Digital Commons Network^™

Seagrass Sediments Reveal The Long-Term Deterioration Of An Estuarine Ecosystem, Oscar Serrano, Paul S. Lavery, Pere Masque, Karina Inostroza, James Bongiovanni, Carlos Duarte

Research Datasets

The database compiles published data (in Serrano et al. 2016, Global Change Biology, doi:10.1111/gcb.13195) on temporal trends in biogeochemical variables in the Posidonia australis sediment core from Oyster Harbour, Western Australia. The core studied encompasses the last 500 years of history. Data on dry bulk density, carbonate content, sedimentso.

Wastewater Treatment Plants: A Comparison Of Three Different Plants And Their Processes, Facilities, And Challenges They Face, Jon Abigail Mcdonald

Honors Theses

This study compared methods of wastewater treatment, and the conditions that they must be able to accommodate. To address this issue I visited wastewater treatment plants in three locations: Clarksdale, MS; University of Mississippi; and Oxford, MS. Additionally, I examined the chemistry and microbiology of the water in their respective receiving streams. I hypothesized that the wastewater plant with the most modern facilities and resources available would have the least effect on the water quality of its receiving stream. At each plant I learned what chemicals, equipment, and other methods are used, as well as unique challenges their treatment systems …

Creativity And Illness: An Anecdotal Exploration Of A Writing Practice; Coming Undone: A Collection Of Poems & A Thesis As An Anecdotal Exploration Of A Writing Practice, Matthew Patrick Roberts

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This thesis combines both creative and critical writing in an exploration of creativity and illness. When I began my candidature, I started writing a novel but found with the diagnosis of chronic illness I could no longer write narrative and was irresistibly drawn to poetry.

The collection of poems was written during the period immediately following the diagnosis of, and during my subsequently living with, a chronic autoimmune illness, and is an expression of the lived experience of both being ill and being a writer. The poems have been separated into three chronological parts, each reflective of the emotional changes …

Predicting The Impact Of Future Climate On Ecologically Important Macroalgae, Charlie Phelps

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Macroalgae play an important role in coastal reef systems and are often referred to as ecosystem engineers. They serve as primary producers, supporting a diverse range of organisms, and are a sink for atmospheric CO2. Water acidification and ocean warming caused by anthropogenic activities are affecting many marine flora and fauna, potentially impacting the physical and chemical performance of macroalgae and the consumption rates of associated herbivores. Many studies have focused on ocean acidification or ocean warming individually but there is an overall lack of research investigating the combined effects and the ensuing repercussions on consumer-prey relationships.

Three species of …

Human Oocytes And Embryos Viewed By Time-Lapse Videography, And The Development Of An Embryo Deselection Model, Yanhe Liu

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Despite its wide application today, in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment continues to have relatively low efficacy, largely due to inaccuracy in selecting the best quality embryo(s) from the cohort for transfer. Novel methodologies for improved selection are being developed, and time-lapse observation of human embryos is gaining increasing popularity due to the more detailed morphokinetic information obtained plus uninterrupted culture conditions. The morphokinetic information enables the use of quantitative timings in developmental milestones of embryos and qualitative measures of abnormal biological events, to assist embryo selection/deselection. This project aimed to identify current limitations in the use of such measures and …

An Algorithm For Extracting The Ppg Baseline Drift In Real-Time, Tuan Ngoc Nguyen

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Photoplethysmography is an optical technique for measuring the perfusion of blood in skin and tissue arterial vessels. Due to its simplicity, accessibility and abundance of information on an individual’s cardiovascular system, it has been a pervasive topic of research within recent years. With these benefits however there are many challenges concerning the processing and conditioning of the signal in order to allow information to be extracted. One such challenge is removing the baseline drift of the signal, which is caused by respiratory rate, muscle tremor and physiological changes within the body as a response to various stimuli.

Over the years …

Interfacing Of Neuromorphic Vision, Auditory And Olfactory Sensors With Digital Neuromorphic Circuits, Anup Vanarse

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The conventional Von Neumann architecture imposes strict constraints on the development of intelligent adaptive systems. The requirements of substantial computing power to process and analyse complex data make such an approach impractical to be used in implementing smart systems.

Neuromorphic engineering has produced promising results in applications such as electronic sensing, networking architectures and complex data processing. This interdisciplinary field takes inspiration from neurobiological architecture and emulates these characteristics using analogue Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI). The unconventional approach of exploiting the non-linear current characteristics of transistors has aided in the development of low-power adaptive systems that can be implemented …

A Resiliency Perspective Of The Lived Experience Of Parenting Infants And Young Children With Cystic Fibrosis In The Context Of Early Lung Disease Surveillance, Cindy Branch-Smith

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Scientific and technological advances over the past few decades have contributed to an exponential increase in life expectancy for infants born with cystic fibrosis (CF), which can cause fatal lung disease. There has been a paradigmatic shift from reactive treatment towards early disease detection and aggressive intervention of paediatric CF. Previous research has investigated parents’ experiences of the diagnosis phase and later life stages such as adolescence and transition to adulthood. Less is understood about the experience of parenting infants and young children with CF, and no research addresses this during early surveillance for CF lung disease. Early surveillance is …

Small-Scale Biogeographic Patterns Of Benthic Bacterial And Ciliate Communities In The Saline Ponds Of Lake Macleod, North-Western Australia, Christopher Kavazos

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This biogeographical thesis tests for the presence of taxa-area and distance-decay relationships, which are common among macrobionts, in prokaryotic (bacterial) and micro-eukaryotic (ciliate) communities. Microbial biogeographical patterns may be distinct because of the high abundances, diversity and dispersal capabilities of microbes, in comparison to macrobionts. The Northern Ponds of Lake MacLeod, north-western Australia, provide an ideal location to address this topic, because the ponds are effectively hydrogeomorphologically identical, other than in surface area, and biotic histories can be assumed to differ only according to distance of separation. This means that hypotheses concerning species-sorting and neutral processes on microbial assemblages can …

Influence Of Increased Sediment Exposure On Suspension-Feeder Assemblages In A Temperate Seagrass Meadow, Pierre Bouvais

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The impact of increased sediment exposure on coastal marine ecosystems is one of the most important contemporary environmental issues. Sediment exposure is defined as the concentrations of sediment particles suspended in the water column and the amount of sediment depositing on the seabed. In addition to natural events, such as land erosion, rainfall, and tidal currents, anthropogenic activities such as land use, road building, logging, mining, port maintenance and dredging, contribute to the discharge of a great amount of sediment in the water column. As sessile suspension-feeder assemblages play a critical role in marine ecosystems through their active transfers of …

An Evaluation Of Exposures To Respirable Particulates, Environmental Pm2.5, Pahs And Metal Compounds In Western Australia, Desmond D. Menon

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

It has been well established that air pollution is associated with health impacts. This study investigated the relationship between exposure to air pollutants and potential biomarkers of health effects. The research project was conducted in 2 separate study locations and cohorts.

Study 1: An Evaluation of Children’s Exposures to Respirable Particulates, Environmental PM2.5, PAHs and Metal Compounds in The South West of Western Australia. A cross sectional study to evaluate the exposures of children (n=18), and controls (n=15) to respirable particulates PAHs and metal compounds in the South West of Australia during 2011. Ambient particulate matter (PM2.5) samples were found …

Perceptions Of Stalking: The Influence Of Perpetrator Mental Disorder Diagnosis, Target-Perpetrator Gender, And Perpetrator Persistence, Ebonnie Landwehr

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Stalking is a complex phenomenon that results in significant harm to victims. For this reason, it is vital that knowledge and understanding of the behaviour be continually advanced. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of perpetrator mental disorder diagnosis, target-perpetrator gender, and persistence on perceptions of stalking. Although psychiatric diagnoses are prevalent among clinical stalker populations, little is known about how the presence of a perpetrator mental disorder may influence perceptions of stalking. Both target-perpetrator gender and persistence have been found to have an effect on perceptions of stalking, however it is not understood if …

Gene Flow And Genetic Structure Of The Seagrass Thalassia Hemprichii In The Indo-Australian Archipelago, Udhi Eko Hernawan

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

How genetic variation is distributed across space (genetic structure) and what factors influence the spatial genetic structuring is one of the primary questions in population genetics. The interaction between species biology (e.g. life-history traits) and physical processes operating in the seascape over time, including palaeo-historical events (e.g. sea level fluctuations) and contemporary processes (e.g. ocean currents), have been predicted to influence the extent of gene flow and the spatial genetic structuring in marine organisms. However, the relative contribution of each factor in governing the genetic pattern remains unclear. This study examined the pattern of genetic structure and the factors influencing …

The Efficacy Of Periodized Resistance Training In Older Adults, Jennifer Anne Conlon

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Sarcopenia describes the slow and inevitable age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and consequent function. Fortunately, a continually growing body of research highlights the robust adaptability of the aging neuromuscular system in response to resistance training (RT). Yet, despite an abundance of research studies describing the benefits of RT in the elderly, there is a large variation in the type of training programs employed. Therefore, within the extensive range of beneficial RT stimuli, it is vital to confirm what organizational structure of acute program variables is most effective (i.e. the appropriate dose). The process of organizing a training program considering …

Evaluation Of The Minimum Inhibition Concentration (Mic) Assay For Environmental Assessment Of Nanomaterials, J Vassallo, A Besinis, R Boden, Rd Handy

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

No abstract provided.

Impacts Of Artisanal And Large Scale Gold Mining On Tropical Rivers In West Africa: A Case Study From The Brong Ahafo Region Of Ghana, Karunia F. Macdonald

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Mining communities in more than 70 developing countries, mostly in the tropical regions, still practise artisanal and small scale gold mining (ASGM). ASGM commonly operates along rivers and streams for easy access to process water and as receptacles for mine water discharges. A largely unregulated industry, ASGM employs rudimentary mining and processing methods including the use of mercury amalgamation, and is often found near to larger scale and modern mining (LSM) operations.

The substantial use of mercury by ASGM has drawn the attention of agencies and researchers but so has its persistent economic role in providing much needed rural employment. …

Deflector Effects In Fixed Bed (Biomass) Combustors And Non-Combusting Packed Beds, Babak Rashidian

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Combustion can be used to thermally process biomass fuels and yield both heat and power in a sustainable manner. At present, direct combustion of solid biomass is the primary approach for generating electricity and heat when these fuels are used at a commercial scale.

Deflectors have been used in the freeboard section of industrial combustors to reduce radiant heat loss through flue gases and for particle emissions abatement. Freeboard deflectors can also influence emissions and freeboard temperature distributions by changing the flow dynamics. Despite much research into laboratory scale biomass combustion and packed beds, there have been no systematic studies …

Accuracy In The Badminton Short Serve: A Methodological And Kinematic Study, Shayne Marc Vial

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

In sports, accuracy is an essential component of actions such passing, shooting, and aiming. Executing a movement or action that requires a high degree of accuracy is a critical determinant of success in many individual and team sports. Each sport has different methods for evaluating accuracy, however an overarching goal is to determine whether an object hits its target, or assess the distance by which it misses. However, in some sports accuracy is not readily measureable because an object might not reach a target, i.e. the object is intercepted, or it collides with another object or a person, or an …

A Study On Singapore Haze, Bingtian Dai, Kasthuri Jayarajah, Ee-Peng Lim, Archan Misra, Shriguru Nayak

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

In 2015, Singaporean have experienced one of the worse air pollution crises in history. With datasets from a well-known photo sharing social network, we analyze how this haze affects Singaporean's daily life. We will share our preliminary results in this paper.

Application Of Environmental Dna (Edna) In The Detection And Quantification Of Anopheles Mosquito Larvae In Artificial Aquatic Habitats, Joel Odero

All Master’s Theses

Background Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is an emerging tool in ecological monitoring of aquatic habitats. When applied correctly, it can overcome the limitations of traditional aquatic sampling methods. This current study develops and validates a protocol for using eDNA analysis to detect and quantify mosquito larvae in laboratory and controlled field setting. Methods Species-specific PCR primers were designed from An. gambiae s.l and An. funestus, and qPCR primers for An. gambiae s.l using mitochondrial cyt b gene and validated on 1:10 and 1:100 dilutions of gDNA from both species. In the laboratory eDNA testing, An. gambiae s.s mosquito larvae (1 …

Enhancing Cowpea Production Through Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculation And Wide Interspecific Crosses, Marjorie Bonareri Oruru

All Master’s Theses

Cowpea is a multipurpose legume crop that serves as human food, livestock fodder, and income source and is widely produced in sub-Saharan Africa. Soil fertility and attack by insect pests and diseases are significant limitations to its production. Although farm inputs such as phosphate-rich fertilizers and pesticides can solve the mentioned constraints, they are costly for resource-poor farmers. This study aimed at determining the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation on AMF root colonization and growth of cowpea. Additionally, it aimed at developing an insect-pest resistant hybrid by crossing the cultivated cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) with a wild (Vigna vexillata) accession. …

Evaluation Of Knowledge And Practices Of Managing Citrus Pests And Diseases And The Willingness To Pay For An Integrated Pest Management Strategy In Selected Counties In Kenya, Dorothy Wangui Gitahi

All Master’s Theses

Citrus is a major source of income in Kenya for both large and small scale farmers. However, citrus productivity has been declining over the years mainly due to pests and diseases, particularly the African Citrus Triozid (ACT), Huanglongbing (HLB) and False Codling Moth (FCM). Management of pests and diseases is sorely dependent on synthetic pesticides, which not only increases production costs but also are associated with high health and environmental risks. Use of integrated pest management (IPM) is recommended as a more sustainable alternative to widespread broad-spectrum chemical pesticide application. The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) and …

Potential Economic Impact Of Integrated Thrips Management In French Bean And Tomato In Loitokitok And Mwea Sub - Counties Of Kenya, Esther A. Mujuka

All Master’s Theses

In Kenya, thrips inflict nearly 60-80% and 80% yield loss in French bean and tomato, respectively. Management of thrips in horticulture is currently based on application of pesticides. In addition to increased environmental risks associated with pesticides, frequent use of these chemicals substantially increase production costs and pesticide resistance. Further, exports are limited due to non-compliance to Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) in important consumer export countries especially the European Union (EU). International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) and its partners are proposing the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for the control and management of thrips and tospoviruses …

Assessment Of Conservation Agriculture As An Adaptation Option To Climate Change In The Taita Hills, Kenya, Lilian K. Motaroki

All Master’s Theses

Climate Change and Variability affects water supply and food security, especially in developing countries where many small-scale farmers rely on rain-fed agriculture for food production and as a main source of livelihood. The extent of the effects of climate change and variability on these small-scale producers largely depends on their level of adaptation, adaptive capacity, exposure and vulnerability. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Conservation Agriculture (CA) as a possible adaptation tool for farmers to climate change and variability in the Taita Hills, Kenya. A mixed research methodology was used entailing literature review, participatory methods, household surveys and experimental field …

Heavy Metals In Sugarcane Juice And Soils: A Comparative Study Of Part Of Nairobi River Basin And Nyahururu Farms, Solomon Kamau

All Master’s Theses

The contamination of food is increasingly becoming a concern in developing countries due to the mounting amounts of heavy metals in urban environments. Juices are common beverages in the usual diet and contribute significantly to the nutritional intake of essential and harmful trace elements. Currently, there is inadequate information regarding the amounts of heavy metals in juice from sugarcane produced along rivers in Nairobi city. In the present study, the levels of heavy metals in sugarcane juice and soils from Nairobi and Nyahururu are determined. This study quantitatively determined the levels of heavy metals such as Fe, Cu, Zn and …

Management Of Mycotoxigenic Fungi And Associated Mycotoxins In Maize By Use Of Hermetic Storage, Angeline Maina Wanjiku

All Master’s Theses

Maize is a staple food crop in Kenya with about 90% of the rural households depending on it. However, the grain is vulnerable to degradation by mycotoxin producing fungi in the field and during storage. Mycotoxins produced by these fungi cause significant economic losses and deleterious health effects to humans and animals. Strategies such as storage of maize in hermetic bags have been developed to reduce post-harvest grain losses due to pest attack, fungal growth and mycotoxin contamination. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of hermetic storage on the population of fungal species and levels of …

Assessment Of Health And Environmental Effects Of Mango Integrated Fruit Fly Management Strategy In Meru County, Kenya, Chris Mwungu Miyinzi

All Master’s Theses

Mango is among the three most imperative crops in Kenya in terms production and crop area. However, mango production is limited by a number of issues, among which pests and fungal disease infestation are major. Among the pests, mango fruit fly present a real challenge to producers due to losses incurred at the farm level. Majority of the farmers have decided to use of pesticides which have negative impacts on health and environment. To promote sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) developed and implemented an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) fruit fly control package …

Effects Of Hermetic Bag Storage On Insect Pest Damage, Mould Infection And A Flatoxin Contamination On Maize Grain In Makueni County, Kenya, Jeremiah Kinuthia Ng'ang'a

All Master’s Theses

For centuries, maize producers in sub-Saharan Africa have been plagued by post-harvest losses from insect infestation and mould infections, with small-scale producers representing the most vulnerable populations. Participatory on-farm trials were conducted to assess the effectiveness of triple layer hermetic (PICSâ„¢) bags for storage of maize in small-scale farmers' stores in rural villages in Makueni County,Kenya. PICS bags are three-layer hermetic bag-system that forms a barrier against the influx of oxygen and the escape of carbon dioxide.Shelled maize grain was purchased from the participating farmers, filled into jute,woven polypropyleneor PICS bags, and kept in the farmers' own stores for 35 …

Genetic Diversity Of Aphid Species Attacking Amaranth And Nightshades In Different Agro-Ecological Zones Of Kenya And Tanzania, Alex Cherutich Kipnyargis

All Master’s Theses

Aphids are the major pests of vegetables leading to a significant yield loss in African indigenous vegetables including amaranth and nightshades. Information on the types of aphids that infest these vegetables and their genetic diversity in Kenya and Tanzania is scanty. This is an important diagnostic component in developing management strategies such as integrated pest management and early detection and control of invasive species. This study used a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene region called the barcode region to characterize the species of aphids that attack amaranth and nightshades in different agro-ecological regions of …

The Competing Objectives Underlying The Protection Of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Peter K. Yu

Faculty Scholarship

One topic that has received considerable academic and policy attention concerns the key objectives underlying the establishment of this new framework. To help us develop a better and deeper understanding, this article outlines eight most widely documented objectives. While some of these objectives overlap or conflict with each other, others touch on issues that are of only marginal concern to some constituencies. By focusing on each objective in turn, this article aims to underscore the divergent, and at times competing, interests among the many stakeholders involved in the framework.

Although some readers may find the description of all eight underlying …