However, ABCG2 gene expression analysis did not support protein expression results as ABCG2 gene expression results were found to be higher in HEK293 cells. Although HYP treatment was found to significantly reduce ABCG2 gene expression levels in both cell lines, FBX treatment partially restored ABCG2 gene expression. Our findings indicate that FBX co-treatment may not be suitable for augmenting HYP-mediated PDT in CRC but could potentially be useful for other applications.Royal Society International Exchanges Award (IEC\R3\203014) - UKRI EPSRC Research Programme Grant (753910/B19R13527) - Bowel Cancer UK/RCS Eng Colorectal Research Chair Award (18SC0001
Preliminary clinical evaluation: Where are we? An international scoping review
Get PDFYesBackground: The College of Radiographers’ vision was that diagnostic radiographers in the UK would be
writing preliminary clinical evaluations (PCE) on images. Their 2013 policy supporting the use of PCE has
not been updated in a decade and it might be suggested PCE practices in the UK have not really moved
on, though elsewhere it appears to have gained traction. The aim of this scoping review was to establish
the current global status of the use of PCE.
Method: The Arksey and O'Malley scoping review framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines were used to
develop a protocol to identify studies between January 2013 to January 2024 using six databases. Collated
literature was analysed using content analysis to identify themes.
Results: 52 relevant studies were identified for inclusion. Studies focused predominantly on evaluating
accuracy, education, perceptions, and new initiatives. Themes identified a developing role in the use of
PCE internationally, perhaps more than in the UK, and in a range of modalities and clinical settings
though projectional radiography remains the mainstay. Barriers and drivers to the use of PCE were
identified in addition to some quality mechanisms used to support PCE implementation, though impact
of implementation was not well explored.
Conclusion: Considering PCE has been an aspiration for more than a decade, it remains relatively
infrequently researched. There is growing scope internationally, particularly in Australia, yet there is no
real evaluation of the impact and role that PCE may have.
Implications for practice: Until further research into the potential impact of PCE and barriers to its
implementation, it is likely practices may not evolve with the risk AI technologies may supersede necessity
for the practice
Insight into the Liposomal Encapsulation of Mono and Bis-Naphthalimides
No full textYesMitonafide-loaded liposomes are a promising strategy to overcome the neurotoxicity observed in clinical trials for this drug. This study investigates the influence of loaded mitonafide or a dimer analogue on different liposomal formulations and their therapeutic efficacy in vitro. Physicochemical properties of the liposomes were manipulated using different loading methods (namely bilayer or core loading) and varying the rigidity of the bilayer using distinct phospholipid compositions. Our results demonstrated that the mitonafide dimer analogue had a comparable encapsulation efficiency (EE%) into the liposomes when loaded into rigid or flexible bilayers in contrast to the low mitonafide monomer EE%. A pH gradient core loading method resulted in a more efficient mechanism to load the monomer into the liposomes. DOSY NMR and spectrofluorometric studies revealed key differences in the structure of the vesicles and the arrangement of the monomer or the dimer in the bilayer or the core of the liposomes. The in vitro assessment of the formulations using MDA-MB-231 and RT-112 cells revealed that a flexible lipid bilayer allows a faster drug release, which correlated well with the spectroscopy studies. This study investigated for the first time that the characteristics of the lipid bilayer and the loading method influence the encapsulation efficacy, colloidal properties, photoactivity and stability of mono and bis-naphthalimides loaded in a liposomal carrier, essential factors that will impact the performance of the formulation in a biological scenario
Entrepreneurial Resilience, Innovative Behavior and Firm-level Innovation in an Emerging Market
No full textPurpose – Despite the growing research on the influence of entrepreneurial resilience on firm-level outcomes, there needs to be more understanding of the specific passion and environmental uncertainty under which entrepreneurs' innovative behavior can effectively drive the success of firm innovation. This paper aims to fill a novel gap by examining the mediating effects of innovative behavior on the relationship between entrepreneurs' resilience, and firm-level innovation has on the relationship between entrepreneurial resilience and innovative behavior. The Broaden and Build Theory were used to explain the study's aims and objectives.
Design/methodology/approach – In this study, a convenience sampling technique was used, and 620 copies of structured questionnaires were administered to Nigerian entrepreneurs in business for over 5 years, of which 535 copies were retrieved. A structural equation model was used analytically to investigate the data, and the path coefficient was determined using AMOS. The results reveal a significant positive mediating effect of innovative behavior on the relationship between entrepreneurs' resilience and firm-level innovation. In addition, the findings show that the effectiveness of entrepreneurial resilience in driving innovative behavior depends on the level of environmental uncertainty and the entrepreneur's passion.
Originality/value– This paper incorporates insights on entrepreneurial resilience, entrepreneurship, and innovation across academic disciplines to showcase the novelty gap and its contributions to the research fields
Computational and experimental analysis of flow velocity and complex vortex formation around a group of bridge piers
No full textYesIn this study, the flow characteristics around a group of three piers arranged in tandem were investigated both numerically and experimentally. The simulation utilised the volume of fluid (VOF) model in conjunction with the k–ɛ method (i.e., for flow turbulence representations), implemented through the ANSYS FLUENT software, to model the free-surface flow. The simulation results were validated against laboratory measurements obtained using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter. The comparative analysis revealed discrepancies between the simulated and measured maximum velocities within the investigated flow field. However, the numerical results demonstrated a distinct vortex-induced flow pattern following the first pier and throughout the vicinity of the entire pier group, which aligned reasonably well with experimental data. In the heavily narrowed spaces between the piers, simulated velocity profiles were overestimated in the free-surface region and underestimated in the areas near the bed to the mid-stream when compared to measurements. These discrepancies diminished away from the regions with intense vortices, indicating that the employed model was capable of simulating relatively less disturbed flow turbulence. Furthermore, velocity results from both simulations and measurements were compared based on velocity distributions at three different depth ratios (0.15, 0.40, and 0.62) to assess vortex characteristic around the piers. This comparison revealed consistent results between experimental and simulated data. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of flow dynamics around complex interactive pier systems, which is critical for designing stable and sustainable hydraulic structures. Furthermore, the insights gained from this study provide valuable information for engineers aiming to develop effective strategies for controlling scour and minimizing destructive vortex effects, thereby guiding the design and maintenance of sustainable infrastructure
Exploring the Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Insights Toward the Horizons Where Technology Meets Tradition
No full textYesThe technological revolutions in computers and the advancement of high‐throughput screening technologies have driven the application of artificial intelligence (AI) for faster discovery of drug molecules with more efficiency, and cost‐friendly finding of hit or lead molecules. The ability of software and network frameworks to interpret molecular structures' representations and establish relationships/correlations has enabled various research teams to develop numerous AI platforms for identifying new lead molecules or discovering new targets for already established drug molecules. The prediction of biological activity, ADME properties, and toxicity parameters in early stages have reduced the chances of failure and associated costs in later clinical stages, which was observed at a high rate in the tedious, expensive, and laborious drug discovery process. This review focuses on the different AI and machine learning (ML) techniques with their applications mainly focused on the pharmaceutical industry. The applications of AI frameworks in the identification of molecular target, hit identification/hit‐to‐lead optimization, analyzing drug–receptor interactions, drug repurposing, polypharmacology, synthetic accessibility, clinical trial design, and pharmaceutical developments are discussed in detail. We have also compiled the details of various startups in AI in this field. This review will provide a comprehensive analysis and outline various state‐of‐the‐art AI/ML techniques to the readers with their framework applications. This review also highlights the challenges in this field, which need to be addressed for further success in pharmaceutical applications