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Distinct Lineage Of Vesiculovirus From Big Brown Bats, United States, Terry Fei Fan Ng, Cindy Driscoll, Maria Paz Carlos, Algernon Prioleau, Robert Schmieder, Bhakti Dwivedi, Jakk Wong, Yunhee Cha, Steven Head, Mya Breitbart, Eric Delwart

Marine Science Faculty Publications

We identified a novel rhabdovirus, American bat vesiculovirus, from postmortem tissue samples from 120 rabies-negative big brown bats with a history of human contact. Five percent of the tested bats were infected with this virus. The extent of zoonotic exposure and possible health effects in humans from this virus are unknown.

The Maredat Global Database Of High Performance Liquid Chromatography Marine Pigment Measurements, Frank E. Muller-Karger

Marine Science Faculty Publications

A global pigment database consisting of 35 634 pigment suites measured by high performance liquid chromatography was assembled in support of the MARine Ecosytem DATa (MAREDAT) initiative. These data originate from 136 field surveys within the global ocean, were solicited from investigators and databases, compiled, and then quality controlled. Nearly one quarter of the data originates from the Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche (LOV), with an additional 17% and 19% stemming from the US JGOFS and LTER programs, respectively. The MAREDAT pigment database provides high quality measurements of the major taxonomic pigments including chlorophylls a and b, 19'-butanoyloxyfucoxanthin, 19'-hexanoyloxyfucoxanthin, alloxanthin, divinyl …

An Evaluation Of Particulate Phosphorus Storage In An Agricultural Estuary, Suha Zoozi

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Theses

Knowledge of fine sediment delivery (both timing and loading) is fundamental to the assessment of non-point source pollution in estuarine environments. This study comprised three key components that led to the development of a fine sediment and particulate associated phosphorus budget in a typical agricultural estuary. Firstly, to explore catchment inputs, turbidity and flow were monitored continuously upstream of the freshwater/saline interface on the main stem channel of the south Devon River Avon, which drains a medium sized agricultural catchment (area 340 km2), in southwest UK. Thirty-five storms were studied in detail; and the hydrological and suspended sediment load response …

Allotments And Alternative Food Networks: The Case Of Plymouth, Uk, Wendy M Miller

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Theses

Alternative food networks (AFNs) are the focus of an ‘explosive growth’ of research in Europe (Goodman 2004), and the term covers a wide range of activities, from food banks, community gardens, and farmers’ markets, to community supported or organic agriculture. However, there is an impasse in differing positions over whether AFNs represent an exclusionary place-based ‘quality turn’ (Ilbery and Kneafsey 2000), or whether they contribute to inclusive local communities, sustainability and food security (Tregear 2011, Kirwan and Maye 2013). This research aimed to clarify these debates, through exploration of UK allotments as a benchmark for AFNs, using the case of …

Effects Of The Late Permian Mass Extinction On Chondrichthyan Palaeobiodiversity And Distribution Patterns, Martha Hall

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Theses

The Late Permian mass extinction occurring at 252.6 ± 0.2 Ma is the most severe Phanerozoic extinction event and was preceded and followed by additional disturbances. Patterns and processes of extinction and recovery of marine vertebrates have been little studied compared to marine invertebrates. This project focuses on Chondrichthyes, which, together with other marine fish, appeared to have been relatively unaffected by the extinction, while most of their supporting ecosystem collapsed. This study explores the authenticity of extinction among chondrichthyans and possible explanations for the observed patterns, because extinction severities on the taxonomic and ecological levels may be decoupled or …

Foundations In Wisconsin: A Directory [32nd Ed. 2013], Mary C. Frenn, Katie M. Barnhart, Victoria Browne, Anne M. Carpenter, Melanie Pauly, Jakob K. Rinderknecht

Foundations in Wisconsin: A Directory

The 2013 edition of Foundations in Wisconsin marks the 32nd production of the print directory and the 13th year of the online version. The directory is designed as a research tool for grantseekers interested in locating information on private, corporate, and community foundations registered in Wisconsin. Each entry in this new edition has been updated or reviewed to provide the most current information available. Most of the data was drawn from IRS 990-PF tax returns filed by the foundations. Additional information was obtained from surveys, foundation websites, annual reports, and newsletters.

Rebuilding Fish Communities: The Ghost Of Fisheries Past And The Virtue Of Patience, Jeremy Collie, Marie-Joëlle Rochet, Richard Bell

Graduate School of Oceanography Faculty Publications

The ecosystem approach to management requires the status of individual species to be considered in a community context. We conducted a comparative ecosystem analysis of the Georges Bank and North Sea fish communities to determine the extent to which biological diversity is restored when fishing pressure is reduced. First, fishing mortality estimates were combined to quantify the community‐level intensity and selectivity of fishing pressure. Second, standardized bottom‐trawl survey data were used to investigate the temporal trends in community metrics. Third, a size‐based, multispecies model (LeMans) was simulated to test the response of community metrics to both hypothetical and observed changes …

Review Of Us And Eu Initiatives Toward Development, Demonstration, And Commercialization Of Lignocellulosic Biofuels, Venkatesh Balan, David Chiaramonti, Sandeep Kumar

Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Advanced biofuels produced from lignocellulosic biomass offer an exciting opportunity to produce renewable liquid transportation fuels, biochemicals, and electricity from locally available agriculture and forest residues. The growing interest in biofuels from lignocellulosic feedstock in the United States (US) and the European Union (EU) can provide a path forward toward replacing petroleum-based fuels with sustainable biofuels which have the potential to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The selection of biomass conversion technologies along with feedstock development plays a crucial role in the commercialization of next-generation biofuels. There has been synergy and, even with similar basic process routes, diversity in the …

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Developmental Timing In Aquatic Embryos: Linking Intraspecific Heterochrony And Evolution, Oliver Tills

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

The main aim of this thesis is to understand the extent to which intraspecific variation in developmental event timing might provide the raw material from which heterochronies may originate. To this end I studied the timing of a suite of both morphological and physiological events in the embryonic development of Radix balthica, a species of aquatic snail known to exhibit event timing variation during the embryonic period (Tills et al. 2010; Rundle et al. 2011) and that sits within an evolutionary clade, in which extensive heterochrony has been documented (Smirthwaite et al. 2007). I found that variation in embryonic developmental …

An Investigation Of The Mechanism(S) Of Hyperoxia-Induced Cilial Epithelial Loss In Mammalian Bronchial Tissue, Hanady Abd Al-Sahib

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Hyperoxia is an essential aid to life support in patients with severe respiratory failure. However, it is recognised as a contributor to the pathological consequences of oxidative stress including oxidative tissue damage, inflammation and cell death resulting in acute or chronic lung injury. The specific mechanisms behind this type of injury are still not completely understood. This study was undertaken with two main aims. Firstly, to evaluate the adverse effects of hyperoxia on the ciliary coverage using a novel large animal model. For the first time, an in vitro bronchus bovine tissue culture model was developed and used to quantify …

Protective Effects Of Peri-Menopausal Oestrogen Replacement: A Test Of The Critical Period Hypothesis, Sophie Anastasia Rebecca Pettit

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Oestrogen decline during the menopause leads to decline in cognitive performance because oestrogen receptor sites are found in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of the female brain, areas associated with memory and attention functions. Extensive research over the past two decades has tested the effects of administering Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to maintain oestrogen levels. MRI studies have shown improvements in hippocampal volume and frontal functions with HRT, but evidence for associated improvements in verbal memory performance has been mixed. Some studies have even found detrimental effects of HRT, leading to the suggestion of a critical period for HRT administration …

Predictable Feeding In Zoos: Research Methods And Behavioural Effects, Joanna Newbolt

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

The behaviour of zoo animals can come to anticipate temporally predictable feeding times. However, there is a lack of consensus over the effects of such routines on behaviour and welfare. Few studies have been published in this area, perhaps in part due to methodological challenges. The current programme of work therefore aimed to extend knowledge on the effect of predictable feeding routines, and to develop a suitable methodology to overcome challenges. Prior to predictable feeding, tigers showed patterns of increased ‘active’ behaviours such as locomotion and pacing, and decreased inactivity. Geckos also showed increased ‘active’ behaviours such as locomotion and …

Defining Neurochemical Properties And Functions Of Primary Sensory Neurons In The Rat Trigeminal Ganglion, Joceline Triner

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

The trigeminal ganglion (TG) is a complex sensory structure and multiple lines of evidence suggest that significant differences exist in anatomical, neurochemical and physiological properties between it and its equivalent structure in the somatosensory system, the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). This is likely to be a reflection, first on the unique areas of tissue innervation of the TG and second, on the unusual responses to injury which give rise to distinct pain symptoms such as toothache, migraine and temporomandibular joint disorders. In an attempt to address this disparity in knowledge, we have carried out an in-depth in vivo study investigating …

Mesofaunal Recolonisation Of Degraded Soils, Jennifer Williams

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

The degradation of soil quality due to anthropogenic causes is globally important, both in terms of ecosystem services and ecological biodiversity. Soil quality reduction is stated to be detrimental for population densities and species diversity of soil invertebrates, including the mesofauna (Acari and Collembola). Within the soil food web, mesofauna occupy several trophic levels and as such facilitate nutrient turnover, fulfilling vital ecosystem functions and services. Understanding soil invertebrate population dynamics not only during degradation, but equally upon ecosystem restoration, is vital to identify possible losses or benefits to healthy ecosystem functioning. Prior to this investigation the Highfield site, Rothamsted …

Cymodocea Nodosa As A Bioindicator Of Coastal Habitat Quality: An Integrative Approach From Organism To Community Scale., Vasillis Papathanasiou

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) has encouraged considerable research on the development of water quality bioindicators. Seagrasses, that are highly sensitive to direct and indirect anthropogenic stress, and specified as quality elements from the WFD, have been at the center of this effort. In this study the use of Cymodocea nodosa, a widely distributed angiosperm in the Mediterranean Sea, as a bioindicator of anthropogenic stress was tested. Key biotic features of two meadows growing in locations of contrasting ecological status in the N. Aegean Sea, Greece, were sampled and analysed following a hierarchical designed approach. Plants from the degraded …

An Investigation Into The Effects Of Traditional Neuromuscular Training Vs Rider Specific Training On Novice Rider Position, Eleanor Boden

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

The equine industry and within it, the competition rider community, is increasingly acknowledging that rider strength and fitness is vital in achieving the best results in competition. The sport of horse riding is described as unique in its posture and motion patterns and cannot be easily be compared to the actions of any other athletic endeavour. There are several factors that cause a horse to not move correctly, the most common being an unbalanced rider. Other sporting disciplines are more aware of the potential of the utilisation of additional methods to improve performance, for example Pilates is commonly used to …

The Dynamics Of Suspended Particles In A Seasonally Stratified Coastal Sea, Jaimie Cross

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

A comprehensive investigation into the relationship between physical forcing and sus- pended particles in the shallow shelf region of the Western English Channel has been conducted, in order to evaluate the temporal dynamics of suspended particle populations. Measurements were taken across tidal cycles and seasons at station L4, part of the Western Channel Observatory (WCO), using the combination of a free-fall microstructure profiler and holographic imaging. Confirmation that L4 is weakly stratified is given, and that the formation of the seasonal thermocline is substantially altered by the spring-neap cy- cle. Stratification is variable and prone to periodic and partial erosion …

The Hybronaut And The Umwelt: Wearable Technology As Artistic Strategy, Laura Maria Beloff

Other Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business Theses

This dissertation explores the use of irony in networked wearable technology art as a strategy to emphasise the complexity of conjunction between techno-organic human and the techno-organic world. The research addresses the relationship between technologically enhanced human and networked hybrid environment, and speculates on the impact of technological enhancements to the subjective construction of Umwelt through ironic interventions. The project employs both artistic practice and critical theory. The practice-based part of the dissertation is comprised of three wearable technology artworks produced during the study. These concrete artefacts employ irony as a means to expose the techno-organic relationship between humans and …

An Artificial Intelligence Approach To Concatenative Sound Synthesis, Noris Mohd Norowi

Other Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business Theses

Technological advancement such as the increase in processing power, hard disk capacity and network bandwidth has opened up many exciting new techniques to synthesise sounds, one of which is Concatenative Sound Synthesis (CSS). CSS uses data-driven method to synthesise new sounds from a large corpus of small sound snippets. This technique closely resembles the art of mosaicing, where small tiles are arranged together to create a larger image. A ‘target’ sound is often specified by users so that segments in the database that match those of the target sound can be identified and then concatenated together to generate the output …

Diffracting Representation: Towards A Situated Aesthetics Of Technospaces, Federica Timeto

Other Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business Theses

My research for this thesis focusses on the concepts of representation and space in order to demonstrate their theoretical and practical co-implications. Discussing various theorists of space in the first part and analyzing a number of artists and artworks as case studies in the second part, I elaborate a critique of the representational imaginary in order to articulate an alternative notion of representation by means of which a relational, qualitative and performative spatiality can emerge. I specifically focus on technospaces, which I consider a privileged field for observing the intersections of representation and spatiality; it is a field in which …

The Composer Isn't There: A Personal Exploration Of Place In Fixed Media Composition, Hilary Mullaney

Other Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business Theses

This practice-based research is concerned with a collection of fixed media compositions written between 2005 and 2012 with accompanying contextual writing. The primary focus of this research was to produce sound works, but the concept of place has played a significant role throughout both the compositional process and in the reflection of each composition. This research explores how place is ‘heard and felt’ (Feld, 2005) in a composition and how recollected memory impacts on the compositional process. Artistic decisions made with regard to creating the compositions reflect my personal place and associations with these sound materials at a given time …

A Critical Practice-Based Exploration Of Interactive Panoramas' Role In Helping To Preserve Cultural Memory, Karol Kwiatek

Other Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business Theses

The rapid development of digital communication technologies in the 20th and 21st centuries has affected the way researchers look at ways memory – especially cultural memory – can be preserved and enhanced. State-of-the-art communication technologies such as the Internet or immersive environments support participation and interaction and transform memory into ‘prosthetic’ experience, where digital technologies could enable 'implantation' of events that have not actually been experienced. While there is a wealth of research on the preservation of public memory and cultural heritage sites using digital media, more can be explored on how these media can contribute to the cultivation of …

Lexical/Semantic Organisation In Bilingual And Monolingual Infants, Rafalla Farag

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Abstract Previous studies show that bilingual infants are slower in developing phonology and tend to experience some difficulties in acquiring some grammatical rules. Furthermore, as compared to their monolingual peers, bilingual infants tend to have less vocabulary. This thesis set out to explore how bilingual infants organise the lexical information in their two languages. Specifically, we examined the lexical-semantic relationships between words within and across languages using a word-to-word priming paradigm. The thesis sought also to uncover any relationship between semantic priming effects and the size of vocabulary. Vocabulary measures such as the BPVS II, the SETK, and the Oxford …

Allelopathic Potential Of The Invasive Alien Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens Glandulifera Royle), Owen Peter Smith

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Investigations were carried out into the allelopathic potential of the invasive alien annual Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera Royle) using a series of bioassays, including ones developed or adapted for this study. They were evaluated for their suitability to detect three of the four main modes of allelochemical release, namely leaching, exudation and decomposition. Assays which involved the measurement of lettuce radicles and hypocotyls gave reliable results and allowed a range of different Impatiens material, both living and dead, to be assessed and ranked according to the allelopathic effects demonstrated. Attempts were made to isolate resource competition from allelopathy using separately …

Histopathological Effects Of Metal And Metalic Nanoparticles On The Body Systems Of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss), Genan Adnan Al-Bairuty

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Histopathology studies of metal nanoparticles (NPs) compared to traditional forms of metal in fish are scarce. Additionally, it is unclear whether metal nanoparticles cause greater or different pathologies compared to other forms of metal. The current study aimed to assess the pathological effects of Cu-NPs and TiO2 NPs on rainbow trout via various routes of exposure and, where appropriate, to compare them to either the equivalent dissolved metal salts or bulk powder forms. The first experiment showed that waterborne exposure to Cu-NPs and CuSO4 caused similar types of organ pathologies and alteration in the spleen content, however there were some …

Effects Of Short Term Stretching On Ankle Stiffness And Range Of Motion In People With Multiple Sclerosis, Jodielin Ofori

School of Health Professions Theses

Hypertonia is seen in 85% of people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) resulting in disability and functional restrictions. Hypertonia can be caused by increases in passive stiffness and enhanced stretch reflexes (spasticity) and is frequently managed clinically using passive stretches. However, the optimal parameters of stretching such as the applied torque and stretch duration remain unclear. During commonly prescribed ankle plantarflexor stretches pwMS produced higher torques when standing in a weight bearing position compared to stretches applied using the upper limbs. Stretches could be held for 120 seconds on average and stretch duration was mainly limited by fatigue. People with higher …

Bodies, Emotions And Tourism: A Study Of Costa Cruises Commercials, Mariangela Albano, Gaetano Sabato

Journal of Tourism Consumption and Practice

Nowadays, tourism industry proposes different opportunities to live a vacation where the body is the main interest and the central focus of experience. Each form of tourism shows a particular universe of representation of the body and a corresponding emotional language. In this context, where bodies and spaces are associated and reciprocally constructed as symbolic languages for the benefit of the tourist’s extraordinary experience, cruise tourism is an interesting case in point to analyze above all because on cruises, people use the space of the ship in different ways and, at the same time, following general corporeal and spatial schemes. …

The Use Of Silver Nanoparticles As An Antifungal Coating On Silicone Facial Prosthesis, Zhala Meran

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Abstract Introduction Maxillofacial prostheses are used to substitute lost facial parts, but give variable clinical results due to complications such as contamination and infection. Candida albicans infection remains a significant problem for facial prostheses made of silicone, as the organism causes degradation of the material and infection of the surrounding tissue. This study investigated the antifungal properties of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) as a coating on silicone facial prostheses to eliminate infection. Methods The experimental approach used fibroblast cell cultures to test the biocompatibility of Ag NPs and to demonstrate the safety of Ag NPs compared to AgNO3 at concentrations …

The Assessment Of Selected Novel Feed Ingredients To Replace Fishmeal On The Nutrition And Health Status Of Ornamental Fish, Rawling Mark

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Four investigations were conducted to assess the effects of feeding selected novel feed ingredients on the nutrition and health status of ornamental fish. Each dietary ingredient was assessed by determining the effects on growth performance, feed utilisation, haematological status, serological status and immuno-competence of mirror carp, a model ornamental fish species. The first experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding a tropical earthworm meal (Perionyx escavatus) and soybean meal on the haemato-immunological response and growth performance of mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fish were fed diets for a total of 88 days, fishmeal served as the main protein source …