Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Selected Bio-Active Feed Additives On Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) Production And Health, Ayodeji Adeoye

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

Three investigations were conducted to assess the effects of selected bio-active feed additives on tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) growth performance, feed utilisation, haemato-immunological status, intestinal morphology and microbiology. The first experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding tilapia semi-practical diets supplemented with exogenous enzymes (phytase, protease or carbohydrase). After six weeks of the dietary supplementation, tilapia fed diets supplemented with exogenous enzymes (phytase and carbohydrase) showed enhanced growth performance and higher microvilli density when compared to the control group. Additionally, the intestinal bacterial community profile of tilapia fed the carbohydrase supplemented diet was significantly altered in contrast to those …

The Environmental, Social And Economic Impacts Of An Artificial Surf Reef - The Uk Experience, Emma Jane Rendle

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

The study presented in this thesis discusses the topic of ASRs through the use of a specific case study constructed at Boscombe, UK. With the main aim to provide an impartial and independent study into the environmental, social and economic impacts of an ASR. The research presented is therefore multidisciplinary in nature, the separate components utilise key techniques from the geophysical, numerical modelling and socio-economic disciplines are combined to present a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding of ASRs. Whilst previous studies have focused on one of these disciplines, there are no independent detailed studies of a constructed ASR …

A Tale Of Two Layers: Patents, Standardization, And The Internet, Jorge L. Contreras

Denver Law Review

No abstract provided.

Vol. 93, No. 4: Full Issue, Denver Law Review

Denver Law Review

No abstract provided.

Efficiency Evaluation Of A Magnetically Driven Multiple Disk Centrifugal Blood Pump, Kayla H. Moody

Theses and Dissertations

Heart failure is expected to ail over 8 million people in America by 2030 leaving many in need of cardiac replacement. To accommodate this large volume of people, ventricular assist devices (VADs) are necessary to provide mechanical circulatory support. Current VADs exhibit issues such as thrombosis and hemolysis caused by large local pressure drops and turbulent flow within the pump. Multiple disk centrifugal pumps (MDCPs) use shearing and centrifugal forces to produce laminar flow patterns and eliminate large pressure drops within the pump which greatly reduce risks that are in current VADs. The MDCP has a shaft drive system (SDS) …

Autonomous Navigation With Obstacle Avoidance For Unmanned Aircraft Systems Using Milp, James A. Devens

Theses and Dissertations

Autonomous coordination among multiple aerial vehicles to ensure a collision free airspace is a critical aspect of today’s airspace. With the rise of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the military and commercial sectors, obstacle avoidance in a densely populated airspace is necessary. This thesis investigates finding optimal or near-optimal trajectories in real-time for aircraft in complex airspaces containing a large number of obstacles. The solution for the trajectories is described as a linear program subject to mixed integer constraints, known as a Mixed Integer Linear Program (MILP). The resulting MILP problem is solved in real time using a well-known, public …

Pattern Recognition In Class Imbalanced Datasets, Nahian A. Siddique

Theses and Dissertations

Class imbalanced datasets constitute a significant portion of the machine learning problems of interest, where recog­nizing the ‘rare class’ is the primary objective for most applications. Traditional linear machine learning algorithms are often not effective in recognizing the rare class. In this research work, a specifically optimized feed-forward artificial neural network (ANN) is proposed and developed to train from moderate to highly imbalanced datasets.

The proposed methodology deals with the difficulty in classification task in multiple stages—by optimizing the training dataset, modifying kernel function to generate the gram matrix and optimizing the NN structure. First, the training dataset is extracted …

Evaluation Of Highly Viscous Polymeric Fluids And Recrosslinked Degraded Gel, Danlu Zhang

Masters Theses

”This work presents the evaluations of two products. One can be used for hydraulic fracturing to achieve viscosity stable under high shear rate, and the other is potential to be applied to enhance oil recovery from mature oilfield.

The first experiment is to synthesize and evaluate a new polymeric fracturing fluid that can resist high shear rate of 511^-1 with favorable viscosity. Zirconium crosslinked fracturing fluids are lack of self-healing ability after shearing, and the difficulties still exist in maintaining viscous with lower polymer content exposed to high shearing conditions, therefore, the research is trying to develop a new …

Gravity And Magnetic Investigations Of The North-Eastern Kansas Section Of The Midcontinent Rift System, Ozgun Kamil Sahin

Masters Theses

"The Midcontinent Rift System (MRS) is a major Precambrian magmatic province on the North American continent. It formed when the North American craton began to split apart during the Mesoproterozoic era (1,100 Ma). As a result of the extension and possibly the effects of a rising mantle plume, a thick layer of basalt and numerous reverse and normal faults were formed. The basalt layer is buried below sedimentary formations and makes it difficult for seismic techniques to image. On the other hand, gravity and magnetic methods can be utilized for focused depths, and the basalt layer of the system can …

Structure And Corrosion Behavior Of Sputter Deposited Ce-Al-O Coating On Al 2024-T3 Alloy Substrates, Yuanyuan Liu, Jiamu Huang, James B. Claypool, Matthew J. O'Keefe

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Deposition of Ce-Al-O coatings on Al 2024-T3 alloy substrates was conducted by magnetron co-sputtering of CeO₂ and Al targets. The incorporation of Al into the CeO₂ film resulted in an amorphous or nanocrystalline structure with binding energy states different from Al, Al₂O₃, and CeO₂. Electrochemical measurements indicated that the amorphous or nanocrystalline Ce-Al-O coating increased the corrosion resistance of bare Al 2024-T3 substrates by more than three orders of magnitude and exhibited a very different cathodic and anodic protective mechanism compared to Al and CeO₂ coated and as-polished Al 2024-T3 samples. …

Naegleria Fowleri Meningoencephalitis Associated With Public Water Supply, Pakistan, 2014, Najia Ghanchi, Erum Khan, Azam Khan, Wali Muhammad, Faisal Riaz Malik, Afia Zafar

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

No abstract provided.

The Space Between The Notes: Reflections On A Collaborative Student Project On The Work Of Irish Engineer Peter Rice, Jim Roche

Conference papers

Abstract

This paper is a reflection on a collaborative pedagogic process at the Dublin School of Architecture (DSA), Technological University Dublin, on aspects of the work of Irish engineer Peter Rice (1935–92) who, in his short life, combined contemporary tools of computer-analysis and mathematics with a careful sensibility for materials, natural light and structure. He collaborated with many famous architectural practices on what have now become iconic works of architecture such as the Sydney Opera House, the Centre Pompidou, Lloyds of London and Kansai Airport. The collaborative project on his work was undertaken at DSA in the fall semester of …

An Overview Of The Development Of Cement-Based Batteries For The Cathodic Protection Of Embedded Steel In Concrete, Aimee Byrne, Niall Holmes, Brian Norton

Conference papers

This paper presents an overview of the cement-based batteries developed in DIT for use in the cathodic protection of embedded steel in reinforced concrete undergoing chloride-induced corrosion. Cathodic protection delivers an external current (approximately 20mA per m2 of embedded steel) which effectively polarises the internal current generated during corrosion. The batteries developed in DIT comprise of a cement-based electrolyte containing different additives including sand, aggregate, salts, carbon black and plasticiser with protruding anode and cathode metal plates. These batteries produced an initial electrical output of 1.5V and 23mA through a 10 resistor as measured using data acquisition units and a …

Investigating The Role Of Larval Dispersal Models In The Development Of An 'Ecologically Coherent' Network Of Deep Sea Marine Protected Areas, Rebecca E. Ross

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

There is currently worldwide pressure to establish Marine Protected Area (MPA) networks which are self-sustaining and will persistently protect habitats and species. In order for MPA networks to be effective, the species targeted for conservation must be able to disperse between protected areas and maintain a gene-flow necessary for population sustainability and persistence. This warrants new research on how to quantify and map faunal dispersal to ensure that protection will be effective and sustainable. Population genetic methods have merit, with the ability to track parentage and gene flow between areas directly. However the costs, quantity of samples, and time required …

Combined Effects Of Ocean Acidification, Ocean Warming And Oil Spill On Aspects Of Development Of Marine Invertebrates, Maj Arnberg

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

For decades, humans have impacted marine ecosystems in a variety of ways including contamination by pollution, fishing, and physical destruction of habitats. Global change has, and will, lead to alterations in in a number of abiotic factors of our ocean in particular reduced oxygen saturation, salinity changes, elevated temperature (ocean warming or OW) and elevated carbon dioxide (ocean acidification or OA). Now and in the future, OA and OW will operate together with local anthropogenic drivers such as oil pollution. And yet, at present, very little is known about their potential combined interactive effects on physiological performance and tolerance of …

Impacts Of Waterborne Copper And Silver On The Early Life Stage (Els) Of Zebrafish (Danio Rerio): Physiological, Biochemical And Molecular Responses, Sahib Mohammadbakir

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

Toxic metals are major pollutants of the aquatic environment and are able to cause survival impairment of the early life stage of the aquatic organisms. They can affect the osmoregulatory system and electrolyte balance in fishes as well as the expression of genes which are essential in the formation and development of the organs at the early embryonic stages of development. There are a lack of studies concerning the toxic effects of waterborne copper and silver on the osmoregulation, electrolytes balance and expression the genes which are responsible for the formation and development of heart and metal binding proteins in …

Assessment Of A Solid-State Fermentation Product In Contemporary And Lupin-Containing Diets For Commercial Finfish, Peter Hervé A. Bowyer

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

This body of research explores the dietary application of a bioactive, solid-state fermentation (SSF) product in contemporary and lupin-containing diets of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niltoticus) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Consequently, the work provides holistic assessment of the influences of SSF products on animal health and performance; depending upon rearing temperature, nutritional physiologies, feed formulations and extrusion conditions; alongside information on the performance of lupins in aquafeeds. The SSF product (at 0.1 % inclusion) improved growth performance of Nile tilapia fed diets containing lupins. Phosphorous retention appeared higher when the SSF product was included in a yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus) …

Technological Benefits And Potential Of Incorporation Of Probiotic Bacteria And Inulin In Soft Cheese, Emad Jawad

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

There is an increasing consumer demand for dairy products which are safe and free from additives. Microbial starter strains, in combination with other factors, were studied for their contribution to the control of unwanted microbes, and maintaining the quality of soft cheese. The technological and functional characteristics of the starter culture strains Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis and Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris, and probiotic bacterial strains Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB12, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Lactobacillus casei Shirota were investigated. The tests included the milk fermentation, resistance to salt and heat, bile and acid resistance, and growth at a range of …

Foraging Ecology Of The Campbell Albatross: Individual Specialisation And Fishery Interactions, Lisa Ann Sztukowski

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

Most albatrosses are critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable due to the deleterious impact of fisheries, pollution, introduced species, habitat alteration, and climate change. Foraging behaviour influences many aspects of seabird biology, and a detailed understanding of foraging ecology is required to better predict the impacts of significant changes to the marine environment. Campbell Albatross (Thalassarche impavida) is a threatened endemic, confined to a small number of locations on Campbell Island, New Zealand and was recently split from the closely related Black-browed Albatross (T. melanophrys). We currently lack much basic information on the foraging behaviour of this species, hindering our ability …

Dynamics Of Rip Currents Associated With Groynes — Field Measurements, Modelling And Implications For Beach Safety, Tim Scott, Martin Austin, Gerd Masselink, Paul Russell

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

No abstract provided.

Virtual Reality Visualisation Of A Biologically Realistic Anatomical And Functional Model Of The Tadpole Spinal Cord, Marius Varga, M-H Robert, W Paul, B Roman, L Dan

School of Art, Design and Architecture

No abstract provided.

Molecular Phylogeny Of The Highly Disjunct Cliff Water Beetles From South Africa And China (Coleoptera: Aspidytidae), Emmanuel F.A. Toussaint, Rolf G. Beutel, J Moriniere, Fenglong Jia, Shengquan Xu, Mariano C. Michat, Xin Zhou, David T. Bilton, Ignacio Ribera, J Hajek, Michael Balke

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

No abstract provided.

Physiological Niche And Geographical Range In European Diving Beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)., Rebekah Cioffi, A. John Moody, Andrés Millán, Richard A. Billington, David T. Bilton

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Geographical ranges vary greatly in size and position, even within recent clades, but the factors driving this remain poorly understood. In aquatic beetles, thermal niche has been shown to be related to both the relative range size and position of congeners but whether other physiological parameters play a role is unknown. Metabolic plasticity may be critical for species occupying more variable thermal environments and maintaining this plasticity may trade-off against other physiological processes such as immunocompetence. Here we combine data on thermal physiology with measures of metabolic plasticity and immunocompetence to explore these relationships in Deronectes (Dytiscidae). While variation in …

Improving The Quality Management Systems For Energy-Efficient Social Housing Projects, J Alencastro, A Fuertes, Wilde P De

School of Art, Design and Architecture

Developing and implementing quality management systems (QMS) in construction is particularly difficult because of a lack of standardization, the use of transient workforce and the many parties involved. This paper discusses the challenges faced by social housing providers in the UK when implementing quality assurance programs in their effort to provide their tenants with energy-efficient dwellings. In particular, it focuses on the quality plans defined at the early stages of a project, their impact during the construction process and on the resulting building energy performance. Based on data collected from the project team and documentation, a comparative analysis of the …

Boundary Layer Dynamics In The Swash Zone Under Large-Scale Laboratory Conditions, Andrea Ruju, Daniel Conley, Gerd Masselink, Martin Austin, Jack Puleo, Thijs Lanckriet, Diane Foster

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

No abstract provided.

Egrins (Environmental Gene Regulatory Influence Networks) In Rice That Function In The Response To Water Deficit, High Temperature, And Agricultural Environments, Olivia Wilkins, Christoph Hafemeister, Anne Plessis, Meisha Marika Holloway-Phillips, Gina M. Pham, Adrienne B. Nicotra, Glenn B. Gregorio, Svk Jagadish, Endang M. Septiningsih, Richard Bonneau, Michael Purugganan

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

No abstract provided.

Preliminary Results From A Computational Multi Agent Modelling Approach To Study Humpback Whale Song Cultural Transmission, M Mcloughlin, L Lamoni, E Garland, S Ingram, A Kirke, M Noad, L Rendell, Er Miranda

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) songs are a striking example of cultural transmission in non-humans (Garland et al., 2011). During the migration and mating season of this species, males produce complex, stereotyped sound sequences defined as ‘songs’(Payne & McVay, 1971). Within a population, males conform to a common yet slowly evolving song. Change can also occur more rapidly when a completely new song is adopted by the entire population in a relatively short time (termed ‘revolution’) (Noad, Cato, Bryden, Jenner, & Jenner, 2000). These phenomena can only occur if the whales are learning song from each other. While it is possible …

A Focus Group Consultation Round Exploring Patient Experiences Of Comfort During Radiotherapy For Head And Neck Cancer, Simon D. Goldsworthy, Kelly Tuke, Jos M. Latour

School of Nursing and Midwifery

No abstract provided.

New Belgrade After 1999: Spatial Violence As De-Socialisation, De-Romanisation, And De-Historisation, N Bobic

School of Art, Design and Architecture

No abstract provided.

A "Mental Models" Approach To The Communication Of Subsurface Hydrology And Hazards, H Gibson, I Stewart, S Pahl, A Stokes

School of Psychology

No abstract provided.