Digital Commons Network^™

Plant-Herbivore Interactions In A Changing Climate And Implications For Seagrass Resilience, Caitlyn M. O'Dea

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Climate change is affecting herbivore distributions and abundance, resulting in intensified grazing pressure on foundation species such as seagrasses. This, coupled with other, rapid changes in estuarine ecosystems, may threaten the resilience of seagrass. While the overall resilience of seagrasses is generally well-studied, the timeframes of recovery have received comparatively little attention, particularly in temperate estuaries. This study investigated the recovery time of two colonising seagrasses (Halophila ovalis and Ruppia megacarpa) following various intensities of simulated grazing in two southwestern Australian estuaries. Simulated grazing treatments (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% removal from 1 m2 plots) were applied in field experiments …

Performance And Interpretation: Beethoven's Opus 110, Izaac J. Masters

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Within the context of professional music making, an increasing number of pianists use both modern and historical pianos as a matter of course. Yet, not infrequently, it seems that there is little awareness of how the inherent acoustic characteristics of each instrument may be used to inform interpretation, and the instrument-specific pianistic techniques that are needed if interpretation is to be optimised. This study explores issues of interpretation and performance as applied to Beethoven’s Piano Sonata in Ab major, op. 110. Three different performative interpretations of the sonata are constructed, each relating to a specific grand piano––made by, respectively, Conrad …

Quantifying And Managing The Impact Of Electric Vehicles On Power Distribution Assets, Pravakar Pradhan

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Concern over the transportation sector’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which make up around 23% of all energy-related CO2 emissions, has grown in recent years. The widespread use of electric vehicles will be the primary strategy for tackling this issue. About 30% of the world’s passenger vehicle fleet is anticipated to be electrified by the year 2040. Moreover, the existing power distribution assets are already operating near their nominal capacities, and most of them have been in service for more than 25 years. Replacement of these assets will be very costly and disruptive to the power distribution network. Ergo, the main …

The Influence Of Networks On Suppliers’ Sustainable Innovation In Public Procurement: Insights From Ghana’S Public Works Sector, Peter Adjei-Bamfo

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

In recent times, governments have been using their procurement function to drive innovation in firms’ product outcomes and to improve operational activities that pose sustainability challenges. Ghana, for example, is currently advancing and upgrading its public works infrastructure with revenues from its commercialised oil reserves to match and improve its anticipated middle-income economy status. Faced with several sustainability challenges, such as environmental pollution and resource depletion, desecration of cultural heritage sites and exposure of labour force to poor working conditions, public works infrastructure procurements constitute a larger proportion of government procurement expenditure, globally, compared with the procurement of goods and …

The Cartographies Of Place: Approaches To Audio-Visual Composition Incorporating Aspects Of Place, Wing S. Tsang

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Incorporating aural and visual elements of a place in a composition serves as a powerful way of exploring the intersection of time, history and geography associated with a location. The combination of these elements acts as an invitation for deeper engagement by offering multiple perspectives of place. One way of exploring these intersections is through incorporating aspects of place—in the form of field recordings, field footage and cartographical information—into audio and audio-visual work, where spatial and physical information can be situated as a way of representing an individual’s surroundings and subjective realities of place. This practice-led exegesis aims to explore …

A Scientometric Analysis Of Global Scientific Literature On Learning Resources In Higher Education, Muhandiramge Kasun Samadhi Gomis, Olugbenga Timo Oladinrin, Mandeep Saini, Chaminda Pathirage, Mohammed Arif

School of Art, Design and Architecture

There is a significant increase in the literature on learning resources in Higher Education (HE) but very limited evidence of studies that have taken a global overview of the context, range, and emerging trends from the previous research. This study aims to conduct a Scientometric analysis of research articles to accommodate a global overview and research trends under the theme of learning resources in HE. 4489 scientific articles were obtained as the dataset from the Web Of Science database between 1970 and 2022. Network maps and critical data were obtained by conducting co-authorship analysis for authors, organisations and countries and …

How Do Renewable And Non-Renewable Co-Move? Fresh Evidence From The European Energy Market Via Arji-Garch Copula Model, A Agosto, L Dalla Valle, Giuli Me De

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

The global energy crisis and rising climate concerns are encouraging the transition to a more sustainable economy. Monitoring energy prices has become increasingly important for analysts, policymakers and businesses to tackle the current situation by increasing the integration of renewable energy sources, strengthening the resilience of the energy system to price shocks and reducing its dependence on fossil fuel imports, as well as improving the affordability of energy for consumers. We set up a copula-based ARJI-GARCH model to investigate the timevarying and non-linear dependence between renewable and non-renewable asset prices in the European energy market. Our results show that the …

Effects Of Preservation By Ethanol On Δ13c And Δ15n Of Three Tissues Of The Critically Endangered European Eel Anguilla Anguilla, Rose M. Boardman, Adrian C. Pinder, Adam T. Piper, Catherine Gutmann Roberts, Rosalind M. Wright, John Robert Britton

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

The temporal effects of ethanol preservation on the δ13C and δ15N values of tissues excised from European eel Anguilla anguilla were assessed. Preservation significantly enriched 13C values of fin and mucus but not dorsal muscle. The 13C enrichment occurred in the initial 15 days of preservation and was independent of initial eel mass. Tissue preservation effects on δ15N values were negligible. These tissue-specific isotopic shifts should be considered when ethanol-preserved eel samples are used.

Medical Diagnostic Value Of Digital Pcr (Dpcr): A Systematic Review, Sophia Nazir

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) is an emerging technique for the absolute quantification of target nucleic acids. dPCR got attention as a precise quantification tool in preclinical research, particularly when used to detect genetic mutations and result in highly precise measurements. In dPCR, the statistic of Poisson distribution was followed for the random distribution of molecules in different partitions, which is essential for dPCR quantification. Amplified target sequences in different partitions are identified by fluorescence and each partition functions as a separate PCR microreactor. Without the need for calibration, the percentage of PCR-positive partitions is sufficient to estimate the concentration …

Biosensor For Rapid And Accurate Detection Of Cardiovascular Biomarkers: Progress And Prospects In Biosensors, Sophia Nazir, Rabail Azhar Iqbal

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

The primary cause of death worldwide is cardiovascular disease (CVD), which has a considerable mortality rate. It is essential to identify cardiac biomarkers and heartbeat signals early to lower mortality. Conventional CVD examinations require costly hospital equipment for standard CVD examinations and electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, both of which take time and are inconvenient. Recently, interest in developing biosensing technologies for rapid CVD marker screening has increased. As a result of advancements in nanotechnology and bioelectronics, novel biosensor platforms are being created to achieve quick detection, precise quantification, and continuous monitoring during disease progression. Research is being done on chemical, electrochemical, …

Mouthwashes: Alternatives And Future Directions, Brett Duane, Tami Yap, Prasanna Neelakantan, Robert Anthonappa, Raul Bescos, Colman Mcgrath, Michael Mccullough, Zoë Brookes

Peninsula Dental School

This narrative review summarises “alternative” or “natural” over-the-counter (OTC) mouthwashes not covered elsewhere in this supplement and newly emerging products, as potential mouthwashes of the future. The “natural” mouthwashes reviewed include saltwater, baking soda, coconut oil, charcoal, propolis, seaweeds, and probiotics. Other than essential oils, it is apparent that their clinical effectiveness is still under debate, but there is some evidence to suggest that propolis reduces plaque and gingivitis. This review also covers the host immune response, via novel anti-inmmunomodulant mouthwashes, such as erythropoietin to reduce inflammation with oral mucositis (OM) after radiotherapy. The emerging concept of nanoparticle-containing mouthwashes, such …

Turning Sanctions Into Reparations: Lessons For Russia/Ukraine, Evan J. Criddle

Faculty Publications

Within the past year, members of Congress have introduced nearly a dozen bills to make Russia pay for its military aggression against Ukraine. This Essay argues that none of the bills are satisfactory because they would either violate international law or fail to deliver meaningful compensation to Ukraine. Instead, the Essay urges policymakers to use economic sanctions as leverage to compel Russia to make reparations through an international claims-settlement process.

Tribute To Professor James Moliterno, Patricia Roberts, Soledad Atienza, Eleanor Myers, James S. Heller, Gary Tamsitt, Neal Devins, Peter Čuroš, Veronika Tomoszek, Maxim Tomoszek, Paul Žilinčík, Rongjie Lan, José M. De Areilza, Irina Lortkipanidze, Ján Mazúr, Javier Guillen, Lucia Berdisová, James Étienne Viator

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Technology Integration In Higher Education And Student Privacy Beyond Learning Environments -- A Comparison Of The Uk And Us Perspective, Iria Giuffrida, Alex Hall

Faculty Publications

Technology integration in higher education (HE) has brought immense innovation. While research is investigating the benefits of leveraging, through learning analytics, the data created by the greater presence of technology in HE, it is also analysing the privacy implications of vast universes of data now at the fingertips of HE administrators. This paper argues that student privacy challenges linked to technology integration occur not only within but also beyond learning environments, namely at the enterprise level. By analysing the UK and US legal frameworks surrounding how HE institutions respond to parents demanding disclosure of their adult children's personal data in …

Subordination Through Schedules, Nicole Buonocore Porter

Faculty Publications

Our jobs are not only about the work we do—they are also about when and where we do that work. For a variety of reasons, employees with disabilities often seek modifications of their employers’ policies regarding when and where work is performed. These accommodations are often necessary for the employee to remain employed. The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities, and these accommodations can include schedule changes. But research demonstrates that when responding to accommodation requests under the ADA, employers are often reluctant to grant requests to modify the rules regarding …

Tha Conference : Ihsatec 2022, 15th Hasib, 8th Ihsacc, Staff -

Halal Insight

No abstract provided.

Editor's Talk, Najwa Yanya Santiworakun

Halal Insight

No abstract provided.

Finite Element Analysis And Wear Rate Analysis Of Nano Coated High Speed Steel Tools For Industrial Application, Sami Ullah Khan, Wasim Jamshed

Babylonian Journal of Mechanical Engineering

Numerous machining process output metrics may be used to evaluate a material's machinability, with tool life unquestionably being the most popular. The rate of tool wear, which is heavily reliant on the current wear mechanisms, determines the tool life in the main. The problem of tool wear needs to be rectified to improve machining quality such as surface roughness and production time. In this study, the thermal barrier coating (TBC) technique on machining tool (HSS) to improve its effectiveness. Utilizing Zirconia and Chromium-based compounds, the HSS tool have been coated. FEA (ANSYS software) was used to examine the material strength …

Solar Stills: Review, Salwa Bouadila, Suhaib J. Shbailat

Babylonian Journal of Mechanical Engineering

Solar stills are simple, economical apparatuses that harness solar energy to cleanse water by evaporation and condensation. This research study examines solar stills' principles, types and designs, highlighting their significance in mitigating water shortage, particularly in desert and isolated areas. Critical performance metrics, such as thermal efficiency, water production, and material selection, are examined to ascertain the determinants affecting their efficacy. The analysis further addresses creative improvements, including using phase change materials (PCMs), nanotechnology, and hybrid systems that merge solar stills with other renewable energy sources. Additionally, the article assesses the environmental and economic ramifications of solar stills and traditional …

Analysis Of Heat And Mass Transfer In Magnetic Fluid Flux (Mhd) Using Williamson's Model Over An Expanded Surface With Thermal And Nonlinear Radiation Effects, Payam Jalili, Ayad Ibrahim

Babylonian Journal of Mechanical Engineering

This study investigates the heat and mass transfer characteristics of Williamson MHD fluid flow over a stretching surface with variable thickness, considering the effects of Lorentz forces, nonlinear thermal radiation, and cross-diffusion phenomena. The governing equations for momentum, energy, and concentration are derived and transformed into dimensionless coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations using similarity transformations. These equations are solved numerically using a fourth-order Runge-Kutta method coupled with shooting techniques. The analysis incorporates the effects of thermal and concentration slip conditions, magnetic field intensity, and electrical conductivity. Results are presented graphically and in tabular form to illustrate the influence of key …

Tennessee Farm Bureau News - January 2023, Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation

Tennessee Farm Bureau News

No abstract provided.

Integrative Big Transcriptomics Data Analysis Implicates Crucial Role Of Muc13 In Pancreatic Cancer, Anupam Dhasmana, Swati Dhasmana, Shivangi Agarwal, Sheema Khan, Shafiul Haque, Meena Jaggi, Murali M. Yallapu, Subhash C. Chauhan

School of Medicine Publications

Big data analysis holds a considerable influence on several aspects of biomedical health science. It permits healthcare providers to gain insights from large and complex datasets, leading to improvements in the understanding, diagnosis, medication, and restraint of pathological conditions including cancer. The incidences of pancreatic cancer (PanCa) are sharply rising, and it will become the second leading cause of cancer related deaths by 2030. Various traditional biomarkers are currently in use but are not optimal in sensitivity and specificity. Herein, we determine the role of a new transmembrane glycoprotein, MUC13, as a potential biomarker of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) …

Dementia And Cognitive Impairment In French-Speaking Sub-Saharan Africa: A Comprehensive Review On Moving Out Of The Shadows Of Neglect, Cyrille D. Nkouonlack, Wepnyu Y. Njamnshi, Samuel A. Angwafor, Joseph N. Siewe Fodjo, Michel K. Mengnjo, Leonard Ngarka, Maggy Mbede, Leonard N. Nfor, Carlson Abomate, Gladys E. Maestre

School of Medicine Publications

Dementia is a global public health problem with increasing prevalence and incidence worldwide. The African continent is expected to bear the biggest brunt of the burden of dementia by 2050 because of the rapid demographic changes, including rapid population growth, an increase in life expectancy, and ageing. However, French-speaking Sub-Saharan African (FS-SSA) countries are underrepresented in research on dementia in Africa. While the reasons are diverse and complex, linguistic and cultural barriers to research, disproportionately affect these countries and may be significant factors. Any efforts, therefore, to redress the burden of dementia in Africa must consider the specific demographic, cultural, …

Associations Between Social Media And Mood, Madison Connors

Undergraduate Theses and Senior Projects

Since its emergence, social media has evolved quickly and to become more widespread year by year (Pew Research Center, 2021). Along with the steady increase of social media use, there has also been a steady increase in depression in the United States, especially in those aged 12-17 (Mental Health America, 2022). This purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between social media and mental health by replicating a study conducted by Shensa and colleagues (2017) that investigated the relationship between social media use and depression in U.S. young adults, but also to include measures of fear of missing …

Study Abroad And The Global Public Good: A Developmental Evaluation Of The International Business Major, Sara Barbier Bularzik

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Study abroad, for any length of time and in any location, is widely recognized in higher education as a positive educational activity. While individual benefits of study abroad have been explored for decades, recent research has pushed the field to consider benefits for the local and global community. This program evaluation contributes to this line of inquiry by asking international business majors about the influences on their study abroad program choice process and the involvement of the university’s mission to positively impact the public good. Using developmental program evaluation and UNESCO’s global citizenship education theory, this study found that students …

Enhancing Reciprocity, Equity And Quality Of Ethics Review For Multisite Research During Public Health Crises: The Experience Of The Covid-19 Clinical Research Coalition Ethics Working Group, Vasiliki Rahimzadeh, Jennyfer Ambe, Jantina De Vries

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

In this paper we report findings from a commissioned report to the COVID-19 Clinical Research Coalition on approaches to streamline multinational REC review/approval during public health emergencies. As currently envisioned in the literature, a system of REC mutual recognition is theoretically possible based on shared procedural REC standards, but raises numerous concerns about perceived inequities and mistrust.

Validity And Diagnostic Performance Of Computing Fractional Flow Reserve From 2-Dimensional Coronary Angiography Images, Vahid Mohammadi, Massoud Ghasemi, Reza Rahmani, Maryam Mehrpooya, Hamidreza Babakhani, Akbar Shafiee, Mohammad Sadeghian

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

BACKGROUND: Measurement of fractional flow reserve (FFR) is the gold standard for determining the physiologic significance of coronary artery stenosis, but newer software programs can calculate the FFR from 2-dimensional angiography images.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the records of patients with intermediate coronary stenoses who had undergone adenosine FFR (aFFR). To calculate the computed FFR, a software program used simulated coronary blood flow using computational geometry constructed using at least 2 patient-specific angiographic images. Two cardiologists reviewed the angiograms and determined the computational FFR independently. Intraobserver variability was measured using κ analysis and the intraclass correlation coefficient. …

The 2022 Utah College Sexual Behavior Survey: Initial Findings Report, Cris Meier, Julie Gast, Susannah Harris, Melissa Ferguson, Brittany Hansen, Moni Butte

All Current Publications

Purpose: The purpose of the 2022 Utah College Sexual Behavior Survey project was to use retrospective sexual behavior and education measures to gain a better understanding of the sexual behaviors and perceptions of sex education of Utah youth by asking students aged 18-21 years old about their sexual behaviors as youth.

Measures: The survey questions represented ten topical areas. These areas included questions about: basic demographics; non-penetrative sex; penetrative sex; contraceptive use and pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention; communication and consent; sexting; sex education; attitudes about sex; current sex behavior; and university programming.

Method: A one-time survey was …

Ukrainian Women Refugees In Italy And Their Risk Of Sexual Violence: An Interview With Luisanna Porcu, Lepa Mladjenović

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

No abstract provided.

Aspiration Thrombectomy Versus Stent Retriever Thrombectomy Alone For Acute Ischemic Stroke: Evaluating The Overlapping Meta-Analyses, Ahmed Y. Azzam, Sherief Ghozy, Kevin M. Kallmes, Gautam Adusumilli, Jeremy J. Heit, Ameer E. Hassan, Ramanathan Kadirvel, David F. Kallmes

School of Medicine Publications

Background Previous studies comparing a direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT) and stent retrievers have inconsistent methodologies and data reporting, limiting the ability to accurately assimilate data from different studies that would inform treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treatment.

Objective To conduct a systematic review to discuss and compare the findings of all relevant meta-analysis studies comparing the efficacy of the ADAPT and stent retriever techniques.

Methods The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), where meta-analyses comparing the efficacy of the ADAPT technique and stent retrievers in the treatment of …