Digital Commons Network^™

In Silico Prediction Of Protein-Protein Interactions Between Cronobacter Sakazakii And Human Host, Sean Held

Theses

The genus Cronobacter accommodates 16 biogroups of the emerging opportunistic pathogen known formerly as Enterobacter sakazakii. Cronobacter are occasional contaminants of milk powder and, consequently, powdered infant formula (PIT). Since it is a pathogen that is transmitted in infant formula it represents a significant health risk to neonates. These bacteria are opportunistic pathogens (can only cause disease when the host's resistance is low) and are linked with life-threatening infections in neonates. Some of the clinical symptoms of Cronohacter infection include necrotizing enterocolitis, bacteremia, and meningitis, with case fatality rates of 50-80% being reported (Healy et al. 2010). Infant formula manufacturers …

Dynamic Herbal Monographs For A Digital World, Niamh O'Brien

Theses

Post analysis of a worldwide survey of Medical Herbalists, 93% of respondents were in favour of an online system which could update monographs dynamically. 63% of respondents suggested that some current monographs are out of date and lack certain practicalities in areas such as : Interactions, Dosage and Safety. Research into gaining optimal responses from surveys led to a 78% response rate. Survey analysis resulted in a modem up-to-date monograph template being created and each of the aforementioned information systems tested against same. Testing involved the generation of XML, HTML, PHP and OWL languages for encoding documents to allow for …

Investigation Of Factors Influencing Trichloromethane Levels In Milk And Its Control., Siobhan Ryan

Theses

Trichloromethane (TCM) is an undesirable chemical residue that can develop in milk. While TCM levels in milk are not within ranges of public health concern, it is important that minimal levels are maintained in order to promote the marketing of Irish dairy products abroad. Germany has enacted strict regulations on TCM concentrations in foodstuffs with a recommended level of0.002 mg/kg and re-analyse those milks, subsequent to cause identification and provision of advice on reducing TCM levels in milk. Milk samples were analysed using Gas chromatography (GC) with electron capture detection. The GC method was adapted and a standard curve was …

The Identification And Reduction Of Energy Streams Within The Pharmaceutical Sector Using Software Algorithms, Raymond Corbett

Theses

Pharmaceutical companies are under increasing financial pressure to optimise production costs, due to a growing number of products coming off patent, research and development costs increasing exponentially and the difficulty of bringing genuinely innovative products to market. Generic drug manufacturers are not exempt from these pressures; costs must be driven down by all drug manufacturers due to the increasingly competitive healthcare market.

The operating costs of a modern Pharmaceutical Plant run to several Million Euros per annum. Complex process’s involving the consumption of large amounts of energy, and hence costs, are a necessity. Any increase in the efficiency of a …

Examination Of The Prevalence And Persistence Of Pathogenic Staphylococci On Euro Currency, Emma Gabriel

Theses

Staphylococci are a diverse group of bacteria that cause diseases ranging from minor skin infections to life-threatening bacteremia. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is the most common multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen in Europe estimated to cause 170,000 infections resulting in more than 5,000 deaths and additional healthcare costs of approximately €380 million annually (Kock et al., 201 1). Whilst rarely life-threatening, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), in particular S. epidermidis are responsible for the majority of indwelling medical device failures, causing intrinsically resistant biofilm infections, estimated to cost $2 billion per year in additional healthcare costs in the U.S. alone (Otto, 2009).

It is …

Evaluation Of Novel Low Molecular Weight Antimicrobial Compounds Produced By Lactic Acid Bacteria., Jiahui Leona Guo

Theses

Fungal food spoilage plays a pivotal role in the deterioration of food and feed systems and some fungi are also able to produce compounds toxic for humans and animals. The mycotoxins produced by fungi can cause serious health hazards and include toxins which are cancerogenic, immunotoxic, teratogenic, neurotoxic, nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic effects and Kashin-Beck disease. In addition to this, fungal spoilage/pathogens cause losses of marketable quality and hygiene of foodstuffs, resulting in major economic problem throughout the world. Nowadays, food spoilage can be prevented using physical and chemical methods, but no efficient strategy has been proposed so far to reduce …

Characterization And Annotation Of Hypothetical Proteins, Domenico De Bernardo

Theses

No abstract provided.

Surface Modification Of Poly(Dimethylsiloxane) With 254 Nm Irradiation : A Comparative Study Of Hydroxyl, Carboxylic, And Fluoro-Terminated Groups, Kenya M. Wallace

Theses

No abstract provided.

In Silico Screening Of Antitrypanosomal Natural Products Against Trypanosoma Cruzi Proteins, Stephanie Felker Mcculley

Theses

No abstract provided.

Improving Pcr Efficiency With Inorganic Pyrophosphatase, Anuj Singhal

Theses

No abstract provided.

Survey Of Monogenea Gill Parasites [Platyhelminthes] Infecting Tennessee Snubnose Darters (Etheostoma Simoterum (Cope)) In Estill Fork Of The Paint Rock River, Ne Alabama, Robert H. Hanson

Theses

No abstract provided.

Isolation And Purification Of An Organophosphate Degrading Enzyme, Shannon W. Landvater

Theses

Organophosphates (OP) are a class of pesticide widely used in agriculture and are found in a number of insecticides and chemical warfare agents. OPs are extremely dangerous in that they inhibit cholinesterase function, which disrupts proper activity of the nervous system. . OPs are also harmful due to their broad target range and toxicity for nontarget species (Horne, Qiu, Ollis, Russell, & Oakeshott, 2006) . Furthermore, following the introduction and wide spread use of pesticides, great environmental concerns have arisen. Some of the methods used for removing OP residues are impractical and costly, or are themselves environmentally hazardous (Horne et …

An Assessment Of Animal Agricultural Producers Within North Carolina In Relation To Their Perceptions Regarding The Animal Agricultural Industry, Jessica Gowins

Theses

The purpose of this study was to analyze the perceptions of North Carolina animal agricultural producers relative to the sociological, biological, and economic aspects of the animal agricultural industry. A survey instrument was used in this study to obtain perceptions as well as demographic information. The survey was distributed to producers at the producer meetings and randomly throughout the state. A one-week interval, three round data collection method was used. Convenient sampling was used to collect 88 surveys. Producers agreed or strongly agreed that: people’s perceptions of animal agricultural industry are affected by animal rights groups; the prevention and control …

Synthetic Design Of Dopa Mimetics To Inhibit Melanogenesis, Sharmista Prattipati

Theses

The primary objective of this research involves the synthetic design of homologs of 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa) in order to inhibit melanin formation, melanogenesis. These synthetic homologs are structured to have variations within their side chains and unto their aromatic ring when compared to the structure of dopa. Strategic structural variations are incorporated within the molecular framework of the homologs such that their dopa mimicking features are enhanced, and consequently inhibit the formation of melanins. The structural variations of the homologs are designed to exhibit specificity in the regulations of phase-I and phase –II of melanogenesis. Many studies have suggested a …

A Mems Viscosity Sensor For Conductive Fluids, Luis Gan Chau

Theses

MEMS Viscosity sensors are widely used in different applications nowadays. MEMS sensors are created by making them small in size almost penny-like sized. With low power consumption, cheap costs of production, and mass production of the devices. These sensors are able to measure viscosity through three different characteristics, the frequency, amplitude and the quality factor. Each of these describes the fluids viscosity, by using a vibrational type viscometer. The sensor has been proven to work in conductive fluids after a post process fabrication of a protective layer of Parylene C. The sensors performance has been altered due to a thicker …

Purification And Applications Of A Bacteriophage-Derived Enzyme Chapk Against Problematic Staphylococci., Niamh Marie O'Shea

Theses

The bacteriophage K-derived peptidase CHAPk (Cysteine/Histidine-dependant amidohydrolase peptidase) can be produced from E. coli XL 1-Blue. Standard operating procedures for the production, purification and quality assessment of the peptidase were developed and set out in detail in this thesis. CHAPk exhibits strong antistaphylococcal properties and the purified enzyme was evaluated for its potential to eliminate S. aureus from the bovine udder and from human skin. As a teat dip CHAPk reduced the levels of S. aureus by three to five log cycles on both animal and human surfaces. CHAPk activity in milk was evaluated using challenge assays against the bovine …

Phylogenetic Analysis Of Rotavirus Strains Gl, G3 5g9 5p[8] And P[4] Using Both Neighbour-Joining And Maximum Parsimony, Jenny Cotter

Theses

Globally rotavirus is one of the most important causes of gastroenteritis in children and affects nearly all children by the age of 5 years. It also infects adults with most severe symptoms in the elderly or immune compromised. The most common strains associated with human rotavirus gastroenteritis are G1-G4 and G9 along with P[8],[6]and [4].All previous studies used only neighbour-joining method in the phylogenetic analysis of rotavirus genes. In this study rotavirus genes VP7 and VP4 for rotavirus strains G1 .G3 ,G9 , P[8] and P[4] were analysed in MEGA4.0 using both neighbour-joining and maximum parsimony. The main difference in …

Ontology Management For Universities, Roland Böving

Theses

What is the 'knowledge' of a university? It is the sum of all experiences and all contributions of students and staff. Knowledge ultimately exists, among other things, in the form of theses, articles, lectures and research reports. The largest knowledge pool of a university is made up, however, of the knowledge and expertise of every single member of the university. As a result of the high rate of turnover of people, knowledge and expertise are on the one hand constantly being lost, but this is replaced by a fresh intake of upcoming young students and lecturers reflecting the spirit of …

Settlement Of Municipal Solid Waste, Emmet Burke

Theses

The mechanical properties of waste (compression index, elastic modulus, stresses) are an important aspect for the design, operation and post-closure uses of landfills. In recent years the requirement to utilise the acreage that the landfill occupies to its maximum potential has necessitated the landfill structure to accommodate a greater volume of waste over a smaller plan area. This pushes the boundaries of design relating to side-slope and infrastructural elements of landfill structures.

The objectives of this research were identified from significant gaps in the knowledge relating to the settlement and mechanical properties of municipal solid waste. The main objectives are …

Characterisation Of Crataegus Monogyna Fractions And Assessment Of Their Functional Properties, Eilish Shortle

Theses

Hawthorn {Crataegus monogyna) is a herb that has been used medicinally since ancient times. In modern medicine it is known for its cardiotonic properties and is used as a cardiovascular protective, hypotensive and hypocholesterolemic agent. In recent years supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) has become more popular as an extraction method for botanical material as it is an environmentally-friendly method that can produce toxic-free extracts. The optimal SFE extraction conditions for the extraction of antioxidant compounds from both, hawthorn leaf & dower and hawthorn berries, using carbon dioxide, were determined in this study. The optimized extracts were then compared to pre-prepared …

Characterization And Modeling Of Pneumatic Multi-Material Micro-Extrusion, Tejas Bendarkar

Theses

Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs) are characterized by a continuous variation in the composition of parent materials through the work piece volume. This gradual change in material composition is aimed at improving mechanical, thermal and/or electrical properties of the material. FGMs are being increasingly used in a variety of applications including aerospace, biomedical and nuclear.

FGMs have been produced using additive manufacturing processes such as laser engineered net shaping (LENS) and 30 printing. A relatively new process category called direct write (OW) printing has evolved over the past decade. OW techniques such as multi-material micro-extrusion are capable of producing FGMs. To …

Protecting Nature, Preserving Life: A Visual Exploration Of Carbon Footprint Calculator, Byungmi Choi

Theses

Vast amounts of complex raw data, which can be overwhelming and difficult to understand, surrounds us. Processing and transforming this data into meaningful information increases its usefulness and subsequently deepens our knowledge. Computer graphics designers explore thoughtful design solutions using methods for organizing, prioritizing, structuring and interacting with content, making it accessible, understandable and eliminating ambiguity.

Carbon Footprint Calculator visually represents the quantity of greenhouse gases individuals generate and quantifies each state's carbon usage. It collects data regarding people's carbon usage as far as transportation and electricity. This project's goal involves using data visualization to make important and complex information …

Graphic Design + Biomimicry, Margaret Mckosky

Theses

GRAPHIC DESIGN + BIOMIMICRY: Integrating Nature into Modern Design Practices is a thesis that explores how to effectively integrate the methodologies and principles of graphic design and biomimicry. The objective is to create an innovative design process resulting in successful, sustainable and timeless design solutions. This process is meant to remind designers of the benefits nature has to offer in helping us solve many of the problems that society is currently grappling with today. Nature over 3.8 billion years has already used its imaginative prowess to find what works, what is appropriate, and most importantly, what lasts here on Earth. …

Scanning Evanescent Wave Lithography For Sub-22nm Generations, Peng Xie

Theses

Current assumptions for the limits of immersion optical lithography include NA values at 1.35, largely based on the lack of high-index materials. In this research we have been working with ultra-high NA evanescent wave lithography (EWL) where the NA of the projection system is allowed to exceed the corresponding acceptance angle of one or more materials of the system. This approach is made possible by frustrating the total internal reflection (TIR) evanescent field into propagation. With photoresist as the frustrating media, the allowable gap for adequate exposure latitude is in the sub-100 nm range. Through static imaging, we have demonstrated …

The Development Of A Shop Floor Control Software Module For A New Branding And Packaging Scheme, George Diaz

Theses

Not listed.

Indigenous Secondary Education: What Implications For Counsellors Lie In The Stories Of Indigenous Adults, Who As Children, Left Their Home Communities To Attend School?, Suzanne Jenkins

Theses

Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of the peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine, that the child of a farm worker can become the president of a great nation. Nelson Mandela

Access to a ‘good’ education is often argued as deserving of the highest priority. The available research pertaining to the educational experience of Australian Indigenous students, however, too often reflects a picture of profound disadvantage, particularly in relation to their non-Indigenous counterparts. In 2008, Prime Minister Rudd announced …

An Investigation Into The Neural Substrates Of Virtue To Determine The Key Place Of Virtues In Human Moral Development, Andrew P.J Mullins

Theses

Virtues, as described by Aristotle and Aquinas, are understood as dispositions of character to behave in habitual, specific, positive ways; virtue is a critical requirement for human flourishing. From the perspective of Aristotelian-Thomistic anthropology which offers an integrated vision of the material and the rational in the human person, I seek to identify the neural bases for the development and exercise of moral virtue. First I review current neuroscientific knowledge of the capacity of the brain to structure according to experience, to facilitate behaviours, to regulate emotional responses and support goal election. Then, having identified characteristics of moral virtue in …

Microhabitat Partitioning Of An Assemblage Of Darter Species Within Two Tributaries Of The Tennessee River Drainage In Northeast Alabama, Brian Thompson

Theses

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of Worry On Ratings Of Visual Pain Stimuli, David D. Stephenson

Theses

No abstract provided.

Ultra Violet-Visible Spectroscopic Investigation Of Organic Chromophores : Acid-Base, Solvatochromic, And Molecular Modeling Studies, Jessica R. Albrecht

Theses

No abstract provided.