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Autonomous vehicles and their interaction with section 2(1) of the Consumer Protection Act 1987
No full textAutonomous Vehicles (AVs) have developed rapidly due to the efforts of industry stakeholders such as Tesla. However, concerns remain as to how AVs may interact with English law. The strict product liability regime enacted by the Consumer Protection Act 1987 (CPA) has been identified by the Law Commission and UK Government as the civil law regime most capable of accommodating litigation involving harms caused by an AV and enabling those injured to recover damages.
Despite this, the Law Commission has highlighted the need to review the CPA in light of existing concerns and challenges AVs may present. The CPA has long been viewed by commentators such as Stapleton, Goldberg, and Fairgrieve as poorly suited to its purpose and presenting claimants with a very low likelihood of success. It appears likely the CPA will play a role in future litigation involving AVs, and so by extension, any challenges arising in litigation brought under it may have a subsequent knock-on effect upon the willingness of stakeholders, consumers and producers to trust, adopt and invest in the technology.
In light of these concerns, this thesis examines the CPA and its potential interaction with AVs to identify potential challenges and present reasoned recommendations on how their effects may be mitigated. This thesis will focus on the requirements for liability (defectiveness and causation) set out in section 2(1). Due to the critical nature of the requirements of defectiveness and causation in actions brought under the Act, the challenges to satisfying these requirements will likely arise in actions involving AVs)
Primary elements: typological innovation and urban performance
Full text linkThis doctorate explicates the dynamic relationship between architecture and the city. Drawing upon Aldo Rossi’s theories, it argues that architectural artifacts and Study Areas—urban areas with identifiable characteristics—are mutually interdependent in the ongoing transformation of the city. Taking as its subject the central island of Berlin—the ‘Spreeinsel’—it first identifies, then explains typological innovations that have caused urban transformations to the ‘Hauptstadt’. It accordingly presents a genealogy of the city’s present-day condition, examining the trajectory of the Study Area from the enclave of royal residence in the 1800s to its current iteration as Berlin’s cultural heart. In the intermediary, it assesses Schinkel’s transformation of the island through the opening of the Altes Museum and his other associated cityscape improvements; the GDR’s post-war reorientation of the islands’ central void spaces towards the east; and the present-day resurrection of the former Berliner Schloß and the implementation of the Museumsinsel Masterplan, each as key moments of alteration.
The thesis focuses on the immanent potential of architecture itself, held autonomously by its conventions, objects, and concepts (collectively, that which comprises its 'material'), advocating that architecture’s spatiality has its own reasoning propagated by typology, which operates irrespectively of dialectics beyond its disciplinary frontiers. A logic is developed based on Primary Elements—key urban artifacts which interact with the city’s development in a permanent way—and their instrumentality in propagating change in the city. Typology’s exploitation of persistence is inherently linked to structuring the urban condition, and architecture therefore is considered to have an effect across time, and an area much wider than its immediate envelope. Accordingly, the focus shifts from theory to practice: from what architecture means, to what architecture does; its consequences, effects, and an examination of its potential for transformation.
Reasoning fundamental instances of urban alteration, exonerates this research from mere historiographical account—that is, an investigation of period or style, or expression of society’s needs through time. Instead, it is an analysis that foregrounds typology as architecture’s ultimate process of reasoning and its under-explored role in the evolution of the city. Type’s agency is reasoned to be held in the characteristics of relations between Study Area and architecture, rather than the architectural object itself, constituting the agent of change and the locus of innovation
Novel approaches to quality control and harmonisation of analysers within a veterinary laboratory system
Full text linkThe purpose of the research project was to develop a novel laboratory quality system to harmonise the five separate laboratories operating a commercial diagnostic service. Methods for initial and ongoing maintenance of harmonisation of haematology analysers within the laboratories were developed and implemented.
This project involves novel studies, as there are no relevant publications in the veterinary literature on these topics. The literature review presented in chapter 1 provides an overview of harmonisation followed by sections that cover the methods, tools and approaches used to assess the performance of the analytical network and to implement innovative quality control (QC) methods for veterinary haematology analysers.
Chapter 2 provides the first report of a comparison of performance evaluations for a network of six Sysmex analysers. A three-step process was used to evaluate and optimise performance to achieve harmonisation using quality parameters such as biologic variation for bias and CV, sigma metrics and total error as recommended by American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP).
Chapter 3 describes a quality control validation approach to maintain the harmonisation status and support the transition to harmonisation to ensure suitable clinical interpretation across the laboratory network. The results demonstrated that using a QC-rule based on the performance of individual analysers rather than manufacturers’ acceptable limits improved the probability of error detection (Ped) and reduced the probability of false rejection (Pfr) for veterinary haematology analysers. In conjunction with a high sigma strategy, achievement of biologic variation-based goals and TEa as recommended by ASVCP or expert opinion were used to establish acceptable performance for harmonisation across the analytical network.
Chapter 4 presents a first report of validating repeat patient testing-quality control (RPT-QC) using retained patient specimens for a network of haematology analysers as an alternative to commercial quality control material. Veterinary specific quality control material is not readily available which presents a difficult challenge for veterinary laboratories as a commutable matrix would be from animal origin. The repeat patient testing quality control (RPT-QC) could detect unstable analytical performance and RPT-QC limits were successfully generated using 40 data points rather than using 20 data points that was previously recommended. RPT-QC limits were required for each individual analyser and sigma metrics provided a useful performance tool to indicate suboptimal performance.
Chapter 5 outlines the process of implementation of RPT-QC, including an evaluation in parallel with the commercial quality control material to give confidence that RPT-QC can be used as practical alternative to commercial quality control material and that each individual analyser requires validation.
Chapter 6 outlines the design, evaluation and implementation of an internal laboratory comparative (ILC) testing program to maintain harmonisation by comparing the network analysers to the designated reference analyser. The ILC program used surplus canine samples with results across a range of clinical importance. Evaluation of the ILC results indicated that the ILC testing program could be used as an alternative to multiple subscriptions to an external quality assurance (EQA) program. This successful implementation offered a species-specific advantage and could determine whether performance issues were attributed to bias and/or imprecision and whether the interpretation of results was interchangeable between the network analyser and the reference analyser.
Chapter 7 outlines a pilot program for comparative testing offered to veterinary practices with in-clinic point of care testing (POCT) haematology analysers in comparison to the network reference haematology analyser. This study aimed to determine if the results of the POCT analysers could be harmonised with the reference analyser to ensure that results were interchangeable and clinically useful for diagnosis and monitoring, whether the results were generated by the POCT analyser or the reference analyser.
Chapter 8 is a discussion of the innovative approaches used in this study and reflections that may be useful for other veterinary laboratories desiring to achieve harmonisation for a network of analysers, wish to design their own comparative testing programs and/or provide comparative testing for clients with POCT analysers.
This chapter also describes the limitations and challenges associated with this research and possible future directions
Molecular characterisation of DDX49
Full text linkDEAD box proteins are the largest family of RNA helicases, composed of 37 members and are involved in the central and essential physiological aspects of RNA metabolism. They are characterised by a structurally highly conserved helicase core, composed of 2 RecA like domains connected via a flexible linker and flanked by the N and C terminus domains of the protein, as shown in figure 1.1 (Donsbach and Klostermeier, 2021).
The interplay of the 9 conserved motifs of the helicase core gives these family of proteins the ability to hydrolyse ATP, bind and unwind RNA duplexes. The characteristic Motif II, also known as the Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp (D-E-A-D) motif, together with motif Q, I and VI carry out ATP binding and hydrolysis, as shown in figure 1.1 (Linder and Jankowsky, 2011)
Promoting entomophagy as a response to food insecurity through the development of suitable food products
Full text linkUtilisation of insects as food is a rapidly expanding global market due to insect’s viability as a sustainable and economical source of high-quality protein. While they are traditionally consumed in many countries, in the Western world it is still unclear how best to exploit this new resource, while conforming to speculative safety regulations. Although literature demonstrates the highly malleable and varied nature of insects as a food source, a powder, produced from crickets, is seen by many as a versatile and nutritious form in which insect-derived food may be accepted in Western culture. The primary aim of this study was to take four cricket species (Gryllus bimaculatus, Gryllodes sigillatus, Gryllus assimilis, Acheta domesticus) and Desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) from farm to the fork through exploring the impact of different methods of powder production on the nutritional value and safety of the powder before considering barriers to consumer acceptance and how products containing cricket powder may be produced that are acceptable to such consumers. Some differences were seen in nutritional composition between cricket species, and drying methods impacted on the fatty acid and protein composition. Drying methods also had some impact on the microbial content of the powders. However, in general, all insect species and methods of production yielded a potential food ingredient rich in high quality protein and a range of minerals which, when stored appropriately, represented a low biological risk to the consumer. Further analysis of commercial cricket powder demonstrated the presence of hard to remove pathogenic microorganisms (Bacillus cereus & Bacillus lichenformis), an insecticidal microorganism (Brevibacillus Laterosporus), that may pose an issue for insect farmers, and two organisms with limited previous study (Rummeliibacillus stabekisii & Lysinibacillus Pakistanesis). A survey on consumer perspectives demonstrated clear expectations for insect-based food, as well as biases towards what types of products may be suitable for the UK market and key areas that would be unacceptable to consumers at this stage. Combining all of the information gathered throughout the study, allowed for the development of an alkaline noodle product which provided insight into how the utilisation of insects in food development resulted in a decrease of product quality that could be overcome through adjustments to the formulation. Overall, this project demonstrates that products containing insects can be produced which are safe, and nutritious and potentially suitable for both the promotion of entomophagy in the Western world and combatting a key area of protein
malnutrition in South-East Asia
Plant-based vaccines for prevention of poultry viral diseases: Newcastle disease
No full textNewcastle Disease (ND) is an economically important viral disease in poultry. Although commercial vaccines are available, ND continues to cause disease outbreaks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where strict biosecurity measures are often not feasible. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a cost-effective approach to develop improved ND vaccines. This study used Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana via pEAQ-HT expression system, with the aim of developing improved plant expressed NDV vaccines. Bioinformatics analysis was also used to support ND vaccine development.
We successfully expressed NDV structural proteins (Fusion [F], Haemagglutinin-Neuraminidase [HN], and Matrix [M]) in N. benthamiana, with the highest yield observed at 9 days post-infiltration. The use of the A.tumefaciens NMX021 strain, co-expression of heterologous chaperone proteins (calnexin and/or calreticulin), and the pH of the extraction buffer were important factors that influenced protein expression. Co-expression of NDV F, HN, and M proteins together with chaperone proteins led to the observation of particulate structures under electron microscopy that resembled virus-like particles (VLPs). However, due to the abundance of plant-derived vesicular structures and protein aggregates, definitive identification of these as VLPs could not be confirmed, and further characterisation is required.
Bioinformatics analysis of the F and HN glycoproteins included multiple sequence alignment across representative NDV genotypes and identified amino acid substitutions relevant to vaccine design. E347G and G362R in the HN protein are located in the receptor-binding domain, while D170S and S/T543A in the F protein involve antigenic and glycosylation-associated regions. These substitutions may influence immune recognition and support homologous vaccine design to reduce viral shedding. Further functional validation using site-directed mutagenesis and biological assays is recommended.
Keywords: Newcastle disease virus; plant-based vaccines; Agrobacterium; pEAQ-HT; homologous vaccines, viral shedding
Identification of material sustainability matters in the property development industry by analysing stakeholder perspectives on ten sustainable elements
Full text linkDespite the global emphasis on sustainability, property developers in Malaysia face significant challenges in implementing sustainable practices due to the multifaceted consideration of the risk of incremental cost, instability of advanced technology, lack of skilled experts, and shortage of green materials. The author of this paper aims to address the gap in understanding the perceived value of sustainable practices among various stakeholders, which may not align with the principles of the sustainability frameworks.
The objective of this research paper is to assess the awareness and adoption level of sustainability practices among the stakeholders including definitive stakeholders, dependent stakeholders, and other stakeholders through the lens of salience stakeholder theory. The research methodology is divided into two parts, which the first part puts the focal point into the comprehensive literature reviews on the historical evolution of sustainability, critical challenges, and various widespread-used green rating frameworks such as LEED, GBI, Green Mark, and GreenRE. Adopting the qualitative research methodology, author conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 interviewees from diverse stakeholder groups individually. The interview contents were critically analysed through content analysis with reference to Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and ten sustainable themes that branch from the green rating frameworks.
The research findings reveal both consensus and disparities in the stakeholder expectations, which are able to provide insights for property developers and relevant stakeholders in designing the material sustainability matters and assessing the feasibility. While ecological aspects remain universally valued, the research outcomes show that the perspectives are prone to be limited to human own benefit over the broader impact on planetary health, particularly concerning the UN SDG Goal-14 and Goal-15. The author of this paper suggests further studies to explore these discrepancies and enhance alignment among stakeholders regarding sustainability practices. Results also outline the cost and value of money aspects ranked top of the motivation to predominantly drive both primary definitive stakeholders and dependent stakeholders to the broader adoptions. Potential future research could consider the empirical study on the correlation between sustainable property development practices and tangible outcomes such as company revenue growth and property value appreciation
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