Digital Commons Network^™

Determination Of Multiple Pesticides Residues In Imported Tea In Uae Using Liquid And Gas Chromatography And Tandem Mass Spectrometry, Sarra Ali Mohammed Hassan Almulla

Theses

An accurate, rapid and reliable method for the simultaneous determination of 48 pesticide residues in United Arab Emirates imported tea (Green and Black) by liquid and gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry LC–ESI (+) - MS/MS and GC-EI-MS/MS. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was used in which two transitions for each compound for pesticide identification and quantification in the presence of internal standards. Modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, safe (QuEChERS) method was used for sample clean up and preparation for chromatographic analysis. The performance of the newly developed analytical method was validated in accordance with EU SANCO guidelines …

Spirituality & Young Adults Work Performance, Kirstijan Hrdzic

Theses

Young adults are facing though time adapting to their workplace environment. This results with reduced work performance. In order to find intrinsic motivation for their work, practicing spirituality is one of the possible solutions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between spirituality and young adults’ work performance. A survey was administered online asking young working adults in the Zagreb area to complete a 37 items questionnaire. The first part of questionnaire contained items that tested perceived daily spirituality experience, while the second part of questionnaire contained items pertaining to task work performance, contextual work performance and …

Coercion Negates Responsibility: A Case For Indirect Compelled Doxastic Coercion And Adaptive Preferences As Effects Of Practical Coercion, Rc Patterson

Theses

In part 1 of this project, I

1. define different forms of coercion;
2. outline adaptive preferences;
3. argue that indirect doxastic coercion is the unconscious element in adaptive preferences; and
4. contextualize these concepts in the black experience.

In part 2, I

1. demonstrate how certain segregation policies are a mix of direct practical coercion and indirect doxastic compelled coercion, or indoctrination;
2. In the final section I argue that, under desert theory, coercion negates responsibility.

The Impact Of Scholarships On Student Careers: The Case Of Ipko Foundation Next Generation Scholarship, Daors Sahatciu

Theses

Kosovo, a young country with a relatively high proportion of youth among its population, is in a pivotal period in which investment plays a key role. Apart from private investors, the country has been subject to the abundant inflow of financial resources from international and local organizations, including non-governmental ones or NGOs. Each with a different mission, these NGOs have sought to positively influence the economic environment in Kosovo, while some of them have continuously invested in youth through vast scholarship funds aimed at supporting students based on merit. But how effective are these funds in terms of developing the …

Skin-To-Skin Contact After Birth To Promote Newborns' Vital Stabilization: An Evidence-Based Project, Stephanie Bricker, Rachel Johnson, Caitlin Stom

Theses

The hours immediately following birth are a crucial time for an infant to sustain life. Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) during this time provides the infant with natural thermoregulation and promotes oxygenation. The purpose of this evidence-based project is to examine the physiological effects SSC has on full-term newborns. The research was centered around the PICOT question: In full term newborns, how does direct skin-to-skin contact, compared to no skin-to-skin contact, affect the stabilization of the infant as measured by the infant's vital signs, when practiced within the first few hours after birth?

Provisions Of Maternity Leave In The Republic Of Kosovo: Impact On Private Sector And Employment, Nida Krasniqi

Theses

The maternity leave provisions have been instilled in international labor legislation as a result of advocacy initiatives of the International Labor Organization (ILO), with the purpose to improve the position of women in the labor market and ensure necessary protection of mothers. Depending on the country, such provisions differ on different aspects such as the length of leave offered, the level of pay, and the structure of payment.

Immediately after the 1999 war and while being under the interim administration of UNMIK, Kosovo had enacted the first Law on Labor which regulated maternity leave, only to follow with a new …

Alleviating Traffic Congestion In Prishtina, Begatim Berisha

Theses

This Honor Project paper analyzes the problem of traffic congestion in Prishtina. Firstly, factors that cause traffic congestion are identified. Understanding these factors provides some clues on potential contra measures. Secondly, economic and social effects are discussed to evaluate the importance of alleviating traffic congestion. Lastly, based on the existing city models, different strategies to resolving this problem are presented. In doing so, various designing and simulation tools are used to visualize and compare different scenarios. The research methodology for this project includes literature review, site visits, an in-depth interview, and surveys.

Screening Of Synthetic Chemical Agents “Chromenes” With Potent Anti-Breast Cancer Activity, Aysha Hamad Zaher Saeed Al Meqbali

Theses

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Conventional therapies cause serious side effects and, at best, merely extend the patient’s lifespan by a few years. Cancer control may therefore benefit from the potential that resides in alternative therapies. There is thus an increasing demand to utilize alternative concepts or approaches to the prevention of cancer. The principal aim of this research is to screen and identify new synthetic compounds “chromenes”, with high efficiency, for breast cancer therapy. In this study, we have screened four newly designed and synthesized chromenes (C1, C15, C28 and C29) for their potential anticancer …

Computational And Experimental Determination Of The Hydrodynamics In A Stirred Unbaffled Vessel Provided With Angle-Mounted Axial Impellers, Ji Ma

Theses

In most industrial applications, stirred tanks and reactors are typically provided with baffles to improve their mixing characteristics. However, in a number of pharmaceutical production facilities unbaffled vessels are commonly used. The absence of baffles is preferred in such cases because it reduces the potential for contamination and makes cleaning the vessel between batches easier. However, the lack of baffles also has a negative impact on the system’s hydrodynamics since it often results in poor mixing of the batch, especially if the impeller is centrally placed, since the liquid in such a system is subject to a strong tangential flow, …

Triplex Dna Receptor-Gold Nanoparticle Conjugates For Detection Of Oxidized Dna Base, Qingyu Xing

Theses

Oxidations of DNA nucleobases are believed to be one of the sources of aging and some age-dependent disease, such as cancer. Human body have various mechanisms to repair damaged DNA and base-excision-repair is one mechanism for removing those oxidized nucleobases. This mechanism processes in the cells by cutting the oxidized nucleobases from deoxyribose and letting them excrete though urine. Detection of those abnormal nucleobases in urine has been suggested as a convenient way of early cancer diagnosis. 5-OHU (5-hydroxyuracil), the oxidation product of cytosine, is one of those abnormal nucleobases and it potentially forms base pairs with all four DNA …

Rodent Testing Device Surrogate For Shockwave Blast Testing, Anthony C. Misistia

Theses

Many laboratories around the world are conduct shockwave blast injury tests on rodents to simulate blast traumatic brain injury (TBI). Each of these laboratories has different techniques for creating the shockwave blasts as well as positioning the rats. There is no device to determine whether or not the rodent animal models actually experiences a true blast wave in a given set up. This device was developed as a method for verifying rodents undergoing true shockwave blasts through biometrics, instrumentation and the basic biomechanical responses a rodent experiences during such tests. Since the goal of shockwave blast testing is to replicate …

Visualization Of Hiv-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders, Tim Fitzgerald

Theses

It is widely known that human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) can cause acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), but treatments to prevent the virus from escalating to that severity have come a long way since the virus was first described in the 1980s. The medications, combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), keep the virus from replicating, thus stopping its progression to AIDS. However, this treatment does not seem to ultimately benefit the brain, in part because cART does not uniformly penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and in part because HIV-1 seems to permanently turn on the part of the immune system that causes …

Analyses Of Amber Mutants Of Salmonella Phage Spn3us, Andrea Denisse Benítez Quintana

Theses

The giant Salmonella enterica phage SPN3US belongs to the ϕKZ-related phages which are amongst the most complex virions of prokaryotic viruses, even more complex than most eukaryotic viruses. SPN3US for example assigns 46% of its 240kbp genome to code for virion proteins. We have limited knowledge about these giant phages as they encode extremely diverged genes, from other phages and even to one another. The ϕKZ-related phages possess large genomes and correspondingly large and complex capsids, two sets of fragmented RNAP β and β’-like proteins and they also exhibit an unusual replication having a DNA polymerase split into two polypeptides. …

The Value Of Local Authority Investment In Active Recreation In Terms Of Citizen Life Satisfaction And Levels Of Physical Activity, Lee Patrick Conor Rushe

Theses

Local authorities in Ireland have historically had an input in to the delivery of sport and physical activity nationwide, and are often seen as a key player in this area (Irish Sports Council, 2013). Various legal acts governing Irish local authorities outline the role of local authorities in the provision of sport and physical activity (Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, 2012; Government of Ireland, 2014). Local authorities provide sport and physical activity opportunities through the provision of facilities predominantly and to a lesser extent through the provision of programmes and employment of personnel. Varying approaches to this …

Vascular Endothelial Cell Markers And Serum Ferritin In Platelet And Blood Donors, Frances Duggan

Theses

Background and Objectives. The effects of anti-coagulated extracorporeal circulation on plasma levels of haemostatic proteins in plateletpheresis donors, using whole blood donors as a control group was investigated. Also, a prospective analysis of iron status in plateletpheresis donors, using whole blood donors as a control group, was investigated to assess the haematinic effects of regular anti-coagulated extracorporeal circulation and platelet collection. Materials and Methods. Blood samples from 31 regular male plateletpheresis donors and from 14 first time male whole blood donors were taken immediately before and immediately after donation, and also immediately prior to the next donation. These samples were …

Development And Validation Of Gas Chromatographic Methods For Free Fatty Acid Determination In Dairy Products, David Mannion

Theses

Quantification of free fatty acids (FFA) in dairy products by gas chromatography flame ion'^ation detection is an important requirement for qua'ity, research, nutritional, authenticity and legislative purposes. Common procedures are typically variants of either the fatty acid methyl esterification (FAME) or direct on-column injection methods developed more than two decades ago. This study involved the development of an alternative novel derivatization method using butylation, incorporating automation, reducing solvent usage that is applicable for a wide range of dairy products. The accuracy, precision, linearity, limits of detection and limits of quantification of all three methods were assessed for the quantification of …

Cruise Tourism : The Cork Perspective, Lavina Madalina Untea

Theses

Cruise industry has presented an energetic and lively development in recent years. However, the research conducted in Ireland on the topic of Cruise Tourism is inadequate. This research study aims to close a gap in the Irish tourism literature, as there was no other similar research previously done in Ireland. The researcher intends to find what is relevant and meaningful for the present and future cruise tourism in the Cork region, from the perspective of the key stakeholders. The author hopes to provide the relevant officials with a background in the cruise tourism in Cork and enlighten them on the …

Thermal Envelope Analysis Of Local Authority Low Rise Housing Based On Stock Aggregation Theory Using A Remote Feature Extraction Technique., James Pittam

Theses

Understanding the buildings thermal envelope is paramount to analysing existing problems which facilitate cold bridging and low surface temperatures. As no detailed housing stock database is in existence in Ireland which describes the geometrical configuration of the existing housing stock, and to create one would be a major challenge, this research set out to develop a high speed remote cataloguing and geometrical data extraction methodology to build such a database. Replacing traditional measurement methods with a remote method allows for the rapid extraction of fagade information. A remote surveying process is proposed named, the Virtual Survey Method, for the classification …

Discovery Of Novel Compound From Cytotoxic Active Plants, Suraj Kumar Pokharel

Theses

The phytochemical study of extracts of cytotoxic active plant species Drypetes lasiogyna and Tabebuia bahamensis species from Paluma rainforest, Northern Queensland, Australia and Abaco Island, Bahamas, respectively, has been carried out where separation, identification and characterization of chemical components were done by applying chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. The pharmacologically active components isolated from Drypetes lasiogyna include novel compound 5α-dammar-20-ene-24,25-diol-3-yl caffeate along with 5α-dammar-20-ene-3β,24,25-triol and friedelin whereas taraxeryl acetate was extracted from Tabebuia bahamensis. 5α-Dammar-20-ene-3β,24,25-triol was shown to have good cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines 5637, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 with % kill of 100%, 89.65% and 69.98%, respectively. On the …

Characterization Of Nighttime Light Variability For Power Outage Detection, Tony Cole

Theses

Severe meteorological events such as thunderstorms, tropical cyclones, and winter ice storms often produce prolonged, widespread power outages. Actions taken by disaster response agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Red Cross, and the U.S. Department of Defense to provide support to communities during the recovery process need accurate and timely information on the extent and location(s) of power disruption, which is not often available. Observations made by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Day/Night Band (DNB), which provide daily, nighttime measurements of light sources, however, can be used to detect and monitor power outages caused …

Exercising Independently And Exercising Independence: A Phenomenological Study Of Physical Activity And Choice Among Adults With An Intellectual Disability, Sheila O'Sullivan

Theses

Aim/Background: This study examines how adults with intellectual disabilities choose the physical activities they engage in, inside and outside of the day service they attend. Of particular relevance are the benefits derived from physical activity which promotes wellbeing, inclusivity, new opportunities and social acceptance for people with intellectual disability. This is timely in light of current policy with regard to New Directions 2012-2016 which is directed towards moving people with ID from congregated to community settings and the enactment of the recent Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act (2015) which supports decision-making for all citizens.

Methodology: The study used phenomenological analysis …

Biogas From Slaughterhouse Waste In Ireland: Assessment Of Potential Energy Recovery Pathways, Aidan Ware

Theses

This study was undertaken to investigate the potential energy recovery from the anaerobic digestion (AD) of slaughterhouse wastes in Ireland. The research was approached in two ways; laboratory scale evaluation of methane production of the industrial waste streams from cattle, pig and chicken slaughtering facilities and a life cycle assessment (LCA) and energy balance to assess the potential utilisation pathways. This thesis includes; the evaluation of the potential biogas production from individual and combined slaughterhouse waste streams in Ireland on an equal footing through standardised laboratory testing, the effects of mandatory pre-treatments on the AD of slaughterhouse waste streams and …

An Assessment Of Campus Climate In Sexual Minority College Students: Recommendations For Creating An Inclusive Campus, Jennifer Murray

Theses

While several studies have clearly identified a link between sexual minority status and discrimination, harassment, and victimization on college campuses, less in known about sexual minority students and other indicators of campus climate. The goal of the current study was to examine the association between sexual minority status and students’ perceptions of their connection to the university, trust in the university to keep them safe, and confidence in sexual assault reporting system at their university. Contrary to the predictions, there was no significant difference between LGBTQ students and non-LGBTQ students in their connection to the university and trust in the …

Examination Of Primary School Teachers' Analysis Of Literacy Assessment Data, Mary-Anne Zevenbergen

Theses

The 21st century has seen many changes in educational assessment practices across the world. Australia has been part of the international trend promoting greater use of assessment data to improve educational standards. This study took place within the context of a data-driven educational environment. The aim of the study was to examine how primary school teachers use the data from literacy assessments to inform their pedagogical decisions. A mixed methods study, using a purposive sample of teachers, investigated strategies used by teachers to analyse data from assessment to identify students’ abilities and use the data to inform subsequent instruction and …

Attitudes Of Mental Health Care Professionals Toward The Provision Of Tobacco Dependence Treatment In The Transition To A Smoke-Free Mental Health Unit: An Exploratory Mixed Method Study., Jane Chambers

Theses

Smoking rates among people with a mental illness have not declined and remain a significant and preventable risk factor contributing to increased morbidity and reduced life expectancy. This study aimed to measure commitment, thus underlying attitude of mental health professionals towards provision of tobacco dependence treatment and enablers and barriers to implementing routine tobacco dependence treatment and smoke-free policy in an acute inpatient mental health setting.

A convenience sample of health professionals from an acute inpatient mental health unit were surveyed. This exploratory mixed method study included the Tobacco Treatment Commitment Scale (TTCS), smoking status, the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine …

Evaluating The Impact Of A Falls Prevention Community Of Practice In A Residential Aged Care Organisation, Jacqueline Francis-Coad

Theses

Falls in the residential aged care (RAC) sector are a global concern with humanitarian and economic consequences. Reducing falls using a multifactorial approach involving multidisciplinary staff is recommended, but it is not clear how RAC organisations in Australia can achieve this in a resource constrained environment. One potential solution is to develop a sustainable means of addressing falls prevention from within an organisation, creating a forum for staff to share ideas, expertise and achieve goals in a community of practice (CoP). The purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of a falls prevention CoP on falls outcomes in …

Play - Lost In Transition? Teacher Beliefs About Pedagogic Continuity Across The Transition To Formal Schooling, Linda Bellen

Theses

In the current educational climate of teacher accountability, high-stakes assessment and outcomes-based learning, play as a valued pedagogy is being questioned more than ever. In Australia, the recent push-down effect of an academic curriculum has resulted in the ‘schoolification’ of prior-to-school settings, with less emphasis on play-based pedagogy. Traditionally, in early childhood education, the dominant pedagogy is play-based and is used to support and facilitate children’s learning, while in schools learning is more formalised, directed and structured with the presence of a mandated curriculum. This ideological divide in pedagogical approaches between the two contexts is first evident as children begin …

The Impact Of Peer-Led Falls Prevention Education On Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Mixed Methods Evaluation, Linda Khong

Theses

Older adults are not optimally engaged in falls prevention strategies. Peer education may be an approach to improving engagement and uptake of falls prevention strategies by community-dwelling older adults. However, empirical research regarding this approach has been inconclusive. Accordingly, the primary aim of this research was to design a peer-led falls prevention education program and evaluate its impact on community-dwelling older adults’ beliefs, knowledge, motivation, and intention to engage in falls prevention strategies. This research was a mixed methods study conducted in two phases. Phase 1 comprised three concurrent studies. These aimed to elucidate the issues regarding falls prevention education …

Understanding The Factors Affecting Engagement And Retention Of 20-30 Year Old Telephone Crisis Supporters At Lifeline In Sydney, Jennifer Walter

Theses

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” (Winston Churchill).

Every year, millions of people volunteer their time to help others in various ways. This study focuses on 20 to 30 year old telephone crisis supporters (TCS) at Lifeline in Sydney. This cohort represents a large proportion of Lifeline TCS trainees, but has also been shown to be the group least likely to commit to extended periods of volunteering. The aim of this study was to provide 20 to 30 year old TCS volunteers a voice within Lifeline to gain an …

Clinical Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci; Identification, Characterisation And Treatment, Emma Gabriel

Theses

The work presented in this thesis focuses on clinically significant staphylococci (with an emphasis on coagulase-negative staphylococci) in terms of their isolation, identification, characterisation, and biocontrol.

CoNS are increasingly being recognised as true nosocomial pathogens yet remain under-characterised, particularly from an Irish clinical perspective. We examined a large cohort of clinically-derived CoNS, isolated from blood (n=l35), identifying them to species level. Extensive antibiotic resistance against nine clinically-relevant antibiotics was recorded. Additionally, widespread biofilm forming capabilities associated with increased virulence was detected both phenotypically and genotypically. We identified multiple species of CoNS in circulation in an Irish healthcare setting, and determined …