Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Magnetic Lab-On-A-Bead Fluorescence Assay For Detection Of Proteins In Low Concentration(University of Limerick, 2024-03) Alhassan, Luluh; Soulimane, Tewfik; Silien, ChristopheIn modern world, the fate of toxic proteins in the environment needs a subject of great concern due to their potential detrimental effects on living organisms. These proteins can have significant impacts on ecosystems and human health. Immunoassays, which are diagnostic tests based on antibody-antigen interactions, offer a quantitative method for detecting various diseases. Given the extensive selection of antibodies, these assays have become a cornerstone of modern diagnostics. This technique involves creating a sandwich structure using two antibodies binding to a single specific antigen. This dual-antibody approach enhances the specificity and sensitivity of disease detection in immunoassays. Several technologies have been proposed for protein quantification, including ELISA, PCR, FTIR, SERS and flow cytometry. However, these methods still have limitations such as non-specificity, intricacy, and high expenses. As a result, an optical system has been developed to monitor toxic proteins in real-time, combining the advantages of IMS and fluorescence in a dual-mode assay for accurate protein quantification. We present a novel imaging technique that utilizes commonly used fluorescent complexes and incorporates digital analysis to detect analytes. We investigate a magnetic-recovery lab-on-a- bead protein detection method using 1 um Ser-mag carboxylate modified microparticles as both substrate and sensor. By employing microparticles, we harness the available spatial information to create a ratiometric signal that remains unaffected by variations in microparticle number and volume during the binding process. This eliminates the primary source of uncertainties typically encountered in traditional ensemble assays. The technique involves coating microbeads with capture molecules that specifically bind to the target protein, immersing them in the liquid sample, performing magnetic recovery, and then staining with a fluorescent dye. The bead-protein complexes are subsequently analysed using Laser Confocal Scanning Microscopy at the single bead level. Furthermore, we investigate the influence of various parameters on the measurement process and their impact on the results. This approach offers simple assay protocols, short incubation times, minimal reagent consumption, and eliminates the need for enzymatic signal amplification. To achieve direct counting and imaging of single molecules, we implemented a co-registration process where widefield and fluorescence images are combined. A mask is created, and particle counting is performed by blindly selecting particles in the widefield image to exclude any undesired fluorescence background. By estimating a threshold value, we enhance the fluorescent signal, thereby increasing the measurement sensitivity. Various metrics were employed to develop signal detection. We verified that the fraction of fluorescent beads scales with the concentration of the target protein in the liquid samples, reaching a limit as low as Zeptomolar (100 zM) for model assay systems. The practical benefits of the dual mode IMS/Fluorescence assay are demonstrated through the detection of bacterial proteins in environmental samples and clinical biomarkers in human serum.38 0Item Restricted Reducing Plastic Pollution In Saudi Arabia: An Analysis Of Global Plastic Pollution Mitigation Policies And The Role Of Private/Ngo Sectors(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-09-20) Iskandarani, Ayman; Weikard, Hans-PeterPlastic contamination has emerged as a worldwide issue in the past few years as a result of the high dependence on plastic materials. Saudi Arabia is affected by this issue and has barely any adequate strategy to fight it. This study was undertaken to analyze various policy instruments that mitigate plastic pollution and to understand the potential contributions of NGO and private sector involvement in Saudi Arabia toward this issue. Thus, it raises two questions: What multi-dimensional policies are identified globally for combating macroplastic pollution, and how do they perform against social, economic, environmental, and technical criteria? To what extent can the Saudi private sector’s and NGOs’ involvement contribute to reducing macroplastic waste? This study revealed a set of policy combinations that received the highest scores in the criteria. Additionally, it is significant as it taps into various stakeholders’ perspectives, exposing underlying challenges and visions, thereby providing a comprehensive outlook on the plastic pollution problem within Saudi Arabia. The study employed a mixed-method approach, and two phases were carried out. The first phase included a literature review to identify multi-dimensional policies implemented worldwide to combat macroplastic pollution and their social, economic, environmental, and technical performances. The policy instruments were: Ban & plastic limits (Regulatory), Tax & Cash for Return (Economic), and Education & Labeling (Informational). Afterward, Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA) tables were created for each instrument. In the second phase, eight experts from the private sector and NGOs in Saudi Arabia were interviewed to understand better how their efforts might impact consumer behavior and reduce macroplastic waste. After collecting data from the interviews, quantitative and qualitative data analyses were applied. The findings from the MCA tables showed higher scores for plastic limits, cash for return, and education. Additionally, the ban instrument received the lowest score (19 out of 30) among all categories, while education achieved the highest (23 out of 30). The outcomes from the quantitative and qualitative analyses of the interviews highlighted unanimous validation by NGO sector experts for a multi-stakeholder approach to creating effective plastic pollution reduction policies. Insights from private sector experts detailed the significant role of consumer behavior, stakeholder collaboration, and a multifaceted approach to pollution reduction. Challenges identified included potential conflicts between stakeholders, hesitations in policy making, and economic barriers. Expert interviews further expanded on effective strategies, focusing on education, awareness, regulation, and the use of industrial alternatives. The responses highlighted differences in priorities between the private sector and NGOs and emphasized the importance of collective action, community integration, and government support. These findings illustrate the complex factors in the effort to combat plastic pollution in Saudi Arabia. Further steps might include examining consumers’ perspectives and existing policies toward traditional plastic materials.39 0Item Restricted IoT-Based Air Pollution Meter(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-02-24) Qasem, Naif; Bul’Ajoul, WaleedThe quality of our lives as well as our day-to-day activities are impacted by pollution in the air. Both the planet's environment and the quality of life there are at risk as a result of this danger. Because of the rise in the number of industrial operations that have taken place over the course of the last several years, there is an obvious and immediate need to check the quality of the air. It is necessary for people to be aware of the degree to which their actions impact the quality of the air. It is predicted that monitoring air quality will become increasingly essential at residence, in the office, and at recreational events, in particular with relation to improving wellbeing and protecting social interaction. The project presents a practical approach to the implementation of smart air pollution monitoring by making use of an Internet of Things (IoT) solution. This solution is built upon low cost air quality sensors and the Thingspeak platform. This project proposes the implementation of a monitoring system for air pollution. The ESP32-based microcontroller was utilised throughout the development of the system. The system for monitoring air pollution was developed to perform monitoring and analysis of the air quality in real time. Additionally, it was intended to log data to a remote IoT platform called Thingspeak, which would keep the data updated through the internet. On the Internet of Things (IoT) platform, graphical representation was used to conduct analysis after air quality measurements were made based on the metrics of parts per million (PPM). The device collects data on the environment's temperature, relative humidity, air pressure, and smoke levels. The developed system yielded reliable results when measuring the quality of the surrounding air. The outcome was shown on the display interface of the user hardware and was available for inspection through the Thingspeak platform.9 0