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Yes / Low cost carriers (budget airlines) have a significant share of the air travel market, but little research has been done to understand the distributional effect of their operation on key tourism indicators such as length of stay and expenditure. Using data on European visitors to the United Kingdom we demonstrate how counterfactual decompositions can inform us of the true impact of mode of travel. Passengers on low cost carriers tend to spend less, particularly at the upper end of the distribution. Budget airline users typically stay longer, though differences in characteristics of observed groups are important to this result. Counterfactual techniques provide additional valuable insights not obtained from conventional econometric models used in the literature. Illustrating an application of the methodology to policy we demonstrate that enabling respondents to extend their stay generates the greatest additional expenditure at the lower end of the distribution. We also show nationality is a significant characteristic, with important impacts across the expenditure distribution.

Based on the concept of covalent capture of supramolecular assemblies, the idea of mechanical encapsulation is exploited for the protection and delivery of peptidebased molecules. This thesis aims to establish a general method for the encapsulation of peptides within a rotaxane structure, as well as studying their mode of release under specific stimuli. The synthesis of such structures, relying on the elongation of short peptido[2]rotaxanes, is applied to the design of rotaxane peptide carriers whose function is to protect against biological degradation and release peptides under a biological stimulus. These molecules are composed of a rotaxane-encapsulated peptide bearing a biodegradable stopper, the enzyme-specific cleavage of which triggers peptide release, via ‘dethreading’. The synthesis and in vitro assessment of rotaxane carriers as agents for anti-cancer therapy will be described in detail. The future challenges and potential applications of the proposed systems will be addressed.

Ng, Yiu Ming. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 99-114). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.2 / Abstract --- p.3 / 摘要 --- p.5 / Content --- p.6 / List of abbreviations and symbols --- p.10 / Chapter Chapter 1 - --- Introduction --- p.13 / Chapter 1.1 --- Introduction to nanoparticles (NPs) --- p.13 / Chapter 1.2 --- How to treat solid cancers using nanoparticle drugs --- p.17 / Chapter 1.3 --- What is Chitosan (CS)? --- p.22 / Chapter 1.4 --- Possible peptide candidates to be trapped --- p.26 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Luffin PI - Ribosome inactivating peptide --- p.26 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Buforin lib (Bllb) - Antimicrobial peptide --- p.27 / Chapter 1.5 --- Aims of study --- p.30 / Chapter Chapter 2 - --- Materials and Methods --- p.31 / Chapter 2.1 --- Materials --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2 --- Methods --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Construction and expression of Luffin P1 --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Circular dichroism spectroscopy --- p.32 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Static light scattering --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- In vitro N-glycosidase assay --- p.34 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Preparation of CS particles --- p.34 / Chapter 2.2.5.1 --- Preparation of positive CS NPs --- p.34 / Chapter 2.2.5.2 --- Preparation of negative CS NPs --- p.35 / Chapter 2.2.5.3 --- Preparation of buforin lib incorporated NPs --- p.35 / Chapter 2.2.5.4 --- Preparation of Cy5 incorporated NPs --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Characterization of CS NPs --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- Buforin lib (Bllb) encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.8 --- In vitro release study --- p.37 / Chapter 2.2.9 --- Confocal Microscopy --- p.37 / Chapter 2.2.10 --- Cytotoxicity assay --- p.38 / Chapter 2.2.11 --- Statistical analysis --- p.38 / Chapter Chapter 3 - --- "Cloning, expression, purification and structural characterization of Luffin PI" --- p.39 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.39 / Chapter 3.2 --- Results --- p.41 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Construction of Luffin PI plasmid --- p.41 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Expression and purification of Luffin PI --- p.41 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Molecular weight and secondary structure determination of Luffin PI --- p.43 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- 3D solution structure of Luffin PI --- p.45 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- In vitro N-glycosidase activity of Luffin PI --- p.49 / Chapter 3.3 --- Discussion --- p.51 / Chapter Chapter 4 - --- Generation of positively charged CS particles and Bllb incorporation --- p.60 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.60 / Chapter 4.2 --- Results --- p.62 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Positively charged CS NPs generation --- p.62 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Bllb incorporated +ve CS NPs generation --- p.68 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- In vitro release study --- p.70 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- In vitro cytotoxicity test --- p.72 / Chapter 4.3 --- Discussion --- p.74 / Chapter Chapter 5 - --- Generation of negatively charged CS particles and Bllb incorporation --- p.83 / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.83 / Chapter 5.2 --- Results --- p.85 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- -ve CS NPs generation --- p.85 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- -ve CS-Bllb NPs generation --- p.88 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- In vitro release study --- p.91 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Localization study of -ve CS-Bllb NPs --- p.93 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- In vitro cytotoxicity test --- p.96 / Chapter 5.3 --- Discussion --- p.98 / Chapter Chapter 6 - --- Conclusion and future work --- p.108 / Copyright --- p.110 / References --- p.111

Lee, Siu Fung. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 89-91). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Content --- p.i / Acknowledgments --- p.iv / Abstract --- p.V / Abbreviations and Acronyms --- p.vii / Publications Originated from the Work of this Thesis --- p.ix / Chapter Chapter 1- --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Nanoparticle-based drug delivery --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Magnetic nanoparticle --- p.5 / Chapter 1.3 --- Iron oxide nanoparticle --- p.6 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Coprecipitation --- p.7 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Hydrothermal reaction --- p.7 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Sol-gel reaction --- p.8 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- Solvothermal reaction --- p.8 / Chapter 1.3.5 --- Architecture of iron oxide nanoparticles as drug carriers --- p.9 / Chapter 1.4 --- Supramolecular chemistry involved in controlled release drug delivery system --- p.10 / Chapter 1.5 --- Nano valve --- p.15 / Chapter 1.6 --- Aim of project --- p.17 / Chapter Chapter 2- --- Stimuli-Responsive Drug Delivery Nanosystems based on Fe3O4@SiO2@crown ether Nanoparticles / Chapter 2.1 --- Background --- p.19 / Chapter 2.2 --- Synthesis of the dibenzo-crown ethers --- p.21 / Chapter 2.3 --- Synthetic method of functionalized nanoparticles --- p.22 / Chapter 2.4 --- Characterization of dibenzo-crown ethers --- p.25 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy --- p.25 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Mass spectrometry (MS) --- p.27 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Infrared (IR) spectroscopy --- p.28 / Chapter 2.5 --- Characterization of nanoparticles --- p.29 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) --- p.29 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy --- p.34 / Chapter 2.5.3 --- IR spectroscopy --- p.39 / Chapter 2.5.4 --- Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) --- p.41 / Chapter 2.5.5 --- Nitrogen absorption/desorption isotherms --- p.44 / Chapter 2.6 --- Biological study of functionalized nanoparticles --- p.45 / Chapter 2.6.1 --- Cytotoxicity study --- p.45 / Chapter 2.6.2 --- Cell adhesion study --- p.46 / Chapter 2.6.3 --- Cell proliferation study --- p.47 / Chapter 2.6.4 --- Cellular uptake of nanoparticles --- p.50 / Chapter 2.7 --- Drug loading under different stimuli --- p.54 / Chapter 2.8 --- Drug release profile of nanoparticles --- p.61 / Chapter 2.9 --- MRI study of nanoparticles --- p.67 / Chapter 2.10 --- Conclusion --- p.69 / Chapter Chapter 3- --- Experimental Procedures / Chapter 3.1 --- General Information --- p.72 / Chapter 3.2 --- General procedure of synthesis of polyethers 3a-b --- p.73 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Synthesis of 3a --- p.74 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Synthesis of 3b --- p.74 / Chapter 3.3 --- General procedure of synthesis of diesters 4a-b --- p.75 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Synthesis of 4a --- p.75 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Synthesis of 4b --- p.76 / Chapter 3.4 --- General procedure of synthesis of dibenzo crown ether esters 5a-c --- p.77 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Synthesis of 5a --- p.77 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Synthesis of 5b --- p.78 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Synthesis of 5c --- p.78 / Chapter 3.5 --- General procedure of synthesis of dibenzo-crown ethers la-c --- p.79 / Chapter 3.5.1 --- Synthesis of la --- p.80 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- Synthesis of lb --- p.80 / Chapter 3.5.3 --- Synthesis of lc --- p.81 / Chapter 3.6 --- Preparation of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticle with an average diameter 120 nm --- p.81 / Chapter 3.7 --- Preparation of core/shell Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticle --- p.82 / Chapter 3.8 --- Preparation of Fe3O4@SiO2@meso(CTAB)-Si02 nanoparticle --- p.82 / Chapter 3.9 --- Preparation of Fe3O4@SiO2@meso(CTAB)-SiO2-NH2 nanoparticle --- p.83 / Chapter 3.10 --- Preparation of Fe3O4@SiO2@meso-SiO2@crown ether(a-c) nanoparticles --- p.83 / Chapter 3.11 --- Protocol of biological study of functionalized nanoparticles --- p.84 / Chapter 3.11.1 --- MTT protocol --- p.84 / Chapter 3.11.2 --- Cytotoxicity study --- p.84 / Chapter 3.11.3 --- Cell adhesion study --- p.85 / Chapter 3.11.4 --- Cell proliferation study --- p.85 / Chapter 3.11.5 --- Cellular uptake of functionalized nanoparticles --- p.85 / Chapter 3.12 --- Drug loading of functionalized nanoparticles --- p.86 / Chapter 3.13 --- Drug release profile of functionalized nanoparticles --- p.87 / Chapter 3.14 --- MRI study of nanoparticles --- p.87 / References --- p.89 / Appendix / List of Spectra --- p.A-1

Background: Since the airline deregulation was completed in 1997, a new business model has emerged in the European civil aviation industry. It has caused a shift in the way people travel within Europe. The airlines operating under this new business model known as point-to-point, have created a new outlet for commercial passenger travel and raised concerns for established flag carriers. Problem: This study is of great importance due to the fact that people are traveling more frequently and wish to do so quicker and more efficiently. With so many options to choose from and cost being an important decision maker for both companies and consumers, a study of this industry in terms of competition, price and service quality is of great impor-tance. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate and describe whether or not changes in the competitive landscape of the European civil aviation industry are related to the movement of economy class prices. The thesis also looks at whether or not changes in the competitive landscape are related to changes in service quality in the same industry. Both flag-carriers and low-cost carriers in terms of their business models will be investigated. Method: The method chosen for this study was of an integrated approach based solely on secondary data due to the sheer size and scope of this industry. This study investigated the two major business models of this industry through routes to the major cities and capitals of Western Europe from Stockholm Arlanda airport and Stockholm Skavsta airport. A literature study coupled with a comparative analysis has also been done. Conclusions: Dramatic change is occurring in the industry. Competition is increasing not only between companies but between two competing business models. Increased competition is leading to better on-time performance but lower in-flight and ground service quality. Aggregate price level has risen for flag carries with the opposite happening for low-cost carriers. The increased competition is threatening the ill-performing flag carriers and will most likely transform the industry.

<p>Background: Since the airline deregulation was completed in 1997, a new business model has emerged in the European civil aviation industry. It has caused a shift in the way people travel within Europe. The airlines operating under this new business model known as point-to-point, have created a new outlet for commercial passenger travel and raised concerns for established flag carriers.</p><p>Problem: This study is of great importance due to the fact that people are traveling more frequently and wish to do so quicker and more efficiently. With so many options to choose from and cost being an important decision maker for both companies and consumers, a study of this industry in terms of competition, price and service quality is of great impor-tance.</p><p>Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate and describe whether or not changes in the competitive landscape of the European civil aviation industry are related to the movement of economy class prices. The thesis also looks at whether or not changes in the competitive landscape are related to changes in service quality in the same industry. Both flag-carriers and low-cost carriers in terms of their business models will be investigated.</p><p>Method: The method chosen for this study was of an integrated approach based solely on secondary data due to the sheer size and scope of this industry. This study investigated the two major business models of this industry through routes to the major cities and capitals of Western Europe from Stockholm Arlanda airport and Stockholm Skavsta airport. A literature study coupled with a comparative analysis has also been done.</p><p>Conclusions: Dramatic change is occurring in the industry. Competition is increasing not only between companies but between two competing business models. Increased competition is leading to better on-time performance but lower in-flight and ground service quality. Aggregate price level has risen for flag carries with the opposite happening for low-cost carriers. The increased competition is threatening the ill-performing flag carriers and will most likely transform the industry.</p>

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf i-ix).