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Seen but not heard: Reconstructing the early life history of the Industrial child through carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of dentine collagen
Get PDFObjective This project reconstructs the early life history of the child in industrial London using incremental dentine analysis of both adults (survivors) and children (non-survivors) within a single 19th century London burial population to investigate the effects which changing social and economic conditions during Industrialisation had on their diet, health, and quality of life.
Materials & Methods Macroscopic analysis was performed on the excavated assemblage (n=514) of New Bunhill Fields burial ground, Southwark, London (1821-53) to identify those with skeletal evidence of childhood stress (LEH, rickets, residual rickets) who were suitable for isotopic analysis. Radiographic analysis of the dental pulp chamber was also performed on these individuals to identify childhood vitamin D deficiency. A total of 20 adults (20/157) and 22 non-adults (22/357) were chosen for carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope analysis. Incremental dentine analysis was performed on the first permanent molar and isotopic profiles were created spanning from birth until tooth completion/death during tooth development.
Results The isotopic data indicated that adult and non-adult diet was consistent with that observed in other 19th century London burial populations. Evidence for breastfeeding was widespread amongst survivors and non-survivors. Radiographic results indicated that vitamin D deficiency during early childhood was much more prevalent within the burial group than skeletal evidence suggested, and it was observed more frequently in those who survived into adulthood (80%) than in those who died during childhood (42%). Concurrent evidence of isotopic physiological stress with LEH formation was observed in some but not all individuals. A pattern of opposing co-variance was observed often in early infancy, most frequently in non-survivors, and isotopic evidence for physiological stress was also observed in the final dentine increments of some who died during tooth development. There was a tentative association observed between adult age-at-death and skeletal stress indicators in early childhood, where the average age-at-death was older in those with fewer childhood stress indicators.
Conclusions & Significance This research project found that early life stress was common within this urban community and was associated with negative outcomes later in life, especially amongst those who died in childhood.AHRC Heritage Consortiu
Recommendations for the incorporation of electronic bill of lading into Pakistani law using lessons from the experiences of UK and other jurisdictions
Get PDFThe paper bill of lading is serving the maritime trade for centuries however with the advancement in technology and on the demand of the market, the debate is going onward to replace paper B/L with electronic bill of lading. Use of Paper B/L has become challenging as paper B/L arrives late and goods arrive at port of discharge way before the arrival of traditional B/L.
The e-B/L can easily replace receipt and contract of carriage functions of paper B/L through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), but the problem arises with the document of title function as it is difficult to replace negotiability function in electronic form. The document of title function is achieved through writing an endorsement note on the back of paper B/L however there is no harmonised system for document of title function in e-B/L. It brings market issues. The United Nations Rotterdam Rules (2008) and UNCITRAL Model Laws MLEC and MLETR provided a legal framework for e-B/L; however, only a few countries have ratified it, so the legal issue has not been resolved yet. Pakistan is also using traditional B/L through pre partition laws which are outdated. The thesis made a comparison between the UK, Pakistan and various jurisdiction (such as USA, Korea and Singapore) laws regarding e-B/L. The comparison was drawn to find a way to replace paper B/L with e-B/L in Pakistan.
In the absence of harmonised approach by international community, the private sector worked to develop and promote e-B/L, such as SEADOCS and CMI Rules models (these are private sector led initiatives) were introduced, but all of them have some drawbacks. Some of e-B/L models use central registries and some use token system which is not required in traditional B/L. Moreover, no harmonised approach was adopted towards any of the following models, which creates problems. Private sector introduced these electronic bills of lading models to meet the industry demand. All these private sectors led e-B/L models have their own rulebooks, terms and conditions and parties should become their members to use these e-B/L models therefore use of these e-B/L models also brings complications.
This thesis focused on the legal features of adopting the e-B/L. The doctrinal research method is applied in this thesis with comparative research. The main objectives of the thesis were to identify the legal issues in implementing an electronic bill of lading, evaluate the most prevalent models of the e-B/L in terms of legal issues raised, and recommend strategies for fully adopting the e-B/L legally in Pakistan. The thesis finds that Pakistan needs to work on two levels firstly Pakistan should investigate best available laws and practices adopted by different countries such as UK, USA and Korea as these jurisdictions have adopted e-B/L and secondly should examine adoption of principles approved in international convention such as Rotterdam Rules and UN model law MLETR
Exploring the Social Cognitive Factors Influencing the Strategic Involvement of the Individual Directors. A Qualitative Case Studies on HEIs.
Get PDFThis qualitative study aims to explore the cognitive and social environmental factors influencing the strategic involvement of individual directors within Bahrain's HEIs. Specifically, by applying Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) selected constructs, this thesis seeks to propose an integrative framework for the individual directors in the Bahraini HEIs to maintain their active involvement in the strategic management processes and enable them to contribute to the overall board effectiveness.
Thematic analysis revealed several significant findings. Firstly, it was evident that most of the sixteen Bahraini directors involved in this study possessed a high level of strategic thinking, which contributed to their active involvement in all strategic management stages.
Findings also revealed a positive relationship between social cognitive factors and high involvement in strategic management. Furthermore, a triadic reciprocal relationship was found among behaviour, cognition, and the environment. Finally, results revealed that Bahraini directors' contribution and involvement in the strategic role positively impact their board effectiveness.
The contribution of this thesis is in three areas. First it is the only work to shed light on the current strategic governance practices within the HEIs in the
Kingdom of Bahrain. Second is the development of an integrative framework to assist Bahraini HEIs directors in maintaining their active involvement in strategic
management and enable them to contribute to the overall board effectiveness.
Finally, by integrating the SCT, it enriches the literature by addressing the dynamic relationship between the strategic behaviour, cognitive, and social
environmental factors
“How do natural childhood fears affect the overall experience of video gaming?”
Get PDFThe gaming industry, particularly the horror genre, has grown in popularity, especially among adult players. This study explores how horror game design draws from childhood fears, a gap in current research. It examines how childhood fears influence horror game experiences, players' relation to darkness, and parental influence on fear processing. Preliminary research identified effective game design techniques. Participants played an experimental horror game, "The Unmasked," followed by a
questionnaire capturing their gaming experiences and childhood concerns, immediately after the game and a few days later, exploring its impact. The findings emphasize the alignment of the experimental game with established game design theories, such as monster theory and the uncanny valley, particularly regarding jump-scares. They reveal the lasting impact of concontextual storytelling elements on players' consciousness beyond gameplay. Music, especially audio cues from unknown sources, was noted as frightening, even when passive. Additionally, the study identifies nuances in monster depictions, especially when their hostility diminishes, and highlights the role of environmental factors, like weather, in evoking fear—a relatively underexplored aspect in horror games.
The research suggests a synthesis between horror gaming and childhood fears, indicating that the supernatural elements and unconventional rules in horror games resonate with the innate curiosity and exploration found in childhood development. This work highlights the connection between gaming techniques and primal psychological instincts, offering insights into the dynamics behind horror gaming's allure and emphasizing the need for further research in childhood psychology to advance game design
Investigating and understanding the influence of supply chain analytics capabilities on firm performance in the tea sector in Sri Lanka
No full textIncorporating big data analytics into supply chain management practices is still relatively unexplored, impeding both its theoretical and practical implementations. Present study aims to investigate and conclude the impact of supply chain analytics management capabilities, supply chain analytics technology capability, supply chain analytics talent capability, process integration capability, and supply chain performance on the firm performance, relying on the resource-based view and dynamic capability theory. Data was gathered from 418 respondents using cross-sectional research approaches. Structural equation modelling techniques were applied to test hypothetical relationships. Therefore, the statistical results confirmed a significant positive impact of supply chain analytics management capabilities and supply chain performance on the firm performance. The significant negative impact of supply chain analytics technology.
capabilities, supply chain analytics talent capabilities, and supply chain process integration on firm performance confirmed in this study. In addition, supply chain analytics management capabilities and supply chain analytics technology capabilities negatively impact supply chain performance. Thus, the impact of supply chain analytics talent capability and supply chain process integration positively impact supply chain performance. In addition, the researcher also tested and confirmed the positive mediating role of supply chain performance between supply chain analytics talent capabilities, supply chain process integration, and firm performance. Surprisingly, supply chain performance does not mediate the relationship between supply chain analytics management capabilities, supply chain analytics technology capabilities and firm performance. This study contributes to the existing literature by thoroughly introducing and analysing the core constituents of supply chain analytics capabilities and their relationships with the firm’s performance
The Effect of Mebendazole and RAN Mediated Pathways on Human Breast Cancer Cells
No full textBreast cancer is a prevalent form of cancer that affects millions of people worldwide, accounting for 25% of all female cancers and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, following lung cancer. Breast cancer metastasis to other body parts is expected, with bones, liver, lungs, and brain as the most frequent sites. Ran, a protein highly expressed in cancer cells, facilitates cell invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance.
This study investigated the hypothesis that Mebendazole has anti-cancer activity via Ran and has antiangiogenic effects, which can be repurposed as a therapeutic for breast cancer treatment.
Furthermore, the project aims to establish the efficacy of Mebendazole in combination with the known chemotherapy drug Paclitaxel, Doxorubicin, to reduce its dosage concentration and associated side effects and cost of treatment. This study found that Mebendazole reduces cell migration and invasion of breast cancer cells via Ran inhibition. New proteins were identified by determining the Mebendazole effect on the mRNA expression of a panel of 54 genes. This study further analysed the knockdown effect of RAN, RCC1, SKIL, and METTL7A invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells. Mebendazole also reduced the IC50 of Paclitaxel and downregulated Ran expression in MCF10A, MDA MB231, and MCF7 breast cell lines.
Finally, in vivo, a chorioallantoic membrane assay (CAM) was conducted to establish the antiangiogenic effect of Mebendazole. This study presents significant steps toward the clinical validation of Mebendazole as a combination therapy for reducing the invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells
Foreign Direct Investment and Environmental Rights Protection in Nigeria. Towards a Balance in the Regulatory Framework in the Oil and Gas Industry
No full textThis thesis examines current regulatory frameworks for foreign direct investment protection in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. It evaluates its impact on the realization and enforcement of environmental rights. Foreign investment in the oil and gas industry poses unique challenges to the environment as well as opportunities regarding sustainable development, participation, and environmental rights. These challenges arise from the impacts of oil exploration, exploitation, and the over-utilisation of resources that bear on the environmental rights of the host communities. The research discusses these impacts on the right to the environment and the hindrances which impede its realization and enforcement brought about by international and national legal regimes. The impacts have resulted in an imbalance between foreign direct investments protection and the enforcement of environmental rights. The study highlights the various national, regional, and international laws, regulations, and institutional frameworks on foreign direct investmentt and environmental rights protection. This was carried out in a comparative insight with laws and regulatory frameworks of South African and Indian States. By adopting the evolving trend in foreign direct investment and environmental rights protection adduced from the research findings, the study advocates for a bottom-up policy approach to environmental protection through the implementation of sustainable development principles in legislative and adjudicative processes, democratization of environmental policy implementation and participation founded on constitutionalism amongst others. The doctrinal research methodology is applied in this research. Recommendations are made towards foreign direct investment and environmental rights protection for an enduring sustainable economic growth and development.Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC
Investigation of anthracycline based topoisomerase II inhibitors in triple negative breast cancer
No full textTriple negative breast cancer (TNBC) constitutes10-20% of all breast cancer (BCa) cases. TNBC remains unresponsive to targeted therapy, and primarily relies on chemotherapy for treatment. Mitoxantrone (MTX), a topoisomerase II inhibitor belonging to the anthracenedione class, is used in BCa therapy. This thesis investigates the potential and mechanism of action of the MTX analogue KP71 and two metal organic frameworks (MOFs), UiO-66 and UiO-66-NH2, loaded with MTX, for TNBC treatment, in comparison to free MTX. KP71 exhibited significant anti-proliferative activity in BCa cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, and MCF7) using the 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and resazurin assay. The results of KP71 demonstrated DNA damage through Western blotting, inhibition of topoisomerase IIα and IIβ via the decatenation assay, and suppression of tubule formation in angiogenesis using the organotypic co-culture assay, thus elucidating its mechanism of action. Specifically, UiO-66 and UiO-66-NH2 showed potential as MTX carrier for BCa cells. Notably, MOFs exhibited substantial drug loading and sustained drug release without any initial burst release under physiological conditions, making them valuable for further drug delivery investigation. Additionally, both KP71 and UiO-66-NH2-MTX exhibited lower cytotoxicity towards non-neoplastic cell lines, namely MCF10-A, human umbilical cord vascular endothelium cells (HUVEC), and human dermal fibroblast (HFB), compared to free MTX. Meanwhile, UiO-66-MTX exhibited almost similar cytotoxicity as that of free MTX. Although the study emphasizes the potential of KP71 and MOFs as alternative drug delivery platforms for MTX, further work is required to fully validate their effectiveness and revolutionize the field of TNBC therapy
The Effect of Chitosan and Polyvinyl Alcohol Combination on Physical Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Chitosan-PVA-Aloe vera Film
No full textYesWound is a condition where there is damage or disruption to the anatomical structure and function of the skin. Wounds that are not treated properly can lead to infection. As wound dressings, film dressings have many advantages such as being elastic, flexible, transparent, and can adapt to the wound shape. Film’s characteristics of are affected by the plasticizer and the polymer. Combination of chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is able to improve the mechanical properties of the film such as its swellingcapacity, tensile strength, and elongation at break. Objective: This study aims to determine the effects of chitosan and PVA in various concentrations on the physical characteristics and mechanical properties of the film. Methods: Film was prepared by solvent casting method, using chitosan and alginate in various concentrations of 0% to 1.5%, 1.5% Aloe vera, and 6% propylene glycol. Films’ characteristics and mechanical properties were evaluated, such as swelling index, tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young’s modulus. Results: The result showed that chitosan and PVA polymers had a significant effect on the swelling index, tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young’s modulus. The effect of chitosan and PVA combination on the swelling index, tensile strength, and elongation at break is due to the hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl group of PVA and the amine group of chitosan. Conclusion: The combination of chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol influenced the film's physical and mechanical properties. Film with chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol ratio of 1.5%:1.5% have best characteristics compared to others