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Investigation into how different aspects of adaptation influence spectacle wear and how this might inform the management of refractive correction with spectacles in clinical practice
No full textLimited evidence exists to support prescribing decisions to avoid adaptation problems with new spectacles. Evidence is lacking on how adaptation influences patients’ use of spectacles and the prescriptions they prefer.
Chapter 3 investigated whether habitual astigmatism influenced the impact of lens-induced astigmatism on distance visual acuity. Results demonstrated how participants’ natural astigmatism may influence the results of astigmatism studies and suggests patients are strongly adapted to their habitual astigmatism axis. The latter supports modifying large cylinder axis changes to aid adaptation.
Chapter 4 evaluated factors that predict preference and satisfaction with new spectacles. Best corrected visual acuity was not a useful predictor, while ease of adaptation was the strongest predictor. This finding supports prescribing for ease of adaptation and comfort rather than best corrected visual acuity.
Chapter 5 considered why people drive without their spectacles. Although participants recognised that drivers had a responsibility to drive with safe vision, they didn’t always do this. The study highlighted the importance of appropriate questioning and counselling about driving during the eye examination.
Chapter 6 explored experiences of spectacle adaptation and the effect on wearing habits. Four adaptation types were identified and trust in the optometrist and clear advice supported patients in adapting to spectacles.
Chapter 7 examined the factors that influence distance spectacle wear in older people in England. Substantial numbers of both emmetropes and pseudophakes wore their distance vision correction full time, and lens type was the strongest predictor of increased distance vision wear
Analytic representation and Dirac contour representation for quantum systems
No full textThis research explores analytic and Dirac contour representation systems with finite d-dimensional Hilbert space, where the dual variables, position x, and momentum p, take values in Z(d)(the integer modulo d). It introduces the SU(2) formalism, defining angular momentum states and operators, and investigates the SU(2) formalism in the harmonic oscillator context and SU(2) coherent states and their resolution of identity. Analytical representations based on SU(2) coherent states are developed and numerically implemented in the extended complex plane. The investigation explores time evolution in periodic and non-periodic systems, examining special cases like joining two paths and the behavior of zeros of the analytic representation function approaching zero and ±∞. Furthermore, the research explores Dirac contour representation in a finite dimensional
Hilbert space in the extended complex plane. It defines the scalar product of states and proves the relationship between Dirac ket and Dirac bra representations. Time evolution in periodic and non-periodic systems is investigated with numerical implementations and visualizations using MATLAB. Additionally, this study applies Dirac contour representation to finite-dimensional Hilbert spaces at positive and negative temperatures, denoted as H(2j+1)+ and H(2j+1)−, respectively. It defines operators within these spaces and introduces the scalar product of two states in each system. The investigation explores L operators capable of mapping states from H(2j+1)+ to H(2j+1)− and vice versa, examining their Dirac contour representation and obtaining intriguing numerical results visualized using MATLAB.Libyan Academic Attache´ in Londo
Synthesis, Computational Modeling and Biological Evaluation of FPR-1 Antagonists
No full textFPR-1(Formyl peptide receptor-1), a member of the 7TM GPCR superfamily, plays a key role in cell host defence and immune response. FPR-1 is activated by ANX-A1 and short-chain formyl peptides such as fMLF, both of which are produced by necrotic cells. FPR-1 activation upregulates cellular signalling pathways, leading to chemotaxis, angiogenesis, and cell survival. Over expression of FPR-1 has been observed in highly malignant (grade III and IV) astrocytic brain tumours. It is hypothesised that this overexpression combined with the necrotic and hypoxic nature of the tumour microenvironment promotes cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and the infiltrative nature of tumours. A small molecule antagonist of FPR-1, ICT12035, has been synthesised at the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, demonstrating exceptional potency with an IC50 of 34 nM in U87MG Glioblastoma cell lines and in vivo efficacy in a subcutaneous model.
The aim of the project is to synthesise novel analogues of the ICT12035 with more favourable physiochemical properties, such as modifying the lipophilicity of the molecule making it more CNS penetrant, while maintaining its potency.
Structural analysis and docking studies were performed using computational software and key residues were identified at the binding pocket. six compounds, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26 and 32 were synthesised and tested for toxicity using MTT assay and a functional Ca2+ mobilisation assay was performed to establish their potency.
All synthesised compounds are not toxic with the exception of (21) at 100µM. Both (21) and (23) demonstrated promising potencies with IC50 values of 75 nM and 20 nM respectively
To repatriate or not to repatriate: developing a guidance framework for assisting in the resolution of cultural property disputes
No full textRepatriation is the process of returning cultural artefacts, sacred objects and human remains to countries, communities and indigenous peoples where a rightful claim has been established. Museums and other repositories may willingly repatriate items to those legitimately seeking their return and so no dispute is likely to arise. However repatriation is a process that has not been wholeheartedly embraced by a significant number of museums and other repositories who fear the wholesale dismantling of their collections. When requests for repatriation are rejected, disputes will often arise and there is currently no satisfactory method for resolving these.
This research introduces the concept of a repatriation framework specifically designed to assist in the resolution of such disputes. Frequently museums declare that they will deal with repatriation claims on a case-by-case basis but give no indication as to the criteria to be used when making their decisions. The repatriation framework ensures that all arguments (Themes) put forward by those in dispute are fully explored and ‘measured’ in the decision-making process. This is achieved by allocating a points value to each of the five levels of relevancy within each Theme. This ensures that decisions concerning the most appropriate location for cultural property are made on a rational assessment of all the relevant evidence.
The repatriation framework was tested by applying it to ‘real world’ repatriation disputes. Whilst it cannot offer an answer to every dispute, it will provide clear guidance as to the museum, country or community having the most convincing claim
Assessing the healthcare quality issues for digital incident reporting in Sweden: Incident reports analysis
Get PDFYesThis study explored healthcare quality issues affecting the reporting and investigation levels of digital incident
reporting systems.
Methods: A total of 38 health information technology-related incident reports (free-text narratives) were collected from one
of Sweden’s national incident reporting repositories. The incidents were analysed using an existing framework, i.e., the
Health Information Technology Classification System, to identify the types of issues and consequences. The framework
was applied in two fields, ‘event description’ by the reporters and ‘manufacturer’s measures’, to assess the quality of reporting
incidents by the reporters. Additionally, the contributing factors, i.e., either human or technical factors for both fields,
were identified to evaluate the quality of the reported incidents.
Results: Five types of issues were identified and changes made between before-and-after investigations: Machine to software-
related issues (n = 8), machine to use-related issues (n = 5), software to software-related issues (n = 5), use to software-
related issues (n = 4) and use to use-related issues (n = 1). Over two-thirds (n = 15) of the incidents demonstrated a
change in the contributing factors after the investigation. Only four incidents were identified as altering the consequences
after the investigation.
Conclusion: This study shed some light on the issues of incident reporting and the gap between the reporting and investigation
levels. Facilitating sufficient staff training sessions, agreeing on common terms for health information technology systems,
refining the existing classifications systems, enforcing mini-root cause analysis, and ensuring unit-based local
reporting and standard national reporting may help bridge the gap between reporting and investigation levels in digital
incident reporting
Tribological considerations of threaded fastener friction and the importance of lubrication
Get PDFYesThe torque-tension relationship of threaded fasteners affects almost all engineering disciplines. Tribological processes at fastener interfaces manifest as the system's friction coefficient. Lubrication-related influences are usually described empirically using K or μ. The drive towards lightweight fastener materials in engineering systems and lubricants with reduced environmental impact is challenging existing knowledge and industrial practice in a range of applications, many safety critical. More comprehensive understanding is needed to achieve repeatable friction during assembly and re-assembly, resistance to loosening and fretting during operation, and effective anti-seize for disassembly with a growing range of materials and lubricants. The lubricants considered showed three predominant lubrication mechanisms: plastic deformation of metal powders; burnishing/alignment of molybdenum disulphide, MoS2; and adhering/embedding of non-metal particles. Multivariate analysis identified key sensitivities for these mechanisms. Assembly generated changes at fastener surfaces and in the lubricating materials. Re-assembly exhibited significant reductions in friction.The torque-tension relationship of threaded fasteners affects almost all engineering disciplines. Tribological processes at fastener interfaces manifest as the system's friction coefficient. Lubrication-related influences are usually described empirically using K or μ. The drive towards lightweight fastener materials in engineering systems and lubricants with reduced environmental impact is challenging existing knowledge and industrial practice in a range of applications, many safety critical. More comprehensive understanding is needed to achieve repeatable friction during assembly and re-assembly, resistance to loosening and fretting during operation, and effective anti-seize for disassembly with a growing range of materials and lubricants. The lubricants considered showed three predominant lubrication mechanisms: plastic deformation of metal powders; burnishing/alignment of molybdenum disulphide, MoS2; and adhering/embedding of non-metal particles. Multivariate analysis identified key sensitivities for these mechanisms. Assembly generated changes at fastener surfaces and in the lubricating materials. Re-assembly exhibited significant reductions in friction
BEPS: Changing International Fiscal Standards and the Unchanging Fortunes of ‘Sustainable Development’
No full textNoThe OECD led BEPS project attempts key changes to the international tax standards to limit harmful tax avoidance. First, it is found that calls for the BEPS project are based on arguments (illicit financial flows and tax competition) that are supported by limited evidence and hence may not offer much fiscal gain to the developing countries. Second, it is found that the BEPS project would, through information sharing, further limit the fiscal jurisdiction of capital importing states. Further it is found that tax competition, even if existing in a limited form, is a result of the international tax architecture and the externalities caused by it. In fact, it is seen that the MNCs actually reduce the inefficiencies created by this tax architecture and thereby reduce transaction costs. By agreeing to the BEPS agenda of information sharing the developing countries would be paying the cost of internalising the externality
Controlled delivery of ciprofloxacin using zirconium-based MOFs and poly-caprolactone composites
Get PDFYesWith antimicrobial resistance (AMR) increasing at an alarming rate, there is a need to develop better antibiotic delivery platforms at the point of need, to reduce over-exposure to antibiotics that are delivered systemically. Recent studies have suggested the use of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as potential vehicles for controlled and efficient delivery of various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Development of MOF-polymer composite materials can assist in the development of medical devices that can deliver APIs to local sites in a targeted approach. This study reports the encapsulation of a widely used antibiotic - ciprofloxacin (CIP) - into two Zr-based MOFs (UiO-66 and UiO-66-NH2) and their subsequent integration into a biodegradable polymer; polycaprolactone (PCL), via solvent casting, to obtain a PCL-MOF composite membrane. The MOFs and PCL-MOF composites were characterised by Fourier-transformed infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results demonstrated that the structural integrity of the pristine MOFs was maintained after drug loading and incorporation into the PCL membranes. The ciprofloxacin release was studied using ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, and the results showed that the PCL-MOF composites had a more controlled drug release profile compared to the MOF alone, when monitored for seven days in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and accelerated ageing (AA) release media. In addition, release studies showed pH-dependence with faster release of ciprofloxacin at both acidic and basic conditions. Antimicrobial assay showed excellent efficacy for both CIP-loaded MOFs and their PCL composites against S. aureus and E. coli, a Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterium, respectively, with inhibition zone as high as >50 mm against E. coli for UiO-66-NH2-CIP, indicating their potential applications in purpose-specific medical devices.LAMM and SN acknowledge an Erasmus + exchange studentship. VPT and LRT acknowledge funding via an EPSRC Research Fellowship for VPT [EP/R01650×/1]
Synthesis, Characterisation, and in vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Dithiocarbamato Glycoconjugate Half-Sandwich Ruthenium and Osmium Complexes
No full textYesThe synthesis by transmetallation and in-depth characterisation by IR spectroscopy of five half-sandwich ruthenium and osmium dithiocarbamato isonipecotamide glycoconjugate complexes are presented herein. The evaluation of their in vitro cytotoxicity and of the zinc precursors’ in vitro cytotoxicity towards ovarian cancer (A2780 and A2780cisR) and normal prostate (PNT2) cells is reported. While the cytotoxicity of the compounds is rather limited, some selectivity is observed
Stromal vascular fraction cells from individuals who have previously undergone radiotherapy retain their pro-wound healing properties
No full textYesBeneficial effects have been observed following the transplant of lipoaspirates containing adipose-derived stem cells into chronic wounds caused by oncologic radiotherapy. It is not yet certain whether adipose-derived stem cells are resistant to radiation exposure. Therefore, the aims of this study were to isolate stromal vascular fraction from human breast tissue exposed to radiotherapy and determine the presence of adipose-derived stem cells. Stromal vascular fraction from irradiated donor tissue was compared to commercially sourced pre-adipocytes. Immunocytochemistry was used to determine the presence of adipose-derived stem cell markers. Conditioned media from stromal vascular fraction isolated from irradiated donors was used as a treatment in a scratch wound assay of dermal fibroblasts also isolated from irradiated donors and compared to pre-adipocyte conditioned media and serum free control. This is the first report of human stromal vascular fraction being cultured from previously irradiated breast tissue. Stromal vascular fraction conditioned media from irradiated donors had a similar effect in increasing the migration of dermal fibroblasts from irradiated skin to pre-adipocyte conditioned media from healthy donors. Therefore, the ability of adipose-derived stem cells in the stromal vascular fraction to stimulate dermal fibroblasts in wound healing appears to be preserved following radiotherapy. This study demonstrates that stromal vascular fraction from irradiated patients is viable, functional and may have potential for regenerative medicine techniques following radiotherapy.This research was funded by a Bradford City FC Supporters Fellowship for L.V.T. administered through the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit, University of Bradford.Research Development Fund Publication Prize Award winner, Mar 2023