Catalysts derived from metal-organic frameworks : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand

The synthesis of atomic-scale catalysts is a blooming field, and these replace the conventional nanocatalysts due to their high atom utilization, selectivity, and unique catalytic activity. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) serve as promising precursors for the synthesis of single-atom catalysts (SACs). This study focused on the synthesis of SACs on nitrogen-doped hollow carbon by using MOFs and MOF composites followed by pyrolysis. The synthesis of two SACs namely rhodium SACs (Rh SACs) and cobalt SACs (Co SACs) by different methods, their characterization, and catalysis was explored. Rh SAC synthesized in this work hydrogenates nitroarenes with high consumption and high selectivity. Moreover, Co SAC did little or no hydrogenation of the nitroarenes. Further applications of these SACs were explored by employing them in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), NO abatement, and Fenton-like catalysis. Moreover, the synthesis of two types of hollow nanoboxes (HNB) namely HNB-1 and HNB-2; using MOFs and MOF composites, their characterization and applications were also investigated. HNB-1 was used to make electrode supercapacitors and it showed comparable activity to activated carbon. Further attempts were made to use HNB-2 as a fluorescence sensor. Finally, several ideas on synthesising SACs and HNBs were proposed as a part of future work

Generation gap, gender and shopping enjoyment of shopping mall visitors in western province Sri Lanka

Purpose: Going shopping is a major source of relaxation as well as a daily household chore. However, shopping enjoyment is a burgeoning and rather novel concept, and thus, there is a lack of studies within the cohort, especially with regard to the comparison of the shopping experiences of different generations. This paper explores the nature of shopping enjoyment and measures the impact of the generation gap and gender on visitors’ shopping enjoyment in shopping malls, which records a thriving interest. Design/methodology/approach: In a qualitative survey deploying a convenience sample, 379 usable responses were collected through a self-administered questionnaire from shopping mall visitors in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Data were analyzed using SPSS (21.0). Findings: Findings of the study indicated that all four generations considered the atmosphere and the environment to be the most important dimensions. Empirical evidence further suggested that Generation Z and Y have the highest enjoyment in their shopping journey within malls compared to other generations, confirming that youth shoppers are the emerging target group for such businesses. Interestingly, it evidenced that shopping is not remaining as a gendered activity anymore, since it is pleasurable for both females and males. Originality: This paper makes a significant contribution to the field by studying shopping enjoyment as a multi-dimensional construct in relation to four generations while being the first such attempt at studying this phenomenon. Implications: Findings are useful for retailers to identify target customers and lucrative markets. Further, shopping malls are required to design to provide more experiences and engagements to customers as a space for pleasure, enjoyment, and entertainment. &nbsp

Multi-directional radiation coupling in quantum-well infrared photodetectors

Techniques for coupling radiation into a quantum-well detector by using a two-dimensional array of grating cells to form at least three different grating directions to provide efficient coupling

Slotted quantum well sensor

Quantum-well sensors having an array of spatially separated quantum-well columns formed on a substrate. A grating can be formed increase the coupling efficiency

Eco-Tourism for Sustainable Development Case study in Knuckles Mountain Forest in Sri Lanka

Eco-tourism has become an important economic activity and it providesopportunities for visitors to experience powerful manifestations of nature, culture and tolearn about the importance of biodiversity conservation. Ecological-based tourism couldbenefit the community and environment in a sustainable and community-friendlymanner. Knuckles mountain range, which is blended with natural and cultural resources,is considered as an attractive ecotourism destination place in Sri Lanka. The objectivesof this study were to identify existing eco-tourism activities in the region and introducethe eco-tourism for the sustainability of the Knuckles forest and the peripheralcommunity. Data was collected using a field survey, participatory rural appraisal andinformal meetings with stakeholders and publish materials. Field survey was conductedwithin two village clusters namely Meemure and Reveston. Five villagers were selectedfrom one cluster and 10 households were selected from each village.Research findings show that the lack of awareness and lack of availability ofproper information are the most common causes for the less tourist arrival to this area.The majority of the visitors are local tourists who come in small groups. These visitorsexpect improvement of infrastructure and strengthening of the institutional capacity toenable the environment of local people to interpret the ecological and social heritage.Based on the findings of the study the most important issues that should be taken intoconsideration in promoting tourism in Knuckles are: strengthening the institutionalcapacities of relevant stakeholders, developments of infrastructure in the area, publicizeKnuckles range in the media, encourage villagers to participate in eco-tourism activities.This alternative benefit will help to the peripheral community to sustain theirlivelihoods, forest resource management and help social, economic and environmentsustainability in the Knuckles area.Key words: Eco-tourism and sustainable development, Community development,Sustainable forest managemen

Identification Of Deletion Mutants Of Inositol Kinases And Phosphatases Hypersensitive To Valproate

ABSTRACT IDENTIFICATION OF DELETION MUTANTS OF INOSITOL KINASES AND PHOSPHATASES HYPERSENSITIVE TO VALPROATE by WELLEWATTA MUDIYANSELAGE MANOJ SENAKA BANDARA MAY 2010 Advisor: Dr. Miriam Greenberg Major: Biological Sciences Degree: Master of Science Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic psychiatric illness affecting at least 1% of the world population. BD is ranked as the sixth greatest cause of death or disability globally. The cause of BD is unknown. Although the anticonvulsant valproate (VPA) is widely used as a mood stabilizer to treat BD, VPA is not completely effective and causes numerous side effects. Hence, it is important to develop more effective drugs with fewer side effects to treat BD. However, drug development is hampered by the lack of knowledge of the therapeutic mechanisms of action of current drugs used to treat BD. VPA depletes inositol in yeast and mammals. The current study was undertaken to determine whether genes affecting inositol synthesis lead to VPA sensitivity.1D-myo-inositol-3 phosphate synthase (MIPS) encoded by INO1 converts glucose-6-phosphate to L-myo-inositol-3-phosphate (MIP) in the de novo synthesis of inositol. The activation of INO1 expression is positively regulated by the INO80 complex, which is inhibited by IP6. KCS1 and VIP1 are inositol hexakisphosphate kinases that convert IP6 to IP7. I found that kcs1∆ is an inositol auxotroph and vip1∆ is a partial inositol auxotroph. Both kcs1∆ and vip1∆ mutants exhibited hypersensitivity to VPA. I also found that loss of KCS1 and VIP1 cause decreased INO1expression. The results of the study suggested that perturbation of IP synthesis exacerbates VPA induced inositol depletion. These findings have implications for understanding the mechanisms underlying responsiveness or resistance to VPA in bipolar patients.