The Synthesis and Study of Novel Squaramide Scaffolds: From Sensors to Soft Materials

This thesis entitled ‘The Synthesis and Study of Novel Squaramide Scaffolds: From Sensors to Soft Materials’ is divided in 6 Chapters. Chapter 1, squaramide based receptors as potential anion sensors, gives a brief introduction into the history of anion recognition and the significant role anions play in biology and in the environment. A range of relevant examples of anion receptors and sensors from the literature are also given. This Chapter concludes with the aims of the research conducted in Chapter 2. In Chapter 2, a set of novel squaramide based anion receptors are described. The synthesis of each receptor is discussed in addition to their photophysical and anion binding properties. Chapter 3, squaramide based low molecular weight gelators (LMWGs), gives a concise background into the field of gels, from their formation and classification to their characteristics. It also gives a brief introduction on the topic of supramolecular gels with some relevant examples from the literature. This Chapter concludes with the aims of the research conducted in Chapter 4. In Chapter 4, a series of novel squaramides potential low molecular weight oragano-gelators (LMWOGs) are described. The synthesis of each new compound is discussed, in addition to preliminary gelation tests. In Chapter 5, an overall conclusion of the entire preceding chapter is given. Finally, in Chapter 6, general experimental procedures are outlined and the synthesis and characterisation of each of the compounds is given. Subsequently, literature references are provided and are followed by the Appendix which provides spectroscopic, titration data and photographic images to support work described in the main text

The Synthesis and Study of Novel Squaramide Scaffolds: From Sensors to Soft Materials

This thesis entitled ‘The Synthesis and Study of Novel Squaramide Scaffolds: From Sensors to Soft Materials’ is divided in 6 Chapters. Chapter 1, squaramide based receptors as potential anion sensors, gives a brief introduction into the history of anion recognition and the significant role anions play in biology and in the environment. A range of relevant examples of anion receptors and sensors from the literature are also given. This Chapter concludes with the aims of the research conducted in Chapter 2. In Chapter 2, a set of novel squaramide based anion receptors are described. The synthesis of each receptor is discussed in addition to their photophysical and anion binding properties. Chapter 3, squaramide based low molecular weight gelators (LMWGs), gives a concise background into the field of gels, from their formation and classification to their characteristics. It also gives a brief introduction on the topic of supramolecular gels with some relevant examples from the literature. This Chapter concludes with the aims of the research conducted in Chapter 4. In Chapter 4, a series of novel squaramides potential low molecular weight oragano-gelators (LMWOGs) are described. The synthesis of each new compound is discussed, in addition to preliminary gelation tests. In Chapter 5, an overall conclusion of the entire preceding chapter is given. Finally, in Chapter 6, general experimental procedures are outlined and the synthesis and characterisation of each of the compounds is given. Subsequently, literature references are provided and are followed by the Appendix which provides spectroscopic, titration data and photographic images to support work described in the main text

Prevalence of human papillomavirus in head and neck cancers in European populations: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is necessary for the development of cervical carcinoma. By contrast, the role of HPV in the pathogenesis of other malignancies, such as head and neck cancers, is less well characterised. This study aimed to address key information gaps by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of HPV infection in head and neck cancers, focusing on data for European populations. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase and grey literature sources were systematically searched for primary studies that were published in English between July 2002 and July 2012, and which reported on the prevalence of HPV infection in head and neck cancers in European populations. Studies on non-European populations, those not published in English, and those assessing patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus were excluded. Eligible studies were combined in a meta-analysis. In addition, the potential statistical association between the head and neck cancers and certain HPV types was investigated. RESULTS: Thirty-nine publications met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of HPV of any type in 3,649 patients with head and neck cancers was 40.0% (95% confidence interval, 34.6% to 45.5%), and was highest in tonsillar cancer (66.4%) and lowest in pharyngeal (15.3%) and tongue (25.7%) cancers. There were no statistically significant associations between the HPV types analysed and the geographical setting, type of sample analysed or type of primer used to analyse samples in head and neck cancers. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HPV infection in European patients with head and neck cancers is high but varies between the different anatomical sites of these malignancies. There appears to be no association between HPV type and geographical setting, type of samples analysed or type of primer used to analyse samples in such cancers

A Conceptual Analysis of Global Human Resource Practices: Challenges and Prosp

With the advent of globalisation, all firms, large or small have become global, they ceased to be local. Even those organisations who consider themselves immune to transactions across geographical boundaries are connected to the wider network globally and this has encouraged many multinational companies to extend their operations to other countries by establishing subsidiary companies in other countries. For these companies to do well, sound human capital management practices must be embraced. This paper therefore examines the trends in globalhuman resource management practices, as well as the functions and challenges. As a conceptual paper, it is based on review of scholarly articles with a focus on creating a local appeal without compromising the global identity; generating awareness of cross-cultural sensitivities among managers globally and hiring of staff across geographical boundaries; and upon cultural sensitivities, training and development for the host communities. It concludes that success lies in a firm’s ability to build a unique competitive advantage against others. This competitive advantage will last longer if it is within the human capital of the organization rather than just a technology that others can buy. To become and remain competitive globally, it is recommended that a multinational enterprise acquaint itself with the various environmental settings that are likely to inhibit its success and design ways to beat them in advance.Keywords: HRM, staffing policy, labour relations, inter-country differences, Global HR Syste

Cost-effectiveness analysis of abobotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of cervical dystonia in the United Kingdom.

Cervical dystonia (CD) involves painful involuntary contraction of the neck and shoulder muscles and abnormal posture in middle-aged adults. Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) is effective in treating CD but little is known about its associated cost-effectiveness.This article is freely available via Open Access. Click on the Additional Link above to access the full-text via the publisher's site.Publishe

A Conceptual Analysis of Global Human Resource Practices: Challenges and Prospects

With the advent of globalisation, all firms, large or small have become global, they ceased to be local. Even those organisations who consider themselves immune to transactions across geographical boundaries are connected to the wider network globally and this has encouraged many multinational companies to extend their operations to other countries by establishing subsidiary companies in other countries. For these companies to do well, sound human capital management practices must be embraced. This paper therefore examines the conceptual analysis of global human resource management practices, it functions and challenges. It is a conceptual paper that is based on review of scholarly articles. Objectives of the paper include; creating a local appeal without compromising the global identity; generating awareness of crosscultural sensitivities among managers globally and hiring of staff across geographical boundaries; and upon cultural sensitivities, training and development for the host communities. It is therefore concluded that success lies in a firm’s ability to build a unique competitive advantage against others. This competitive advantage will last longer if it is within the human capital of the organization rather than just a technology that others can buy. To become and remain competitive globally, it is recommended that a multinational enterprise acquaint itself with the various environmental settings that are likely to inhibit its success and design ways to beat them in advance

Taking up the cudgels against gay rights? Trends and trajectories in African Christian theologies on homosexuality

Against the background of the HIV epidemic and the intense public controversy on homosexuality in African societies, this article investigates the discourses of academic African Christian theologians on homosexuality. Distinguishing some major strands in African theology, that is, inculturation, liberation, women’s and reconstruction theology, the article examines how the central concepts of culture, liberation, justice, and human rights function in these discourses. On the basis of a qualitative analysis of a large number of publications, the article shows that stances of African theologians are varying from silence and rejection to acceptance. Although many African theologians have taken up the cudgels against gay rights, some “dissident voices” break the taboo and develop more inclusive concepts of African identity and African Christianity