No description available.

Larval dispersal is one of the most complex phenomena that connects populations when larvae migrate over long distances from their native reefs to a new one. Dispersal outcomes are largely variable among individuals, even siblings, and the factors that drive this variability are not understood, making it challenging to create protection plans for marine species. Clownfish, Amphiprioninae, are among the most important coral reef species economically. Thus, creating protection plans for clownfish is necessary, especially as they are under habitat loss threat. Clownfish are considered an optimum model of organisms for studying larval dispersal and population connectivity mainly due to their relatively short larval dispersive phase and ease of breeding them in captivity. Since dispersal traits are influenced by genes, transcriptomic studies can reveal insights into larval dispersal. Thus, the variation in dispersal outcomes could be better understood if the differential expression of genes related to dispersal, such as swimming abilities, are considered. However, there is a lack of knowledge in the basics of gene expression in clownfish larvae. The aim in this thesis is to explore the ontogenic variability in RNA quantities across development in clownfish larvae as a first step of understanding the nature of their gene expression and optimizing RNA extractions and quantifications methods using clownfish as a model organism. We performed an RNA quantification study using larvae of Amphiprion bicinctus clownfish reared at KAUST SeaLabs. This thesis provides some insights regarding the pooled and individual quantities of RNA across time. The optimal pool size and age for various transcriptomic studies was determined. It was concluded that extracting RNA from young larvae is difficult. Depending on the research, it might be necessary to use older larvae or other techniques. The results from this thesis will build the foundation needed as a first step to perform differential gene expression studying the causes of variability in dispersal traits in A. bicinctus and the link between these traits and transcriptomics.

Mémoire numérisé par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.

Although the subject of pottery would appear to the layman to be one of complicated formulas and difficult technical requirements, it is possible to reduce the on- tire procedure to a series of simple, logical processes. To do this is the purpose for which this thesis has been undertaken. It seems advisable to reduce the entire subject of elementary pottery to fifteen lessons, for two reasons. (1) The instructor who must teach the subject in one semester of eighteen weeks will be enabled by this plan to cover the subject logically and completely if she will adhere to the divisions which have been made. This will give ample time for outside work, tests, etc. (2) The craftsman who wishes to express himself in one more medium, or the home-maker who merely desires the diversion of self-expression, will find the directions, given in this logical sequence, so clear and untechnical that he cannot fail, with sufficient practice, to achieve definite results

Individuals rely on digital messaging to form and maintain intimate relationships, trusting that the mediums through which they communicate are protective of their privacy. The screenshot feature revokes attempts to establish such trust. This tool allows individuals to capture and store pieces of a private conversation as a separate file on their device, rendering them usable and shareable with third parties. While the screenshot feature serves utilitarian purposes, this dissertation focuses on its ability to breach privacy expectations, termed within communication privacy management theory (CPM) as privacy turbulence. This dissertation extends the scope of CPM beyond its interpersonal bounds, recognizing the power of platforms to create rules that users follow when making decisions about others' information. Experimental results suggest that blurring received messages upon use of the screenshot feature (i.e., obscurity) and creating an explicit confidentiality expectation (i.e., explicit privacy rule) significantly reduce screenshot collection and sharing, respectively. Additionally, reflections from participants reveal that many individuals are willing to compromise others’ privacy on digital messaging platforms while simultaneously expecting protection of their own. Qualitative analysis of relevant case law and complaints/opinions from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reveal inconsistencies both within law and policy and as compared to empirical evidence. Judges have provided overly broad definitions of “authorization” and lofty thresholds to sustain individual harm, making statutory regulation of screenshot collection and sharing unlikely. However, guidance from the FTC demonstrates a more nuanced regulatory approach to privacy that recognizes the influence of platform design. Results from this study suggest that design-based strategies—both ex-ante and ex-post—would be a promising first step toward adjusting the norms around screenshot collection and sharing of digital messages. Together, the results of this dissertation will inform policymakers and platform designers of the privacy harm enabled by the screenshot feature, providing tangible recommendations to create messaging platforms that are truly private. / 2026-03-08T00:00:00Z

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No description available.

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No description available.

Soils contain a complex mixture of compounds many of which can be transported and metabolized by microorganisms. 𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘩𝘪𝘻𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘪 is a soil bacterium whose gene sequence was recently determined. The diversity of the carbon and nitrogen sources than can be utilized by this organism is reflected in the large number of annotated ATP-binding cassette transporters in its genome. Although many of these genes are not necessary for survival, it is hypothesized that they arid in the competitive fitness of 𝘚. 𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘪 in the field. Many of these transporters remain uncharacterized. In this study a high throughput screen was developed to measure β-glucuronidase activity in a 96 well microtitre plate format to quantify expression of many reporter gene fusions under a variety of conditions. This system was used to analyze the expression of putative small molecule ABC transporters in 𝘚. 𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘪. 45 𝘨𝘶𝘴𝘈 reporter gene transcriptional fusions to these transport genes were generated and recombined into the genome. These strains were grown in 96 well plates in minimal media containing a large number of carbon sources and carious legume root and seed exudates to be tested as inducers of transporter gene expression. Two transport systems were found to be induced by glucosamine and galactosamine and others were found to be induced by various sugars including mannose, arabinose, xylose and palatinose as well as protocatechuate and hydroxybenzoate. The bacteria-plant symbiosis of 𝘚. 𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘪 and alfalfa plays an important role in agriculture. To further understand the role of ABC transporters in the competition of 𝘚. 𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘪 the 𝘨𝘶𝘴𝘈 reporter fusions strains will also e inoculated onto alfalfa roots and nodules will be assayed for GusA activity to give a more complete picture of the role of ABC transporters in the competition and symbiosis of 𝘚. 𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘪. Two substrates, galactitol and hydroxyproline found to induce transport systems were studied in depth in order to more fully understand the transport, metabolism and regulation of these compounds. / Thesis / Master of Science (MS)