Digital Commons Network^™

Development Of Novel Sensors For Anions Of Environmental Interest, Thierry Le Goff

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Theses

A range of ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) for the determination of nitrate has been produced based upon rubbery membranes having covalently bound betaine salt sensor molecules. The best performing electrode contained N,N,N-triallyl leucine betaine (6.5 % m/m) covalently bound to polystyrene-block-polybutadiene-block-polystyrene (SBS) (43.5% m/m), with 2-nitrophenyIoctyl ether (2-NPOE) as solvent mediator (40 % m/m) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as free radical initiator (10% m/m). The Nemstian slope was -59.1 mV per decade over a linear range of 1 x 10'^-5 x 10"^ mol dm'^ nitrate, a limit of detection of 0.34 pmol dm'^ nitrate and a selectivity coefiBcient for nitrate against …

Development And Investigation Of The Properties Of An Electrochemically Regenerable Chemically Modified Electrode For Chemeluminescence Detection Of Analytes In Solution, Claire Elizabeth Williams

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Theses

The aim of this study was to exploit the sensitivity of the chemiluminescent ruthenium tris(2,2'-bipyridme) redox system for analytical purposes by producing electrochemically regenerable electrodes modified with a polymer derivative of this complex. Ruthenium tris(4-meth}i-4' -vinyl-2,2' -bipyridine) bis(hexafluorophosphate) was synthesised and subsequently polymerised onto an electrode surface using the technique of cyclic voltammetry. A potential was applied to the resulting Chemically Modified Electrode (CME) and upon reaction of the ruthenium centres with an analyte in solution, chemiluminescence was observed. Measurement of the emission intensity was used for the determination of the analyte concentration The ruthenium centres were subsequently regenerated by …

Speciation Of Mercury By Chromatography Coupled With Atomic Spectrometry, Helen Elisabeth Louise Armstrong

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Theses

A commercial GC-AFS instrument has been developed and optimised for the speciation of organomercury. This instrument couples a GC oven to a modified atomic fluorescence detector via a ceramic pyrolyser. Organomercury compounds in dichloromethane solvent were directly injected through a Programmable Temperature Vaporiser Injector onto a DBl Megabore column. Once separated, the compounds eluted from the column and were atomised in the pyrolyser then detected by AFS. The direct injection technique, ceramic pyrolysis design and argon purged detector have improved previous instrument designs by enhancing and maintaining sensitivity. The instrumental limit of detection was determined to be 0.25 pg Hg …

The Fabrication And Study Of Metal Chelating Stationary Phases For The High Performance Separation Of Metal Ions, Matthew James Shaw

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Theses

The preparation and characterisation of chelating sorbents suitable for the high efficiency separation of trace metals in complex samples, using a single column and isocratic elution, is described. Hydrophobic, neutral polystyrene divinylbenzene resins were either impregnated with chelating dyes or dynamically modified with heterocyclic organic acids, using physical adsorption and chemisorption processes respectively. A hydrophilic silica substrate was covalently bonded with a chelating aminomethylphosphonic acid group, to assess the chelating potential of this molecule. These substrates were characterised in terms of metal retention capability (selectivity coefficients and capacity factors), separation performance, column efficiency and suitability for analytical applications. Chelating molecules …

Fundamental Studies Of Interferences In Icp - Ms, Linda Kathleen Rowley

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Theses

Methods of temperature measurement by mass spectrometry have been critically reviewed. It was concluded that the most appropriate method depended critically on the availability of fundamental data, hence a database of fundamental spectroscopic constants, for diatomic ions which cause interferences in ICP-MS, was compiled. The equilibration temperature, calculated using the different methods and using various diatomic ions as the thermometric probes, was between c.a. 400 - 10,000 K in the central channel, and between c.a. 600 - 16,000 K when the plasma was moved 1.8 mm off-centre. The wide range in temperature reflected the range of temperature measurement methods and …

Implementation Of European Union Environmental Policy : The Case Of The Packaging Waste Directive, Ian Bailey

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Theses

This thesis provides a critical review of the processes shaping the implementation of European Union (EU) environmental policy. It focuses on two aspects of this dynamic, the interpretation of EU law by Member States and the use of legislative and price-based policy instruments to achieve policy objectives. The overall aim of the study is to examine the extent to which price-based regulation can contribute to the EU's policy objective of sustainable development. The focus for the research is the formulation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive and its implementation in two Member States, Britain and Germany. A variety of …

Epidemiological Studies Of Childhood Onset Type 1 Diabetes In Devon And Cornwall, Hongxin Zhao

Other Faculty of Health Theses

A high quality register of children with type 1 diabetes, The Cornwall and Plymouth Children's Diabetes Register (CPCDR), has been successfully established in the far South West of England for this thesis. Children aged 0-15 years of age who were diagnosed with type I diabetes in the study area have been systematically registered on the database since 01 /01/1975 until the present day. Children are now registered prospectively, to provide a database of the disease in this region and to allow epidemiological studies. Basic descriptive studies on the occurrence of the disease based on the CPCDR between 1975-1996 have been …

The Effect Of Therapeutic Horsemanship Program On Emotionally Disturbed Boys, Alisa J. Greenwald

Other Faculty of Health Theses

The relationships between humans and animals have been associated with various therapeutic implications. While there is no agreed upon name, the term "pet facilitated therapy" has become widely accepted. Pet facilitated therapy has been particularly adopted to describe the relationship between humans and domestic animals. In contrast to public attitudes of twenty years ago, the field of animal-human relationships is now respected as a legitimate area of research investigation (Levinson, 1982.) Numerous studies have been conducted on the benefits of the relationships between domestic animals and humans; however, there continues to be little empirical evidence that specifically addresses the relationship …

Emission, Dispersion And Local Deposition Of Ammonia Volatilised From Farm Buildings And Following The Application Of Cattle Slurry To Grassland, Richard Alexander Hill

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Emissions of ammonia (NH3) into the atmosphere, principally from agricultural sources, have been implicated in the pollution of forests, moorlands and grasslands, through the subsequent deposition of reduced nitrogen (NHx -N). Consequently, legislation has been implemented to control both the transboundary transport and local environmental impacts of NHx. This thesis investigates the emission, dispersion and local deposition of NH3 from two sources that are major components of national NH3 emissions inventories, slurry applied to grassland and naturally ventilated cattle buildings. A N balance method was identified for determining the time-average deposition of NH3 downwind of a farm building, whilst an …

The Thermal Properties Of Cob Buildings Of Devon, Steve Goodhew

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Little has been published concerning the thermal properties of existing unbaked earth walls. In order to model the thermal behaviour of a building constructed using traditional cob walls, the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity need to be established. The Centre for Earthen Architecture (CEA), based at the University of Plymouth's School of Architecture has carried out research into various aspects of cob architecture typical to the Devon area. This study supplements other work concerning the moisture content, structure and pathology of cob as a building material. This research concentrates upon the development of a time dependent probe technique for the …

The Disappearing Frame.: A Practice-Based Investigation Into Composing Virtual Environment Artworks, Thomas James Patrick Corby

Other Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business Theses

Through creative art making practice, research seeks to contribute a body of knowledge to an under researched area by examining how key concepts germane to computer based, interactive, three-dimensional, virtual environment artworks might be explicated, potential compositional issues characterised, and possible production strategies identified and/or proposed. Initial research summarises a range of classifications pertaining to the function of interactivity within virtual space, leading to an identification and analysis of a predominant model for composing virtual environment media, characterised as the "world as model": a methodological approach to devising interactive and spatial contexts employing visual and behavioural modes based on the …

The Relationship Between Teachers' Understanding Of The Nature Of Science And Their Science Practice : Four Case Studies From An Urban Primary School., Stephen Laurence Waters-Adams

Plymouth Institute of Education Theses

This thesis explores the relationship between a teacher's understanding of the nature of science and her practice. The idea that teachers' understanding of the nature of science is a powerful determinant of their actions in the classroom has a strong intuitive appeal. Research over the last forty years has provided inconclusive results; however, there is a clear implication within recent central policy on teacher education that such knowledge should translated directly into practice. This has led to the identification within teacher training, materials of specific expectations regarding understanding of the nature of science (DfEE 1998a). This thesis presents four case …

Impact Of Insecure Attachment On Children's Social Skill Development, Kimberly A. Conrad

Graduate Research Papers

This paper focuses primarily on the importance of secure parent/child attachment to healthy development of children. Attachment theory is utilized to explain possible causes of pathological and anti-social behavior. In particular, it describes how insecure (both anxious and avoidant) attachments between parent (caretaker) and child may lead to angry, coercive, immature, withdrawn, or even suicidal behaviors in children. Parent/child attachment problems are linked to social skill deficits and problems in peer relationships. Implications for school psychologists and for future research are offered.

The Portrayal Of Native American Women In Fiction Written For Young People, Linda L. Tyon

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine how Native American women were portrayed in contemporary fiction written for young children. The study was limited to books published between 1989 and 1999. Content analysis was used to obtain data for this study. Twenty-three Native American female characters from twenty books were included in the population sample. The study was to determine if a majority of books would portray Native American women accurately based on current demographic data. It also sought to determine if the majority of contemporary fiction books would continue to display stereotypic portrayals of Native American women and …

Middle School Intramural/Co-Curricular Programs, Andrew W. Strottman

Graduate Research Papers

Schools that have used an intramural program find students benefit socially, academically, and physically from these activities. Some schools have even seen a drop in teens getting into trouble in their communities with the implementation of an intramural program. The first portion of this project was to review the literature to find out: (1) what the benefits of an intramural program are at the middle school level, (2) what grade level or levels would benefit most from a program that involves many students in activities, and (3) what students are interested in doing after school as opposed to being unsupervised …

Essay: The Risks Of Going Non-Gmo, Drew L. Kershen

Faculty Articles

No abstract provided.

Through Whose Eyes, Susan Kay Aries Jolly

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to determine if third and fourth grade students enjoy reading and or enjoy books that are told from the first person point of view. Two versions of two different stories were used to determine reading preferences. The final samples included 46 third grade students and 38 fourth grade students. It was found that in the third grade, the first story, the boys preferred first person point of view and the girls preferred third person point of view. Fourth grade boys and girls both preferred the story told from the first person point of view. …

Improved Literacy In The Content Areas, Mauri Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

Many sixth graders struggle with the reading process. As they progress through middle school, they need to learn to improve vocabulary and comprehension skills while learning content material. This project considered the best practices for strengthening reading skills described in current literary sources. The purpose of this project was to provide middle level teachers instructional ideas designed to strengthen reading skills in the content area of social studies.

Writers Workshop In A Second Grade Classroom, Julie Ryan

Graduate Research Papers

A writers workshop consists of peer and teacher interaction in assigned small groups. For this project, a writers workshop was implemented in a second grade classroom. A print-rich environment and a careful introduction to the components of the writing process were the basis of the program. Students were offered a continuous and predictable workshop schedule. Guidance was given in the form of student-teacher conferences, mini-lessons and the introduction of many genres of writing.

Mental Distress In Aviation Claims - Emergent Trends, Ruwantissa I. R. Abeyratne

Journal of Air Law and Commerce

No abstract provided.

Aircraft Noise Regulation In The European Union: The Hushkit Problem, Benedicte A. Claes

Journal of Air Law and Commerce

No abstract provided.

Play Therapy For Children With Aggressive Behavior, Jennifer M. Brehm

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review was to investigate the effectiveness of various play therapy interventions for decreasing developmentally inappropriate aggression of children. Psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and person-centered approaches of play therapy were reviewed. Each of the three theoretical approaches to therapy was described in relation to the aggressive behaviors of children. Similarities and differences among the three therapies were discussed. Efficacy of the interventions was presented based on published literature only. More studies of the various types of play therapy, particularly in relation to the aggressive behaviors of children, need to be conducted and results disseminated.

The Role Of Recreation And Leisure Programs In Building A Sense Of Community Among College Students, Kaori Kikuta

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to investigate if college students' participation in leisure and recreation programs enhances satisfaction with their university community life, and result in building a sense of community. The points considered included 1) association of leisure and recreation with a sense of community; 2) the impact of leisure and recreation participation regarding a sense of belonging to the university community; 3) a role of leisure and recreation professionals to promote the potentials of recreation programs; 4) appropriate programs which were needed by the participants.

The study was conducted at the University of Northern Iowa in the …

The Molecular Epidemiology Of Rotavirus In Ireland, Fiona O'Halloran

Theses

Between 1997 and 1998, 3,136 cases of rotavirus diarrhoea were detected in Irish children less than 2 years of age. Hospital inpatients accounted for 80% of these infections, with the remainder being diagnosed in general practice. A large percentage of infections were detected in neonates, suggesting a possible inadequate maternal derived protection from existing indigenous strains. This feature suggested the possible existence of ‘novel’ strains circulating in Ireland. No data describing the epidemiology of rotavirus strains in this country currently exists. Furthermore no assessment of the potential health-economic impact or quantitation of potential disease burden was ever undertaken

Three hundred …

Development Of An Interactive Multimedia Research Information System For The Archival Of The Music And Culture Of The Sliabh Luachra Area, Martina O'Neill

Theses

We are living in a world where communication is introducing much multiculturalism into society. Irish music is being mixed with music from all different cultures creating a worldwide acceptable type of "Irish Music\ As a result we are losing our true culture which is rooted in the Irish music and dance. This primary focus of this project was to set up an archival system to store the music of the Sliabh Luachra area. The music of the Sliabh Luachra area is a rich and rare heritage and was influenced greatly by the music of Padraig O’Keeffe, a renowned fiddle master …

2000 Portfolio, Risd Archives, Center For Student Involvement (Csi)

RISD Yearbooks

No abstract provided.

Insiders & Instrument: The Seventh Circuit's Reversal Of The Tax Court In United Cancer Council V. Commissioner, Daniel M. Ford

Case Western Reserve Law Review

No abstract provided.

First Nesting Record Of Blue Jay (Cyanocitta Cristata) In Hidalgo County, Texas, Timothy Brush

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences (Formerly Dept. of Biology)

No abstract provided.

Judicial Selection At The Clinton Administration's End, Carl W. Tobias

Law Faculty Publications

During his presidency, Bill Clinton appointed almost half of the presently sitting federal appellate and district court judges. He, therefore, can justifiably claim that he has left a lasting imprint on the federal judiciary. During his 1992 presidential campaign, Clinton promised to choose intelligent, diligent, and independent judges who would increase balance, vigorously enforce fundamental constitutional rights, and possess measured judicial temperament. The initial achievement of the Clinton Administration in selecting members of the federal bench, who make it more diverse and who are exceptionally qualified, demonstrates that the President fulfilled these campaign pledges. President Clinton named unprecedented numbers and …

Foreward, Symposium: Philosophical Hermeneutics And Critical Legal Theory, Francis J. Mootz Iii

McGeorge School of Law Scholarly Articles

No abstract provided.