Digital Commons Network^™

Anti-Metastatic And Anti-Tumor Growth Effects Of Carnosol On Breast Cancer, Halima Ali Mohammed Salem Al Samri

Theses

Our lab has previously showed that carnosol, a naturally occurring polyphenol, exhibits anti-cancer activity by promoting cell cycle arrest at G2 phase, and induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) dependent apoptosis and beclin-1 independent autophagy in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line (MDA-MB-231). Here, we extended our study by investigating the potential effect of carnosol on migration, invasion and tumor growth of these cells. Our findings demonstrated that carnosol, at non-cytotoxic concentrations, exerted a potent anti-metastatic and anti-tumor growth activity against the highly invasive TNBC cell line, MBA-MB-231. Carnosol inhibited the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, carnosol suppressed …

The Impact Of Dubai’S Architectural Wonders On The Daily Indigenous Performance In Light Of Cultural Modernity: A Comparative Case Study Between Burj Khalifa And Burj Al-Arab, Zulfat S. Al Kassim

Theses

In order to decrease the reliance on oil and create more economic opportunities, the UAE has witnessed a development boom over the last few decades in an effort to promote tourism. Dubai specifically has purposefully undergone dramatic architectural evolutions with the aim of transforming the city into a tourist hub and a global attraction. Over the last few years, iconic buildings including Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa have been built at different times to become prominent landmarks that promote the city’s global image and combine traditional/local elements in such a way as to form completely new unrecognizable forms i.e. …

English Teachers' Perceptions Toward The Effectiveness Of Using Communicative Language Teaching (Clt) In Teaching Grammar At Al Ain Public Schools, Ahmad Salamah Issa Bani Taha

Theses

This study investigates English teachers' perceptions toward the effectiveness of

using Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in teaching grammar at Al Ain

public schools. This study was conducted using a questionnaire to collect the

required data from the participants (n=180) regarding their perceptions toward the effectiveness of using CLT in teaching grammar. The results of this study revealed that English teachers at Al Ain public schools perceived CLT as an effective approach in teaching grammar (m= 3.83). The results have also shown that the participants prefer using communicative activities in teaching grammar when using CLT (m=3.69). As for the challenges, the …

Web Of Life, Zhenwei Chu

Theses

The inspiration for my artwork comes from the emotional relationships that people have with family, friends and their social environment. In addition, the ecological food chain influences my art forms. After research, analysis and development, the triangle shape has become the main element in my thesis work. The triangle form helps me to ideate the infinite cycles, connections and links that create a complex web.

This thesis work includes jewelry, installation and sculpture. Different forms of this work emphasize distinct themes about the relationships. In terms of the techniques, along with utilizing traditional techniques such as soldering, painting and stitching, …

Achievable Accuracy Of Radiation Dose Measurement For Linear Accelerators Using Different Protocols, Mariam Hamad Al Darmaki

Theses

The aim of radiotherapy treatment is to deliver a specified radiation dose throughout a definite target volume within predetermined levels of accuracy and homogeneity; at the same time ensuring adequate dose sparing of surrounding normal tissue. Radiotherapy is a complex process involving a number of steps and the accuracy of each stage has a direct impact on the treatment outcome. At each stage, comprehensive quality assurance procedures are required to ensure safe and accurate delivery of the prescribed dose.

This project will aim to determine the currently achievable accuracy and reproducibility of radiotherapy dosimetry and assess the current recommendations for …

Flow Boiling Heat Transfer Over Open Microchannels With Tapered Manifold, Ankit Kalani

Theses

Boiling can provide several orders of magnitude higher performance than a traditional air cooled system in electronics cooling application. It can dissipate large quantities of heat while maintaining a low surface temperature to fluid difference. Flow boiling with microchannels has shown a great potential with its high surface area to volume ratio and latent heat removal. However, flow instabilities and early critical heat flux (CHF) have prevented its successful implementation. A novel flow boiling design based on a mechanistic approach is taken to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages while presenting a very low pressure drop. The design uses open microchannels …

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.

Personalities Of The Chinese Zodiac, Tang-Hsuan Liu

Theses

3D animation has been trending for many years now. Many stories and the characters in those stories are being re-designed and represented by 3D.

Stories I grew up with in Taiwan are so different from those popular in Western culture. While I enjoyed Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Mickey Mouse, I also loved many classic Chinese stories, one of them being that of the Chinese Zodiac.

This story is about animals having a race to decide who will be the only 12 animals that represent each year. They are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, chicken, dog …

Opto-Mechanical Design Of Synchrotron Radiation-Based Far-Infrared Spectroscopic Ellipsometer With Strong Magnetic-Field, Ahmad Abbas Chaudhry

Theses

The objective of this dissertation is to present opto-mechanical design of a synchrotron radiation based far-infrared spectroscopic ellipsometer with a strong external magnetic-field capability. Since high magnetic field has enabled major breakthrough in science such instrument will be highly important to the field of condensed matter physics and characterization of advanced electronic materials. This instrument will be installed at the multi-User facility with the most advanced synchrotron light source: Natonal Synchrotron Source (NSLS-II) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL).The proposed here instrument is capable to measure full Mueller matrix spectroscopic ellipsometry spectra in high magnetic fields of up to 9 Tesla. …

Synthesis Of A Renewable Sourced Thermotropic Polyester With 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid, Alicia Marie Marguerite Hurst

Theses

With the rapid depletion of non-renewable sourced materials, unpredictable fluctuations in the prices of fossil fuels, and increased environmental awareness the need to develop biobased materials grows ever more desperate. Furan derivatives sourced from hexoses provide a promising solution for replacing petrochemical based materials. One furan derivative in particular, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), is especially promising due to its structural similarity to terephthalic acid and potential for use in the production of polyesters similar to PET, PPT, and PBT. This study investigated the synthesis, thermal and liquid crystalline properties of a totally renewable sourced thermotropic polyester based on FDCA. Fructose was …

An Fpga Implementation Of A Sleep Enabled Pon System, Zheyu Liu

Theses

Owing to the growing demand for bandwidth-hungry video-on-demand applications, Passive Optical Network (PON) has been widely considered as one of the most promising solutions for broadband access. Environmental concerns motivated network designers to lower energy consumption of optical access networks. A well-known approach to reduce energy consumption is to allow network elements to switch to the sleep mode.

In this framework, an improved Optical network Unit (ONU) architecture in TDM-PON is proposed to reduce the handover time of status switching. Energy-saving performances of current and improved architectures are compared in different scenarios. The simulation results show that by applying a …

A Preliminary Investigation Of The Sterile-Filterability Of Bcs Class Ii Drug Nanosuspensions Prepared Via Wet Stirred Media Milling, Parul Ohri

Theses

Drug nanoparticles can achieve targeting capabilities, enhanced dissolution rates and improved bioavailability when injected intravenously. Sterile filtration of drug nanoparticle suspensions (nanosuspensions) is critically needed for administration by intravenous delivery route. Avoiding gamma irradiation and high temperatures, sterile filtration could be an effective process to sterilize drug nanosuspensions. On the other hand, two major challenges must be tackled: drug particles must at least be smaller than the filter pore size and minimum amount of non-toxic stabilizers must be used to prevent side effects like pain on the injection site. The aim of this study is to prepare naproxen (NPX) nanosuspensions …

Shock Wave Interaction With A Fluid Filled Cylinder Experimental Methods, Praveen Kumar Baba Siddabattuni

Theses

In the recent wars of Iraq and Afghanistan, many soldiers sustained bTBI (blast-induced traumatic brain injury). The blasts are created by extensive use of improvised explosive devices (IED’s). Whether pure blast-shock waves cause TBI or what is the mechanism of injury are not fully known. Research efforts are underway to find answers to these questions.

The primary objective of this project is to understand how the shockwave interacts with a fluid-filled cylinder of different thicknesses. Here, the cylinder is idealized as head and the fluid filled inside it as the brain material. The primary interest here is, how the pure …

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 …

Oh Deer! Analyzing The Impact Of Rit Expansion And Development On White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus Virginianus) And Vehicle Collisions From 1993-2014, Gina De Naples

Theses

Increases in both human and deer populations, combined with habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, and decreased predation, have led to increases in deer-vehicle collisions (DVCs). The development of RIT over the past 20 years mimics typical urban/suburban development patterns, with documented deer-vehicle collisions. This research examines deer-vehicle collisions in regards to campus development, notably Park Point, to determine whether collisions are increasing or decreasing and to evaluate landscape variables that might be contributing factors. Data from 1993-2014, contributed by the RIT Campus Safety Office and the Monroe County Sheriff Office are modelled using ArcGIS software. This research builds on a previous …

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 …

Effect Of Substrates In The Resistivity And Adhesion Of Copper Nanoparticle Ink, Pritam Poddar

Theses

Printed electronics processes have the potential to make electronics manufacturing more flexible by providing a wider choice of materials and easier processing steps. In traditional electronics manufacturing techniques, corrosive etching steps limit the choice of materials and also require advanced infrastructure for process implementation. High speed low cost printing processes (e.g. inkjet) can be used, and the printed tracks can then be cured to conductive circuits that meet the needs of electronic devices like radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, sensors, etc.

In this work, intense flashes of broad spectrum light from Xenon lamps are used to cure inkjet printed metal …

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 …

Real-Time Characterisation Of Dynamic Laser Fields, Thomas Butler

Theses

Many modern technologies rely on laser devices, in areas such as communications, sensing, and imaging. Examination and research into the fundamental operational dynamics of lasers, and characterisation of laser performance, are a crucial tool in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of laser-based applications. The development of characterisation tools is an important part of improving upon existing technologies and advancing the next generation of devices.

In this work, a real-time multiheterodyne detection technique is developed which allows for the study of dynamically varying pulse trains formed by optical frequency combs.

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 …

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 …

The Paul Warnke Nomination : The Construction Of A Controversy And The Reformation Of U.S. Strategic Doctrine In The Public Sphere, Jennifer L. Mellard

Theses

In January, 1977, President Jimmy Carter's nomination of the "assured destruction" advocate Paul C. Warnke to the dual posts of chief negotiator for the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT II) and director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (ACDA) led to a national controversy. The Senate confirmed Warnke by only a slim voting margin of 58-40 for negotiator and 70-29 for director. Commentators have attributed the nomination's controversial status and results of the vote against him solely to his reputation as an arms controller and for the purpose of controlling SALT II Treaty negotiations. Warnke's private papers, chronological attention …

The Introduction Of Montessori Teaching And Learning Practices In An Early Childhood Classroom In A Remote Indigenous School, Catherine Holmes

Theses

The purpose of this research was to observe and describe the effect of Montessori pedagogy in a remote Aboriginal Early Childhood program to ascertain whether this alternative approach to education provides a more culturally appropriate practice than past methods. The significance of the study lies in the need to "close the gap" (Department of Premier & Cabinet [DPMC], 2016, p.1) between the achievement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. The study endeavours to describe the effect of Montessori pedagogy through the response of those most closely associated with Aboriginal education: students, parents, caregivers, community members and educational professionals.

Three dimensions of …

More Wobble: Daniel Dennett's Elbow Room Unscrambled, Patsy Cadareanu

Theses

Through the use of the seemingly endless metaphors in his books Elbow Room (1984), Brainstorms (1978) and Freedom Evolves (2002), Daniel Dennett is able to construct a coherent stance on what it means to be morally responsible in a world that may or may not be determined. This paper explores Dennett’s notion of responsibility and its implications. Determinism is the doctrine that all events are necessitated by previous events which have caused the only possible future. In contrast, indeterminism is the idea that events do not come about through necessity. Indeterminism is often thought of as ‘freedom,’ but this is …

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 …

The Effects Of Bullying On Special Needs Individuals And Their Families: A Needs Assessment Of A Southern Community To Promote Growth, Awareness, And Community Response, Emma Y. Hazlewood

Theses

Research on bullying has increased in the last decade; however, this research rarely focuses on bullying of special needs children and the effect it has on families. This study adds to the existing literature by addressing how bullying affects the special needs population in a southern community. In considering the unique caregiving challenges that special needs families experience, this research examines whether bullying brings added stress to families and caregivers and whether they believe the community can bring awareness, growth, and a sense of belonging to their children and families. Parents or caregivers attending a local rehabilitation center completed a …

Emission Properties And Carrier Dynamics Of Iii-V Nanostructures For Next Generation Photonic Devices, Katarzyna Komolibus

Theses

A majority of modern day applications, ranging from telecommunications, charge storage memories and solar cells to more recently silicon photonics, have at their core compound semiconductor based optoelectronic devices. Particular attention has focused on the use of Group-III and Group-V elements in these devices and thus drives a desire for improved understanding. This thesis therefore studies a variety of novel III-V nanostructures, which have shown immense promise for inclusion in next-generation photonic devices, examining in detail these structures in terms of their optical properties and inherent carrier dynamics.