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Relaxation effect of a novel Danshensu/tetramethylpyrazine derivative on rat mesenteric arteries
No full textDanshen (Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae) and ChuanXiong (Ligusticum wallichii) are two traditional herbal medicines commonly used in China for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The active components in Danshen and ChuanXiong are Danshensu (DSS, (R)-3, 4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid) and tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), respectively. In the present study, a new compound named ADTM, which is a conjugation of DSS and TMP, was synthesized and its effect on the contractility of rat mesenteric arteries was examined. The relaxation effect of ADTM on rat mesenteric arteries was studied using myography. The effects of ADTM on Ca2+ channels were measured by Ca2+ imaging and patch-clamp techniques. The results showed that ADTM caused a concentration-dependent relaxation of rat mesenteric arteries. This relaxation effect was not affected by the removal of endothelium or inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase, guanylyl cyclase and adenylyl cyclase. Potassium channel blockers including tetraethylammonium, iberiotoxin, apamin, 4-aminopyridine, BaCl2 and glibenclamide also failed to inhibit the relaxation response to ADTM. ADTM inhibited CaCl2-induced contractions and reduced the Ca2+ influx in isolated mesenteric arterial muscle cells. Our results suggest that ADTM may be a novel relaxing agent. Its mechanism of action involves the direct blockade of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in vascular smooth muscle cells, resulting in a decrease in Ca2+ influx into the cells
A risk management approach for prediction of contingency sum for public-sector construction projects
No full textA review of the literature supports the inclusion of sufficient contingency to cover risks in construction projects. From the client’s point of view, too much contingency may result in a project being aborted or uneconomical and too little may lead to cost escalation if the risk occurs. Risk factors at the construction phase causing cost overruns will be identified and an accurate method for estimation of contingency sum will be determined. Qualitative interviews were conducted with five expert practitioners working in a public works department in Zambia to determine how the contingency sum is estimated and what risk factors are considered. Multiple regression analysis was conducted using cost and risks data collected from 30 building and refurbishment projects recently completed in the department. The qualitative study found that project budget overruns constitute a major issue. The regression analysis results proved that the contingency sum was positively correlated to the estimated contract sum. The qualitative interview results and Pearson correlation coefficient showed there was also a positive correlation between contingency sum and project complexity, although such factor needs to be further reaffirmed by regression analysis using a larger sample size. To enhance project success in terms of cost, it is necessary that project managers should actively implement risk management in projects when calculating the contingency sum. Related project-specific risks should be identified and multiple regression method can be used to predict the contingency fund accordingly
Towards more accurate life cycle assessment of biological wastewater treatment plants: a review
No full textLife cycle assessment (LCA) has been proved to act as a desirable tool to evaluate the environmental impacts of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, the application of LCA methodology in the field of wastewater treatment is still in progress. This paper has made a review of the LCA studies dealing with biological (activated sludge) WWTPs, with the aim to provide qualitative interpretation of the associated environmental impact categories: eutrophication potential, global warming potential, toxicity-related impacts, energy balance, water use, land use and other impact categories. Possible sources for each impact category of WWTPs are summarized in order to provide information about the critical aspects in WWTP systems that might influence LCA results. Moreover, recent development and the application status of characterization models for each impact category have been reviewed. The analysis indicates that it is important to carry out site-specific LCA studies on WWTPs. The specificity is most typical for the eutrophication potential and toxicity-related impact categories, which need implementation of spatial differentiated characterization methods, considering the emission location, spatial dimensions (transfer between environmental compartments) and even properties of pollutants. Although remarkable progresses have been obtained, their applications in the field of wastewater treatment are still limited. For the global warming potential impact category, it is most crucial to calculate accurately the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, because nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4), as well as fossil origin carbon dioxide (CO2) in wastewater have the potential to make considerable contributions. In the end, prospective is made about which aspects in WWTPs are candidates for further LCA studies. Overall, there is still room for pursuing more accurate results when applying LCA to WWTPs
Applying augmented reality technology to book publication business
No full textAugmented Reality is an emerging technology and the applications of technology are still not fully unveiled. This paper explores a new application of augmented reality for a new direction in educational book publishing, which aims to bring interactive learning experience to life. The project takes printed images on book to the next level by applying Augmented Reality technology to provide a unique fascinating experience to its readers on mobile devices. Augmented Reality (AR) technology composing with animation brings new digital entertainment experience to the reader of books. The key feature of this paper uses the technology presents auxiliary information in the field of view of an object printed on book automatically without human intervention. The project uses the technology with iPad mobile device to display 3D models, 3D animations, video splaying, websites and web server connectivity for children education. The results and evaluation of the project shows the interactive 3D animation and self-assessment functions significantly support students to improve their learning experience and performance. The software product of this project, from the business perspective, creates a new business marketing dimension in digital publishing and increases the selling profits in the book publication business
Heritage, fashion and design
No full textHeritage is becoming popular in industries such as tourism, restaurants, and arts. Fashion designers, brands and marketers try to build up their identities and images by showcasing the unique cultural elements they affiliated to. Cultural heritage, in this sense, becomes a commodity in the market. This proposed research seeks to examine how designers in particular, construct the meaning of cultural heritage through different commoditization practices as well as how these identity markers create value for the possessors. We also aim to explore the politics in this cultural re-construction practice. This study aims to examine how designers and brands integrate cultural heritage in creating new identities in the market. To examine how fashion designers and brands integrate cultural heritage in their designs and brand images; to identify what cultural symbols were adopted and re-produced in the fashion industry
尋求發展主義以外的道路: 論梁偉洛《鯨魚之城》對「我城」未來的思考 Beyond developmentalism, rethink the future of Hong Kong: a study of Liang Weiluo\u27s Whale city
No full text粵讀粵有趣 Fun with Cantonese
No full text「剩女」的舊時稱呼是甚麼？香港趣怪三字經你又知多少？粵語是香港的本土語言，生動反映了社會和文化的變遷，值得保育和傳承。本書作者以輕鬆的筆調，把大家日常耳聞目睹的粵方言用語和相關的生活文化軼事記錄成書，展現粵語的生動兼典雅的出處。
本書特點：
解構香港粵方言中一些常用而有趣的潮語 / 分析港式詞彙及其詞法的獨特之處 / 細數借屍還魂的古字及洋為中用的詞語 / 探討本港俗語之由來 / 解讀日常詞彙所蘊含的傳統文化和思
