Automated IDEF3 and IDEF4 systems design specification document

The current design is presented for the automated IDEF3 and IDEF4 tools. The philosophy is described behind the tool designs as well as the conceptual view of the interacting components of the two tools. Finally, a detailed description is presented of the existing designs for the tools using IDEF3 process descriptions and IDEF4 diagrams. In the preparation of these designs, the IDEF3 and IDEF4 methodologies were very effective in defining the structure and operation of the tools. The experience in designing systems in this fashion was very valuable and resulted in future systems being designed in this way. However, the number of IDEF3 and IDEF4 diagrams that were produced using a Macintosh for this document attest to the need for an automated tool to simplify this design process

The relationship between conflict resolution styles in cross-gender sibling relationships and romantic relationships

Previous research demonstrates that there are several similarities between sibling relationships and romantic relationships and the former may even impact the latter. Further, research has shown that sibling relationships of mixed-gender dyads more significantly impact later romantic relationships. As conflict is a normative and frequent aspect of both relationships, the purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between a female’s conflict resolution style with her male sibling and her conflict resolution style with her romantic partner, if relational closeness and distance in years between her and her male sibling are moderating factors of her conflict resolution style, and if the female sibling’s use of compromise, as a conflict resolution style with her male sibling, effects her level of relational closeness with her romantic partner

Melittin: A Natural Component of Honeybee Venom as a Potential Anti-Cancer Therapy

Cancer is a major cause of death worldwide and while chemotherapy is the main approach there are many negative associations in current treatment procedures. These include lack of selectivity, side effects and drug resistance. The hallmarks of cancer are a fundamental concept which aids the development of new means to treat human cancers through the understanding of the acquisition of these hallmarks from cells. Melittin is a major peptide component of bee venom which has shown to be efficacious as an anticancer agent in preclinical and animal models. Melittin has many biological functions including pore formation in the phospholipid bilayer causing cell permeability and lysis. It interacts with various biological signalling pathways which suppress tumour cells, notably, the Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and the Nuclear Factor Kappa B pathways. Despite convincing data presented, its pertinency to human studies has been met with challenges due to non-specific cytotoxicity and haemolytic capabilities. Optimisation techniques for melittin have been developed including the use of gene therapy, co-delivery and nanoparticles. Melittin’s biological functions, the potential methods of delivery and current trends in melittin development for therapy are presented and discussed in this review

An Investigation into use of Natural Mistletoe Extracts and Their Formulations as Potential Anti-Cancer Treatments in Human Carcinomas

Cancer is a prevalent disease that is responsible for around 10 million deaths a year. Cases and deaths will continue to rise daily if nothing is done to find the most effective treatment. Mistletoe is an evergreen, semi-parasitic plant that grows on trees. This plant contains a number of biologically active compounds that contribute to its anti-cancer properties e.g., lectins. Mistletoe is obtained from nature and has been shown to be safe, potent, and effective in treating cancer. Herein we review the biological effects of mistletoe on cancer cells, formulations that can be used in cancer treatment and discuss the benefits and caveats of such treatments

The School Improvement Partnership Programme: Using Collaboration and Enquiry to tackle Educational Inequity

No abstract available