Digital Commons Network^™

Strategy-Specific Differentiation In Response To Resources And Drivers Of Spring Migration Phenology In Rocky Mountain Elk, Storm Crews

Theses

Elk (Cervus canadensis) are known to exhibit high movement strategy diversity compared to other ungulate species. Most elk populations are migratory or partially migratory, presenting unique conservation and management challenges. For example, successful maintenance of multiple seasonal ranges and connectivity between them is necessary to conserve populations with migratory behaviors. Further study of the structure and maintenance of movement strategy diversity within partially migratory populations is needed to assist management and refine fundamental ecological theory. Improved understanding of the determinants of elk migratory timing is also important, with the dynamics of significant drivers likely to shift under future climate change …

Differential Movement Response Of Silver Carp To Individual And Environmental Conditions In The Illinois And Wabash Rivers, Taylor Mogavero

Theses

Knowledge about the spatial dynamics of invasive species is essential to predict, restrict, and prevent their spread to new areas. Invasive Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) populations are expanding on all fronts and are threatening to establish in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Understanding their movement patterns is vital to prevent their populations from spreading further and to improve management efficiency. This study looked at multiple factors to understand which have an influence on the movement of invasive Silver Carp in two different river systems. Chapter 1 examined the relationship between individual and environmental factors—including length, body condition, temperature, and discharge—and movement …

An Examination Of The Associations Between Eating Competence, Physical Activity, Mealtime Activities And School Behavior In Adolescents, Nicole Watson

Theses

Background: An association between eating competence (EC) and physical activity, diet quality, less stress, greater weight satisfaction and many other outcomes has been identified in adult populations. However, limited research has been conducted into EC and associations in the adolescent population. Specifically, the associations between eating competence and physical activity, mealtime activities, and school behavior in adolescents has not been examined. Purpose: To examine the congruence between eating competence and physical activity, mealtime activities, and school behavior in adolescents (ages 11-16) who had participated in the Fuel for Fun study as 4th graders. Methods: Secondary data analysis of collected data …

Standardizing Sustainable Aquaponic Production Of Leafy Greens And Fish: A Comparison With Conventional Systems In The United Arab Emirates, Drishya Nishanth

Theses

The production of leafy green vegetables through aquaponics is established worldwide, but the production of herbs which are used in day-to-day life in the United Arab Emirates is not yet explored in this system in terms of production efficiency, water usage and the nutrient parameters. In the current study, basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), the two commonly used herbs, were grown in a traditional aquaponics system using tilapia fish and catfish effluent water (soil-less agriculture) and an irrigation-based greenhouse cultivation system (soil cultivation). The study's major goal is to evaluate several growth techniques for …

Understanding The Intracellular Positive Regulatory Interactions In The Metabolic Network, Sultana Mohammed Al Zubaidi

Theses

Metabolism is an essential cellular process that produces essential components such as energy molecules and cellular building blocks. It is regulated by intracellular metabolite-enzyme interactions, which can increase or decrease enzyme efficiency. Each metabolic process is not evolved in nature and may not contribute to the optimal efficiency of the organism's metabolism. However, this study aims to clarify the relationship between cellular positive regulatory interactions and the cell's metabolic network, especially how these relationships regulate metabolism and how it evolved in nature. To obtain that, for each enzyme, the activation molecules from the BRENDA database were downloaded, mapped data to …

Screening And Genomic Characterization Of Multi-Drug Resistant (Mdr) Bacteria From Hospital Wastewater, Showq Abdelaziz Abdelaziz

Theses

Antimicrobial resistance poses an imminent global threat to public health, with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria being particularly worrisome due to their resistance to multiple antibiotics. Hospital wastewater has been identified as a potential source of MDR bacteria and antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs). This study aimed to investigate MDR bacteria's prevalence, diversity, and genomic potential in hospital wastewater samples collected from three different hospitals in the UAE. Samples were processed for culturing antibiotic-resistant bacteria using different HiCrome™ chromogenic media to screen for ESBL-producing, Vancomycin, Carbapenem, colistin, and Methicillin-resistant bacteria. The isolates were characterized using VITEk2 antibiotic profiling and identified using 16S rRNA sequencing …

Anti-Pancreatic Cancer Activity Of Rhus Coriaria (Sumac), Yassine Elmahi

Theses

Cancer is a major health problem and is considered a chronic disease globally. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer. That is because symptoms increase until the cancer is spread to other parts of the body in late stages. Among the many different therapeutic approaches to treat cancer, it appears that many plants have promising treatment effects, and one of these plants is Rhus coriaria, commonly known as Sumac. Previous studies have indicated that the Sumac plant, which is used in cooking, possesses various therapeutic values, including antioxidant and antibiotic activities. This study investigates the effect …

The Effects Of Calisthenic Exercises On The Strength And Aerobic Abilities Of Sedentary Adult Women, Kathleen Langley

Theses

The thesis, The Effects of Calisthenic Exercises on the Strength and Aerobic Abilities of Sedentary Adult Women, investigates the impact of structured calisthenic training on sedentary women aged 18–40. The study was conducted over four weeks and measured participants' strength, aerobic abilities, balance, and perceived wellness before and after the intervention. Calisthenics, a form of strength training using bodyweight exercises, became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its accessibility and minimal equipment requirements.

Participants engaged in a program consisting of dynamic warm-ups, high-intensity interval training circuits, and cooldowns three times a week. Results showed significant improvements in upper …

Netzero Insight: The Role Of Data Analytics And Machine Learning In Combating Climate Change, Tariq Najar, Chrissie Aldo

Theses

Countries must act urgently to achieve the SDGs and make significant progress for the planet and people by 2030. But there are some key challenges that the world must address. Climate change is one of the most significant challenges of our time, and its impacts can undermine the ability of all countries to achieve sustainable development. However, countries committed to limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre- industrial levels in the Paris Agreement. Member nations pledge to take urgent action on climate change to save the planet from global warming.

Using data analysis techniques and methodologies, such as CRISP-DM, and …

Housing Conditions And Needs In Urban District 5, Delan Almazrooei

Theses

Dubai remains one of the key tourist attraction areas in the world. However, the city has witnessed significant population growth over the past decade, which has resulted in problems associated with urbanization, such as pollution. The formulation of the DUBAI 2020 Urban Master Plan was meant to create a supple yet workable and viable formula to balance urban development and sustainability of the environment. The plan was based on population growth, utilization of infrastructure facilities, and advancement of effectual and environmentally sustainable energy sources. The master plan will affect critical areas, including Dubai Silicon Oasis Centre (DSO). With the key …

Using Metal-Organic Frameworks (Mofs) In Producing Self-Curing Concrete, Lama Fathi Allan

Theses

Curing of concrete is the presence of adequate moisture content in concrete throughout its early stages to produce the desired properties, as it is significant in improving the concrete microstructure and pore structure and hence in developing its performance and durability. However, good curing is not always practical in several cases, such as in hot weather regions and areas of water inadequacy. For that reason, the need to develop self-curing concrete attracted several researchers. The use of self-curing agents minimizes the water evaporation from concrete and consequently increases its water retention capacity compared to conventional concrete. This thesis is concerned …

An Examination Of The Association Between Microaggression And Select Disordered Eating Behaviors Within The Transgender And Non-Binary Community, Dee Murray

Theses

Background: Microaggressions experienced by transgender and non-binary (TNB) individuals differ from those experienced by non-TNB individuals. Limited research has explored the association between TNB-focused microaggression and disordered eating behaviors. Methods: An online survey consisting of validated instruments was administered to respondents (N=194) over a 96-day period. The instruments included the Satter Eating Competence Inventory (ecSI 2.0TM), Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-18), Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), and the Transgender Discrimination Scale (TDS-21). Associations between characteristics were assessed with the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: Microaggression was positively associated with negative eating behaviors such as cognitive restraint (r= 0.41; p

Ensuring Food Security, Converting Urban Industrial Buildings For Indoor Agriculture: The Call For Urban Indoor Agriculture, Christopher Quinn Whittaker

Theses

Outdated food production models result in the continued disconnect between communities and vital nutrition. Poverty and a lack of food awareness perpetuate the effects of food insecurity within communities. These effects are most evident in urban areas where fresh produce is out of reach for large swaths of the population. Connecting communities back to the food they eat will benefit cities and residents economically, socially, and environmentally. Farming with the community in the community will empower a broad urban population. Urban areas pose several challenges to food production, such as a lack of open space and a high volume of …

Molecular Characterization Of Germination Of Date Palm Seeds Maintained At Microgravity In Outer Pace (International Space Station), Wesam Izzeldeen Khader

Theses

Over the past decade, the UAE has experienced unprecedented innovations in the space sector. Collaborating closely with universities and space agencies around the world, the country's efforts have advanced steadily but quietly under the public radar. The proposed research focuses on basic research to complement the UAE initiative to send date palms to Mars for future space missions. Plant growth analysis of date palm seeds was performed after maintaining at zero gravity in outer space in the International Space Station (ISS) and simultaneously under normal gravity at ground level. In this context, this work was carried out to analyze the …

Mathematical Models For Thalassemia, Hamda Mohammed Al Dhaheri

Theses

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder caused by gene mutation or deletion in a blood protein called hemoglobin. Treatment of thalassemia requires a life-long blood transfusion and removal of excessive iron in the blood stream, which usually causes a big pressure on health care systems. Various forms of thalassemia control measures have been used to reduce the prevalence of thalassemia major. This has resulted in a substantial reduction in the prevalence of thalassemia. However, the thalassemia carrier population remains high, which could lead to an increase in the thalassemia major population through carrier-to-carrier marriages. Thus, we developed two mathematical models …

What Drives Larval Condition For Northern Anchovy (Engraulis Mordax)? Implications For Coastal Pelagic Species Recruitment Fluctuations And Fishery Management Practices, Michelle Robidas

Theses

Discerning the causes of population boom and bust cycles for coastal pelagic species (CPS) has been a major focus of fisheries management research for over a century. Year-class strength is contingent on larval survival and condition, which can be influenced by larval size at age and growth rate. These two factors, in turn, can be affected by maternal investment and environmental variables such as water temperature, salinity, oxygen, and chlorophyll a. We evaluated each of these factors from 127 two to eight week-old Northern Anchovy (Engraulis mordax) larvae off the coast of San Diego to San Francisco, …

Assessing The Effectiveness Of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture For Growing West Coast Venus Clams, Avery Wallace

Theses

With demand for sustainable sources of seafood on the rise, California is looking to expand aquaculture with a focus on innovative culturing methods and use of native or resident species. Therefore, this study examined the potential for culturing native North American west coast venus clams (Chione californiensis and Chione undatella) using integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA). An ITMA approach was chosen because it is a culture method that uses species from different but functionally complementary trophic levels that have been found to reduce the potential negative effects of traditional monoculture. California sea cucumber (Parastichopus californicus) and the seaweeds red ogo (Gracilaria …

Characterisation Of Selected Microbes In Terrestrial And Simulated Extraterrestrial Habitats: Human Health And Environmental Applications, Daniel Joseph Keaney

Theses

The rapid development of the Space industry and associated technologies over the past decade is leading to the inevitable consideration of establishing human-based colonies on extra-terrestrial bodies such as the moon and Mars. With Mars being the focus of not only this body of work, but current New Space Age travel (NASA and SpaceX), a significant issue posed by Martian colonists includes establishing a safe and sustainable food source. Owing to its constantly evolving prehistoric landscape, the soils of Mars are contaminated with sodium perchlorate, a water-soluble salt that is toxic to humans, leftover from once inferred brine seeps that …

The Use Of Membrane Filtration To Increase Native Whey Protein In Infant Formula, And Effects On Bioaccessibility And Bioactivity, Yihong Chen

Theses

Breastfeeding is recognised as the gold standard for feeding newborns and infants. However, infants who cannot be breast-fed or for whom breast milk is not available, can be fed with bovine infant milk formula (IMF) as a substitute. Researchers and producers of IMF strive to continually improve or “humanise” the composition and functionality of IMF. During production of IMF it must undergo several heat treatment steps, e.g. heat-sterilisation or spray-drying, in order to provide a safe product to the infant. These heat treatments denature the globular whey proteins in IMF. In contrast, breast milk is by its nature unheated, so …

Isolation And Characterisation Of Soil-Derived Bacteria With Antimicrobial Activity Against Antibiotic Resistant Pathogens, Ellen Twomey

Theses

Bacteriocins are a diverse range of ribosomally synthesized bioactive peptides, recognised predominantly for their potent antimicrobial activity against other strains closely related to the producer. The focus of this thesis was to explore this activity and examine the potential of bacteriocins to inhibit the growth of clinically relevant pathogens. Although evidence exists in the literature to suggest that bacteriocins could be applied in a similar fashion to conventional antibiotics, to date they are only utilised as preservative in food to prevent the growth of foodborne illness causing organisms. Isolating and screening bacterial strains in order to identify bacteriocin producers has …

An Investigation Into The Irish Bread Market With A Particular Focus On Sourdough Bread. Are Increased Numbers Of Consumers Purchasing Sourdough Bread? If So, Why And What Do They Know About It?, Aisling Kelly

Theses

Bread has a long-standing history in the Irish diet and remains a staple part of our calorie intake with an average consumption of 37.5 kg per person per annum (Jocelyn, 2020; Murtagh, 2009). While the traditional breads of oatcakes and soda bread have remained a favourite for many decades, Ireland’s bread market has also evolved to include baked items from all over the world. Most recently, consumers have altered their purchasing habits in relation to bread due to the enforced restrictions on the movement of people (and consequently goods) during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 to 2022. Evidence suggests that …

The Impact Of Mkp-2 Deficiency On Hematological Parameters In Diet Challenged Mice, Cassandra Secunda

Theses

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) regulate metabolic homeostasis and MAPK dysfunction promotes metabolic diseases. MAPK phosphatases (MKPs) regulate MAPKs and are implicated in obesity and platelet activation. To elucidate the role of MKP-2 in platelet function and NAFLD, tail bleed, platelet isolation, and western blot assays were performed. MKP-2 KO mice and control mice were fed either a chow or 12- 13 week high fat diet (HFD), a 10 week iron deficient (ID), or an iron supplement (IS) regimen. On the chow diet, the bleeding time was significantly reduced in female MKP-2 KO mice. Male MKP-2 KO IS mice showed significantly …

An Evaluation Of A Health, Wellbeing And Lifestyle Promotion Intervention Among A Cohort Of Year 1 Male Gaelic Games Student Athletes In An Irish University Setting, Anthony Casey

Theses

Background: The current research investigated the health, wellbeing and lifestyle behaviours of a cohort of 1st year male Gaelic Games student athletes (Study 1), and subsequently evaluated the impact of a bespoke intervention on these health, wellbeing and lifestyle behaviours in the same cohort (Study 2).

Methods: Participants were 1st year male Gaelic Games student athletes (mean age 18.6 ± 0.6 years, n=166) in a university in southern Ireland. Data were collected using a mixed-methods approach during the 2018/19 and the 2019/20 academic years. Data collection consisted of an online questionnaire (Bickerdike et al., 2018), which assessed health, wellbeing …

Composition, Nutritional And Physicochemical Properties Of Milk Fat Globule Membrane Enriched Ingredients For Use In Infant Nutrition Products, Pierre Ponchon

Theses

The aim of this thesis was to investigate the nutritional, techno-functional and physicochemical properties of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) enriched whey protein concentrate (WPC) ingredients. This research focused on the physicochemical, nutritional, techno-functional, and microstructural properties of MFGM-enriched whey protein concentrate (WPC) powder ingredients, which included 3 MFGM-enriched WPC ingredients and a WPC ingredient co-enriched with α-lactalbumin and MFGM. These were compared to parallel stream (WPC 80 and whey protein isolate (WPI)) and upstream, whole milk powder (WMP) bovine derived ingredients of varying macromolecular composition, including MFGM-enrichment. The macromolecular compositions of the MFGM-enriched WPC ingredients included fat contents ranging …

The Satiating Potential Of Plant Proteins Transiting The Upper Gut., Leo Nunn

Theses

Increasing the feeling of fullness through modulation of satiety hormones by dietary proteins may be a promising daily approach in the prevention of unnecessary weight gain and in the maintenance of a healthy weight over our lifetime. The effects of animal sourced proteins on satiety hormone (GLP-1, PYY and CCK) has been well documented. However to meet the EU Green Deal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, a 15-20 % dietary shift to plant proteins is required. This thesis examined the satiating potential of six plant protein ingredients, Teff, Oat Fibre, Lentil Protein Isolate, Buckwheat, Quinoa and Strong …

Vegetarianism And Social Change: Alternate Diets As Activism?, Jasper Lloyd

Theses

Research into vegetarian and vegan (vegist) diets has previously found animal rights to be the primary/most significant motivator. Such studies, however, were largely conducted prior to the mass mobilisation of young people - instigated by the global School Strike for Climate in 2018 - in environmental activism. This project, which included 110 surveys and 9 interviews with vegist students (18-25) at an Australian University in 2019 and 2020, examines a) the motivations for vegism in a young cohort, and b) explores the experience, tactics, and goals of young vegists through a social movement theory lens. The project found that a …

Analysis Of Micro-Perforated Packaging Systems For Minimally Processed Fresh Greens, Heidy Lizardo

Theses

Because of the increased demand for fresh greens presented in an accessible format, the demand for a new packaging technology to extend shelf life has also increased. Micro perforation is a packaging system that allows rapidly modifying headspace gases under refrigerated storage. Previous research has demonstrated that the pattern in which the perforations are aligned in the film affects the gas exchange modification of the package headspace gases. A rapid modification of the headspace gases of the product in the package must be achieved in order to guarantee extended shelf life. Several patterns of micro-perforation location and density have been …

Deciphering The Salivary Microbiome In Crohn’S Disease Patients With Different Factors Contributing To Dysbiosis, Hala Elzayat

Theses

Crohn’s Disease (CD) is a chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), common in the UAE. Microbiota is necessary to maintain a balanced gut environment which is essential for good health. Dysbiosis can predispose to many diseases including CD. The oral cavity has the second largest and most diverse microbiota after the gut harboring over 700 species of bacteria. This study aims to investigate the alterations in the salivary microbiome in patients with CD compared to Healthy controls (HC). It also aims to compare CD patients for salivary microbiome complexity and diversity according to different factors that can contribute to dysbiosis, including …

Resistance Training Methods And Repeated-Sprint Ability: A Meta-Analysis, Jemma Bassi

Theses

Objectives: This study sought to review and meta-analyse the effect of resistance training methods on RSA, in particular we explored different resistance training methods on specific repeated-sprint ability (RSA) associated outcomes. A secondary aim was to assess the influencing variables, namely training background, type, intensity and frequency of intervention, age and gender.

Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Science Direct databases were searched for original research articles. Search terms included ‘Strength-training’, ‘resistance-training’, ‘power-training’, ‘repeat-sprint-ability’, ‘repeated-sprints’ and ‘repeat-speed’. Inclusion criteria included (1) involve resistance training intervention consisting of a range of body weight and/or loaded resistance training (40-100% 1 repetition max [1-RM]) at …

Exploration Of The Effects Of Developmental Coordination Disorder On Skeletal Development From Childhood Through To Early Adulthood, Jocelyn Tan

Theses

This thesis examined bone development from childhood into early adulthood in individuals with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) using a life course health development framework. One systematic review was conducted, and four original research studies produced with retrospective data from four unique cohorts in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Physical activity was assessed via accelerometry in Finnish child and adult populations and via self-reporting in an Australian population at 17 and 20 years. Bone was assessed via peripheral quantitative computed tomography in adolescents and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry in adults at age 20 years in two Australian cohorts. Bone was assessed cross-sectionally …