43 research outputs found
Radiolabeled Cationic Peptides for Targeted Imaging of Infection
No full textMolecular probes targeting bacteria provide opportunities to target bacterial infections in vivo for both imaging and therapy. In the current study, we report the development of positron emission tomography (PET) probes for imaging of live bacterial infection based on the small molecules HLys-DOTA, a polycationic peptide synthesized as the D-isomer (RYWVAWRNRG) conjugated to 1, 4, 7, 10-tetraazacyclododecane-N?,N?,N?,N-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) and AB1-HLys-DOTA, which includes an unnatural amino acid AB1 that preferentially binds to bacteria membrane lipids with amine groups via formation of iminoboronates. HLys-DOTA and AB1-HLys-DOTA peptides were radiolabeled with 64Cu and investigated as PET imaging agents to track bacterial infection in vitro and in intramuscularly infected (IM) mice models. Cell uptake studies at 37°C in Staphylococcus aureus (SA) show higher uptake of 64Cu-AB1-HLys-DOTA; 98.47 ± 3.54% vs 64Cu-HLys-DOTA; 39.12 ± 3.27% at 24 h. Standard uptake values (SUV) analysis of the PET images resulted in mean SUV of 0.70 ± 0.08, 0.49 ± 0.04, and 0.31 ± 0.01 for 64Cu-AB1-HLys-DOTA and 0.17 ± 0.06, 0.16 ± 0.02, and 0.13 ± 0.01 for 64Cu-HLys-DOTA at 1, 4, and 24 h post injection, respectively, in the infected muscles. Similarly, in the biodistribution studies, dose uptake in the infected muscles was 4 times higher in the targeted 64Cu-AB1-HLys-DOTA group than in the 64Cu-HLys-DOTA group and 2-3 times higher than in the PBS control group at 1, 4, and 24 h post injection. 64Cu-AB1-HLys-DOTA was able to distinguish between SA-infected muscle and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infected muscle with lower mean SUV of 0.28 ± 0.10 at 1 h post injection. This illustrates the utility of the AB1 covalently targeting group in synergy with the HLys peptide, which noncovalently binds to bacterial membranes. These results suggest that 64Cu-labeled AB1-HLys-DOTA peptide could be used as an imaging probe for detection of bacterial infection in vivo with specificity for Gram-positive bacteria. © 2019 Tolulope A. Aweda et al.National Institute of General Medical Sciences, NIGMS: R01GM10273
Combination of isothermal titration calorimetry and time-resolved luminescence for high affinity antibody–ligand interaction thermodynamics and kinetics
No full textInvestigating genetic vulnerability to chronic wasting disease in endangered cervid taxa
No full textChronic wasting disease (CWD) is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE). TSEs are a group of progressive neurodegenerative diseases caused by prions. Prions are misfolded infectious proteins with a stable altered structure that allows them to induce conformational changes in normal proteins and make them infectious prions. As the infection spreads, it causes irreversible damage primarily in the brain and lymphoid tissues, and ultimately causes death. CWD is transmissible directly through the bodily fluids of infected animals, and can be shed into the environment as well as on a variety of manmade surfaces, which can potentially remain infectious for years. CWD has spread geographically across North America and has recently been identified in cervid populations in Eurasia. In light of this, efforts have increased to monitor and manage populations to reduce the spread of CWD.
In various cervid species, genetic variants of PRNP, the prion gene, have been associated with either reduced or increased CWD susceptibility in exposed populations. In this thesis, I assess PRNP variation in endangered cervid taxa to identify polymorphisms that are potentially associated with differing vulnerability to CWD.
In Chapter 1, I introduce the biological background and current status of CWD in cervids. In Chapter 2, I assess two white-tailed deer subspecies (Odocoileus virginianus clavium & O. v. leucurus) listed under the Endangered Species Act, to assess the potential vulnerability to the populations if exposed to CWD. CWD has been detected in other free-ranging subspecies of white-tailed deer and continues to spread geographically, making this investigation particularly pressing. In Chapter 3, I determine the PRNP polymorphisms of captive Pere David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus), which are classified as extinct in the wild, and are kept in various captive breeding programs at zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and relate the findings to their management in captive populations. In chapter 4, I assess PRNP polymorphisms in endangered Eld’s deer (Rucervus eldii thamin), also held in captive breeding programs at zoos accredited by AZA, to determine their potential vulnerability to CWD.
In this thesis, I investigate the genetics of CWD vulnerability in four cervid taxa of conservation concern. The findings in this thesis can be taken into consideration for the management of wild and captive cervids in regards to CWD.Submission published under a 24 month embargo labeled 'U of I Access', the embargo will last until 2023-05-01The student, Tolulope Perrin-Stowe, accepted the attached license on 2021-04-20 at 10:06.The student, Tolulope Perrin-Stowe, submitted this Dissertation for approval on 2021-04-20 at 10:14.This Dissertation was approved for publication on 2021-04-20 at 14:05.DSpace SAF Submission Ingestion Package generated from Vireo submission #16439 on 2021-09-16 at 17:04:07Made available in DSpace on 2021-09-17T02:34:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2
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Previous issue date: 2021-04-20Embargo set by: Seth Robbins for item 118547
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Reason: Author requested U of Illinois access only (OA after 2yrs) in Vireo ETD systemAuthor requested U of Illinois access only (OA after 2yrs) in Vireo ETD systemU of I Onl
“You can't go to war without song": performance and community mobilization in post-apartheid South Africa
No full textThis dissertation examines the role of performance in the constitution of activist community from the vantage point of the Anti-Privatisation Forum (APF), one of many social movements that emerged in the wake of South Africa’s democratic transition. The study begins with the premise that performance is integral to activism, constituting the very groundwork through which queries of justice occur. It updates historical scholarship on the complicated roles of anti-apartheid performances in South Africa, providing insight into shifting responses to challenges arising in the wake of democratic transition and the adoption of neoliberal economic policies. APF members actively adapted anti-apartheid songs and created new expressive forms to inform and comment on their struggles for access to water, electricity, housing, education and health facilities, the costs of which have been prohibitive due to their privatization. Based on 16 months of fieldwork involving participant-observation, interviews, and archival research, I investigated adaptations of anti-apartheid performances to changing social dynamics including changes in activists’ relationship with the state, articulation of gender issues, emerging class-consciousness, and intergenerational linkages. The project considers performance in its multiple dimensions, ranging from routine enactments that secure, sustain, or weaken political outcomes to more practiced creative expression. I show how routine negotiations and artistic displays shaped APF’s collective identity. Furthermore, through an integrative bodily approach to the study of political performances, I consider sensory experiences and their mediation, revealing how these experiences influenced the mobilization activities that activists pursued. Particularly in moments of creative expression, sensory experiences generated positive associations that made collective political struggle desirable. In contrast, however, sensory experience also yielded aversions: combativeness generated stress, eroded solidarity, and alienated many APF members. With consideration of these varied effects, the dissertation provides an expansive analysis of mobilization, emphasizing the role of performance in the conduct of politics.Ph. D.Includes bibliographical referencesIncludes vitaby Omotayo Tolulope Jolaosh
EMPLOYEE SILENCE AND ORGANISATION PERFORMANCE: THE RELATIONSHIP
No full textAbstract: The study investigated the relationship between employee silence and organisation performance in Nigeria with particular reference to the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design and use the primary source of data collection. Data were collected from 100 employees of ICAN out of which 86 valid responses were used for the study analysis. Two research questions and hypotheses were raised in line with the study objectives. Data was analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis at 0.05 level of significance. The results of the two hypotheses tested in the study confirmed that employees’ silence is significantly related to organisation performance. The study therefore concluded that employees in Nigeria work organisations prefer to keep quiet as a result of communication system and leadership style which in turn exert significant effect on performance. Therefore, it was recommended that management should trust that employees also care about what is best for the organisation and put in place policies on how management should treat employee’s opinions to reduce fear that may have arise due to employees being victimized.
Keywords: Employee Silence, organisation performance, communication system, leadership style, Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria.
Title: EMPLOYEE SILENCE AND ORGANISATION PERFORMANCE: THE RELATIONSHIP
Author: IBIRONKE, Adekunle Emmanuel, OKUDERO, Omoniyi, Gbolabo, ADERIBIGBE, Ebenezer, Adefisayo, JOKOSANYA, Tolulope Al-Janat
International Journal of Recent Research in Commerce Economics and Management (IJRRCEM)
ISSN 2349-7807
Vol. 9, Issue 4, October 2022 - December 2022
Page No: 119-127
Paper Publications
Website: www.paperpublications.org
Published Date: 23-November-2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7351320
Paper Download Link (Source)
https://www.paperpublications.org/upload/book/EMPLOYEE%20SILENCE%20AND%20ORGANISATION-23112022-4.pdfInternational Journal of Recent Research in Commerce Economics and Management (IJRRCEM), ISSN 2349-7807, Paper Publications, Website: www.paperpublications.or
Focused patient education, nurse/patient safety agreement and signage: a toolkit for fall prevention
No full textFall prevention techniques need to be improved based on the continued number of fall rates incidents that is reported in the healthcare setting. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement a multidimensional fall prevention toolkit with the desired outcome reducing fall rate in adult hospitalized patients. The QI study was implemented over a three-month period from December 2018 to February 2019 on two inpatient units; a 40-bed orthopedic/trauma unit and a 24-bed orthopedic/spine unit. Fall rates were compared to pre-implementation data January 2018 to November 2018. The 40-bed orthopedic/trauma unit pre-implementation fall data over 11 months (January 2018 to November 2018) was 14/10237, rate= 0.0013676 or 1.3676 falls per 1000 patient days. The post-implementation falls numbers over a three-month period (December 2018, January 2018, February 2019) was 1/2903, rate= 0.0003445 or 0.3445 falls per 1000 patient days. Exact test, p=0.248, 95% CI for difference: (0.0000387288, 0.00200751). The 24-bed orthopedic/spine unit pre-implementation fall data over 11 months (January 2018 to November 2018) was 9/6141= 0.0014656 or 1.4656 falls per 1000 patient days. The post-implementation falls number over a three-month period (December 2018, January 2018, February 2019) was 1/1722= 0.0005807 or 0.5907 falls per 1000 patient days. Exact test, p=0.642, 95% CI for difference: (-0.000602523, 0.00237220). Overall, there was not a statistical significance between the pre-and post-implementation rates. The QI study however showed clinical significance because the overall fall number of unintentional/unwitnessed fall incidents dropped significantly.DNPIncludes bibliographical reference
ENTREPRENEURIAL INITIATIVES AS A PANACEA FOR YOUTH EMPOWERMENT IN OYO STATE
No full textAbstract: The dexterity with which hunger and poverty have devastated lives and future ambition of youths especially graduates in Nigeria is worrisome. The high rate of unemployment has given rise to snatching of ballot boxes, internet frauds, kidnapping, armed robbery, destitution, prostitution, terrorism, political thuggery, among others. This have led to the need for entrepreneurial initiatives as the permanent cure for extreme hunger and poverty necessitated by unemployment hence economic displacement is one of the external forces that influence the development of entrepreneurship. This study examined the relationship between entrepreneurial initiatives as a panacea for youth empowerment in Oyo State. The target population comprises of all present N-Power candidates stream 1 in Ogbomoso-North Local Government Oyo State. Their population is 455 candidates, the source is gotten from the office of the Ogbomoso-North Local Government Oyo State. The findings revealed entrepreneurial initiative is an antidote to the problem of youth unemployment, poverty and crime reduction in Nigeria. This study concludes that the more entrepreneurial creativities are developed, the more they effectively create employment opportunities for Nigerian graduates. This study recommends that all stakeholders should develop good mindset towards skills development in all concerned aspects of youth capacity to help in improve self-reliance and youth competence for job creation.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Initiatives, Youth Empowerment, Skill Acquisition, Self-Reliance, Youth Employment, Youth Competence.
Title: ENTREPRENEURIAL INITIATIVES AS A PANACEA FOR YOUTH EMPOWERMENT IN OYO STATE
Author: Oladoke Sunday OLADEJI, Zekeri Abu, Abimbola Oluwasogo ADENIKA, Tolulope Olubukola OYEDIJI, Esther Yemi OTAYOKHE, Wale Thomas AJIBOYE
International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations
ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)
Vol. 10, Issue 2, October 2022 - March 2023
Page No: 260-267
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 02-December-2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7391271
Paper download link (Source)
https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/entrepreneurial-initiatives-as-a-panacea-for-youth-empowerment-in-oyo-stateInternational Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations, ISSN 2348-7585 (Online), Research Publish Journals, Website: www.researchpublish.co
The nexus between digitization, preservation and access in the context of selection of materials for archives
No full textThe purpose of the paper is to examine the nexus between digitization, preservation and access in the context of selection of archival materials for digitization in Nigeria. In this paper, the author reviewed literature on the importance of archival materials, connection between digitization, preservation and access and the selection of materials for digitization at the National Archives of Nigeria. The study was carried out to understand the phenomenon in a local context and this anchored upon a previous study and preliminary observation by the researcher which revealed that the materials at the National Archives of Nigeria are fast deteriorating and the organization does not have a digitization plan or policy. A digitization policy which clearly outlines the criteria for selection of materials is very important to the digitization plan of any organization. The research adopted a qualitative research method. Data for the study was collected through data analysis and observation. The data collected were triangulated.
The study highlights the importance of selection in the process of digitizing the collections of the National Archives of Nigeria. The paper will be useful to policy makers and all stakeholders as well as the Federal Government of Nigeria. While there are enormous benefits to be derived from digitizing archival holdings, the lack of a selection policy is one of the major challenges faced in the digitization process. The recommendations emerging from this paper would useful in mitigating some of these challenges
Facilitating Importation of Solar Energy Products into Nigeria: A Case Study of NAPS Solar Systems Oy
No full textThe primary aim of this research work is to provide a detailed description of the importation procedure as it obtains in Nigeria. Throughout this work, direct effort has been made and all attention has been focused on exposing the Finnish Small and Medium Enterprises in the renewable energy production industry to the existing opportunities in Nigeria. Although there are various renewable energy sources that are readily available in the country, this thesis has concentrated on Solar Photo-Voltaic energy, which is the most abundant of them.
This research work has been done as part of the CONNECT project. Since the project aims at co-creating new networks and partnership for Finnish renewable energy SMEs seeking to trade their products in the emerging markets, the author of this thesis has chosen to research an area of concern for the CONNECT project team, i.e. what are the requirements for a successful importation of solar energy products into Nigeria. Therefore the analyses, results and conclusion that are provided in this thesis are centered on the need for adequate exposure of the Finnish SMEs to practical knowledge of international trade with particular reference to Nigeria.
This thesis has clearly explained the practical steps to be taken in international trade, and also shown what Finnish solar energy SMEs should expect, who the major stakeholders in Nigeria are, and what preparations have been made by these stakeholders in order to encourage and ease the burden associated with importation into Nigeria. The research has also pointed out on the other hand, the risks involved in international trade and ways to reduce them. Furthermore, various means of transportation used in international trade have been discussed in detail, while suitable means of transporting solar energy products between Finland and Nigeria were highlighted
