Narrow Results

Polypropylene materials have attracted much attention due to their wide using temperature zones and are nonpoisonous. However, the poor electrical and thermal properties limit their application. In this work, the Cu nanowires with the single phase structure and uniform microstructure were successfully synthesized by tuning the reaction time. Then, the Cu nanowires were in the polypropylene matrix to optimize the electrical transport properties and thermal transport properties. The results show that the resistance of Cu nanowire-composited samples decreases by orders of magnitude, the resistance for the PP+0.5wt% Cu nanowires sample is $2.5\times 10^{10}\mathrm{\Omega }$, which is two orders of magnitude lower than that of the pristine sample due to the addition carrier transport path. Besides, the thermal diffusion coefficient of the Cu nanowire-composited sample increases to 0.194mm²s${}^{-1}$, which is 12.7% higher than that of the pristine sample. The improvement in electrical transport properties and thermal transport properties for polypropylene materials can be applied in the field of package materials, which can reduce energy consumption and the occurrence of safety accidents in the production process.

Drug resistance remains an on-going challenge in breast cancer chemotherapy. Combination of two or more drugs is an effective strategy to access context-specific multiple targets and overcome undesirable toxicity that is almost inevitable in single-drug chemotherapy. Many plant food-derived polyphenolic compounds have been proven to modulate many key factors responsible for cancer drug resistance, which makes them a promising group of low toxicity candidates for reversing cancer resistance. In this study, we analyzed the combination effect of two chemopreventive polyphenols, curcumin (Cur) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), in combating resistant breast cancer. Our present results showed that EGCG significantly enhanced the growth inhibition and apoptosis in both doxorubicin (DOX)-sensitive and resistant MCF-7 cells induced by Cur. The mechanism may be related to the further activation of caspase-dependent apoptotic signaling pathways and the enhanced cellular incorporation of Cur by inhibiting P-glycoprotein (P-gp) pump function. Moreover, Cur and EGCG in combination could enhance the toxicity of DOX and increase the intracellular level of DOX in resistant MCF-7 cells. Our findings with this practical combination of Cur and EGCG encourage us to move on to a promising strategy for successful treatment of human breast cancer resistance by combining two low-toxic chemotherapeutic agents from diet.

This paper describes a high-performance impedance measurement circuit for the application of skin impedance measurement in the early detection of skin cancer. A CMRR improvement technique has been adopted for OTAs to reduce the impact of high-frequency common mode interference. A modified three-OTA instrumentation amplifier (IA) has been proposed to help with the impedance measurement. Such systems offer a quick, noninvasive and painless procedure, thus having considerable advantages over the currently used approach, which is based upon the testing of a biopsy sample. The sensor has been implemented in 65nm CMOS technology and post-layout simulations confirm the theoretical claims we made and sensor exhibits sensitivity. Circuit consumes 45uW from 1.5V power supply. The circuit occupies 0.01954mm² silicon area.

The two-point resistance of fractal network has been studied extensively by mathematicians and physicists. In this paper, for a class of self-similar networks named sailboat networks, we obtain a recursive algorithm for computing resistance between any two nodes, using elimination principle, substitution principle and local sum rules on effective resistance.

Plasma electrolytic saturation (PES) technique which holds the advantages of short treating time and limited heating influence and immediate quenching effect is conducted under high voltage power supply in some electrolyte has been extensively applied to enhance the surface performance of metallic materials. Steel is widely used in various fields thanks to its promising merits of easy workability, plasticity, toughness and weldability. It accounts for a large proportion in the application scope of the metal materials. Steel surfaces with good corrosion resistance, promising wear resistance and high hardness would be obtained by PES. Meanwhile, uniformed coatings can be formed without special requirements for substrate geometries using the PES. This paper first presents a brief introduction of the technological principle of PES. The status on studies and applications of PES for improving surface performance of steels has been reviewed.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the strengths of four intrinsic muscles of the hand of college baseball players. The strengths of four intrinsic muscle groups were measured by the Rotterdam Intrinsic Hand Myometer (RIHM) which has been developed to assess the abduction of the little finger and index finger, and palmar abduction and opposition of the thumb. The strengths of these four intrinsic muscle groups were compared between baseball players and inexperienced sports players.

The abduction of the little finger and index finger, and the opposition of the thumb in both the dominant and nondominant hands of the baseball players were notably stronger than those of the inexperienced sports players. There was no statistical difference in the strength of the palmar abduction of the thumb between the two groups. The results suggest that the specific intrinsic muscles in both the dominant and nondominant hands might be strengthened by repeated baseball practices, such as a batting performance, which requires strain in both the dominant and nondominant hands repeatedly.

Tackling Resistance with RNA.

This article presents and analyses the background to the resistance of many frontline welfare practitioners against the recent introduction of reforms to the welfare management and subvention system and process in Hong Kong. The "progress" discourse optimistically engaged in by the government is challenged by a rather pessimistic assessment by workers, accompanied by a strong critique of the compromises welfare management groups have agreed to when accepting the Lump Sum Grant proposal. The context of the reform is interpreted as a strategic repositioning by the post-1997 government, intent at rebuilding its legitimacy and re-assigning the role of the welfare sector within its vision for the future. In the course of a long conversation between the two authors, one an academic, the other a core organiser in the "Alliance for the Protection of Welfare" several important areas of discourse were touched upon: the nature of welfare and its normative underpinning; social workers' struggle to relocate themselves within the emerging managerial paradigm; the search for an environment in which dialogue between the various parties would allow open negotiation about a more positive reform of the welfare system. The relationships among workers, management, government and service users are interpreted within a historical perspective, looking back at the constitution of the problem on both the level of Hong Kong as well as, more theoretically, on the level of (Western) welfare states.

近日香港政府提出社会福利管理及津助制度的「改革」，受到前线同工大力反对。 本文旨在勾画出相关的背景脉络，以助了解同工的「悲 观」判断怎样质疑官方铺陈的乐观「进步」论，及批评管理阶层在接纳一笔过拨款上的妥协态度， 展示当中蕴含的重要议题。 改革的背景被理解作九七后特区政权的策略性再定位，在新的发展远景下以重建管治的合法性，亦重新厘订社会福利的角色。 本篇文稿是由学院成员与「捍卫社会福利大联盟」的组织者合撰，透过真诚的详谈，尝试剖析以下范畴： 福利的性质及价值规范、 在管理典范逐渐形成下前线社会工作员的挣扎、 及寻求一个有利对话的环境，以促进开放的态度磋商较具积极意义的福利改革。 在探讨前线同工、 管理阶层、 政府及服务使用者的多角关系时，更从历史的进程思考如何构成现今的问题， 当中涉及香港的独特环境及西方社会福利国家的理念性讨论。

Reinforced concrete (RC) beams under the impact loading are typically prone to suffer shear failure in the local response phase. In order to enhance the understanding of the mechanical behavior of the RC beams, their dynamic response and shear demand are numerically investigated in this paper. A 3D finite-element model is developed and validated against the experimental data available in the literature. Taking advantage of the above calibrated numerical model, an intensive parametric study is performed to identify the effect of different factors including the impact velocity, impact mass and beam span-to-depth ratio on the impact response of the RC beams. It is found that, due to the inertial effect, a linear relationship exists between the maximum reverse support force and the peak impact force, while negative bending moments also appear in the shear span. In addition, the local response of the RC beams can be divided into a first impact stage and a separation stage. A shear plug is likely to be formed near the impact point at the first impact stage and a shear failure may be triggered near the support by large support forces. Based on the simulation results, simplified methods are proposed for predicting the shear demand for the two failure modes, whereas physical models are also established to illustrate the resistance mechanism of the RC beams at the peak impact force. By comparing with the results of the parametric study, it is concluded that the shear demand of the RC beams under the impact loading can be predicted by the proposed empirical formulas with reasonable accuracy.

Aortic pressure measurement is of significant clinical importance. However, the techniques require invasive approach, such as cardiac catheterization. In this study, we are providing the analysis for the aortic pressure to be determined non-invasively, as well as indicating how it can be employed to determine cardiac contractility, compliance and peripheral resistance. We record systolic and diastolic pressure during the cardiac cycle using cuff method, assumed that the systolic phase of the supra-systolic cuff signal and the diastolic phase of the sub-diastolic cuff signal most closely approximate systolic and diastolic aortic pressure, respectively. The pressure curves for the systolic phase are derived from the aortic volume-time curve. In both Ayuredic-medicine and traditional Chinese-medicine, the pressure-pulse shape is felt to provide diagnosis information concerning diseases and disorders. In this regard, a precise evaluation of the aortic pressure-time profile and correlation of its shape parameters with diseases (using traditional Chinese and Ayuredic medical knowledge-base system) would constitute a significant contribution to medicine.

The paper discusses the development and application of bioengineering indices for reliable diagnosis of cardiac functional modalities in filling and contraction phases.

During diastolic filling, the left-ventricular (LV) volume developed is a response to left-atrium (LV) suction at early rapid filling and LA contraction at late filling. However, in LV ejection, the LV flow-rate and aortic pressure constitute response to LV myocardial stress and intra-LV pressure generation. The differential equations used in the governing of these relationships have been developed. By matching the solutions of these differential equations with the clinical data of LV volume and pressure, we can determine the heart model "differential equations" parameters, as well as the derived indices. These parameters and indices include: compliance and resistance-to-filling for characterizing diastolic-filling function, together with the index of LV contractility (in terms of maximum LV contractile power and stress-velocity relationship for contractile element). By evaluating them, it is possible to diagnose more reliably and differentially heart diseases due to an increase in filling-resistance and contractility abnormalities.

This paper explores techniques for maximizing organizational performance via the mapping of organizational knowledge and strategies of power. It explores the nexus between knowledge and strategies of power, envisioning knowledge as a practice of power embodied in organizational discourses. In order to trace organizational power-maps, Foucault's Archaeology of Knowledge is adopted as a hypothetical model for mapping strategies of power and resistance embedded in organizational knowledge. It is hoped that this knowledge of how power and resistance operate will enable organizations to position and plan policies when organizational change and restructuring are desired. The essay provides guidelines on how to conduct Archaeology and concludes by suggesting potential ways in which Archaeology may be applied by organizations.

The need for change in the rapidly developing health sector is essential for the provision of quality health care services. In this study, the technological change experienced in the process of transition from the old hospital information management system used in a university hospital to the new hospital information management system was discussed and employees’ resistance, perceptions and attitudes to change have been examined through a change management approach. In this study, we aimed to examine the level of usage of the change management tools and change management phases in a university hospital through a change management approach in the transition phase to the new HIS. We also aim to discuss faced problems encountered in the change process, help to create consciousness for management of change, examine behavioural reasons of resistance of healthcare professionals and present our experiences and propose solutions in the view of adoption and acceptance management tools against change in Hospital Information Systems (HIS) for healthcare managers. In the research, it has been observed that in the transition to the new information system, the change management tools are applied partially whereas change management phases have been implemented to a large extent. University hospital employees are resistant to Hospital Information Management System replacement. The most resistant groups are doctors and nurses and the least resistant employees are administrative staff. The rise in hospital revenues following the change is noteworthy.

Instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR), an invasive index of coronary artery tree, can evaluate the functional performance of vascular stenosis without pharmacological vasodilators. The noninvasive assessment of diameter stenosis (DS) obtained from coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) has high false positive rate in contrast to iFR. The aim of this study was to develop a numerical simulation method that predicts the iFR and noninvasively assess the myocardial ischemia. Based on the CTA images, a patient-specific three-dimensional model of the aorta and coronary arteries were reconstructed. A stenosis was created in the left anterior descending artery (LAD) by reducing the DS of geometric model (40%, 50%, 60%, 75% and 90%). The patient-specific LPM boundary condition were set up to compute iFRct value during the wave-free period at the resting condition. The computed pressure and flow of coronary artery were realistic as compared to literature data. In contrast to invasive iFR, the iFRct can make a cost-benefit balance in terms of clinical cost and patient’s health.

Drawing upon diffusion of innovation (DoI) theory, technology acceptance models (TAMs), social network perspective and resistance literature, the study developed and tested a model, named integrated resistance factor model (IRFM), which integrates four key elements i.e. resistance indicators, support network factors, experience and disposition factors and the integration and accessibility factors. The study investigated if the model applies in a selected technology, namely online project information management systems (OPIMS). The IRFM was tested with partial least square (PLS) techniques and results from the $R^2$ analysis of the whole PLS structural model were significant and the data were coherence with the proposed model $(R^2=0.484)$. These results indicated that user resistance to technology innovation can be predicted using the IRFM.

In the face of increasing digitization, companies must make significant changes to their offerings and operations to remain competitive. This digital transformation of organizations includes a digital transformation of the workplace, which is often met with resistance from employees. While it is recognized that reducing employee resistance is crucial for organizations, there is a limited understanding of the antecedents of employee resistance in the context of digital transformation, different resistance behaviors, and potential countermeasures. Drawing on technostress and employee resistance theories, we address these research gaps. Results from two empirical studies support our central prediction that digital transformation of the workplace causes technostress, which in turn promotes passive and active resistance behaviors among employees. Additionally, we highlight that organizations can use digital literacy facilitation to reduce employee technostress and resistance.

This minireview describes the complexity of the molecular mechanisms involved in the tumor response to photodynamic treatment (PDT). Different aspects of reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS) induced by PDT will be examined. In particular, we will discuss the effect of ROS and RNS on cell compartments and the main mechanisms of cell death induced by the treatment. Moreover, we will also examine host defense mechanisms as well as resistance to PDT.

Interest in the significant impact of psychological factors on innovation outcomes is growing rapidly. Our understanding of cognitive processes is, however, evolving, and research on the specific forms and role of these factors within innovation-related decisions is limited. We propose a theory of decision-making that offers consilience across research areas, is grounded in both physical and social sciences, explains the constructs already established by innovation, adoption and resistance research, and serves the needs of innovation researchers and practitioners as a pragmatic tool. Using a variety of established research tools in novel ways including semantic field and bibliometric analysis and by drawing on research from diverse disciplines, we identify evolved psychological mechanisms as influences on adoption decision processes. We conclude that Evolutionary Choice Theory, defined as the collective influence of these evolved psychological mechanisms, should be adopted by innovation practitioners and researchers and provide specific pragmatic applications to inform this adoption.

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) has been associated with "good governance" by bodies at national and international levels including the World Bank, OECD, and UK and Scottish Governments. Typically involving components such as transparency, accountability, public participation and partnership working, this SEA/good governance nexus has been promoted in Scotland where the government sees SEA as central to its sustainable development aspirations. Using a governmentality lens to view SEA as a technique seeking to instil environmentally-focused governance, the paper examines the operation of the SEA/good governance nexus in the SEA process of one Scottish case study, a road corridor development framework undertaken between 2006 and 2008. The paper exposes instances of resistance to both the democratising elements of good governance and to SEA itself as the public and statutory Consultation Authorities find their efforts to constructively engage with the SEA process thwarted. This reveals that, in the case studied, the SEA/good governance nexus, as a high-level policy objective, is more aspiration than reality.

To elucidate on a potential association between mutations of topoisomerases and quinolone resistance in Riemerella anatipestifer, mutants of reduced quinolones susceptibility were generated from the four clinical isolates by serial passages in the presence of increased concentrations of nalidixic acid, ofloxacin, enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Eleven alterations at eight positions (81, 82, 83, 84, 87, 117, 119, and 181) in GyrA and five different alterations at four (431, 452, 470, and 471) positions in GyrB were induced within mutants, resulting in various levels of resistance to different quinolones. The most frequent alteration was at Ser83 in GyrA, which concurred with that of previous clinical studies. To our best knowledge, alterations at Ala183 in GyrA and at Arg452 as well as Glu471 in GyrB were firstly reported. The study demonstrated that alterations of GyrA and GyrB are the prior mechanisms by which R. anatipestifer develops its resistance to quinolones. Expanding the quinolone-resistance determining region for R. anatipestifer is suggested as well.