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Cyprus’s EU Membership, Twenty Years On: A Statement of Motives and an Assessment of Benefits
No full textReflecting on twenty years of Cyprus’s EU membership, this paper aims to provide an account of the rationale for its accession to the EU and the euro area, and an assessment of their benefits. The argument made in the paper is that although it was security rather than economic considerations that accounted for Cyprus’s EU accession, the latter also came with certain financial benefits. Moreover, while Cyprus’s accession to the single currency was motivated by its desire to be part of the hard core of the European unification project, its euro area participation was to stand Cyprus in good stead in its hour of need, during the Cypriot sovereign debt crisis of 2012–2013. The paper also explores whether the unprecedented accession of a divided country to the EU may provide a source of inspiration for future enlargements, where sui generis circumstances prevail
The Cumulative effects of ICT adoption and Integration Practices on Supply Chain Performance in Nigeria
Get PDFIn today’s dynamic supply chain environment, the successful operation of companies in most industries is becoming increasingly dependent on their ability to adopt and utilise ICT systems. However, the major challenges facing the adoption of ICT in developing countries are related to lack of knowledge and skills, lack of investment in IT infrastructure, and inadequate training in new technologies. This study aims to explore the effects of ICT adoption and supply chain integration on supply chain performance in Nigeria. This is envisaged due to inadequate empirical studies conducted on the roles of various dimensions of ICT and integration on supply chain performance on one hand and fundamentally also due to Nigerian government central ambition to develop a digital economy.
Moving from the separate and individual roles of ICT adoption and integration practices to their digital effects on Nigeria’s economy. A literature review on ICT adoption, integration practice and supply chain performance measurement were carried out on developed and developing economies to identify and understand specific performance measures that can impact on Nigerians aspiration of developing an innovative and digital economy.
Pilot study was conducted with scholars from the University of Central Lancashire five Professionals in supply chain industry and ICT deployment experts from Nigeria. The questionnaire underwent a screening process prior to the commencement of data collection. The process ensures the questionnaire consisted of the relevant structure, readability, completeness, and devoid of ambiguity as stated by Alsuhaibani et al. (2021). The final survey questions had minimal modifications based on the input received. The Pilot testing was carried out utilising both mailed postal and web survey methodologies, as recommended by Dillman et al. (2017). The pilot test resulted in an initial list of performance measures based on the review. Industrial interviews were then conducted to confirm the measures and understand the distinct contextual definitions and diffrerences between ICT adoption and integration practices of developed economies from the emerging economies. Based on these a conceptual model was developed to describe the network and relationships between ICT adoption and integration practices and their influence on enhancing supply chain performance.
The network theory was used to explain relationships among linked entities that strong ties offer greater reliability, while loose ties enhance flexibility and a combination of strong and weak ties that matches supply chain needs is created to maximise supply chain performance in contrast to the traditional supply chains formed which has no concern for the overall network alignment. In addition, the study is grounded in the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm as the theoretical lens and integrative capability perspective for the interrelations among the adoption of ICT, integration practices and performance outcome of supply chains. The main argument is that the firms’ resources are the source of competitive advantage which reflects tangible technologies and patterns of actions in the use of resources, this research considers ICT as such potential assets, which are complemented by supply chain integration capabilities.
The study adopts both qualitative and survey approaches conducted with 51 firms in the Nigerian Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (NITDA) sector. The interviews were transcribed, and data was assessed using correlation, regression, and factor SME analysis. Based on these the effects of intra- and inter-organisational ICT and the mediation of integration on supply chain performance was examined. The outcomes of the survey clarify the dominance of performance measures in the industry according to the level of importance. Furthermore, the structural equation model analysis indicated that there is a link between the choice of performance measures and organisations’ strategies. Also, the results indicate a link between ICT adoptions organisational integration practice and actual performance of the organisations, thus suggesting that ICT adoption are essential organisational resources to support competitiveness. This study identifies the most influential strategy and performance measures in enhancing organisations’ performance within the ICT companies and supply chain industry
Development and evaluation of meropenem encapsulated nanostructured lipid carriers as an antimicrobial treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Get PDFPseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a Gram-negative bacterium which most commonly causes opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals including those with cystic fibrosis. Meropenem is a carbapenem antibiotic with a beta lactam structure which is recommended as a treatment for meropenem-susceptible P. aeruginosa infections P. aeruginosa has developed multiple resistance mechanisms including resistance to beta lactam antibiotics such as meropenem.
Nanoparticles can be used as a targeted treatment therapy by utilizing a controlled delivery and release of active pharmaceutical ingredient at a specific target site. Therefore, encapsulating antibiotics, such as meropenem, which has high renal elimination, a short half-life and is unstable in aqueous solutions, could provide an alternative drug delivery pathway for treatment of sensitive strains of P. aeruginosa, improving pharmacokinetic outcomes.
Meropenem-encapsulated nanostructured lipid carriers (ME-NLCs) were formulated using Sodium Cholate as a surfactant, Dynasan 114 as a solid lipid, Capryol 90, oleic acid, lipoid E80 and lipoid S75 as liquid lipids, and Kolliphor HS 15 as a solubiliser. A hot homogenisation method followed by probe sonication was used for preparation of NLCs. Optimisation of product parameters (surfactant, liquid and solid lipids, solubiliser and drug concentration) and process parameter (sonication time) was carried out to obtain NLCs with desired physicochemical properties in terms of particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and drug entrapment. Increasing the concentration of surfactant sodium cholate resulted in an increase in particle size (<200nm) and poly dispersity index (<0.3) of the NLCs. Similarly, the loading of meropenem in NLCs resulted in an increase of particle size but interestingly did not affect the PDI. Meropenem-loaded NLCs produced a particle size of 178.8nm , poly dispersity index 0.283 and zeta potential -31mV.
A high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed and validated to quantify meropenem in the NLCs formulations and drug encapsulation was calculated to be 85.72%. Additionally in vitro drug dissolution studies of the ME-NLCs revealed an initial fast release of 30% of the drug in the first thirty minutes and a sustained release of drug from NLCs with 70% of the drug being released for 8 hours which then remained steady until 24 hours.
Reference isolates of P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 were tested for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) using – ISO-20776-1 method recommended by EUCAST - using the ME-NLCs. The minimum inhibitory concentration for ME-NLC for P. aeruginosa was 2 g/ml. The ME-NLCs was bactericidal at a concentration of 8 g/ml, compared to free drug which has a MIC of 0.5 g/ml and MBC of 4 g/ml.
Interactions between ME-NLCs and P. aeruginosa cells were investigated using fluorescence microscopy. Morphological changes were observed in the bacterial cells which showed an increase in the number of elongated rod-shaped cells.
The use of meropenem encapsulated NLCs may provide an alternative drug delivery system with the potential to optimise therapeutic dosage without increasing nephrotoxicity
The JCMT BISTRO Survey: The Magnetic Fields of the IC 348 Star-forming Region
Get PDFWe present 850 μm polarization observations of the IC 348 star-forming region in the Perseus molecular cloud as part of the B-fields In STar-forming Region Observation survey. We study the magnetic properties of two cores (HH 211 MMS and IC 348 MMS) and a filamentary structure of IC 348. We find that the overall field tends to be more perpendicular than parallel to the filamentary structure of the region. The polarization fraction decreases with intensity, and we estimate the trend by power law and the mean of the Rice distribution fittings. The power indices for the cores are much smaller than 1, indicative of possible grain growth to micron size in the cores. We also measure the magnetic field strengths of the two cores and the filamentary area separately by applying the Davis–Chandrasekhar–Fermi method and its alternative version for compressed medium. The estimated mass-to-flux ratios are 0.45–2.20 and 0.63–2.76 for HH 211 MMS and IC 348 MMS, respectively, while the ratios for the filament are 0.33–1.50. This result may suggest that the transition from subcritical to supercritical conditions occurs at the core scale (∼0.05 pc) in the region. In addition, we study the energy balance of the cores and find that the relative strength of turbulence to the magnetic field tends to be stronger for IC 348 MMS than for HH 211 MMS. The result could potentially explain the different configurations inside the two cores: a single protostellar system in HH 211 MMS and multiple protostars in IC 348 MMS
Radiative heat transfer methodologies from compartment fires to adjacent walls: A Numerical Investigation
Get PDFIn a fire scenario, the externally ventilating flames (EVF) often project beyond the compartment of fire origin and in some cases boundary distances, increasing the likelihood of fire spread between buildings. This work investigates various numerical methodologies to predict radiative heat transfer from compartment fires to adjacent walls at different orientations (20, 40, 60 and 80 degrees). Predictions were compared to empirically derived equations. Results show that code compliant scenarios may still exceed critical heat flux recommendations. Furthermore, the effects of prolonged heat exposure and materials should be considered by designers
International Aid and South Korea: Experience from Recipient to Donor
No full textThis book explores South Korea’s experience as an aid recipient, as an aid donor, and as an inter‑Korea aid provider.
Analysing case studies of international aid both received and dispensed by South Korea, from the end of the Korean War until the present day, this collection provides a novel lens through which to explore South Korea’s development pathway. While it examines the cases of Italian and German aid to South Korea during its early economic development period, this volume also delineates South Korea’s international aid in the health and gender sectors. It also discusses the South Korean experience of providing aid to the Mekong region and North Korea. The latter specifically analyses whether this policy represents international altruism or reveals a novel method of international validation for South Korea over its neighbour.
Featuring an exploration of South Korea’s development on the international stage through the lens of aid, this book will appeal to both students and scholars in the fields of Korean studies, East Asian studies, and Asia Pacific studies, as well as in the disciplines of Development Studies and International Relations and Political Economy, particularly that of aid policies and practices
The Braking Performance Framework: Practical Recommendations and Guidelines to Enhance Horizontal Deceleration Ability in Multi-Directional Sports
Get PDFHorizontal deceleration is a critical locomotor skill underpinning the many changes of speed and direction performed by athletes in multi-directional sports. Despite its importance there are currently no evidence-based guidelines on how to improve horizontal deceleration ability. Therefore, the aim of this article is to provide practitioners tasked with preparing athletes for the demands of multi-directional sports with practical recommendations and guidelines on how to improve their athlete’s horizontal deceleration ability. The article proposes the concept and use of a Braking Performance Framework to help guide the selection of training methods and exercises to target the currently known neuromuscular and biomechanical determinants of horizontal deceleration ability. The Braking Performance Framework provides practitioners with evidence-informed training methods that can be integrated with other important physical, technical, and tactical components to optimize a player’s horizontal deceleration ability
The role of Reward and Punishment as Control mechanisms for promoting Good Governance Compliance in Nonprofit Sport Organisations
Get PDFThere has been a global increase in institutional pressure to improve governance standards within national sport federations (NSFs), particularly given their modernisation and
professionalisation. However, due to governance failures, many NSFs across the globe have recently experienced a significant 'legitimacy gap'. This issue is not confined to a specific region or sport but is a widespread concern affecting the credibility and trust in NSFs worldwide. The result has been that several governments have taken steps to ‘codify’ good governance in order to enhance organisational processes and behaviours within the NSFs. To encourage compliance with these good governance codes, some governments have conditioned NSF funding on adopting these codes' principles. In scenarios where adoption of the code is associated with funding, it is only done by penalizing non-compliance; therefore, a 'stick' is used to promote good governance. The current literature on sport governance has not addressed whether a carrot approach, i.e. rewarding
compliance, is also an effective mechanism for achieving compliance. Against this global backdrop, this doctoral study was set to examine whether NSFs are more likely to follow the code principles if rewards and/or punishments are applied. This is further examined in conjunction with the certainty that the funders of these NSFs (who have technically issued the codes) will verify whether these organisations have complied with the code’s principles.
The study adopts a multi-theoretical approach to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding governance dynamics within NSFs. Neo-institutional theory and resource
dependence theory offer macro-explanatory power, while compliance theory and general deterrence theory guide the research design and methodological tools. The study examines the relationships among coercive control, remunerative control, and certainty of control, shedding light on the mechanisms influencing compliance with governance codes in NSFs.
Philosophically grounded in Burell and Mogan’s functionalist paradigm, a quasiexperimental design was employed. The three governance-enhancing factors examined in this
study (punishment, reward, and certainty of control) were administered at two levels, using a 2 x 2 x 2 mixed-design questionnaire for each level. The first factor, punishment, was measured as ‘severe’ and ‘non-severe’. The second factor, reward, was measured as ‘high’ and ‘none’. The third factor, certainty of control, was measured as ‘high (with) control’ and ‘low (without) control’. Based on this design, eight scenarios were developed, four for high (i.e., with) and four for low (i.e., without) certainty of control, to investigate the main impacts and interactions between these three factors. The research was conducted in NSFs in Cyprus, with all 61 active NSFs invited to participate. The board members of these NSFs were asked to respond to an anonymous online questionnaire. A total of 223 responses were received, representing approximately 40% of the number of NSFs' board members in Cyprus.
Five main findings serve as take-away messages. First, compliance intention increases as control certainty increases. Consequently, regardless of whether a reward, punishment, or both are introduced, board members within NSFs are more likely to comply when they feel monitored. However, the impact of control diminishes gradually with the introduction of rewards and/or punishments. Second, in the absence of any control, punishment threats and reward incentives yield a similar level of compliance intention when used separately. This could suggest that in the absence of monitoring, the potential outcomes of NSFs' behaviour drive their compliance intention rather than external influences Third, in the presence of control, the threat of punishment (without reward) leads to a higher compliance intention than the reward incentive (without punishment). This implies that the fear of negative consequences is a more potent motivator for compliance than the promise of positive outcomes. Fourth, no matter the level of control, the intention to comply is
almost the same when both punishment and rewards are introduced. This indicates that both positive and negative consequences can effectively motivate compliance, thus reducing the need for external control. Finally, there is a negative correlation between board membership duration and the willingness of board members to adhere to the provisions of a code. Generally, as board members spend more time on the NSF board, their inclination to comply with the code decreases.
Against all this, the present thesis’ theoretical contribution is threefold. First, building on the theoretical approaches of neo-institutional theory and resource dependency theory, it
introduces and empirically applies compliance and deterrence frameworks to the sport governance domain and to the debate over whether (and how) codifying governance is an effective method of increasing governance standards. Second, this study contributes a theoretical perspective in implementing good governance by emphasizing reward as a plausible strategy for encouraging NSFs to adopt good governance principles. Third, the thesis suggests that implementing severe punishment in conjunction with high levels of reward has a significant joint effect on compliance intention, resulting in a reduction of the need for explicit control strategies.
From a practical perspective, this thesis could have many implications for policymakers and governing bodies, helping them develop comprehensive strategies to promote compliance with good governance principles. First, codes should take the form of non-binding recommendations with clear guidance on the desired outcomes and policy objectives, thereby reducing the scope for discretion in the implementation process. Second, it is crucial to conduct thorough assessments (control checks) to ensure their compliance with the code principles. Self-assessment alone is not sufficient. Third, policymakers should use punitive mechanisms as a primary means of encouraging compliance. If this approach is to be effective, however, it must be implemented early on and must be severe from the outset. Fourth, aside from punitive measures, rewards should also
be employed to encourage compliance. Lastly, in light of the previous two, policymakers can mitigate the need for excessive control by combining punishment with reward
‘More black sorrow, poet’: Lev Shestov and others as ideal readers of Dostoevsky
No full textThe chapter raises the question of the nature of readers' love for Dostoevsky, using the example of constant appeal to the writer in the writings of the religious thinker Lev Shestov and some other philosophers and writers. The connection between Shestov's philosophy of tragedy and Dostoevsky’s oeuvre is discussed in the light of the existential categories of love, despair, sorrow and happiness, as well as the concepts of reason and faith, that were key for Shestov. Based on existing studies of the creativity and biography of both Dostoevsky and Shestov, the non-obvious ontological revelations of the writer are considered, and their closeness to the philosophy of Lev Shestov, largely inspired by Dostoevsky, is analyzed
Dual Deep Learning Network for Abnormal Action Detection
Get PDFNeural networks have demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in solving distinct real-world vision problems pertaining to activity recognition and violence detection in surveillance scenarios. The broad reliance on practicing a single network for spatial and motion information collection has made them less effective for long-term dependency analysis in video snippets. Our work solves this issue through a multi-network fusion strategy suitable for real-world surveillance. Initially, the spatial information is accessed from a compound coefficient strategy inspired by a robust convolutional neural network (ConvNet). Next, the pyramidal convolutional features from two consecutive frames are obtained through LiteFlowNet. The output from both the networks (ConvNet and LiteFlowNet) is separately passed into a deep-gated recurrent Unit (GRU) that is assembled for a skip connection. The latter obtained from each GRU is fused and further propagated to the dense layer for final decision. The results on the datasets and the ablation study confirm our method’s efficiency, outperforming the state-of-the-art methods. (Code: GitHub