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The Eastern Mediterranean Sea Energy Diplomacy: The Case Of Lebanon 2012-2022, Hoda Taktak

Plymouth Business School Theses

This thesis explores the geopolitical implications of energy discoveries in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (EMS) region, with a particular focus on Lebanon's role within this complex dynamic. The research examines how energy governance, security challenges, and regional conflict and cooperation shape Lebanon's ability to leverage its energy resources from 2012 to 2022. Through interviews with thirty top professionals in the field, the study offers an in-depth examination of the evolving geopolitical and geoeconomic dynamics resulting from maritime boundary disputes, regional tensions, and Lebanon’s energy potential.While energy discoveries in the EMS region present significant opportunities, Lebanon faces challenges in unlocking its …

Factors Influencing Sustainability Practices In Processes Of Manufacturers In The Nigerian Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Sector, Akintayo Akinrinsola

Plymouth Business School Theses

This research investigates the factors influencing the adoption and implementation of sustainability practices and processes in the manufacturing and business operations of organisations in the Nigerian Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector. The study is driven by global calls for sustainable industrial practices, this study seeks to understand how internal factors (such as organisational characteristics, culture, resources, and leadership commitment) and external pressures (regulations, consumer expectations, and competitive forces) shape corporate responses to sustainability drivers. The research aims to explore the drivers, barriers, and organizational responses to sustainability is essential for promoting long-term environmental and economic resilience, within this context.The study …

An Investigation Of The Awareness And Preparedness Amongst The Tourism And Event Industries Of The Threat Of A Marine-Based Terrorist Attack., Carleen Martin

Plymouth Business School Theses

This study is an investigation of the awareness and preparedness amongst the tourism and event industries of the threat of a marine-based terrorist attack. The purpose was to determine the extent of the threat of a marine-based terrorist attack to the tourism and event industries operating in coastal areas in the United Kingdom and gain an in depth understanding of the perception, awareness, and preparedness of marine-based terrorist risk held by the multiple stakeholders involved. This research took a qualitative approach obtaining the expert testimonies of senior operatives in the field who have been involved in the emergency response to …

The Implementation Of The Guiding Principles On Business And Human Rights By The Office Of The United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees (Unhcr), Reema Al Kyed

Plymouth Business School Theses

ABSTRACTThe Implementation of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)Reema Issa Al KyedThis thesis examines the compliance of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), focusing on its commitment to respecting human rights, exercising due diligence, and enabling remediation for adverse impacts. The study has four key objectives: evaluating the relevance of sociological and human rights theories for implementing the UNGPs, assessing UNHCR’s compliance with the UNGPs, identifying areas for improvement, and …

The Impact Of Talent Management On Process Innovation Implementation In The Upstream Oil And Gas Sector, Salim Al Daraai

Plymouth Business School Theses

The oil and gas industry is vital industry in the world. Specifically, the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry plays a crucial role in the global economy, serving as a primary source of energy and revenue generation. It involves exploration and development activities, where exploration involves identifying petroleum resources, including drilling and seismic surveys. In contrast, production involves a way to extract petroleum from the ground. Moreover, the oil and gas industry is highly competitive and rapidly evolving. Process innovation implementation plays an important role in the success and sustainability of organizations in the oil and gas industries. …

Reactive Power Potential: A Contribution Of Hydropower For The Energy Transition, Michael Bohlinger

Plymouth Business School Theses

The growing challenges of climate change and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions make Germany’s Energy Transition a crucial step in addressing these global issues. Climate change, driven largely by rising CO₂ levels, demands a swift shift to renewable energy to minimise its impact on the environment and society. At the same time, the gradual phase-out of conventional power plants presents significant challenges for the electricity grid, especially in terms of expanding the network and ensuring its reliability. This study explores the critical role of hydropower plants in stabilizing the energy system. In addition to generating renewable energy, hydropower …

Analysing Visitors’ Emotions, Testing The Dramma Model, And Using Reflective Practice For Guided Walk Development, Jane Webb

Plymouth Business School Theses

This thesis examines the relationship between visitor engagement, aura, nostalgia, and emotion in guided walks, demonstrating how these concepts influence the tourism experience. The study advances understanding by offering a pragmatic insight into visitor emotions during co-creation. To achieve the aims, a study of Facebook posts was performed to understand the ties between current and former residents of Torbay. The research's significance stems from its comprehensive examination of visitors' emotional and subjective well-being (DRAMMA) during guided walks. The work assessed contributed to the DRAMMA Model, encompassing detachment, recovery, autonomy, mastery, meaning, and affiliation. The methodological approach follows an interpretative route, …

Investigating The Impact Of Human Resource Practices On The Experiences Of Nigerian Seafaring Officers: An In-Depth Analysis Of The Shipping Industry In Nigeria, Mariah Adeboboye

Plymouth Business School Theses

The maritime industry, a critical component of Nigeria's economic infrastructure, relies heavily on the expertise and dedication of its seafaring officers. Drawing on motivation and commitment theories, this study offers a thorough analysis of the prevalent shipping industry practices within the Nigerian setting, exploring the complex effects of human resource practices on the experiences of Nigerian seafaring officers. Taking a pragmatic ontological position supported by a mixed-methods approach, this study combined qualitative interviews with forty-five seafaring officers, six former seafaring officers and six maritime industry Human Resource managers, alongside crosstabulation analyses of 174 seafaring officer’s questionnaire responses. This study examines …

Stakeholder Engagement In Commercial Art Galleries In Damascus, Syria, Mohamadia Alnasan

Plymouth Business School Theses

Commercial art galleries (CAGs) are economic and cultural entities at the same time. They depend on stakeholder engagement to thrive and reach success and sustainability. This thesis researches stakeholder engagement in CAGs in Damascus, Syria. Regarding methodology, the thesis adopts case study as a research strategy covering nine commercial art galleries in Damascus as case studies. It conducted 27 face-to-face semi-structured interviews with gallerists and stakeholders, including artists, collectors, critics, and visitors, and 9 participant observation to collect on-site data. It uses thematic and content analysis. The thesis establishes stakeholders for CAGs, examines factors influencing stakeholder engagement according to gallerists …

An Analysis Of Container Port Performance In Lower-Middle-Income Countries; A Case Study Of Nigeria Container Ports, Caleb Danladi

Plymouth Business School Theses

Container ports play a vital role in international trade, facilitating the movement of goods and supporting economic development. However, much of the research focus has been on high-income countries, with limited attention given to the performance of ports in LMI countries.This study investigates the performance of container ports in LMI countries, with a specific focus on Nigeria’s container port operations from 2001 to 2012, using a mixed-methods approach. The research is divided into two phases. In the first phase, a two-stage analysis is employed. First, a non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and the Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) are used to …

The Role Of Sociocultural Factors In Saudi Consumers’ Attitudes Towards Social Media Advertising And Purchase Intentions Within The Clothing Industry, Lamis Aldawish

Plymouth Business School Theses

Social media advertising (SMA) significantly influences consumer purchase behaviour in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the fashion industry. However, Saudi consumers’ attitudes towards fashion advertisements on social media are shaped by sociocultural factors, given the country’s deep-rooted cultural and Islamic principles. With Saudi Vision 2030 driving societal changes and transforming the fashion industry, younger generations (under 45 years) are developing different attitudes compared to older generations (over 45 years). Although notable changes have occurred, existing literature lacks sufficient exploration of how sociocultural factors influence Saudi consumers’ attitudes towards social media advertising and their intentions to purchase clothing. Gaining insight into these …

Tourists’ Immersive Experiences At Dark Tourism Destinations: The Role Of The Spiritualist Medium, Andrew Fry

Plymouth Business School Theses

While immersive experience and dark tourism are established fields, little research has examined how spiritualist mediums shape belief-led, emotionally resonant encounters at historically charged sites. This thesis addresses that gap by investigating how mediums influence emotional engagement, interpretive depth, and perceptions of authenticity. Centred on Bodmin Jail’s After Dark Event, the study adopts a sequential mixed-methods design and integrates quantitative patterns with qualitative mechanisms through joint QUAN–QUAL displays. Findings show that mediumship helps convert arousal into reflective meaning through ritual participation, atmospheric design, and interpretive trust. Anticipated theatricality heightened arousal and “staging” attributions, yet felt authenticity was sustained when the …

Tetrazole-Containing Naphthalene Bis-Sulfonamide Keap1-Nrf2 Interaction Inhibitors With Unexpected Binding Modes, Nikolaos D Georgakopoulos, Sandeep K Talapatra, Sharadha Dayalan Naidu, Dina Dikovskaya, Maureen Higgins, Jemma Gatliff, Roxani Nikoloudaki, Marjolein Schaap, Jasmine M Walker, Christopher Wardby, Albena T Dinkova-Kostova, Sarah Harris, Frank Kozielski, Geoff Wells

Peninsula Medical School

Naphthalene bis-sulfonamides are amongst the most studied inhibitors of the interaction between Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap1), a ubiquitination facilitator protein and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor associated with diverse cytoprotective responses. The compounds bind to the C-terminal Kelch domain of Keap1 and occupy the Nrf2 binding pocket, causing Nrf2 to accumulate and increase the expression of a battery of antioxidant response element genes. The binding modes of the compounds have been characterised through a series of X-ray crystallography and binding assay studies. In this work we have evaluated a series of symmetric and asymmetric …

A Change In Climate: Inclusion And Menopause Experience At Work, Janie D. Stuart

Industrial-Organizational Psychology Dissertations

Inclusion within workplace environments is increasingly important as workforce diversity continues to expand. Despite anti-discrimination laws, women and other underrepresented groups often face exclusion in the workplace, which negatively affects their professional growth, health, and well-being. This research focused on how menopause, a natural biological transition, compounds workplace exclusion for women. Specifically, the study investigated the relationship between Menopause Experience and two workplace outcomes, Organizational Commitment and Turnover Intention, and assessed the moderating effects of Inclusion in organizations, teams, and non-gendered workplace cultures. There were strong positive relationships between all three dimensions of Inclusion with both Organizational Commitment and Turnover …

To Identify Key Determinants Of Green Hrm: Evidence From The United Nations, Jin Woong Yoo, Saeyeon Roh, Georgina Raper

Plymouth Business School

Purpose: This study aims to discover key driving factors towards the implementation of Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) in the United Nations (UN) in South Korea. Design/methodology/approach: As a mixed method, we collected quantitative and qualitative data sets from Human Resource (HR) practitioners or experts in the UN in South Korea. While the survey data was analysed by employing the Consistent Fuzzy Preference Relations (CFPR) method, the qualitative data was analysed through thematic analysis. Findings: Among HR practice, organisation, HR initiative and leadership dimensions, green recruitment from HR practice is deemed the most vital determinant of GHRM. This study concluded …

Exploring University Students’ Reasons For Not Working While Studying: Implications For Employability, Carl Evans, Jonathan Lean

Plymouth Business School

The purpose of this paper is to examine the behaviours and perceptions of university students who do not work part-time while studying. A structured, online questionnaire was issued to Business Management students at a UK university. A total of 123 responses were received, of which 64 indicated that they were not working while studying. While non-working students were mindful of the importance of work to developing employability skills, greater importance was attached to their degree studies. Most work to date has focused on the motivations and behaviours of university students who undertake work while studying. Little work has been carried …

Aspiration To Achievement: A Mixed Methods Study Of Post-Secondary Access For Firstgeneration College Students, Traveon L. Jefferson

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods study examines the effectiveness of Destination Diploma, a community-based post-secondary access program, in supporting the college readiness, enrollment, persistence, and completion of first-generation college students (FGCS). Grounded in Social Capital Theory, the study explores how structured support systems—such as mentorship, academic coaching, and financial aid navigation—enhance educational outcomes for students historically underrepresented in higher education. Quantitative data from 2014 to 2024 was analyzed to assess post-secondary placement and completion rates, while qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with former program participants provided insight into the lived experiences and perceived impact of the program. Findings demonstrate that Destination Diploma plays …

(Re)Membering: Navigating Culturally Responsive Teaching To Support Black Students From The Cultural Experiences And Life Histories Of Black Women K-3 Teachers, Nicole Newman

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the lived experiences of four Black women teaching in primary grades, focusing on the ways their resilience and culturally responsive pedagogies shape the academic and personal growth of young Black students. Utilizing a qualitative endarkened narrative approach, this research explores how these teachers employ storytelling as both a pedagogical and cultural tool, drawing from their own experiences and ancestral knowledge to foster identity development, bridge the opportunity gap, and empower students during the foundational years of education. Through rich and layered narratives, the participants illuminate their journeys of resilience, detailing how they cultivate inclusive, affirming learning environments …

Understanding Institutional Factors That Hinder Black Students’ Ability To Persist At Community Colleges, Tadael Emiru

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Community colleges face a significant challenge with high attrition rates, which disproportionately impact Black students compared to other student groups. Hope Community Colleges reflect this trend, with a notable percentage of students dropping out before achieving their academic goals. The implications of this high dropout rate extend beyond individual students, affecting the local, state, and national economies.

Although existing research primarily focuses on students’ personal characteristics that influence their ability to stay in college, there is a noticeable gap in understanding the institutional factors that negatively affect student persistence, particularly for Black students in community colleges. This study sought to …

The Power Of Presence: Body Image In Disney's The Little Mermaid, Megan Chatelain

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

This study explores how body image is represented in Disney’s The Little Mermaid across its 1989 animated film and the 2019 and 2023 adaptations. Grounded in Gerbner’s Cultivation Theory, the research examines how repeated media exposure shapes audience perceptions of morality, beauty, and identity—particularly through the portrayal of body size. Using a triangulated qualitative approach—reflexive journaling, content analysis, and survey responses—the study reveals consistent patterns: thin characters are depicted as virtuous, desirable, and heroic, while larger-bodied characters are often cast as villainous, comedic, or morally flawed. These associations were recognized by participants across all methods and confirmed through both reflective …

A Qualitative Inquiry Of Adult English Language Instructor Experiences Fostering Inclusion, Community Building, And Student Motivation, Kathrene Marie Razo

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

By Kathrene Marie Razo

University of the Pacific

2025

The central focus of this inquiry is on understanding adult English instructor experiences fostering inclusion, community building, and student motivation in the language classroom. In addition, it highlights contextual background relative to common life barriers faced by the adult English language learner population as they relate to an immigrant’s journey of establishing themselves in a new land.

Furthermore, this inquiry was prompted by a need to gain a clearer understanding of the best practices that are revealed by educators’ shared lived experiences to assist in the support of learners in …

Gadd34 And Crep Regulation In The Unfolded Protein Response, Comparing Molecular Mechanisms In Humans And Zebrafish, Angela Adams

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

In eukaryotic cells, many newly synthesized proteins are sent to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of a cell to be folded into the proper conformation for functionality. When proteins get misfolded, or cannot be folded fast enough, these proteins accumulate in the ER which causes the cell to become stressed. This leads to a process known as the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). Once UPR has been initiated, the α subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α) becomes phosphorylated to inhibit global protein synthesis within the cell, while simultaneously activating the expression of several genes to either aid in cell recovery or …

Mentors’ Experiences Supporting Beginning Teachers Of Students In High-Needs, Urban Schools, Guy Lamont Ollison

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Research has consistently demonstrated the positive impact of mentoring on beginning teachers. However, it has also been revealed that teachers serving students in highly-diverse, high-needs, urban, low-income schools often receive inadequate, inconsistent, and low-quality support. In fact, studies indicate that the overall quality of support provided to beginning teachers is closely linked to the income level of the student population they serve (Alkins et al., 2006; Mizrav & Lachlan-Hache, 2019). A lack of meaningful mentor support can negatively affect the learning outcomes of marginalized students of color.

The purpose of this basic qualitative study, guided by a phenomenological approach, was …

Effects Of Cross-Sex Hormone Therapy (Csht) On Aortic Reactivity And Metabolic Parameters In Gonadectomized Male And Female Rats, Rifat Ara Islam

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

With the rising awareness, the number of individuals identifying themselves as transgender in the US is increasing over the years. Cross-sex hormone therapy (CSHT) may alter cardiometabolic parameters leading to the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in transgender population. However, the underlying mechanisms of impaired cardiovascular functions in transgender female (male to female, MtF) or transgender male (female to male, FtM) individuals are not well documented. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of 17β-estradiol (E2)- and testosterone propionate (Tes)-treatment on key cardiometabolic parameters and aortic reactivity in castrated (CAS) male and ovariectomized (OVX) female Sprague Dawley (SD) …

Knocking On Resistance’S Door: Investigating The Spread And Drivers Of Kdr Mutations In Northern California Culex Tarsalis, Esther Blankenship-Cutshall

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Vector-borne diseases are an increasingly relevant threat to public health as climate change alters the ecology of vector populations in relation to humans. One key to combating vector-borne disease is using pyrethroid insecticides against mosquito populations. However, wild mosquito populations have exhibited resistance to those key pyrethroids. One resistance mechanism under investigation is the altering of the voltage-gated sodium channel, which is associated with the genetic mutations known as kdr. The prevalence and history of kdr mutations has been investigated in some populations of Culex pipiens, however, it is unknown in northern California Culex tarsalis populations. This study aims to …

How The Least Restrictive Environment Mandate Is Interpreted By California Special Education Local Plan Agency Directors, Robin Suttle

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study examines how Special Education Local Plan Agency (SELPA) directors in California interpret and communicate the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) mandate under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The study explores how SELPA directors understand LRE and how this understanding is conveyed to district-level administrators. Data were collected through interviews and document review across selected SELPAs and analyzed thematically using the Boundary Spanning framework. Findings show that SELPA directors view LRE as both a legal obligation and a collaborative, context-dependent process. They act as intermediaries, translating federal and state mandates into locally usable guidance while balancing …

From Street Codes To School Codes: Transformative Educational Intervention For Gang Affiliated Student. An Active Research Study, Alexandra Saldivar

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Gang-affiliated youth face significant challenges in educational and community settings, often resulting in lower graduation rates, limited career opportunities, and an increased risk for behavioral problems. While gang activity on school campuses has increased in recent years, there is limited research and little effort specifically tailored to meet the needs of this vulnerable population. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the WhyTry intervention, a resilience-focused program designed for at-risk populations, modified with additional counseling and a gang-intervention emphasis to address the unique challenges gang-affiliated students face. The study explores whether the modified WhyTry program can improve academic performance, …

And Yet She Persisted: An Autoethnographic Exploration Of A Mature Doctoral Student Experiencing Grief And Loss During The Doctoral Journey, Jenny Masterman Abbott

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

This evocative autoethnographic study explored the lived experiences of a mature doctoral student navigating grief and loss while progressing through a doctoral program. The research connected the personal narrative of the author a nurse, educator, wife, mother, and widow to broader themes of resilience, identity, and persistence in higher education. Using narrative inquiry and self-reflective vignettes, this dissertation sought to illuminate how grief intersects with academic life, shaping both personal meaning and scholarly perseverance.

The study was guided by four research questions: (1) What does it mean for the mature doctoral student to be successful in negotiating the doctoral journey …

Comparative Evaluation Of Swabbing Sites For Omicron Variant Detection In Pcr Testing, Tom Fowler, Edward Blandford, David Chapman, Matthias E Futschik, Raghavendran Kulasegaran-Shylini, Sarah Tunkel, Carolyn Lewis, Alasdair Fellows, Ellie Sheppard, Leanne Mccabe, Peter Marks, Paul E Klapper, Andrew Dodgson, Malur Sudhanva, Mike Kidd, Andy Vail, Susan Hopkins, Tim Peto

School of Biomedical Sciences

PURPOSE: The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 raised concerns about the best sampling sites for PCR testing, with early indications suggesting throat swab samples were better than nasal swab samples. Our study evaluated the sensitivity of detecting SARS-CoV-2 across different swabbing sites.

METHODS: Participants undergoing testing at NHS Test and Trace sites in England provided self-collected samples using nose only, throat only, and combined nose and throat swabs, which were analysed by realtime PCR.

RESULTS: Among 815 participants, combined swabs had higher viral concentrations than nose only or throat only swabs. Sensitivity for detecting SARS-CoV-2 by PCR was 91 % for …

Rhce Genotyping Using Next Generation Sequencing:Allele Specific Reference Sequences, Wajnat A. Tounsi, Amr J. Halawani, Kelly A. Sillence, Michele Kiernan, Neil D. Avent, Tracey Madgett

School of Biomedical Sciences

BackgroundThe Rh blood group system (ISBT004) is encoded by two homologous genes, RHD and RHCE. Polymorphism in these two genes gives rise to 56 antigens, which are highly immunogenic and clinically significant. This study extended previous work on the establishment of RHD allele specific reference sequences using next generation sequencing (NGS) with the Ion Personal Genome Machine (Ion PGM) to sequence the complete RHCE gene.Study Design and MethodsGenomic DNA (gDNA) samples (n = 87) from blood donors of different serologically predicted genotypes including R1R1 (DCe/DCe), R2R2 (DcE/DcE), R1R2 (DCe/DcE), R2RZ (DcE/DCE), R1r (DCe/dce), R2r (DcE/dce), R0r (Dce/dce), rr (dce/dce), r'r …