• Quality control of herbal medicines

      Liang, Yi-Zeng; Xie, Peishan; Chan, Kelvin C. (Elsevier, 2004)
      Different chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques commonly used in the instrumental inspection of herbal medicines (HM) are first comprehensively reviewed. Chemical fingerprints obtained by chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques, especially by hyphenated chromatographies, are strongly recommended for the purpose of quality control of herbal medicines, since they might represent appropriately the "chemical integrities" of the herbal medicines and therefore be used for authentication and identification of the herbal products. Based on the conception of phytoequivalence, the chromatographic fingerprints of herbal medicines could be utilized for addressing the problem of quality control of herbal medicines. Several novel chemometric methods for evaluating the fingerprints of herbal products, such as the method based on information theory, similarity estimation, chemical pattern recognition, spectral correlative chromatogram (SCC), multivariate resolution, etc. are discussed in detail with examples, which showed that the combination of chromatographic fingerprints of herbal medicines and the chemometric evaluation might be a powerful tool for quality control of herbal products.
    • Quality control perspectives during mass production with a focus on the chemical industry

      Oduoza, Chike; Akdogun, Anil; Vanli, Ali Sendar (InTechOpen, 2020-03-11)
      Mass production was part of the industrial revolution in 1870 and, with it, a huge step change in manufacturing processes. Its impact was ground breaking and became even more remarkable with automation in a business production environment. The chemical industry is one of the manufacturing sectors that has benefited from the technology of mass production achieved through automating the business process. In this era of industry 4.0 and with the associated advanced technologies of smart manufacturing, cloud computing, cyber physical systems and internet of things, mass production has been revolutionised but still faced issues such as quality control of the production process which was affected by supply chain management, customised production of commodity and specialty chemicals and huge demand from other chemical industry manufacturers. This chapter has reviewed the evolution of mass production during traditional manufacturing to the present day and carried out a risk assessment to quality of production in a mass production environment with a view to recommending adequate quality control of the production process. The chapter also included a case study for mass production of a pharmaceutical drug—Amoxicillin which was partly batch produced into dry powder and then mass produced using tableting and encapsulating machine, highlighting sources of contamination and inconsistency in tablet weight if adequate control measures were not put in place.
    • Quality of academic careers at post-92 universities. University of Wolverhampton – Written evidence (PSU0068)

      Mondokova, Andrea; Suresh, Subashini; Renukappa, Suresh (U.K Parliament, 2022-10-24)
    • Quality of life assessment using heath related quality of life in affected CKDu individuals; concept paper

      Aslam, Fahim; Rilwan, Rizkha; Weerasinghe, Chathuri (Medwin Publishers, 2020-11-25)
      Pandemics over the years have been a constant threat towards mankind, the most recent COVID-19 outbreak is no exception to this. With the emerging demand of treating the outbreak, majority of the frontline workers have been assigned towards helping out the COVID-19 affected patients leaving the others behind. However, over time several healthcare practitioners have been using alternative forms of patient assessment tools. Heath Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) is one of the commonly used tools that have been widely used across Europe and America, using these, patients can self-evaluate their own conditions without requiring the assistance of a doctor. This paper focuses provides a conceptual framework that can be followed for quality of life assessment in chronic kidney patients using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL) questionnaire.
    • Quantisation feasibility and performance of RSS-based secret key extraction in VANETs

      Bottarelli, Mirko; Epiphaniou, Gregory; Kbaier Ben Ismail, Dhouha; Karadimas, Petros; al-Khateeb, Haider (IEEE, 2018-06-12)
      Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) has emerged as a unique implementation of Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs). These networks promise to increase road safety and improve the driving experience by exploiting recent advances in wireless technologies for both intra-vehicle and inter-vehicle communications. Physical layer security is a promising alternative approach to secure communication in VANETs where physical and applications’ constraints encourage the use of lightweight and fast cryptographic algorithms. Our work focuses on the quantisation stage of the secret generation process, by reviewing existing schemes in the public domain and associated performance metrics. Evaluations are done through simulation with the aid of a wireless channel model which includes three-dimensional scattering and scatterers’ mobility. Preliminary findings show that RSS-based algorithms do not perform efficiently in the proposed vehicular stochastic wireless model. Hence they are not able to satisfy the typical low latency required in safetyrelated broadcasting messaging. We conclude that more research is desirable to design protocols capable of taking advantage from the nodes’ high-mobility and the consequent variability of both coherence intervals and level crossing rates, to further improve secret bit extraction throughput.
    • Quantitative analysis of malondialdehyde-guanine adducts in genomic DNA samples by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

      Yates, Sally A; Dempster, Nicola M; Murphy, Mark F; Moore, Sharon A (Wiley, 2017-04-16)
      The lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde forms M1 dG adducts with guanine bases in genomic DNA. The analysis of these adducts is important as a biomarker of lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress and inflammation which may be linked to disease risk or exposure to a range of chemicals.
    • Quantum metric and wave packets at exceptional points in non-Hermitian systems

      Solnyshkov, DD; Leblanc, C; Bessonart, L; Nalitov, A; Ren, J; Liao, Q; Li, F; Malpuech, G (American Physical Society, 2021-03-11)
      The usual concepts of topological physics, such as the Berry curvature, are not always relevant for non-Hermitian systems. We show that another object, the quantum metric, which often plays a secondary role in Hermitian systems, becomes a crucial quantity near exceptional points in non-Hermitian systems, where it diverges in a way that fully controls the description of wave-packet trajectories. The quantum metric behavior is responsible for a constant acceleration with a fixed direction, and for a nonvanishing constant velocity with a controllable direction. Both contributions are independent of the wave-packet size.
    • Quantum optics: A new way to correlate photons

      Laussy, Fabrice (Springer Nature, 2017-03-29)
      Resonance fluorescence from a semiconductor quantum dot unravels a rich two-photon landscape of correlations, and may be used to test their quantum nonlocality.
    • Quasi-static, impact and energy absorption of internally nested tubes subjected to lateral loading

      Baroutaji, A; Gilchrist, MD; Olabi, AG (Elsevier BV, 2015-10-20)
      © 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd. This paper presents the responses of nested tube systems under quasi-static and dynamic lateral loading. Nested systems in the form of short internally stacked tubes were proposed as energy absorbing structures for applications that have limited crush zones. Three configurations of nested tube systems were experimentally analysed in this paper. The crush behaviour and energy absorbing responses of these systems under various loading conditions were presented and discussed. It was found that the quasi-static and dynamic responses of the nested systems were comparable under an experimental velocity of v=4.5 m/sec. This is due to insignificant strain rate and inertia effects of the nested systems under the applied velocity. The performance indicators, which describe the effectiveness of energy absorbing systems, were calculated to compare the various nested systems and the best system was identified. Furthermore, the effects of geometrical and loading parameters on the responses of the best nested tube system were explored via performing parametric analysis. The parametric study was performed using validated finite element models. The outcome of this parametric study was full detailed design guidelines for such nested tube energy absorbing structures.
    • Quasichiral interactions between quantum emitters at the nanoscale

      Downing, Charles; López Carreño, Juan Camilo; Laussy, Fabrice P.; Valle, Elena del; Fernández-Domínguez, Antonio (American Physical Society, 2019-02-07)
      We present a combined classical and quantum electrodynamics description of the coupling between two circularly polarized quantum emitters held above a metal surface supporting surface plasmons. Depending on their position and their natural frequency, the emitter-emitter interactions evolve from being reciprocal to nonreciprocal, which makes the system a highly tunable platform for chiral coupling at the nanoscale. By relaxing the stringent material and geometrical constraints for chirality, we explore the interplay between coherent and dissipative coupling mechanisms in the system. Thus, we reveal a quasichiral regime in which its quantum optical properties are governed by its subradiant state, giving rise to extremely sharp spectral features and strong photon correlations.
    • Questionnaires mentioned in academic research 1996-2019: Rapid increase but declining citation impact

      Fairclough, Ruth; Thelwall, Michael (Wiley, 2021-09-08)
      Questionnaires are a device to elicit human perspectives, self-reports or knowledge. This article investigates which broad academic fields use questionnaires, whether this use is increasing, and whether it generates average citation impact. This is investigated through a nonprobability sample: articles mentioning questionnaires in their titles, abstracts, or keywords. This procedure captures a minority of research using questionnaires, with substantial biases against fields using alternative terminology, such as ‘instrument’ or ‘survey’, or that rarely explicitly mention questionnaires in titles, abstract or keywords because they play a minor role. The results suggest that the proportion of journal articles using questionnaires tripled between 1996 and 2019, and this proportion increased in all 27 broad Scopus fields. Over the same period, the citation impact of the identified research declined from above average to below average. Thus, whilst academic research seems to be increasingly using questionnaires, the quality or scholarly value of research using questionnaires may be declining. These are tentative conclusions because of the unknown sampling bias for the set of questionnaire-based articles analysed.
    • Questions and answers on iron deficiency treatment selection and the use of intravenous iron in routine clinical practice

      Richards, T; Breymann, C; Brookes, Matthew; Lindgren, S; Macdougall, IC; McMahon, LP; Munro, MG; Nemeth, E; Rosano, GMC; Schiefke, I; et al. (Taylor & Francis, 2021-01-10)
      Iron deficiency is a common cause of morbidity and can arise as a consequence or complication from many diseases. The use of intravenous iron has increased significantly in the last decade, but concerns remain about indications and administration. Modern intravenous iron preparations can facilitate rapid iron repletion in one or two doses, both for absolute iron deficiency and, in the presence of inflammation, functional iron deficiency, where oral iron therapy is ineffective or has not worked. A multidisciplinary team of experts experienced in iron deficiency undertook a consensus review to support healthcare professionals with practical advice on managing iron deficiency in gastrointestinal, renal and cardiac disease, as well as; pregnancy, heavy menstrual bleeding, and surgery. We explain how intravenous iron may work where oral iron has not. We provide context on how and when intravenous iron should be administered, and informed opinion on potential benefits balanced with potential side-effects. We propose how intravenous iron side-effects can be anticipated in terms of what they may be and when they may occur. The aim of this consensus is to provide a practical basis for educating and preparing staff and patients on when and how iron infusions can be administered safely and efficiently.Key messages Iron deficiency treatment selection is driven by several factors, including the presence of inflammation, the time available for iron replenishment, and the anticipated risk of side-effects or intolerance. Intravenous iron preparations are indicated for the treatment of iron deficiency when oral preparations are ineffective or cannot be used, and therefore have applicability in a wide range of clinical contexts, including chronic inflammatory conditions, perioperative settings, and disorders associated with chronic blood loss. Adverse events occurring with intravenous iron can be anticipated according to when they typically occur, which provides a basis for educating and preparing staff and patients on how iron infusions can be administered safely and efficiently.
    • Rabbit syndrome: update on aetiology and management for pharmacists, psychiatrists and dentists

      Reyad, Ayman Antoun; Girgis, Eriny; Mishriky, Raafat (Journalcmpr, 2019-03-28)
      Rabbit syndrome (RS) is an involuntary movement disorder, characterized by fast and fine movements of oral and masticatory muscles along the mouth vertical axis in the absence of tongue involvement. RS prevalence varies between 2.3% to 4.4% and could result from the administration of antipsychotics and antidepressants. In case of second generation antipsychotics, there is a reduced risk of RS compared with first generation antipsychotics with mainly isolated literature case reports especially with the use of risperidone as antipsychotic. RS affects only the buccal region, with the possible involvement of the basal ganglia, in particular the substantia nigra. The management of RS include reduction or change of the psychotropic treatment and use of anticholinergic medications such as trihexyphenidyl. Although RS is rare and easily treatable, it is essential that dentists and psychiatrists could distinguish this syndrome from other movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia.
    • Rainfall simulator study of the erosion control potential of palm geotextiles for mine dam slope stabilization

      Bühmann, C.,; Paterson, G.; Pienaar, G.M.E.; Nell, J.P.; Mulibana, N.E.; van Deventer, P.W.; Fullen, Michael A.; Subedi, Madhu; Sarsby, Robert W. (CRC Press/Taylor and Francis, 2010)
      Mining has been the backbone of the South African economy since the late 19th century. Large volumes of mine waste, such as tailings, have been generated in some areas. Mine waste is highly susceptible to both water and wind erosion, it may create moderate to severe chemical imbalances or toxicities and has a severe abrasive effect on seedlings, a low water-holding capacity and is prone to compaction and crusting. Biogeotextiles are potentially effective and economically-viable erosion control products. The main objective of the study reported herein was to establish the erosion control properties of palm-mats by determining erosion-related variables via rainfall simulation. The textiles were manufactured from the leaves of the Lala palm (Hyphaene coriacea) and covered about 40% of the tailing surface. Ten representative samples of South African mine waste materials were collected for the rainfall simulator studies. Measured erosion parameters included; runoff, sediment load in runoff and interrill erodibility. Seven samples were sand-textured and three were silty. Sediment load was not dependent on exchangeable sodium or organic matter contents, but prominently associated with pH, silt percentage and the quartz content in the clay fraction. When the samples were covered with palm-mats the amount of runoff was similar to that of bare materials, but sediment yield was reduced by about 55%. These results confirm the suitability of palm geotextiles for erosion control on tailing dam slopes.
    • RAN0011 - Ransomware. Adapting railway sector to repel ransomware cyber threats

      Renukappa, Suresh; Erriadi, Wahiba; Suresh, Subashini; Seabright, Luke (UK Parliament, 2023-01-30)
    • RAN0013 - Ransomware. Ransomware cyber attacks in the healthcare sector

      Renukappa, Suresh; Subbarao, Chandrashekar; Suresh, Subashini (UK Parliament, 2023-01-30)
    • Randomised controlled trial of a home-based physical activity intervention in breast cancer survivors

      Lahart, Ian; Metsios, George S.; Nevill, Alan M.; Kitas, George D.; Carmichael, Amtul R. (2016-03-17)
      Background: To improve adherence to physical activity (PA), behavioural support in the form of behavioural change counselling may be necessary. However, limited evidence of the effectiveness of home-based PA combined with counselling in breast cancer patients exists. The aim of this current randomised controlled trial with a parallel group design was to evaluate the effectiveness of a home-based PA intervention on PA levels, anthropometric measures, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and blood biomarkers in breast cancer survivors. Methods: Eighty post-adjuvant therapy invasive breast cancer patients (age = 53.6 ± 9.4 years; height = 161.2 ± 6.8 cm; mass = 68.7 ± 10.5 kg) were randomly allocated to a 6-month home-based PA intervention or usual care. The intervention group received face-to-face and telephone PA counselling aimed at encouraging the achievement of current recommended PA guidelines. All patients were evaluated for our primary outcome, PA (International PA Questionnaire) and secondary outcomes, mass, BMI, body fat %, HRQoL (Functional assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast), insulin resistance, triglycerides (TG) and total (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) cholesterol were assessed at baseline and at 6-months. Results: On the basis of linear mixed-model analyses adjusted for baseline values performed on 40 patients in each group, total, leisure and vigorous PA significantly increased from baseline to post-intervention in the intervention compared to usual care (between-group differences, 578.5 MET-min∙wk−1, p = .024, 382.2 MET-min∙wk−1, p = .010, and 264.1 MET-min∙wk−1, p = .007, respectively). Both body mass and BMI decreased significantly in the intervention compared to usual care (between-group differences, −1.6 kg, p = .040, and −.6 kg/m2, p = .020, respectively). Of the HRQoL variables, FACT-Breast, Trial Outcome Index, functional wellbeing, and breast cancer subscale improved significantly in the PA group compared to the usual care group (between-group differences, 5.1, p= .024; 5.6, p = .001; 1.9 p = .025; and 2.8, p=.007, respectively). Finally, TC and LDL-C was significantly reduced in the PA group compared to the usual care group (between-group differences, −.38 mmol∙L−1, p=.001; and −.3 mmol∙L−1, p=.023, respectively). Conclusions: We found that home-based PA resulted in significant albeit small to moderate improvements in selfreported PA, mass, BMI, breast cancer specific HRQoL, and TC and LDL-C compared with usual care.
    • Rank acquisition in rhesus macaque yearlings following permanent maternal separation: The importance of the social and physical environment

      Wooddell, Lauren J.; Kaburu, Stefano S. K; Murphy, Ashley M.; Suomi, Stephen J.; Dettmer, Amanda M. (Wiley, 2017-08-18)
      Rank acquisition is a developmental milestone for young primates, but the processes by which primate yearlings attain social rank in the absence of the mother remain unclear. We studied 18 maternally reared yearling rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) that differed in their social and physical rearing environments. We found that early social experience and maternal rank, but not individual traits (weight, sex, age), predicted dominance acquisition in the new peer‐only social group. Yearlings also used coalitions to reinforce the hierarchy, and social affiliation (play and grooming) was likely a product, rather than a determinant, of rank acquisition. Following relocation to a familiar environment, significant rank changes occurred indicating that familiarity with a physical environment was salient in rank acquisition. Our results add to the growing body of literature emphasizing the role of the social and physical environment on behavioral development, namely social asymmetries among peers.