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Environmental Impacts Of Technological Change In Bangladesh Agriculture: Farmers' Perceptions, Determinants, And Effects On Resource Allocation Decisions, S Rahman Jan 2005

Environmental Impacts Of Technological Change In Bangladesh Agriculture: Farmers' Perceptions, Determinants, And Effects On Resource Allocation Decisions, S Rahman

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

This article measures the impact of modern technology adoption in raising farmers' environmental awareness and the impact of farmers' environmental awareness on resource use by utilizing survey data from 21 villages in three agro‐ecological regions of Bangladesh. The econometric analysis is based on the application of the Tobit model explaining farmers' environmental awareness in the first stage and a profit function examining environmental awareness and resource use relationships in the second stage. Results reveal that the “level” and “duration” of involvement with modern technology raises farmers' environmental awareness, and that farmers' environmental awareness reduces resource use including chemicals. Farmers, who …


The Correlation Grid: Analysis Of Synchronous Spiking In Multi-Dimensional Spike Train Data And Identification Of Feasible Connection Architectures, L Stuart, M Walter, R Borisyuk Jan 2005

The Correlation Grid: Analysis Of Synchronous Spiking In Multi-Dimensional Spike Train Data And Identification Of Feasible Connection Architectures, L Stuart, M Walter, R Borisyuk

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

This paper presents a visualization technique specifically designed to support the analysis of synchronous firings in multiple, simultaneously recorded, spike trains. This technique, called the correlation grid, enables investigators to identify groups of spike trains, where each pair of spike trains has a high probability of generating spikes approximately simultaneously or within a constant time shift. Moreover, the correlation grid was developed to help solve the following reverse problem: identification of the connection architecture between spike train generating units, which may produce a spike train dataset similar to the one under analysis. To demonstrate the efficacy of this approach, results …


Gpcalma: A Grid-Based Tool For Mammographic Screening, S Bagnasco, U Bottigli, Sc Cheran Jan 2005

Gpcalma: A Grid-Based Tool For Mammographic Screening, S Bagnasco, U Bottigli, Sc Cheran

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Objectives: The next generation of high energy physics (HEP) experiments requires a GRID approach to a distributed computing system: the key concept is the Virtual Organisation (VO), a group of distributed users with a common goal and the will to share their resources. Methods: A similar approach, applied to a group of hospitals that joined the GPCALMA project (Grid Platform for Computer Assisted Library for MAmmography), will allow common screening programs for early diagnosis of breast and, in the future, lung cancer. The application code makes use of neural networks for the image analysis and is useful in improving the …


Communicating Hands: Erps Elicited By Meaningful Symbolic Hand Postures, Tc Gunter, P Bach Nov 2004

Communicating Hands: Erps Elicited By Meaningful Symbolic Hand Postures, Tc Gunter, P Bach

School of Psychology

Meaningful and meaningless hand postures were presented to subjects who had to carry out a semantic discrimination task while electrical brain responses were recorded. Both meaningful and control sets of hand postures were matched as closely as possible. The ERPs elicited by meaningless hand postures showed an anteriorly distributed N300 and a centro-posteriorly distributed N400 component. The N300 probably reflects picture-specific processes, whereas the N400-effect probably reflects processing in an amodal semantic network. The scalp-distribution of the N400-effect, which is more posterior than usually reported in picture processing, suggests that the semantic representations of the concepts expressed by meaningful hand …


Teaching Catholicism, As Easy As Play., Tj Lynch Oct 2004

Teaching Catholicism, As Easy As Play., Tj Lynch

Plymouth Institute of Education

In society, sport often connotes a religious reference. Sport as a medium for learning is directly related to the curriculum key learning area of Health and Physical Education (HPE), as it can be used as a vehicle for teaching the HPE concepts. The unique ‘learning through movement’ nature of HPE enables a focus on the physical dimension. Hence, sport interacts intimately with the strand ‘developing concepts and skills for physical activity’, which is embedded in the Queensland HPE syllabus. In the physical dimension students can be presented with many practical and social experiences that require acknowledgement and reflection upon Catholic …


Degradation Of Cornish Calcified Seaweed (Maerl) In Soil, And Effects On Soil Fertility, R Parkinson, Jm Hall-Spencer, S Burchett, H Young Sep 2004

Degradation Of Cornish Calcified Seaweed (Maerl) In Soil, And Effects On Soil Fertility, R Parkinson, Jm Hall-Spencer, S Burchett, H Young

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

No abstract provided.


Cooperation Of Different Neuronal Systems During Hand Sign Recognition, A Nakamura, B Maess, Tr Knösche, Et Al Sep 2004

Cooperation Of Different Neuronal Systems During Hand Sign Recognition, A Nakamura, B Maess, Tr Knösche, Et Al

School of Psychology

Hand signs with symbolic meaning can often be utilized more successfully than words to communicate an intention; however, the underlying brain mechanisms are undefined. The present study using magnetoencephalography (MEG) demonstrates that the primary visual, mirror neuron, social recognition and object recognition systems are involved in hand sign recognition. MEG detected well-orchestrated multiple brain regional electrical activity among these neuronal systems. During the assessment of the meaning of hand signs, the inferior parietal, superior temporal sulcus (STS) and inferior occipitotemporal regions were simultaneously activated. These three regions showed similar time courses in their electrical activity, suggesting that they work together …


Quantitative Analysis Of Indigo And Indigo Precursors In Leaves Of Isatis Spp. And Polygonum Tinctorium, Kg Gilbert, Hg Maule, B Rudolph, M Lewis, Et Al Aug 2004

Quantitative Analysis Of Indigo And Indigo Precursors In Leaves Of Isatis Spp. And Polygonum Tinctorium, Kg Gilbert, Hg Maule, B Rudolph, M Lewis, Et Al

Peninsula Medical School

Analysis of extracts from two woad species (Isatis tinctoria and Isatis indigotica) and Polygonum tinctorium revealed that only one indigo precursor (indican) was present in Polygonum, but two precursors were found in Isatis spp. This was done using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), coupled to an evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD). In Isatis spp., the indigo precursors indican and a fraction representing isatan B were identified. The proportion of indican and isatan B was different between the two Isatis spp. tested. For the first time, it was possible to quantify the precursors in woad plant species, and the results were …


A Phase I/Ii Study Of Gemcitabine And Fractionated Cisplatin In An Outpatient Setting Using A 21-Day Schedule In Patients With Advanced And Metastatic Bladder Cancer, Sa Hussain, Dd Stocken, P Riley, Dh Palmer, Et Al Aug 2004

A Phase I/Ii Study Of Gemcitabine And Fractionated Cisplatin In An Outpatient Setting Using A 21-Day Schedule In Patients With Advanced And Metastatic Bladder Cancer, Sa Hussain, Dd Stocken, P Riley, Dh Palmer, Et Al

Peninsula Medical School

A randomised phase III trial of MVAC (methotrexate, vincristine, doxorubicin, cisplatin) vs gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) (G 1000 mg m(-2) days 1, 8, and 15 plus C 70 mg m(-2) day 2, q 4 wks) indicated GC had similar efficacy and lower toxicity (JCO 2000). Significant haematologic toxicities in the GC arm occurred on day 15, necessitating dose adjustments in 37% of cycles. We conducted a phase I/II dose escalation trial using GC on a 21-day cycle, with G and C split between days 1 and 8. The objective of the study to define maximum-tolerated dose and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), …


The Importance Of Hpe In Catholic Schools., Tj Lynch Jul 2004

The Importance Of Hpe In Catholic Schools., Tj Lynch

Plymouth Institute of Education

Sport is often related to religion. Although contemporary Australian society has been influenced by a secular shift most members of the public acknowledge religious reference through sport. Many even find it a comfortable reminder of their faith.


The Representation Of Neural Data Using Visualization, Ej Stuart Jun 2004

The Representation Of Neural Data Using Visualization, Ej Stuart

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Currently, the focus of research within Information Visualization is steering towards genomic data visualization due to the level of activity that the Human Genome Project has generated. However, the Human Brain project, renowned within Neuroinformatics, is equally challenging and exciting. Its main aim is to increase current understanding of brain function such as memory, learning, attention, emotions and consciousness. It is understood that this task will require the ‘integration of information from the level of the gene to the level of behaviour'. The work presented in this paper focuses on the visualization of neural data. More specifically, the data being …


Long-Term Results Of A Phase Ii Study Of Synchronous Chemoradiotherapy In Advanced Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer, Sa Hussain, Dd Stocken, Dr Peake, Jg Glaholm, Et Al Jun 2004

Long-Term Results Of A Phase Ii Study Of Synchronous Chemoradiotherapy In Advanced Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer, Sa Hussain, Dd Stocken, Dr Peake, Jg Glaholm, Et Al

Peninsula Medical School

We conducted a phase I/II study investigating synchronous chemoradiotherapy with mitomycin C and infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in muscle invasive bladder cancer. Early dose escalation results were previously published. We report the long-term toxicity and efficacy results with the optimised regimen. Patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer with glomerular filtration rate >25 ml min(-1) were eligible. Mitomycin (12 mg m(-2) on day 1 only) and infusional 5-FU (500 mg m(-2) day(-1)) for 5 days were administered during weeks 1 and 4 of radiotherapy of 55 Gy in 20 fractions. A total of 41 patients were enrolled, median age was 68 years, …


A Catholic Education Perspective On The Importance Of The Hpe Curriculum In Schools., Tj Lynch May 2004

A Catholic Education Perspective On The Importance Of The Hpe Curriculum In Schools., Tj Lynch

Plymouth Institute of Education

In society sport often connotes a religious reference. Sport is directly related to the curriculum key learning area of Health and Physical Education (HPE). The unique nature of HPE enables a focus on the physical dimension. Hence, sport interacts intimately with the strand ‘developing concepts and skills for physical activity’, which is embedded in the Queensland HPE syllabus. In the physical dimension students are presented with many practical and social experiences that require living and reflecting upon religious traditions and gospel values. Therefore, within Catholic education the HPE learning area is strongly connected to the Religious Education curriculum. By investigating …


Late Hercynian Leucogranites Modelling As Deduced From New Gravity Data : The Example Of The Millevaches Massif (Massif Central, France), A Gebelin, G Martelet, M Brunel, M Faure, P Rossi May 2004

Late Hercynian Leucogranites Modelling As Deduced From New Gravity Data : The Example Of The Millevaches Massif (Massif Central, France), A Gebelin, G Martelet, M Brunel, M Faure, P Rossi

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

The Millevaches granitic complex, located in the northern part of the French Massif Central, is elongated in a N-S direction, perpendicular to the main E-W trend of the Hercynian belt. It is affected on its limits and in its core by several ductile shear zones that have necessarily played a great role in the emplacement and exhumation of the massif. Based on gravity modelling and recent field observations, this study intends to highlight the massif structure at depth and discuss its mode of emplacement and relations with the surrounding terrains. The new gravity and density measurements on the north-east part …


Storytelling In Science, Stephen Rowcliffe Mar 2004

Storytelling In Science, Stephen Rowcliffe

School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences

Many secondary science teachers facedifficulties inspiring their classes. The use ofstories can enliven teaching and improve pupils’learning. This article reviews research in thisarea and offers guidelines and advice as to howteachers can use storytelling to optimumadvantage in science


Raised Intracranial Pressure Presenting With Spontaneous Periorbital Bruising: Two Case Reports, S Hadjikoutis, Cb Carroll, Gtp Plant Jan 2004

Raised Intracranial Pressure Presenting With Spontaneous Periorbital Bruising: Two Case Reports, S Hadjikoutis, Cb Carroll, Gtp Plant

Peninsula Medical School

The venous drainage of the orbit is known to be via the ophthalmic and vortex veins which communicate with the cavernous sinus. We describe two patients with raised intracranial pressure presenting with periorbital bruising. In one patient dural venous sinus thrombosis was demonstrated and it is suspected that the cause of the raised intracranial pressure may have been the same in the second. We suggest that the abrupt rise of pressure in the cerebral venous system was transmitted via the cavernous sinus to the orbital venous system.


Ultrastructure And Function Of Respiratory Cilia In Critical Illness, Joanne Hosking Jan 2004

Ultrastructure And Function Of Respiratory Cilia In Critical Illness, Joanne Hosking

School of Biomedical Sciences Theses

Approximately one in eleven hospital patients suffer a nosocomial infection. Intensive care patients are at particular risk and nosocomial pneumonia especially is a problem in the intensive care unit (ICU). The mucociliary transport system is the major defence mechanism against such infection and whilst its efficiency has been shown to be decreased in ICU patients there are few reports in the literature describing the ultrastructure of the respiratory epithelium in this patient group. The principal aims of this study included an investigation of the ultrastructure of the respiratory ciliated epithelium in ICU patients, together with an assessment of the impact …


Behavioural And Physiological Measurements Of Visual Performance In The Cuttlefish, Sepia Officinalis, Gillian Groeger Jan 2004

Behavioural And Physiological Measurements Of Visual Performance In The Cuttlefish, Sepia Officinalis, Gillian Groeger

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

This thesis investigated the behaviour and physiology of the visual system of Sepia officinalis by studying systematically its visual sensitivity and its spatial resolution. The cephalopod retina is composed of only photoreceptors and supporting cells, thereby providing a unique opportunity to study the interactions between photoreceptors, without the influence of other neurons, such as those typically found in the vertebrate retina. The minimum separable angle (MSA), a measure of spatial resolution, of S. officinalis was determined from behavioural experiments to be 42' for animals of 8 cm mantle length at 15 µW/cm² light intensity. As the animals grew in size …


Remote Sensing Of Optically Active Marine Components, Raghu Chandra Nagur Cherukuru Jan 2004

Remote Sensing Of Optically Active Marine Components, Raghu Chandra Nagur Cherukuru

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

Remote sensing is an efficient tool to monitor the aquatic ecology. The optical signature in coastal marine environment is a reflection of the complex distribution of optically active marine components. It is essential to understand the relationship between the remote sensing signal and marine constituent material to take advantage of high resolution remote sensing data available from spaceborne and airborne platforms. The objective of this research was to develop a semi-analytical forward model to predict the remote sensing optical signature in coastal waters dominated by non-planktonic material. Laboratory and in situ measurements collected over a5 year period (1998-2003) were used …


The Benthic Ecology Of Marine Aggregate Deposits, Jamie Edward Robinson Jan 2004

The Benthic Ecology Of Marine Aggregate Deposits, Jamie Edward Robinson

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

Macrobenthic assemblages and sedimentary conditions of five areas were described and compared; the role of abiotic factors in shaping benthic distributions was also examined. Two of the study sites were actively dredged at the time of sample collection and the effects of this aggregate extraction were investigated. It was concluded that trailer dredging (at the level intensity employed at these sites) was not associated with any significant disruption to benthic community structure, despite the differences in abiotic and biotic characteristics of the two dredged areas. A meta-analysis of findings from published dredging impact studies revealed a differential response to dredging …


Biomarkers Of Xeno-Oestrogen Exposure In Decapod Crustaceans, Matthew Burton Sanders Jan 2004

Biomarkers Of Xeno-Oestrogen Exposure In Decapod Crustaceans, Matthew Burton Sanders

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

Many anthropogenic chemicals, most notably xeno-oestrogens, are known to have the potential to disrupt vertebrate endocrine systems. Induction of the female-specific protein vitellogenin (Vtg) in male fish, for example, is a well-known effect of exposure to xeno-oestrogens and serves as a biomarker of such exposure. There have been few comparable studies of putative biomarkers of endocrine disruption in decapods. The current study aimed to establish if reproduction and development of two decapods, the prawn, Palaemon elegans and the crab, Carcinus maenas, were affected following exposure to known oestrogenic chemicals and whether a biomarker approach, analogous to that for vertebrates, could …


The Ecological Causes And Consequences Of Prey Choice And Ontogenetic Niche Shifts In The Common Goby, Angus Charles Jackson Jan 2004

The Ecological Causes And Consequences Of Prey Choice And Ontogenetic Niche Shifts In The Common Goby, Angus Charles Jackson

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

Foraging behaviour of the common goby, Pomatoschistus microps was investigated in both the United Kingdom and Sweden, with the aim of establishing causes and consequences of prey choice and ontogenetic shifts in diet. Goby life-cycle could be clearly divided into two stages, where prey choice changed abruptly from meio- to macrofauna at a standard length of 30 mm. This diet-shift maximised net energy intake rates, as illustrated by a quantitatively validated optimal foraging model. Intrinsic mechanisms were of greater importance than extrinsic factors in driving this shift. Metabolism, the primary prey choice determinant, revealed canalised and predictable diet shifts in …


Role Of Posidonia Oceanica Bed Structure In Determining The Diversity Of Associated Macroinvertebrate Assemblages, Joseph Anthony Borg Jan 2004

Role Of Posidonia Oceanica Bed Structure In Determining The Diversity Of Associated Macroinvertebrate Assemblages, Joseph Anthony Borg

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

Seagrass beds are highly productive shallow-water marine ecosystems and serve as a habitat for numerous invertebratesa nd fishes, some of which constitute important fisheries species.S eagrassb eds play an important role in physical coastal dynamics, since they stabilise soft bottoms, while their leaf canopy attenuates strong wave action and currents, thereby, reducing coastal erosion. However, seagrass habitats are undergoing a decline worldwide, hence, there is an urgent need for data on the influence of bed fragmentation and changes in plant architecture on the diversity of associated biota. In the Mediterranean Sea, the endemic seagrass Posidonia oceanica forms extensive beds that …


Studies On Myxozoan Parasites Of Freshwater Fish And Invertebrate Hosts, Matthew Longshaw Jan 2004

Studies On Myxozoan Parasites Of Freshwater Fish And Invertebrate Hosts, Matthew Longshaw

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

A study of myxozoan parasites has been investigated in hosts from freshwater environments in the UK. Over 17,000 oligochaetes, almost 5,000 juvenile cyprinids representing 7 species and over 60 invertebrate species have been examined for the presence of myxozoan parasites. In addition, studies on the lifecycle of Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae (the causative agent of salmonid proliferative kidney disease, PKD) and of selected cyprinid myxozoans were conducted. A total of 21 actinospore types in seven collective groups were isolated and described from oligochaetes collected from seven different river systems in England and Wales. Twelve of the actinospores isolated appear to be new …


Responses Of The Decapod Crustacean, Carcinus Maenas, Following Exposure To Environmental Contaminants. Development And Application Of Multiple Biomarkers., Giles Marcus Watson Jan 2004

Responses Of The Decapod Crustacean, Carcinus Maenas, Following Exposure To Environmental Contaminants. Development And Application Of Multiple Biomarkers., Giles Marcus Watson

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

Marine, coastal and estuarine ecosystems continue to be contaminated by anthropogenic chemicals. Improving our mechanistic understanding of the toxicity of environmental pollutants to aquatic organisms is therefore an important priority. This work is focussed on detecting and measuring the molecular, cellular and physiological responses of the shore crab Carcimis maenas following exposure to environmental chemicals, and uses biomarkers to do so. To better understand the response of C.maenas to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) a novel biomarker of exposure to this class of compounds was developed. Direct fluorimetric techniques revealed that the shore crab C.maenas eliminated metabolites of pyrene in the …


Ecology And Conservation Of Mediterranean Temporary Ponds In The Uk, Louise Mcabendroth Jan 2004

Ecology And Conservation Of Mediterranean Temporary Ponds In The Uk, Louise Mcabendroth

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

Macroinvertebrate and plant assemblage composition and abiotic habitat characteristics were examined in seventy-six ponds, in the New Forest (Hampshire, UK) and on the Lizard Peninsula (Cornwall, UK), in order to unravel the ecological processes influencing ponds at a range of spatial scales and provide a clear definition of Mediterranean Temporary Pond (MTP) habitat (92/43/EEC) in the UK. In addition, a set of newly created experimental ponds were monitored on the Lizard to examine patterns of colonisation and evaluate the use of habitat creation in temporary pond conservation. The findings are synthesised into a number of management recommendations for ponds in …


Ecology And Conservation Of Mediterranean Temporary Ponds In The Uk, Louise Mcabendroth Jan 2004

Ecology And Conservation Of Mediterranean Temporary Ponds In The Uk, Louise Mcabendroth

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

Macroinvertebrate and plant assemblage composition and abiotic habitat characteristics were examined in seventy-six ponds, in the New Forest (Hampshire. UK) and on the Lizard Peninsula (Cornwall, UK), in order to unravel the ecological processes influencing ponds at a range of spatial scales and provide a clear definition of Mediterranean Temporary Pond (MTP) habitat (92/43/EEC)in the UK. In addition, a set of newly created experimental ponds were monitored on the Lizard to examine patterns of colonisation and evaluate the use of habitat creation in temporary pond conservation. The findings are synthesised into a number of management recommendations for ponds in the …


Biomarkers Of Chemical Impacts In The Freshwater Invertebrates Asellusaquaticus And Pacifastacus Leniusculus, Anne Jennie O'Neill Jan 2004

Biomarkers Of Chemical Impacts In The Freshwater Invertebrates Asellusaquaticus And Pacifastacus Leniusculus, Anne Jennie O'Neill

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

The international scientific community has grown increasingly concerned that exposure to low levels of anthropogenic chemicals may disturb hormone function and/or sub lethal toxicity to other cells or organ systems in vertebrate and invertebrate species. This research programme was designed to develop, evaluate, and apply a range of biological and chemical indicators in the laboratory and/or field to assess the impact of sublethal toxicants including potential endocrine disaipting chemicals in the aquatic invertebrates, Asellus aquaticus (isopod) and Pacifasiacus leniiisciiius (decapod). Laboratory exposures of A. aquaticiis to environmentally realistic concentrations of known contaminants present within the river systems have demonstrated a …


Diel Vertical Migration And Feeding By Krill Meganyctiphanes Norvegica, Nicola Elizabeth Dawdry Jan 2004

Diel Vertical Migration And Feeding By Krill Meganyctiphanes Norvegica, Nicola Elizabeth Dawdry

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

The diel vertical migration (DVM) of zooplankton has been extensively studied and reviewed. Yet the controlling mechanisms for DVM are still uncertain, although several hypotheses, e.g. predator evasion, hunger - satiation, light avoidance, have been proposed. This is particularly so for krill. An important part of understanding krill DVM depends on explaining the factors which drive krill to the surface waters at night. lt is frequently speculated that krill migrate to the surface layers to feed. Although there is a vast literature on krill feeding (and the pattern of krill DVM) there has been little attempt to establish the role …


Evaluation Of The Role Of Soluble And Insoluble Dietary Fibres In Affecting The Physico-Chemical And Nutritional Characteristics Of Cereal And Dairy Based Food Products, Carmen-Mirela Tudorica Jan 2004

Evaluation Of The Role Of Soluble And Insoluble Dietary Fibres In Affecting The Physico-Chemical And Nutritional Characteristics Of Cereal And Dairy Based Food Products, Carmen-Mirela Tudorica

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

Current dietary guidelines recommend high dietary fibre (DF), low fat and low glycaemic index (GI) diets as means to prevent or manage diet related chronic diseases which have become increasingly frequent amongst younger individuals. However there is a shortage of such products on the market. This study investigates the behaviour of DF in cereal and dairy systems with the aim to screen for DF ingredients that may lead not only to nutritionally valuable, but also to good quality, palatable functional foods. A range of insoluble and/or soluble DF was used in cereal (bread and pasta) and milk (fresh cheese and …