ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
A
Development of Clay Aerogel
Omar Abo Madyan
Poster Location: 1
High CO2 emissions are directly related to buildings mainly to inefficient insulation materials and
systems. Currently required insulation performance may only be achieved either by installing
extremely thick ordinary insulation materials and sacrificing living spaces or by using unaffordable
materials. Therefore a demand exists for a new generation of low cost and efficient insulation
materials. The project is to develop nano-structured ultra-lightweight clay-aerogel insulation based
on harmless and inexpensive materials through an effective freeze-drying process. Current Clayaerogel possess low thermal conductivity; however they lack mechanical properties therefore the
project will look at implementing polymers, and new process methods to create a robust net aerogel
with enhanced thermal abilities that can be implemented in the construction industry. The addition
of polymers will result in higher strength due to the increase in density however at the expense of
thermal conductivity, thus a compromise has to be found between thermal and mechanical
properties.
A Study of User Interaction Modelling With Telemedicine Application in Developing Countries
Wan Mohd Nor Izudeen Bin Wan Ahmad
Poster Location: 2
Telemedicine is delivery of healthcare services and applications based on Information and
Communication Technologies (ICT) tool to enhance people’s health (World Health Organization
(WHO), 2010). The use of telemedicine being growing globally especially in developed countries
generally, and is increasingly being adopted in developing countries like Malaysia. Due to limited
study concerning improvement of processes and designs that interplay between human,
computerized systems and other factors related to user interaction in the healthcare context that
affecting users’ behavioural intention to successfully adopt telemedicine adoption, this study is
designed to propose the conceptual framework based on integration factors from Human Computer
Interaction (HCI) methods. The outcome of this study should give an insightful knowledge to
researchers in academia and system implementation of telemedicine projects, service providers, and
healthcare administrators in developing countries.
1
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
Facilitating adoption of e-banking in Saudi Arabia through reduction of perceived risk in e-banking
Zawlikhah Al Somali
Poster Location: 3
This research looks at perception of risk in Saudi e-banking sector in detail, identifying the factors
that affect the perception of risk and how to resolve this so as to reduce the perception of risk. This
research also considers the influence of cultural factors on perception of risk and adoption of ebanking. This research adopts a pragmatist philosophy and mixed method .Data was collected using
questionnaire surveys and focus groups. This research finds hat security and financial risks are the
key risks affecting perception of risk in Saudi e-banking sector. But in addition other risks such as
transaction risk, time risk, cultural dimensions, social risk, and performance risks also influence
perception of risk. The key recommendation is that e-banking channel should preserve some of the
attributes of the brick and mortar channel which are valued high by Saudi customers such as one-toone interaction.
The impact of Inward Foreign Direct Investment on human capital development in developing
countries: Case of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Abdulmohsen Alalshiekh
Poster Location: 4
This poster explains the gap in the literature “the impact of inward foreign direct investment (IFDI)
on human capital development in developing countries: case of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)”.
Further, it describes the role of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in human capital development and
that when MNE subsidiaries provide training in developing countries such as Saudi Arabia.
Moreover, this poster clarifies the factors affecting on MNE subsidiaries’ training programs.
Moreover, this poster investigates demonstrations and spill overs from MNE subsidiaries’ training
activities in developing countries such as Saudi Arabia and how these kinds of spill overs can improve
human capital.
2
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
Designing a Decision Support System for Improving Medical Devices Maintenance in Saudi Arabia
Hamad Albadr
Poster Location: 5
Medical devices maintenance, not only, costs billion dollars every year from the national limited
income, but also, needs to be handled professionally, to minimize health risks to medical workers,
the patents, and the environment. A comprehensive effort and knowledge based methods are
needed to improve medical devices maintenance to have them safe, their life is maximized, and total
costs are minimized. Like many other developing countries, Saudi Arabia is in need of appropriate
and comprehensive solutions to improve medical devices maintenance including performance
inspections, corrective and preventive maintenance to justify clinical risk caused by adverse events
in health care. Several models for managing and planning medical devices maintenance have been
developed, the problem is lacking in knowledge based methodology and still presents an open
challenge for today’s health experts. This paper aims to design a decision support system for
improving medical devices maintenance in Saudi Arabia.
An Optimal Governance System for Reducing Modern Slavery Practices at Suppliers in Emerging
Markets
Mohammad Alghababsheh
Poster Location: 6
In the recent years, multinational corporations (MNCs) are seeking costs saving by outsourcing some
of their products to suppliers based in developing countries. However, suppliers are increasingly
using practices such as child labour, forced labour, low pay and corporal punishment at their
premises to meet the MNCs’ cost requirements. Despite MNCs’ investments in socially sustainable
programmes, suppliers are still found using illegal and unethical means at workplace. This research
develops a novel governance system for reducing social issues by combining social control and
transactions-based mechanisms. The system allows MNCs to drive suppliers to establish social
sustainability while achieve dyadic returns for buyer and suppliers. The developed governance
system increases the efficiency and effectiveness of knowledge, information and resources flow
between with supplier, thereby reduce the costs associated with implementing sustainability and
increase supplier compliance.
3
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
Market Manipulation In Saudi Arabia: “A Case for Reform”
Saad Aljoud
Poster Location: 7
One of the most debated issues is that of market manipulation. The topic has been investigated by
scholars from several scientific fields including the legal. The main objective of this research is to
suggest reformation to the Saudi market manipulation framework in order to achieve satisfactory
market manipulation practices. The second purpose of this research is to examine the means
adopted by the United States and the United Kingdom in combating the main two types of fraud that
interfere with financial market trading. These are namely insider dealing or insider trading
depending on the jurisdiction that is examined and market manipulation. Both these jurisdictions are
examined in relation to the ways each uses differing methods of regulatory enforcement
mechanisms to control these types of market fraud.
Occupational stress among private hospital nurses in Saudi Arabia
Qamra Alomani
Poster Location: 8
In this study, the researcher aims to develop an understanding of the occupational stress concept
through nurse’s lenses. The effects of the stressors on mental ill health (depression-anxiety),
turnover intention and happiness are relatively new in the occupational stress literature.
Saudi Arabia will be used in this study as an empirical site because most of the occupational stress
research and theory development of this field has been done in the west. Little attention has been
paid to the Arab world and to Saudi Arabia in particular as a conservative society in which Islamic
value, customs and traditions play the major role in shaping one’s life.
Measurement of Power Quantities at Non-Sinusoidal Conditions based on Wavelet Transform
Saeed Sultan Alshahrani
Poster Location: 9
Definitions of power components in IEEE standard 1459-2010 are based on Fourier Transform (FT).
Unfortunately, FT is not an appropriate method for non-sinusoidal situations and unable to resolve
fluctuated information. This research aims to improve the method of measuring power quantities at
non-sinusoidal conditions using wavelet transform (WT). Objectives of this research are: analysis of
power signals based on WT and calculation of RMS values of power components effectively. The
methodology of this research has the following procedure: express mathematical models for Power
signals and inject power signals with distortion model to reach the non-sinusoidal conditions. Results
with an improved method of power components shall insure accurate measurements for power
terms and enhance the accuracy under non-sinusoidal conditions.
4
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
A One-Dimensional Model of a High Performance Nozzle-less Radial Inflow Turbine with Extremely
High Pressure Ratio
Fuhaid Alshammari
Poster Location: 10
In recent years, extraction of energy from exhaust gases of automobiles came to the area. In heavy
vehicles, about 60% of input fuel energy is wasted as losses. Using Rankine Cycle with steam as
working fluid, a mainline model for the design of a single stage nozzle-less radial inflow turbine was
developed to recover these losses. Data from Thermodynamics’ Rail (TDR) was used.
The current research focuses on the design of a turbine with extremely high pressure ratio (> 17).
The main constraint of this model is the size which should not exceed 42 cm (Total size including the
volute) to fit the spacing available in the vehicle. The aerodynamic and geometric parameters of the
rotor blades and the volute (Outer case) were selected using this model.
High-Order Discontinuous Galerkin methods in time for the Wave equation
Fatima Al-Shanfari
Poster Location: 11
The main aim of this research is to generalize the existing theory, which should remarkably improve
the understanding of the simulation of wave equations.
The existing theory introduced by Schötzau (1999) and later published by Werder et al. in 2001, for
time-discontinuous Galerkin finite element methods applied to a parabolic partial differential
equation will be extended and generalized to a linear hyperbolic problem of second-order in time,
by rewriting the 2nd order problem as a first-order system in time.
All proofs will be first shown for systems with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions and later
with inhomogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions. Such proofs will help in understanding how
different ways to discretize the Dirichlet boundary condition can influence the convergence rate in
the simulation of wave phenomena.
5
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
Green biosynthesis of Ti and Ag nanoparticles using the spores of edible (Portobello) mushroom as
biotemplates: Characterization and future applications
Iman AL-Timimi
Poster Location: 12
It is shown that a combination of green chemistry and biosynthetic processes based on the edible
Portobello mushroom spores (PMS) can be used to prepare novel biocompatible materials for:
(i) Drug delivery, (ii) antimicrobial treatments and (iii) assembly of replacement bone with no toxicity
or environmental issues. Other biosynthetic organisms for the future range from bacteria, yeast,
fungi and plant. These bio-organisms are used as vectors on which to fabricate submicron-sized and
nanoparticles (NPs) for these different applications.
Large Scale Wind Turbine Deployment Operation and Control
Ahmed Al-Toma
Poster Location: 13
During the last thirty years, the use wind energy has grown fast compared to other types of energy
due to more efficient performance as well as the environmental benefit. Therefore, a lot of
techniques have been developed to increase efficiency and decrease the cost of wind turbine (WT)
systems.
Form wind turbine connected to farm, there are an important strategies have been introduce to
achieve a good performance as well as high efficiency in operation.
Dissemination of academic knowledge
Faris Alwzinani
Poster Location: 14
Journals articles and conference proceedings are the main academic channels for faculties to
disseminate research papers. Research papers are peer-reviewed and scientifically oriented to
academics. These papers might be of interest for non-academic audiences such as SMEs and general
public. However, non-academic audiences are not able to read papers through these channels for
many reasons such as subscription and paper structure. This study aims to create alternative online
channels to widely disseminate research papers. Faculties of Computer Science and Social Sciences
were interviewed and thematic analysis was applied to analyse data. The two main themes are
barriers (e.g. lack of motivators and lack of support to disseminate beyond academia) and benefits of
disseminating beyond academia (e.g. potential of real impact and wide communication).
Experiments are undertaken to overcome the main issues of academic channels to non-academic
audience 1) subscription and 2) paper structure.
6
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
Factors influencing citizens' trust in e-government
Latifa Alzahrani
Poster Location: 15
This paper provides a critical and systematic review of the current literature on citizens’ trust in egovernment, with a particular focus on the most critical factors influencing citizens’ trust related to
the adoption of e-government. The issue of trust is one of the critical factors leading to the success
of e-government adoption. While there is a great deal of literature concerning e-government, little
has been written from the citizens’ trust perspective. For this purpose, the extant literature was
identified through six electronic databases, from 2000 to 2014. In particular, articles were reviewed
if they contained a relevant discussion of the antecedents or factors influencing citizens’ trust in egovernment adoption. The findings of this systematic review reveal that there are four antecedents
influencing citizens’ trust in adopting e-government services: technology, government agencies, risk,
and citizens’ characteristics.
B
Improving innovation by reducing the cost of knowledge transfer between designers and engineers.
James Burchill
Poster Location: 16
I am looking at the cost of transferring knowledge between designers and engineers at the beginning
of collaborative projects. There is little formal support for this stage of the process and this is a
problem as poor knowledge transfer can lead to significant problems later on in the project and
restrict the ability of the group to produce radical innovations. I use my involvement in an EU project
which has just this kind of interaction to inform my research coupling it with industry interviews to
find existing solutions. A number areas of common ground are becoming apparent which bring the
two groups together and could form the basis of a tool kit or methodology to support this project,
improving knowledge transfer, reducing the cost to industry and increasing the chance of radical
innovation arising from the collaboration.
7
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
Decision Making Behaviour of Umpires in the Netball Superleague
Adele Burnett
Poster Location: 17
Despite being essential to all sports competition, match officials remain a relatively understudied
population. Often making complex, dynamic decisions under pressure, the current investigation aims
to explore the decision behaviours of Netball umpires. The decision-making behaviour of umpires
from the Netball Super league will be analysed for potential patterns of decisions, contextual
influences and biases on their performance. Super league match footage (N = 60) will be analysed
using performance analysis software. Data will be collected within three categories: umpire decision
(e.g. rule infringements), location and potential influences/biases (e.g. home advantage) as advised
by a panel of expert umpires and assessors. We predict that decision behaviours will vary
dependent on home advantage, crowd size, time and score line. The results will help to enhance
umpire training and aid the development of a representative video based decision-making task to be
used in a following study.
C
Personal Health Record: Design of a Wireless Bio-sensor Device Compatible with Smartphone
Numan Celik
Poster Location: 18
This project presents a multiple biosensor system within a smartphone to enable a continuous
unobtrusive monitoring of core body temperature, electrocardiogram (ear-lead ECG), and pulse
oximeter sensors on ambulatory patients. According to our research, continuing accurate
measurements of core body temperature are crucial to investigate human thermoregulation in
ambulatory environment and during activity. On the other hand, ECG remains the mainstay test for
the diagnosis and treatment of patients with heart diseases. We deploy a wireless wearable system
that measures both the tympanic temperature inside the ear and ECG signals from an ear and an
arm. The behind-the-Ear device makes desirable to measure ECG data without any chest belt or
sticky tape. The proposed Bluetooth device that sends the body measurements to a smartphone to
which is paired. In future work, we want to secure the communication of medical information using
local biometric authentication methods.
8
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
The Influence of Acculturation and Identification on Organizational Commitment of Immigrant
Employees
Jennifer Chavanovanich
Poster Location: 19
Highly-skilled immigrants have been increasingly employed as they can fill skill shortages and bring
broader knowledge and expertise. However, cultural barriers can cause difficulties in adjustment and
psychological distress, leading to poor performance and turnover. Despite the crucial role immigrant
employees plays in workplace, the influence of cultural adaptation on organizational commitment
has been overlooked. To fill in this research gap, the present research highlights the importance of
ethnic identity and acculturation on organizational commitment of immigrant employees. The
results showed that immigrant employees who integrate (i.e. maintaining the heritage culture and
adapting to the mainstream culture) report the highest level of organizational commitment. Type of
organization also moderates the relationship between mainstream culture and organizational
commitment in which mainstream culture is related to commitment more strongly in multinational
organizations than in domestic organizations. The study suggests the importance of cultural training
programs in enhancing organizational commitment of immigrant employees.
How much can your blood tell us about your ovarian cancer?
Dimple Chudasama
Poster Location: 20
Ovarian cancer affects over 7,000 women a year, with a poor outlook of only 30% surviving to 5
years. The biggest challenge has been identifying the disease at an early stage, as in most cases there
are no symptoms. Initial work has shown that the blood is abundant in cancer material in the form of
cancer cells and tumour DNA that are identical to the primary cancer. With advances in technology
we are now able to isolate and manipulate this information to diagnose cancer, and have done so
successfully in cell line experiments. This research aims to combine high level technology with simple
easy to access cancer material from patient’s blood to perform a ‘liquid biopsy’. In an effort to
develop a highly successful screening test for women. Early diagnosis could mean 90% of ovarian
cancer patients will survive and a successful test could save >5000 lives every year.
9
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
D
Development of new strategies against influenza viruses
Stefan Diaz Gaisenband
Poster Location: 21
Influenza A virus (IAV) is a major threat to human health with seasonal epidemics, occasional
pandemics and emergence of new highly pathogenic strains from the animal reservoir. Besides
seasonal illness, a general concern is that more pathogenic viruses can appear after reassortment of
human seasonal viruses with circulating highly pathogenic avian influenza. Also, resistance to current
antiviral drugs has increased the interest in developing new strategies against influenza viruses.
Hence, current work is ongoing to study the interaction of viruses with host cell factors as it has
been suggested to be a very promising approach. Our laboratory has shown that human Annexin A6
interacts with the M2 viral protein and limits production of progeny IAV from infected cells. We aim
to further understand the molecular mechanism responsible for restriction of IAV morphogenesis by
Annexin A6. Our discoveries will pave the way towards the identification of new highly potential
antiviral strategies.
The effects of visual guidance on observational learning of the golf swing
Giorgia D'Innocenzo
Poster Location: 22
Experts exhibit more efficient gaze patterns than do novices, attending more to task-relevant regions
whilst ignoring irrelevant ones. Accordingly, the question of whether we might guide novices’ visual
attention to those task-relevant regions in order to improve skill acquisition is of interest. We tested
this hypothesis with regard to observational learning of the golf swing – a highly complex motor skill.
Golfing novices viewed videos of a skilled golfer performing 10 swings, with (VG, or visually guided
group) or without (FV, or free viewing group) visual guidance toward pertinent features of the setup,
or a video about the history of golf (Control). We predicted that the VG group would attend more to
task-relevant regions and show improved swing kinematics relative to the FV and Control groups.
Results confirmed these predictions. Thus, visual guidance may prove to be an efficient method for
accelerating observational learning of complex motor skills.
10
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
RFID tracking system based on mathematical model.
Abdulsalam Dukyil
Poster Location: 23
Recently RFID used in many advanced application such as warehouse management and supply chain,
safety and securer the building control gates .RFID tracking system has been used for different
purpose in industrial world. RFID can track moving objects such as persons, animals, kids on theme
park and valuable products. This research is to design and develop a new framework for tracking the
documents inside the building using WLAN 802.11 prototype. This project used passive tags and the
active tags for the confidential documents using g hardware which are RFID reader and passive tags
a software been used and web server. The experiment will use both active and passive tags to show
the different taking account the accuracy, real time tracking and comparing the cost for each to give
the customers a choice for both tags. A mathematical matrix model is under processing to complete
the tracking part of this system.
F
The effect of arm segment mass on throwing performance
Patrick Fasbender
Poster Location: 24
Throwing for maximal distance or speed is part of many sports and the outcome is largely
determined by release velocity. As release velocity is the end result of complex coordination
patterns between muscles and body segments, it could be the case that different mass distributions
between arm segments could affect release velocity. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to
determine how changes in arm segment mass influence the throwing performance by using a 2D
simulation of the upper arm and forearm. Increases in forearm mass resulted in decreases in the
release velocity. As the forearm mass decreases, higher upper arm mass is required to achieve
maximal release velocity. These findings are important as they inform coaches and teachers how to
increase throwing performance. In addition, they add to our understanding of the reasons for
humans being able to throw fast and accurate, a skill that is unique to humans.
11
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
Turbocharger Design Optimisation for Realistic Engine Conditions
Adam Feneley
Poster Location: 25
With emissions legislations tightening around the world, car manufacturers have turned to
turbocharging as the key enabler for downsizing internal combustion engines. When approaching
the design of turbochargers, simplifications are made which lead to sub-optimal performance. This
study aims to address three key issues: the omission of heat transfer and pulsating flow phenomena,
along with errors arising from data extrapolation. By conducting a series of cold flow and on-engine
tests to measure heat transfer and pulsating flow, this research aims is to produce an improved
design methodology. In past studies, these three issues have only been considered independent of
one another. Data correlations should enable the modification of standard performance maps to
incorporate all three of the aforementioned sources of error. The resulting performance maps could
be used directly in industrial engine simulations to improve turbocharger performance predictions;
thereby reducing emissions through more efficient design solutions.
G
Long Term Performance of Bacteria Based Self Healing Concrete
Intisar Gatea
Poster Location: 26
Concrete is one of the most common construction materials because of its relatively low cost and
freedom of design. Despite many important benefits, the concrete exhibits cracks, and via these
cracks, aggressive salts may attack concrete causing concrete degradation and reinforcement
corrosion. Repairs are time consuming, expensive and in some cases impossible. Therefore, selfhealing concrete has been attempted for in situ crack repairing.
One type of these self-healing bacteria is a material that can biologically produce limestone to heal
cracks, typically such as genus Bacillus along with a calcium-based nutrient known as calcium lactate.
However, the engineering design performance of self-healed concrete, especially long term
performance is still unclear. Before implementing this concrete into construction application, it is
vital to understand this material and accumulate reliable and repeatable data, and such to ensure a
safe engineering design, and also direct further innovations.
12
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
H
Analytical characterisation of Biopharmaceutical products and disease biomarker through Aqueous
two phase partitioning
Rana Hameed
Poster Location: 27
The partitioning of proteins and other biomolecules in Aqueous Two phase Systems (ATPS), formed
by the addition of incompatible polymers or combinations of polymers and salts to aqueous
solutions, may be applied to the analytical characterisation of biomolecules. Partitioning may be
used to determine ligand binding, molecular association, critical quality attributes, and the presence
of molecular variants. The partition coefficient of a solute represents a thermodynamic constant
determined by the structure and conformation of the analyte and its interaction with the solvent
environment. Simple assays, normally thought of as purely quantitative, can potentially yield
significant structural information.
Initial work to develop a rapid automated system for the measurement of protein partition
coefficients and to find ATPS sensitive to different aspects of protein structure will be presented.
Applications of the method are envisaged in the simple and rapid analysis of biopharmaceuticals and
disease biomarkers.
Genomic instability of human pluripotent stem cells: development of a high-sensitivity screen utilising
droplet digital PCR
Marianne Henry
Poster Location: 28
For human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to be approved for therapeutic use, both sensitive and
meaningful methods must be developed to assess product safety. An area of concern is genomic
instability and the effect it may have on cellular phenotype, differentiation potential and malignant
transformation. Whilst other methods do exist for analysis of genomic copy number variation (CNV),
they are likely unsuitable for fine-scale, high-throughput studies.
Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) enables highly sensitive absolute quantification of nucleic acids and can
be used for CNV and rare event detection. Here, ddPCR will be utilised to determine origin and
selection of aneuploidy hPSCs in culture, whereas fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)-based
analysis will determine the impact of aneuploidy on chromosome territory positioning in hPSC
nuclei. Combined with molecular analysis by ddPCR and chromosome behaviour monitoring by FISH,
this should translate into rapid, high-sensitivity screens to assess use of hPSCs in regenerative
medicine.
13
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
Role of Brk isoforms in response to breast cancer therapeutics
Haroon Hussain
Poster Location: 29
Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in women in the UK. Improved
therapies should be patient specific, non-toxic and contribute towards patients’ overall survival.
Breast tumour kinase (Brk) appears to be a desirable therapeutic target.
Breast cancer cell lines were irradiated at doses of 0Gy (control), 2Gy, 4Gy, 6Gy and 8Gy using
gamma radiation. Brk expression was assessed by western blot using anti-Brk ICR-100_ antibody.
Gamma H2AX staining was detected using the ImagestreamX system to detect levels of DNA repair
after double strand breaks (DSB). A proportionate decrease in cell survival was seen after irradiation;
however, sensitivity to radiotherapy and repair of DSB did not relate with Brk expression levels. No
clear correlation between Brk expression and cellular-survival rates in response to radiotherapy is
seen. This means radiotherapy is a suitable treatment for patients with Brk-positive breast cancer.
I
The Implication of Work-Family Balance Practices Amongst Manager
Noorhasyimah Ismail
Poster Location: 30
There is a growing body of literature that recognises the importance of a balance between work and
family. However, those changes are resulting in various perspectives and then formed a concept of
work-family balancing, or harmonizing both responsibilities. In this chapter, we review the
international literature on the concept of work–family balance. We discuss the role of managers in
fostering work-family balance in organisations. The aim of this study is to analyse the introduction of
work-family balance practices in the public sector organisation in Malaysia. In order to achieve this
aim, three main objectives will be explored. We give suggestion on methodologies in order to
determine the most appropriate approach for this study.
14
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
J
Research Strategies on Manufacturing Lead-Time Reduction
Twana Jaff
Poster Location: 31
Companies’ need to improve their manufacturing competitiveness in terms of better, faster and
cheaper products; short lead-times are a major source of potential competitive advantage. The
research work depends on (qualitative & quantitative) research; by focusing on both approaches, it
is possible to reduce lead-time & throughput time. Using the manufacturing assessment is necessary
to increase the reliability and safety of manufacturing set ups and the manufacturing systems. This
poster proposes a study on reducing manufacturing lead time (MLT) in factories in the Kurdistan
region of Iraq, where lead-time has become a major issue for the manufacturing industry and to
determine assessment tool to find the defects, resolving a problem before working towards MLT
reduction. The objective of this study is to investigate on the opportunities for lead-time reduction
and identify simple strategies for reducing lead-time. The aim is to provide guidance to industry
practitioners/technicians on how to reduce MLT
An empirical study of exporter-intermediary relationship quality and SME performance improvement
Akarawat Jatuphatwarodom
Poster Location: 32
Despite research on relationship quality has increased over the past three decades, a large number
of previous studies tend to investigate relationship quality in the Western countries in modern
developed economies instead of conducting research in other contexts. This research develops an
approach that argues SMEs gain advantage by leveraging the idiosyncratic capabilities from the
exchange episodes between the interacting parties and draw upon RBV and relational exchange
theory. Results illustrate that trust; commitment and cooperation are a higher-order construct of
relationship quality. Interestingly, personal relationship plays a prominent role for facilitating
relationship quality in most cases. Perceived environmental uncertainty leads to collaboration
between exporters and intermediaries due to their need to reduce the level of uncertainty. These
inter-organisational relationships are seen as complementary resources of the firm, which SME
exporters can rely on through relational exchange with intermediaries to facilitate their operations
as a result of their performance improvement.
15
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
K
Increasing Motivation and Diversity in Cultural Tourism: Integration of Inclusive Design and Digital
Storytelling to facilitate Cultural Tourism
Kittichai Kasemsarn
Poster Location: 33
Cultural tourism not only helps promote tourism, preserve the cultural and historical heritage and
reinforce a country’s identity (LORD, 1999; UNESCO, 2003), but also promotes communication and
integration worldwide (UNESCO, 2003). However, cultural tourism is considered as lack of diversity
(LORD, 1999; Silberberg, 1995; UNESCO, 2003) and motivation (Rizvic et al., 2012). In order to solve
these problems, research question is proposed “could use of inclusive design and digital storytelling
help increase the motivation and diversity for four groups (teenagers, people with disabilities, nonattendant tourists and older adult) in cultural tourism and how?”. The poster presentation will be
planned and organized with my previous studies, research problems, questions and aims. The DRM
is adopted within this study to illustrate research methodology. In the next section, the initial
framework will be presented relationship of three key areas. Finally, the outcomes and conclusion of
this study will be analysed.
Development of two-slit probe for quality assurance of Electron Beam for Welding
Aman Kaur
Poster Location: 34
The aerospace industry has high quality requirements for fabrication, and critically monitors
manufacturing processes, components and assemblies. Electron beam welding is used in an
increasing number of quality critical applications because of its inherent advantage. Ensuring the
beam quality is maintained for such applications requires probing of the electron beam itself, and
not just monitoring of process parameters. An overview of the development of a novel two-slit beam
probing system has been presented. It has been found that within the EB gun itself, small changes
can produce large enough variations in beam characteristics to give unpredictable welding
performance. Precise monitoring of these beam qualities is required to improve quality assurance,
enable the transfer of processing between EB machines and to ensure accurate assessment of new
production equipment.
16
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
Investigation of Adaptable Winglets for Morphing Aircraft Control and Performance
Erdogan Kaygan
Poster Location: 35
An investigation of adaptable winglets for morphing aircraft control and performance is described in
this poster. The concepts investigated consist of various winglet configurations fundamentally
centred on a baseline swept wing. The impetus for the work was to identify and optimize winglets to
enhance controllability and the aerodynamic efficiency of a small unmanned aerial vehicle. All
computations were performed with Athena Vortex Lattice modelling with varying degrees of twist,
swept, and dihedral angle considered. The results from this work indicate that if adaptable winglets
were employed on small scale UAV’s improvements in both aircraft control and performance could
be achieved.
L
The changing higher education environment in England – Implications for students and universities
Helga Lecca
Poster Location: 36
Recent changes in the English Higher Education environment pose new challenges for both students
and universities. An initial study measured the expectations of commencing students in light of these
changes and explored how demographic and other personal characteristics influence student
expectations. Through this, student employability has been identified as an area where universities
could enhance the student experience. Further investigating student employability, a second study
acknowledged confidence as a key factor in relation to employability development. As such, it is
argued that universities should focus on the development of confidence within students in order to
improve students’ employability. As an outcome of a third study and the overall research,
recommendations are provided based on student interviews on how universities could support the
development of confidence and employability skills in order to enhance the student experience.
17
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
Mentality shift in inclusive design; from physical to psychosocial inclusion
Yonghun Lim
Poster Location: 37
With the dual demographics of an aging population and people with disabilities, inclusive design has
been recognized as a driving force for accessibility and social-equality in design of products, services
and environments. However, it is yet to be thoroughly and effectively applied. The limited
understanding of inclusive design principles among various stakeholders and public is one
contributing factor. Secondly, the conventional application and interpretation of inclusive design has
mainly focused on physical inclusion, usefulness and usability aspects rather than the psychological
or social aspects of inclusion or exclusion. In this paper, these psychological and social aspects will be
called “psychosocial inclusion”.
The psychosocial perspective could have potential roles in the next stage of facilitation and practice
of inclusive design. In the existing design literature, however, the concept of psychosocial inclusion is
limited. Therefore, a definition and framework of psychosocial inclusion in design will be proposed
and evaluated in this study.
Development of a Novel Styrene-free Unsaturated Polyester for Composites
Wendi Liu
Poster Location: 38
Unsaturated polyester (UPE) is one of the most important and commonly used matrix resins for
composites due to its advantages such as low costs, easy to process and good mechanical properties.
Styrene is widely used as reactive diluent for UPE systems. However, styrene is a volatile organic
compound and a hazardous air pollutant and is emitted during UPE based composite production.
This proposal aims at the synthesis and characterization of a bio-based reactive diluent from
isosorbide and acryloyl chloride, the formation of styrene-free UPE resins with the novel reactive
diluent, and the production of fibre-reinforced composites with the new UPE resins in an effort to
reduce styrene emissions while maintaining the properties of the composite systems. The
production of the bio-based UPE resins and its composites will not only improve the environmental
benefits of the new products, but also greatly alleviate the depletion of petroleum resources.
18
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
M
Eat your packaging
Virginia Martin
Poster Location: 39
The manufacturing and design of a considerable amount of plastic objects, such as packaging, is not
contemplated from inception to end-of life. This produces a less sustainable society, where our
landfills and oceans are replete with plastic waste that could have been recycled, composted or
merely minimised.
This project is focused in the waste minimisation area and aims to create a more environmentally
friendly packaging for logistics by using biodegradable materials, such as gelatine and starch, the
main component of flour.
Gelatine-starch packaging is a remarkable alternative to fossil-fuel plastics, providing similar material
properties without compromising future generations. These types of packaging materials open
several possibilities for innovation and future research, such as edible packaging.
"Blowing the Whistle on Abuse": Developing Safer Organisational Cultures in Sport
Jamie McDermott
Poster Location: 40
High-profile child abuse within organisational settings has received extensive media attention of
late. An integral factor which enabled abuse to occur owed to the culture within these organisations.
Recent research has revealed that child abuse occurs in organised sport settings. The aim of this
exploratory research was to assess the transferability of safety culture principles to safeguarding in
sport. These principles originate from high-risk industries such as nuclear, aviation and maritime.
Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals that have a national role for
safeguarding in a sporting National Governing Body. It is anticipated that the findings for the study
will provide the initial basis for a definition of safety culture in sport and how a positive safety
culture for sports could be manifested. The results will inform the next stage of the research to
further investigate the applicability of safety culture within sports organisations through individual
case studies.
19
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
High Temperature Radiation Hard Detectors.
Alex Metcalfe
Poster Location: 41
Solid state radiation detectors for gamma rays and neutrons, particularly with functionality at high
temperature and with long life in high radiation environments are of many uses; Nuclear power
generation, high energy physics, synchrotron facilities and medical devices are just a few examples.
In considering these requirements the use of diamond as a detector material is an obvious
candidate; It is a wide bandgap semiconductor with excellent radiation hardness, thermal and
mechanical properties and can be grown synthetically under controlled conditions to meet
requirements for purity and geometry. As a material diamond presents its own challenges; it is
expensive at the grade required for detectors and difficult to process consistently. Towards solving
these problems potential high temperature contacts have been developed using thin film
technologies and further computer simulation of complex geometries has been performed. The
results from which support further development into a highly functional, versatile radiation
detection solution.
CFD Modelling of Single Phase Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer In Single and Multichannel Micro Heat
Exchanger
Amirah Mohamad Sahar
Poster Location: 42
Numerical simulations were performed using Fluent 14.5 to investigate single phase flow and
conjugate heat transfer in copper rectangular micro channels. The simulation results of the single
channel configuration were validated using experimental data of water as a test fluid while the
results of the multichannel configuration were validated using experimental data of R134a
refrigerant. The 3D fully conjugated and 2D model under predicted the experimental data of the
single channel. However, there was excellent agreement with the 3D thin-wall model. Also, the
results demonstrated that there is a significant difference between the 3D thin-wall and fully
conjugate models. The simulation of the multichannel configuration with inlet manifold with
gradual contraction achieved very reasonable uniform flow distribution among the channels and
will provide uniform heat transfer rates across the base of the micro channels.
20
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
A Study on the Innovation Adoption of Mobile Computing and Wearable Technology in a Developing
Country
Syakirah Mohamad Taib
Poster Location: 43
The emergence of a new wearable technology is an innovative concept refers to electronic
technologies embedded worn on the human body as unobtrusively as clothing and continuously
accessible. The wearable devices such as smartwatches can perform many computing tasks as
mobile smartphones; the transition from smartphone to wearable mobile computing in the
ubiquitous computing environment is still at its infancy. Reported that about millions of wearable
devices will be in global market and Malaysia is also being influenced by this phenomenon. Due to
limited research concerning about wearable technology, this research will employ the Technology
Acceptance Model (TAM), the Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOI) and related factors on mobility
and ubiquity of technology to examine the factors that significantly affect users’ behavioural
intention to adopt a wearable technology by empirically develop the conceptual framework. The
insightful knowledge in adopting innovation, thereby will beneficial related people in this area as
well as in other developing country.
The Large Hadron Collider: The End of the Beginning
Alexander Morton
Poster Location: 44
The Standard Model of Particle Physics is one of the most successful and powerful physical theories,
describing all known fundamental particles and their relation to the electromagnetic, strong and
weak nuclear forces in nature. However, it falls short of being a complete “Theory of Everything”.
Despite its continued success in providing experimental predictions, there are phenomena which it
cannot explain. It does not incorporate gravity, present dark matter candidates, and cannot account
for the accelerating expansion of the universe.
One area of interest is the “top” quark – the heaviest known fundamental particle. Given its
relationship to the Higgs Boson, its mass being close to where the electromagnetic and weak forces
are expected to unify, and other properties, the top quark offers a unique probe into physics beyond
the Standard Model.
21
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
The Effects/Outcomes/Implications of Turkish Legislation on Minor Political Parties
Harun Muratogullari
Poster Location: 45
The level of interventionist treatment and paternalistic aspect to political parties in Turkey are not
commonly observed in advanced democracies. One of the most fragile subjects around the
legislation is small political parties as in first periods of her competitive system. This research
considers the compatibility issue of party laws by narrowing the discussion on a specific case and a
pattern, the Turkish party laws and her minor political parties respectively. By doing that, the
observation on the implications or the consequences of the state regulations could also provide
some modest traces for the bigger question of the legal theory from not the beginning but the end.
This is hence both an inductive approach by combining the principles beneath the party laws and the
perceptions of party officials and members. The method conducted in this research is a mixed
methodology based on normative, qualitative and quantitative methods.
Modelling Enhancement of LV Network Equivalents for Operational Planning of the GB Power System
Shahriar Muttalib
Poster Location: 46
The research concentrates on interfacing between operational applications at the transmission or
distribution network level. For example at the GB transmission level interfacing between Energy
Management System (EMS) and Data Historian and between EMS (including future WAMS) and
Energy Balancing System. It also includes remote NG access to assess a novel industry scale trusted
cloud computing platform for secure and scalable data processing and information exchange. The
final objective is to build a secure and scalable data exchange between Distribution Network
Operators and Transmission Network Operators to extend real-time large-scale power system model
depth.
22
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
N
Health Monitoring of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastics repaired patch subjected to aerodynamic
loading
Berta Navarro
Poster Location: 47
As composites materials are becoming increasingly popular in aerospace applications the market for
structural health monitoring (SHM) will be increasing in the near future.
The research will be focused on the development of a “smart-patch” repair system for composite
aircraft structures.
The smart patch will be cured through induction heating. Curing control will be possible using
magnetostrictive materials (MMS).The same MMS system will be used for SHM in order to both
propagate and receive guided ultrasonic waves through the patch and detect matrix cracking and
delamination, thus giving the patch capability for long term health monitoring.
The smart patch will allow SHM of the component with the goal of condition based maintenance and
life extension rather than component replacement.
O
Degradation of Pharmaceuticals
Jasper Ojoghoro
Poster Location: 48
Pharmaceutical are medicine we take to protect, preserve and improve our health. Humans take
medicine and excrete them as metabolites, conjugates or complex mixture of
unchanged/metabolites. Pharmaceuticals widespread detection in water/reported gender-bending
in fishes is critical environmentally. Some drugs metabolites are reportedly bioactive, perhaps more
active than their parent compound. Unfortunately, conventional wastewater treatment processes
are unable to treat these contaminants resulting in their regular discharge with effluent into rivers.
My research is aimed at identifying/characterising transformation products of selected EU priority
pharmaceuticals. The Eawag Bio catalysis/Biodegradation Database has been used to predict
possible products of the model pharmaceuticals. A laboratory-based degradation study on
progesterone yielded 5 products all retaining the core parent structure. The study indicates that
microbial transformation of progesterone other than human/animal excretion produces androgens
present in the rivers. This finding highlights the need to identify/characterise drugs transformation
products that can exhibit bioactive/cocktail chemical effect on environmental resources.
23
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
Evaluating the potential impacts of likely future rainfall changes on sugar beet productivity in East
England.
Stanley Okom
Poster Location: 49
Projected climate change impacts in the UK include increasing temperatures and reduced summer
rainfall. The interaction of these impacts poses a challenge for agricultural productivity and the
growing industry. This study examines firstly, the potential impacts of future changes in rainfall
between now and 2050 in England. Secondly, it investigated the impact of these changes on sugar
beet productivity. Two experimental sugar beet categories (control and future) of 75 replicates each
were carried out in the greenhouse under different watering regimes. The control category received
0.46L of water every second day and the future category received 0.39L based on initial future
rainfall analysis. Results indicated a general response to soil moisture with the future category
showing more reduced soil moisture. Statistical comparison of mean tuber mass between the two
groups showed a significant difference in mean mass with control at 360g and future at 319g with a
P-Value of 0.01.
P
Is Progress We Making: Confronting the Traumatic Impact of Grenada’s Taboo History through
Fiction
Chioma Paul
Poster Location: 50
The implosion of the Grenada Revolution in 1983 is still a traumatic memory for many whether they
experienced it or not. One reason is frustration at how Grenada could have become a more
progressive society. As a result, I sought to discover the following:
1. How essential is it that we confront and learn from these traumatic events?
2. Can fiction assist in overcoming such trauma?
3. Can fiction stimulate the dialogue needed to confront the issues that have been avoided?
As part of my research I travelled to Grenada and interviewed a range of people whose experience
of the Revolutionary period varied. I subsequently invented characters in a novel that reflects some
of the interviewees’ experiences with the intention that this novel will stimulate dialogue and
facilitate the process of healing the psychological damage caused by the trauma.
24
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
P4P Incentives Lead to Better Patient Outcomes
Alina Peluso
Poster Location: 51
The "Pay-for-Performance" approach has been widely adopted to motivate improvement of the
healthcare providers by increasing quality or reducing costs. In order to estimate providers'
effectiveness, we used data from the Lombardy region (Italy), both before and after the introduction
of the P4P program in 2011, separating wards in each hospital as treated and control groups.
Using a multilevel logistic mixed-effects model at a ward, hospital and patient level over the time,
we have checked for performance improvements through the evaluation of multiple outcomes and
considering both the aggregated periods and the single years. Lastly, we have implemented RadarPlots at a hospital-wards level to summarize and provide intelligible results. The policy has affected
the hospital performance, especially for those wards influenced by a managerial action, that those
more affected by the patient's condition.
This research supports effects on patient outcomes due to the introduction of P4P system.
Q
The role of Negative Emotion of Saudi Arabia and the UK Employees in Private Universities in
Individual Relationship, Behaviour and Personal Well-Being.
Amal Qassim
Poster Location: 52
Emotional well-being is vital for overall health as it enables individuals to realise their abilities and
work productively. As such, employees who experience negative emotions in the workplace can
cause violence and aggression. Therefore, it is crucial for employees to be able to manage their
emotions. This paper highlights a proposed empirical research study on the Saudi Arabia and the UK
context, through a qualitative analysis, to discuss the main factors that arouse negative emotions.
Moreover, it focuses on how they affect the relationship, behaviour and well-being of employees. It
also discusses how to manage the negative emotions through a study of employees in Saudi Arabia
and the UK private universities.
25
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
R
Chromosome Dynamics and Molecular Motor Activity in Interphase Nuclei
Kumars Riyahi
Poster Location: 53
The cell nucleus is a very complex organelle in eukaryotic cells and scientists are still revealing new
complexity in its organisation. The central role of the nucleus in the control of gene expression
compels thorough investigations of the mechanisms involved in its functions. Different cells express
different sets of genes depending on their functions in specific tissues; therefore it is crucial for
chromosomes in cell nuclei to be highly regulated. Evidence has been accumulating supporting the
movement of whole chromosomes and specific gene loci in interphase nuclei, through nuclear
motors. This project involves the investigation of the organisation and function of nuclear motor
proteins and their involvement in the active movement of chromosomes and genes, in the
interphase nuclei of proliferating and non-proliferating cells.
S
Optimisation of Pavement Surface Damage Repair
Fauzia Saeed
Poster Location: 54
There are significant public concerns due to rapid increase in the amount of surface damage namely
potholes in asphalt surfaces. These localised failed areas also reduce ride quality and potentially
create a dangerous driving condition. This research will focus on asphalt damages, first
understanding the formation of surface damage, namely due to water and thermal segregation
during compaction. Secondly the project will aim to drive and evaluate, through parametric
modelling and full scale experimentation, scientifically based materials, construction and application
that supports durable pothole and patch repairs. One expectation is that the minimum life of a
typical pot-hole repair can be increased from 2 years to 5 years. Also investigate the means for
greater confidence and dependency on the use of recycled materials, and thus open up the way to a
substantially reduced carbon footprint in road repair, Also the cost of ancillary impacts through
vehicle damage and accidents.
26
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
A Qualitative study of QOL and Stigma in People with Epilepsy in the UK and Kurdistan
Nashmel Sargalo
Poster Location: 55
Epilepsy does not discriminate across cultures, continents or gender. 50 million people are affected
worldwide and 80% are in the developing countries. In western societies there’s increased
awareness with the help of better medical understanding and available support groups assisting
those diagnosed with epilepsy and their families, however, this does not seem to be case for areas
like Kurdistan. Using semi structured interviews and Thematic Analysis; the results indicated that the
UK group showed significantly better knowledge of epilepsy and experience less stigma compared to
the Kurdish group. It is concluded that the level of stigma present in the UK and Kurdistan
contributes to the quality of life of people with epilepsy, although it seems that the Kurdish group
also had the added pressure of their family and society in their coping mechanisms which may in
turn cause more stress and may feel a lack of control over their symptoms.
Evaluation of frost heave and mass transfer mechanisms in highway sub soils using a novel
laboratory simulation method
Assel Sarsembayeva
Poster Location: 56
Seasonal freezing-thawing of highway sub soils and systematic maintenance by de-icing chemicals
steadily affect their thermal regime and moisture distribution. As the result, it leads to significant
change of sub soils from the designed engineering characteristics including their bearing capacity. In
order to better understand the process and to evaluate the correlation between temperature field
and frost heave, and also to simultaneously supply with de-icing chemicals, the modified laboratory
method was developed in this research. The current test method is upgraded by increasing height of
soil samples up to 1 meter and more soil columns being able to be tested simultaneously. It also
admits a thorough study of soil properties and a mass transfer during the close to nature freezingthawing technics.
27
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
Neuroticism -Related Differences On Dual Task PRP Paradigm
Rahmi Saylik
Poster Location: 57
While it is known that high levels of neuroticism are associated with cognitive impairments, it is
unknown whether this is also associated with impairments in multitasking. Therefore we
investigated neuroticism-related differences in the dual-task paradigm of the psychological
refractory period (PRP). We hypothesized that highly neurotic individuals will have higher dual-task
costs compared to low neurotic individuals. Participants performed an auditory and a visual twochoice reaction task either separately as single tasks or concurrently as dual tasks. We indeed found
higher dual-task costs in the highly neurotic group as compared to the low neurotic group.
Moreover, we found that highly neurotics were slower than low neurotic participants in dual task
with zero stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) both for reaction time 1&2.This expands previous
knowledge about the cognitive impairments related to high levels of neuroticism.
Helping make plastic pipes last 100 years!
Muhammad Shaheer
Poster Location: 58
The nuclear industry is starting to use polyethylene pipes (PE) in safety critical applications. These
applications require a welding procedure that can validate the structural integrity of PE welds for
their intended design life. The standards on butt fusion welding procedure of PE pipes are currently
fragmented. The test methods specified to test the joint integrity have little correlation between
their results. Therefore it is difficult to compare the different standards. This NSIRC PhD intends to
address the concerns of the nuclear industry. TWI’s in-house developed whole pipe tensile creep
rupture test will be used together with various short-term tests to carry out a rigorous comparison
of the current industry standards.
28
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
Investigating Data Challenges to Enable Advanced Analysis Applications for Power Systems
Corinne Shand
Poster Location: 59
As utilities move towards more intelligent and autonomous networks, there is increased
requirement for the analysis of how these changes will affect network operation and performance.
Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) can be integrated into a network for the analysis and
identification of bad data. As PMUs contain a GPS chip, it is possible for them to determine their
own location when connected to a network. By creating a Common Information Model (CIM)
network model in the cloud, using geographical data, the PMU would be able to connect to this and
know what it is connected to and where in a network it is located. Network data could then be
collected and analysed to help identify any points of bad data. Challenges to overcome include the
building of the network model from the available geographical data, the automatic integration of the
PMU with the network, and the authentication of the data.
An investigation of the factors that influence consumers’ adoption of information from online reviews
on different platforms
Jutarat Sirithanaphonchai
Poster Location: 60
The effect of consumer online review has been studied in the past few years. It is interesting to
examine why consumers who are seeking information are willing to adopt online reviews from
websites and which factors influence them to do so. This research provides an opportunity to
advance the understanding of the effect of these online reviews on e- merchants and independent
websites platforms on consumers’ information processing in the tourism context. The information
adoption model is utilised to investigate the factors that influence consumers’ adoption of online
reviews. The research framework will consist of both qualitative and quantitative methods. The
results of this study are expected to identify what influences consumers to adopt information by
using Elaboration Likelihood Model. Also, it will helps electronic marketers to better understand the
way in which consumers process this kind of information and decide to adopt it.
29
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
Talking pipe: Wireless sensor network for condition monitoring in oil and gas pipelines
Siva Kumar Subramaniam
Poster Location: 61
Revolution of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) has drawn popularity and fuelled its way into many
areas especially in the oil and gas industry as its long distance data communication technology is
significantly practical. The unique geographical nature of linear WSNs arrangements battle its way
among other topologies in the pipeline application even with a series of drawback on packet delivery
ratio, end to end delay, single node failure and network energy efficiency. Therefore the aim of this
research is to highlight these challenges by introducing a set of odd and even path in linear
arrangements with an improved auto node failure recovery routing algorithm in the afford to
improve the overall system efficiency. NS2 tool is established with IEEE 802.11 standard and TCP
parameters to visualize significant improvement on the above mentioned parameters by making it
viable of this scheme in a realistic scenario.
T
Is your number sense “good enough”?
Rebecca Turvill
Poster Location: 62
This poster draws on data from an on-going ethnographic study of number sense development in
primary school. I demonstrate that whilst number sense is considered a real-life application of
number, the opportunities for children to learn number are predominantly decontextualized.
Further, although risk taking is promoted as a necessary skill in number sense development, lessons
are structured to encourage children to follow rules. Through misrecognition of this wider
socialisation as mathematical “ability”, number sense contributes to the reproduction of social
inequality through education.
30
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors
ABSTRACTS: Research Student Poster Conference, 17-18 March 2015
A-Z by surname
W
The fire performance of high strength steel
Dorothy Winful
Poster Location: 63
Steel structures are widely used in the UK, particularly in multi-storey construction, owing to their
excellent efficiency in terms of structural response, construction time and material usage. High
strength steels (HSS) offer additional advantages over conventional steels as they can lead to lighter
buildings with reduced CO2 emissions and construction and transportation costs. Before engineers
can specify these materials in structures, it is critical that their performance in fire is fully
understood.
The project aim is to develop an understanding of the behaviour of HSS during a fire. The timetemperature dependence of the yield strength and stiffness will be investigated to determine the
effects of various alloying and processing routes used to acquire strength. It is of particular interest
to explore whether any metallurgical effects can be utilised to retard the loss of strength at elevated
temperatures. This project will support the wider use of HSS in the construction industry.
Assessment of Advanced Easy-Clean Durable UV coatings
Anna Wojdyla-Cieslak
Poster Location: 64
Easy-clean or self-cleaning surfaces are of considerable potential in many industrial sectors.
Conventional, highly repellent coatings do not meet market requirements, due to the low
mechanical durability, complex preparation and high cost of production. New advanced UV coatings
systems having inorganic additives might have the potential to improve the materials performance,
by linking together high repellency and mechanical robustness.
The assessment of coating with the new inorganic fillers indicates that improved performance can be
achieved. The study of the results on both, abrasion data and surface energy show that both of
these features can be enhanced by the use of functionalized inorganic fillers.
31
Disclaimer: The Graduate School has not edited these abstracts, they appear in the format that they
were submitted by their authors