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Behavioral Response Of Glossina Pallidipes To Trypanosome-Induced Semiochemicals Under Laboratory And Field Conditions In Kwale County, Kenya, Rungua Chiro Rungua

All Master’s Theses

Animal African Trypanosomiasis (AAT) transmitted by the Glossina spp is a major constraint to livestock production in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) despite various control efforts. Trypanosome-induced semiochemicals found in urine of infected cattle are predictive AAT biomarkers with potential for use as baits for tsetse trapping enhancement. The objective of this study was to investigate the urine from trypanosome infected cow and its modified semiochemicals as effective attractants for infected Glossina pallidipes with an economical dispenser for field application. Coupled Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry was used to analyze cow urine odor profiles to identify Trypanosoma congolense (T. c) modified semiochemicals. The chemistry …

Adversarial Generative Flow Network For Solving Vehicle Routing Problems, Ni Zhang, Jingfeng Yang, Zhiguang Cao, Xu Chi

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Recent research into solving vehicle routing problems (VRPs) has gained significant traction, particularly through the application of deep (reinforcement) learning for end-to-end solution construction. However, many current construction-based neural solvers predominantly utilize Transformer architectures, which can face scalability challenges and struggle to produce diverse solutions. To address these limitations, we introduce a novel framework beyond Transformer-based approaches, i.e., Adversarial Generative Flow Networks (AGFN). This framework integrates the generative flow network (GFlowNet)-a probabilistic model inherently adept at generating diverse solutions (routes)-with a complementary model for discriminating (or evaluating) the solutions. These models are trained alternately in an adversarial manner to improve …

Gnnsynergy: A Multi-View Graph Neural Network For Predicting Anti-Cancer Drug Synergy, Zhifeng Hao, Jianming Zhan, Yuan Fang, Min Wu, Ruichu Cai

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Drug combinations play very important roles in cancer therapy, as they can enhance curative efficacy and overcome drug resistance. Due to the increasing size of combinatorial space, experimental screening for all the drug combinations becomes infeasible in practice. Therefore, there is a great need to develop accurate computational approaches that can predict potential drug combinations to direct the experimental screening. In this paper, we propose a novel method called GNNSynergy to learn drug embeddings for drug synergy prediction. Given a specific cancer cell line, we propose a multi-view graph neural network framework which considers the current cell line as main …

Cfd Analysis Of Hydrodynamic Cavitation Through An Orifice: Influence Of Different Inlet Pressures And Number Of Orifice Holes, Lemthong Chanphavong, Vongsavanh Chanthaboune, Keophousone Phonhalath

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) is considered an energy-efficient process with high potential for utilization in many chemical processes. This study presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of cavitating flow through an orifice with a constant flow area. The Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations, coupled with turbulence and cavitation models, are employed to capture the complex flow behaviors. The effects of inlet pressures and number of orifice-holes on cavitation behavior are investigated. Result of the numerical simulation is validated with the existing experimental data from the literature. The CFD study revealed that cavitation initiates just behind the inlet edge of the orifice …

Impact Of Color, Shape, And Typeface On Visual Attention: An Eye Tracking Study On Brand Logo, Suzayana Rosidah, Fransiskus Xaverius Ivan, Suatmi Murnani, Hafzatin Nurlatifa, Kristian Adi Nugraha, Sunu Wibirama

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

In numerous cases, companies undertake logo redesigns to enhance brand perception. However, little attention has been paid to the impact of each element of the redesigned logo on visual attention and brand perception. To address this research gap, we collected data from eye tracking and self-report questionnaires of 30 participants during exposure to the old and new logos of a prominent bookstore in Indonesia. The results of the questionnaires revealed a significant relationship between the responses concerning color, shape, typeface, and those pertaining to visual attention (p < 0.05). Most participants were able to grasp the value of creativity, flexibility, progress, change, and strength in the new logo shape. The results of eye tracking show that color was the most influential factor that attracted visual attention in old (F(1.5, 43.4) = 14.905, p < 0.05) and new logos (F(1.7, 50) = 34.757, p < 0.05). This study suggests that companies should selectively choose a color scheme of a logo that better attracts the attention of consumers. In addition, our finding is promising as a practical guide for similar research, as well as a case study on how logo redesign affects brand perception and visual attention.

Regulation Of Haemodynamic Variables By Laguerre Polynomials Based Model Predictive Control., Sai Sandeep Boda, Hiren Kumar G. Patel, Khyati D. Mistry

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Purpose: Cardiac output (CO) and Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) are two haemodynamic variables that need regulation in clinical situations, particularly in post-cardiac surgery patients. As it is difficult for clinical personnel to monitor continuously, automatic drug infusion to regulate MAP and CO is recommended and essential in the medical environment. Methods: Two input and two output patient model was used in this work to study the variation of haemodynamic variables in response to the infusion of Dopamine (DP) and Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP) drugs. Model predictive control (MPC) algorithm was exercised here as it was a well-established technique to regulate output …

Assessing The Probable Sources Affecting The Water Quality Index Of The Panch Prayag Belt Of Uttarakhand, India, Debasis Sau, Indranil Mukherjee, Wasim Akram, Kakali Ghosh, Rimi Paul, Reshmi Paul, Athar Akram

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The Water Quality Index (WQI) is an essential metric for evaluating the usability of surface water resources, particularly in ecologically sensitive and high-demand areas like the Panch Prayag belt of Uttarakhand, India. This region, comprising five major pilgrimage towns—Devaprayag, Nandprayag, Vishnuprayag, Karnaprayag, and Rudraprayag—faces seasonal fluctuations in water quality due to both natural and anthropogenic pressures. In this study, water samples were collected from 2021 to 2023 across pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons, and the WQI was computed using the Canadian Water Quality Index (CWQI 1.0). Results revealed that WQI values ranged from 36 to 45 across locations and seasons, …

Interpreting Topic Models In Byte-Pair Encoding Space, Jia Peng Lim, Hady Wirawan Lauw

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Byte-pair encoding (BPE) is pivotal for processing text into chunksize tokens, particularly in Large Language Model (LLM). From a topic modeling perspective, as these chunksize tokens might be mere parts of valid words, evaluating and interpreting these tokens for coherence is challenging. Most, if not all, of coherence evaluation measures are incompatible as they benchmark using valid words. We propose to interpret the recovery of valid words from these tokens as a ranking problem and present a model-agnostic and training-free recovery approach from the topic-token distribution onto a selected vocabulary space, following which we could apply existing evaluation measures. Results …

Enhanced Photocatalytic Reduction Of Cr(Vi) Under Visible Light A Magnetically Separable Tio2-Fe/Fe3o4 Photocatalyst Prepared From Iron Rusty Waste, Khoirunisa Khoirunisa, Novianti Dwi Lestari, Endang Tri Wahyuni, Taufik Abdillah Natsir

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This research deals with enhancing the visible activity and generating the magnetic property of TiO2 by Fe doping and Fe3O4 impregnation respectively, using rusty iron waste as Fe source. The prepared TiO2-Fe/Fe3O4 photocatalysts were characterized by SR-UV/Visible, FTIR, XRD, and SEM-EDX instruments. The resulting photocatalysts are responsive to visible light and can be separated magnetically and used for photoreduction of Cr (VI) ions. In the photoreduction of Cr(VI) over TiO2-Fe/Fe3O4 photo-catalysts with various amounts of Fe dopant and alteration of Fe3O4 fraction, the photocatalyst mass, irradiation time, and solution pH were optimized. The research results assign that doping Fe to …

High-Binding Affinity Nanobody Against Sars-Cov-2 Xbb.1.5: Computational-Based Protein Engineering, Phoomintara Longsompurana, Napat Kongtaworn, Rungtiva P. Poo-Arporn, Thanyada Rungrotmongkol

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 variant XBB.1.5 has triggered a global health crisis by enhancing viral entry into cells via its spike protein. This study addresses the urgent need to develop neutralizing nanobodies (Nbs) to counteract the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Our aim was to identify a lead Nb and enhance its binding affinity to the receptor-binding motif (RBM) on the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S-protein) using computational methods. A total of 29 Nbs were screened against the XBB.1.5 RBD using the HDOCK server to select a lead Nb. This investigation revealed that Nb_7KGK exhibited the highest binding …

Photodegradation Of Malachite Green Using 2d G-C3n5 Nanosheet: A Promising Metal Free Catalyst, Sonali Biswal, Swayam Aryam Behera, Asima Subhadarshini, P. Ganga Raju Achary, Binita Nanda

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Environmental issues have become more serious these days due to the growth of modern industries. The paper and textile industries, in particular, were heavily dependent on the printing and discharge of dye, which constantly leaked into the water ecology and constituted a serious risk to public health. Organic wastewater treatment and remediation for its associated risks have received a lot of attention lately. This work explored the potential of the g-C3N5 nanostructure as a novel photocatalyst for malachite green degradation in aqueous solution while exposed to visible light. The nanocomposite was fabricated through an ultrasonicate-assisted technique. A number of analysis …

The Effects Of Graphene Nanoplatelets And Microcrystalline Cellulose On The Mechanical Properties Of Fiberglass And Carbon Fiber Composites, Duangjai Srisamut, Nathawat Poopakdee, Warut Thammawichai

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This study investigated how graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) affect the mechanical properties of epoxy (EP), carbon fiber (CF), and fiberglass (FG) composites. The tensile and flexural properties of GNP-EP and MCC-EP of  varying reinforcement concentrations were examined. Results indicated significant improvements on tensile and flexural properties by GNP and MCC. At 0.1 wt% GNP, tensile and flexural strengths increased by 10% and 21%, while 2.0 wt% improved flexural modulus by 65%. Similarly, 2.0 wt% MCC improved tensile strength, modulus, and flexural modulus by 11%, 11%, and 46%, respectively, and a 26% increase in flexural strength at 1.0 …

Bagasse Lignin For Single-Used Food Packaging Applications: Uv-Barrier, Antioxidant, Migration And Cytotoxicity, Pawarisa Wijaranakul, Bongkot Hararak, Wanwitoo Wanmoolee, Prapudsorn Wannid, Weerawan Laosiripojana

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This study examined PLA biocomposite films made from organosolv lignin extracted from Thai agro-waste, specifically sugarcane bagasse (BG), to assess their suitability for food packaging, focusing on their physical, thermal, optical, UV-shielding, antioxidant, and migration properties. Extracted BG-lignin exhibited free radical scavenging ability with an EC50 value of 400 µg/ml, reducing DPPH absorbance by 50%. PLA composite films with BG-lignin dosage from 0.1 to 1.0 wt.% were successfully fabricated via conventional blown film extrusion. Addition of BG-lignin at 0.5 wt.% and 1.0 wt.% to PLA films decreased UV transmittance from 90% to 30% and 12%, respectively, without compromising optical clarity. …

Sulfur-Doped Carbon Dots Derived From Caffeine: A Highly Efficient Photocatalyst For Organic Dye Degradation, Ganyaporn Wongwaen, Koranut Dechsri, Praneet Opanasopit, Montri Aiempanakit, Cheewita Suwanchawalit

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Sulfur-doped carbon dots (S-doped CDs) were synthesized via a solvothermal method using caffeine as a carbon precursor and sodium sulfide as a sulfur source. Characterization using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet -visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) confirmed successful sulfur incorporation. TEM revealed a uniform size distribution and graphitic structures, while UV-Vis analysis showed a reduction in the bandgap from 3.29 eV to 3.10 eV, improving light absorption and charge carrier separation. The photocatalytic activity of S-doped CDs was evaluated for indigo carmine (IC) dye degradation under UV irradiation, where 2S-CDs …

Barriers And Motivators To Attending Group Exercise Classes In Women With Anxiety, Depression And Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Sarah Ford

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Research has demonstrated the positive effect of exercise on mental health disorders such as anxiety disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Studies have also investigated the barriers and motivators that women in particular experience when contemplating the ways in which to engage in physical activity. However, a literature gap exists regarding women who experience anxiety disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and the barriers and motivators that they specifically navigate when looking to attend group exercise classes. In this body of research for the award of Master of Medical and Health Science by Research, a scoping review was first conducted …

Early, Standardised, And Precise Treatment Of Copd Exacerbations And Covid-19, Sanjay Ramakrishnan

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Background: Background Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common chronic condition causing significant morbidity and mortality. Patients with COPD report sudden episodes of deteriorating respiratory symptoms called exacerbations, often presumed to be precipitated by infections. COPD is in the top 5 causes of death globally. COPD exacerbations drive a large proportion of these deaths. Despite this, there is no standardised model of care for the sickest patients who need hospitalisations for exacerbations. Meanwhile, treatment for COPD exacerbations continues to be guided by symptoms, instead of underlying biology. Most patients are treated with unnecessary and harmful systemic corticosteroids. During the …

Athlete Monitoring And Training Modification Decision-Making: Insights From High-Level Endurance Sports Coaches, Wouter Piet Timmerman

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Athlete monitoring technology has proliferated in the last decades. However, much of what is known about athlete monitoring tends to come from unpublished personal experiences and anecdotal information. In the last decade, considerable athlete monitoring research has been conducted, leading to multiple reviews and consensus statements mainly on athlete monitoring tools and methods. Recognising that athlete monitoring is a human-driven process, typically with the coach as the decision-maker, it is imperative to study coaches given their extensive knowledge and expertise. The overall aim of the thesis was to gain insights into why and how high-level endurance sports coaches use athlete …

Applications Of Reservoir Simulation And Machine Learning In Subsurface Energy Systems For Decarbonization, Seyedmohammadmehdi Nassabeh

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The transition to a low-carbon future necessitates innovative approaches to carbon management and hydrogen storage, particularly in the context of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) from hydrocarbon reservoirs. This study employs advanced analytics and machine learning techniques to optimize carbon management strategies. One key focus of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of flue gas and CO2 in Water Alternating Gas (WAG) injection within a homogeneous fractured carbonate reservoir characterized by low porosity and permeability. A computational model was developed to depict the flow regime in the reservoir and simulate reservoir fluid behavior using Eclipse (E300) software, various hybrid EOR …

Modelling The Impacts Of Recreational Catch-And-Release Variability On Fish Stock Dynamics, Brett Crisafulli

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Recreational fisheries often lack sufficient data for robust stock assessments, and post-release mortality (PRM) of discarded fish, particularly demersal species, poses a significant threat to sustainability. Because demersal fish often experience higher PRM (often due to barotrauma and stress), the substantial global interest in their recreational fisheries (e.g., Australia, Gulf of Mexico, Western Baltic Sea) raises conservation concerns. This study employs three distinct modelling approaches, applied to four reef-dwelling demersal species, to support effective recreational fisheries management by addressing data uncertainty, unintended consequences of management changes, and PRM effects. Specifically, this thesis (1) evaluates variability in average weights of recreationally-caught …

Gender-Responsive Reporting And Communication Curriculum, Graduate School Of Media And Communications

The Aga Khan University Prospectuses and Brochures

This curriculum, developed in collaboration with media organisations, women’s professional associations, and civil society groups in East Africa, provides a structured approach to teaching gender-responsive reporting and communication. Covering concepts such as gender analysis, gender-based violence, media representation, and emerging issues including climate change and artificial intelligence, it aims to strengthen journalism education and practice by fostering inclusivity, equality, and balanced reporting

Faculty Of Arts And Sciences Prospectus 2026, Faculty Of Arts And Sciences

The Aga Khan University Prospectuses and Brochures

• Message from the Pro Chancellor
• Message from the President
• Message from the Dean
• About AKU
• About the Faculty of Arts and Sciences
• About the Programme
• Core Curriculum
• Interdisciplinary Majors
• Experiential Learning
• Senior Capstone
• Message from the Director of Undergraduate Studies
• Explore Our Majors
• Asian and Middle Eastern Studies – Career Pathways
• Environmental Studies – Career Pathways
• Philosophy, Politics, and Economics – Career Pathways
• Social Development Studies – Career Pathways
• Courses at a Glance
• Message from the Associate Dean – Research
• The Design Laboratory (D-Lab)
• FAS Library
• Hallmarks of FAS Graduates
• Student Testimonial
• Student Testimonial
• Applying to the FAS
• Fees and …

The Aga Khan University Prospectus 2025, The Aga Khan University

The Aga Khan University Prospectuses and Brochures

• Message from the President
• Message from the Provost & Vice President, Academic
• About AKU
• Our Mission, Vision & Values
• Why AKU?

• Programmes of Study

  Undergraduate Programmes

• School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Africa
• School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan
• Medical College, East Africa
• Medical College, Pakistan
• Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Pakistan
• Institute for Educational Development, Pakistan

• Graduate Programmes

• School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Africa
• School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan
• Institute for Educational Development, East Africa
• Institute for Educational Development, Pakistan
• Medical College, East Africa
• Medical College, Pakistan
• Graduate School of Media and Communications, East Africa
• Institute for …

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Examining State Climate Superfund Legislation, Madison Calhoun, Rachel Rothschild, Jonathan Binder, Elenda Mihaly, Justin Mankin, Ben Lippard, Mary Wood

Articles

There has been an influx of “climate superfund” bills introduced and adopted in state legislatures across the country. Modeled after the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), these laws are designed to recover costs from large emitters of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to pay for climate adaptation infrastructure. Following CERCLA’s strict liability framework, major polluters in New York and Vermont would be required to pay into state-managed funds in proportion to their shares of total GHG emissions; California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Oregon have proposed similar bills. On March 19, 2025, the Environmental Law Institute hosted a …

A New Framework For Drug Pricing Law And Policy, Rachel Sachs

Scholarship@WashULaw

Scholars and policymakers have expressed concern about the impact of high prescription drug costs on patients and healthcare budgets. This Article presents a new theoretical framework for evaluating both the problem to be addressed by drug pricing reforms as well as the efficacy of potential solutions. In seeking to solve “the drug pricing problem,” our legal system has given primacy to competition rather than regulation to drive down drug prices. This Article disaggregates the broader concept of “the drug pricing problem” into four steps, each of which must be addressed and each of which elevates different institutional actors to key …

Property Problems In The New Non-Marriage: Inheritance, Eliot Tracz

American University Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law

Marriage equality has been a hotly contested topic for many years, in both the court of public opinion and in courts of law. Major Supreme Court cases have found that marriage is a fundamental right, yet issues such as marriage outside of one’s race or to a person of the same gender have still been topics of litigation. At times, the very definition of marriage has been at issue, but throughout all of this litigation, courts have consistently defined marriage as a relationship between two people.

Penggunaan Unconventional Weapons Dalam Konflik Bersenjata Modern, Fadhillah Wahid Pramudya Aldiansyach

Jurnal Hukum & Pembangunan

The use of unconventional weapons such as cluster munitions, white phosphorus, nuclear weapons, artificial intelligence-based autonomous systems (AI/LAWS), and military neurotechnology is increasingly dominating modern armed conflicts. The characteristics of these weapons, particularly their widespread effects, uncertainty of control, and potential for automatic escalation, can pose serious challenges to the application of the principles of distinction and proportionality in International Humanitarian Law (IHL), especially when used in densely populated areas. The modernization of nuclear systems, the accelerated integration of AI into military command, and the emergence of neurotechnology indicate a regulatory gap that could potentially undermine humanitarian protection. This study …

Erk1/2 Inhibition Alleviates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy By Suppressing Fatty Acid Metabolism, Erin Mclean, Caroline De Roo, Annabel Maag, Megan Coble, Jefferson Cano, Ruijie Liu

Open Access Publishing Support Funded Articles

Background: Diabetes mellitus is associated with morphological and functional impairment of the heart primarily due to lipid toxicity caused by increased fatty acid metabolism. Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) have been implicated in the metabolism of fatty acids in the liver and skeletal muscles. However, their role in the heart in diabetes remains unclear. In this study, we tested our hypothesis that pharmacological inhibition of ERK1/2 alleviates cardiac remodeling in diabetic mice through a reduction in fatty acid metabolism.   Methods: ERK1/2 phosphorylation in diabetes was determined both in vitro and in vivo. H9C2 cells were subjected …

The Influence Of Mental Skills And Social Support During The Injury Rehabilitation Process, Paige Kisley

Honors Program Theses

No abstract provided.

Comparative Analysis Of Hydration Status And Microbial Quality Of Tap Water Between Urban And Rural Settings In The Ashanti Region Of Ghana, Marina A. Tandoh, Priscilla Owusu, Claire-Rush N.A. Nkrumah, Veronica Tawiah Annaful, Chris Y. Asare, Samuel Selormi Attu

Food Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Maintaining proper hydration is crucial for human health, physiological functions, and cognitive performance. This study sought to determine the hydration status and the microbial safety of tap water in an urban setting (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Campus) and a rural community (Adjamesu) in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The water safety perception and hydration status of 171 study participants aged 10-61 years were assessed. Six taps were randomly selected at each site in triplicates, resulting in 36 water samples. The microbial quality of the water was assessed by testing for heterotrophic bacteria, coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella. …

Sexual Education, Sexual Self-Concept, And Behavior Of Adolescents: A Retrospective Study, Rachel Albanese

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Adolescence is a period within the lifespan of a human where sexuality is a key component of development; therefore, it is appropriate that adolescents are provided sexual education during this time. There continues to be a debate regarding sexual education; while some studies consider specific ways to provide sexual education, they do not compare the effect of differing sexual education (i.e., how and who provided sexual education) or lack of sexual education on risky sexual behavior and sexual selfconcept during adolescence. This study retrospectively examined the impact of sexual education on risky sexual behavior and sexual self-concept. It also explored …