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Bursting phenomenon created by bridge piers group in open channel flow
No full textYesBridge pier is a common feature in hydraulic structure. Its impact to the river usually occurs in group form rather than single pier, so this challenging piers-group influence towards river hydraulics and turbulence needs to be explored. In this paper, the measurements were conducted using an Acoustic doppler velocimeter (ADV) to study velocities in three dimensions (longitudinal, transversal, and vertical). Based on the experimental data, we have observed reversed depth-averaged velocity vector after each pier in the group of three-pier. The analysis has been conducted on the contribution of each bursting event to Reynolds shear stress (RSS) generation, in order to identify the critical events and turbulence structures around the piers. In the upstream near-wake flow in the bed-wall layer, strong sweep and ejection events have been observed; while at downstream, sweeps were more dominant. The pattern of burst changed in the outer layer of flow, where ejections were more dominant. Furthermore, the contribution fractional ratio to RSS variation at hole size H = 0 indicates that sweeps and ejections were significantly generated at the near wake-flow in upstream
Improving Leadership Strategies among Future Sector Leaders in a Governmental Organization using a Motivational Framework
No full textLeadership is responsible for identifying the suitable motivational framework to encourage current and prospect future leaders to continuously develop their management and leadership skills, and attend training programs. In the chosen organization for this research study, it was noticed that the demand for registration in new training courses reduced and attendance records showed clear drop over the years, as a clear sign of lack of motivation to attend. This study aimed to explore the educational strategies needed to develop current and future leaders of public sector organizations, and how to create a culture of learning and motivate staff to comply with the perceived strategy. In order to provide this process governmental organisations, have to follow specific leadership styles and models. These models are taught to current and future leaders during the educational training sessions set by the organization itself or outsourced to an educational institution. A qualitative approach was considered most suitable due to the humanistic tendency of the method to extract the participants’ opinions regarding training and motivational activities within their departments. Data was collected through the means of an appreciative inquiry workshop (questions & dialogues) in which narrative discussion was used as part of the data analysis. One-to-one interviews were also used as means for data collection.. The participants in the research were senior employees only of a governmental body in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Finally, the research study found that accredited external training is preferred in general. Additionally, formally organized in-house training programs are useful to guarantee knowledge transference from current to potential future leaders
Examining the impact of resilience strategies in mitigating medicine shortages in the United Kingdom's (UK) pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC)
Get PDFYesPurpose
Medicine shortages have a detrimental impact on stakeholders in the pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC). Existing studies suggest that building resilience strategies can mitigate the effects of these shortages. As such, this research aims to examine whether resilience strategies can reduce the impact of medicine shortages in the United Kingdom's (UK) PSC.
Design/methodology/approach
A sequential mixed-methods approach that involved qualitative and quantitative research enquiry was employed in this study. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 23 key UK PSC actors at the qualitative stage. During the quantitative phase, 106 respondents completed the survey questionnaires. The data were analysed using partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).
Findings
The results revealed that reactive and proactive elements of resilience strategies helped tackle medicine shortages. Reactive strategies increased relational issues such as behavioural uncertainty, whilst proactive strategies mitigated them.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that PSC managers and decision-makers can benefit from adopting structural flexibility and proactive strategies, which are cost-effective measures to tackle medicine shortages. Also engaging in strategic alliances as a proactive strategy mitigates relational issues that may arise in a complex supply chain (SC).
Originality/value
This study is the first to provide empirical evidence of the impact of resilience strategies in mitigating medicine shortages in the UK's PSC
Synthesis, Physicochemical And Biopharmaceutical Characterisation Of Pro-Antibiotic Esters; Free Bases Of Ciprofloxacin
No full textPhysicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties of drugs play a crucial role in their performance in vivo, especially with respect to oral bioavailability. In the case of antibiotics, poor bioavailability can indirectly encourage antimicrobial resistance from pressure selection resulting from subtherapeutic dosing. This study was designed to synthesise esters of Ciprofloxacin, a model drug using alcohol co-formers (isopentanol, n-butanol and isobutanol) with a view to improving the physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties of Ciprofloxacin. Three esters of ciprofloxacin were synthesised, i.e., isopentanoate (CIP), n-butanoate (CNB) and isobutanoate (CIB). The effect of esterification on the physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties of Ciprofloxacin was investigated. Thus, the lipophilicity, solubility, permeability, metabolism and
antimicrobial efficacies were studied. The extent of uptake of these esters into E. Coli and S. aureus compared to Ciprofloxacin was also studied.
A significant increase in lipophilicity and permeability was noted in all esters, with the branch-chained esters (CIP and CIB) having higher lipophilicity than the straight-chain ester (CNB). Solubility also increased compared to the parent drug, and all esters were successfully bioconverted into the parent compound without loss of activity. Esterification of Ciprofloxacin with isopenatanol, n-butanol and isobutanol improved its physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties.Schlumberger Faculty for the Future Foundatio
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of small molecule-based aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) inhibitors
No full textAldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) play a vital role in the body by detoxifying aldehydes. Some isoforms (i.e., ALDH1A1, 3A1), are recognised as multifunctional crystallins in the cornea and lens, and an imbalance in their activity might affect the progression/severity of some ocular diseases, leading to vision impairment through several mechanisms. The main aim of this project was to investigate compounds that could interfere with ALDH activity to study a potential ocular application.
For that, potential ALDH inhibitors were synthesised and kinetically characterised. Results from the biochemical screen yielded promising compounds i.e., ALDH1A3-selective DEAB analogue compound 29 (IC50 = 0.63 µM) or the ALDH3A1-selective 33 (IC50 = 1.61 µM). Compounds resulting from other libraries i.e., 13 and 14, yielded ALDH3A1 selective inhibition with IC50 values of 4.28 and 6.12 µM; or compounds 94 and 95, both showing excellent ALDH1A3 inhibition with IC50 values of 0.22 and 1.28 µM, respectively.
In addition, an optimal methodology to produce recombinant ALDH7A1 was successfully applied, and a small panel of ALDH-targeting compounds was kinetically characterised. Notably, results highlighted compound 121, able to inhibit ALDH7A1 (IC50 = 5.3 µM) while no effect on 1A1 and reduced activity on 1A1 and 3A1 was observed. Finally, novel liposomal formulations containing ALDH-targeting compounds DSF and 3b were developed and characterised in vitro using ocular-related hFB and IOBA-NHC cell lines. Results showed dose dependent cytotoxicity and suitable release of the compounds, promising for further development of the drug delivery system, including the optimisation of liposome-laden hydrogels to enhance ocular uptake
Fabrication of nanoformulation containing carvedilol and silk protein sericin against doxorubicin induced cardiac damage in rats
No full textYesNanotechnology has emerged as an inspiring tool for the effective delivery of drugs to help treat Coronary heart disease (CHD) which represents the most prevalent reason for mortality and
morbidity globally. The current study focuses on the assessment of the cardioprotective prospective of a novel combination nanoformulation of sericin and carvedilol. Sericin is a silk protein obtained from Bombyx mori cocoon and carvedilol is a synthetic nonselective β-blocker. In this present study, preparation of chitosan nanoparticles was performed via ionic gelation method and were evaluated for cardioprotective activity in doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiotoxicity. Serum biochemical markers of myocardial damage play a substantial role in the analysis of cardiovascular ailments and their increased levels have been observed to be significantly decreased in treatment groups. Treatment groups showed a decline in the positivity frequency of the Troponin T test as well. The NTG (Nanoparticle Treated Group), CSG (Carvedilol Standard Group), and SSG (Sericin Standard Group) were revealed to have reduced lipid peroxide levels (Plasma and heart tissue) highly significantly at a level of p < 0.01 in comparison with the TCG (Toxic Control Group). Levels of antioxidants in the plasma and the cardiac tissue were also established to be within range of the treated groups in comparison to TCG. Mitochondrial enzymes in cardiac tissue were found to be elevated in treated groups. Lysosomal hydrolases accomplish a significant role in counteracting the inflammatory pathogenesis followed by disease infliction, as perceived in the TCG group. These enzyme levels in the cardiac tissue were significantly improved after treatment with the nanoformulation. Total collagen content in the cardiac tissue of the NTG, SSG, and CSG groups was established to be highly
statistically significant at p < 0.001 as well as statistically significant at p < 0.01, respectively. Hence, the outcomes of this study suggest that the developed nanoparticle formulation is effective against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicityResearchers Supporting Project Number (RSP2023R357). King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The scope for strengthening the procedural rights of third party groups in ISDS
Get PDFMy research is on third party groups and their lack of involvement in the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) processes despite the negative impact on their livelihood and environment. The absence of third-party rights in ISDS has culminated in a debate, reflected in the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) discussions, on the development of a framework for third party access to the ISDS system. This thesis informs the UNCITRAL reform process by interrogating the concept of third-party rights in ISDS and seeking international law solutions to the access problem. States generally rely on the international law system for dispute settlement and the underpinning contracts are invariably governed by international law, which is the focus of this study. Nigeria is used as a case study to evidence the problem which leads to potential solutions from existing and emerging practices from other jurisdictions. The scale of the problem is captured in a May 2023 report by the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission titled: An Environmental Genocide: Counting the Human Cost of Oil in Bayelsa, Nigeria. This study finds that existing mechanisms such as, domestic and international courts, amicus curie and counter claims are limited in terms of effectiveness. This thesis recommends the introduction of an African Investment Court under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a solution to the prevailing bottlenecks to third party access to ISDS in Africa
Semiotic Analysis of Workforce Diversity
Get PDFPurpose/Objective: The purpose of this dissertation is to affect a paradigmatical shift in workforce diversity in response to the literature gap. Workforce diversity in the USA, a phenomenon often reduced to enumerable categories set forth by and in consequence of the Civil Rights Act. This Act outlawed discrimination on the basis of sex, race, colour, religion, pregnancy, national origin, age, and disability. These categories emerge from a Western, specifically Anglo-Saxon, perspective and are rooted in a nominalist presupposition that construes diversity as a collection of specific dimensions. Literature indicates a lack in diversity research, being narrowly focused on categorisable dimensions and causing conceptual fragmentation. Therefore, this dissertation studies diversity from a paradigm other than positivism and nominalism embedded in empiriometric models which are in no way equipped to understand the reality of diversity.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Peirce opposed nominalism and positivism. Thus, this thesis adopts semiotics, effectively shifting diversity from empiriometric paradigm to Peirce’s semiotic realism. Peirce held that humans are themselves signs, dynamically acting as mutual interpretants from their individual frames of reference. The data will be analysed within the Peircean Logic System to allow for extracting the signs in accordance with the Peircean triadic structure.
Findings: The interviews revealed differing attitudes and, therefore, radically opposed interpretations of diversity’s nature. Participants highlighted disparities in the creation of identities because of a fragmented approach to the terms used by the Civil Rights Act. Hence, this thesis gave diversity an essential definition as approbation of the other as other
Readiness assessment in flood risk management and climate adaptation: A mechanism for social innovation?
Get PDFYesThis paper discusses the development and initial trials of a readiness assessment methodology intended to support more informed, ethical and effective processes of project development and stakeholder engagement within an evolving and increasingly challenging context of Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) in England and Wales. In particular, it considers how and to what extent this approach to readiness assessment can be considered an example of social innovation. Drawing on scholarship about social innovation, the paper also considers challenges within the design and implementation of readiness assessment processes. In turn, this supports an exploration of obstacles to and limitations of social innovation, particularly in the context of far-reaching social-ecological change.Environment Agency. Grant Number: FRS17192; Natural Resources Wales. Grant Number: FRS17192; Defra. Grant Number: FRS17192; Welsh Government. Grant Number: FRS1719
A comprehensive study on the compressive strength, durability-related parameters and microstructure of geopolymer mortars based on mixed construction and demolition waste
Get PDFYesAs a viable option to upcycle construction and demolition waste (CDW) into value-added materials, geopolymer technology is emerging. Most studies investigate CDWs in a separated form or in combination with mainstream pozzolanic/cementitious materials focusing only on fundamental properties of geopolymer pastes, not considering to scale such materials to the level of their application in the forms of structural mortars/concretes or to characterize long-term performance/durability. This study investigated the development and characterization of ambient-cured mortars with mixed CDW-based geopolymer binders and untreated fine recycled concrete aggregates (FRCA). Mixture of CDW-based roof tile (RT), red clay brick (RCB), hollow brick (HB), concrete (C), and glass (G) was used as the precursor, while ground granulated blast furnace slag (S) was used in some mixtures to partly replace CDW precursors. Compressive strength, durability-related parameters including drying shrinkage, water absorption, and efflorescence, microstructure and materials sustainability were evaluated. Results showed that 28 d compressive strength results above 30 and 50 MPa is achievable with the entirely CDW-based and slag-substituted mortars, which were found improvable to have entirely CDW-based structural concretes. Drying shrinkage of the mortars is slightly higher than that of conventional cementitious/geopolymeric systems although it can be minimized significantly through mixture optimization. Water absorption values remain comparable with the literature. CDW-based geopolymer mortars outperform Portland cement mortars in terms of CO2 emission and energy requirement. Our findings show that via utilizing CDW-based constituents in mixed form as precursor and waste aggregates, it is possible to develop greener construction materials with acceptable strength and long-term performance.European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 894100. The authors also wish to acknowledge the support of the Scientific and Technical Research Council (TUBITAK) of Turkey provided under project: 117M447