Fathima Thasneem | University of Kelaniya (original) (raw)
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Papers by Fathima Thasneem
Journal of Science Policy & Governance
Experiential Learning is a useful tool to prepare negotiators and politicians in the art of diplo... more Experiential Learning is a useful tool to prepare negotiators and politicians in the art of diplomacy and can have a unique value in Science Policy and Diplomacy training. This workshop review summarizes two EL activities undertaken in a University of Arizona SPD course. The first was a semester-long project in conjunction with graduate and undergraduate students from a UA climate change adaptation course and the United States Department of State’s Diplomacy Lab. For this project, students researched issues and potential policies to address climate change effects on water, energy, and food resources in the Lower Mekong river basin. The second activity was the Mercury Game, a negotiation simulation that challenged students to represent interests of various countries to tackle an international environmental issue. Student survey results and other feedback demonstrate that EL is a valuable tool for SPD education and preparation for practice. Insights into how faculty, staff and student...
Biophysical Journal, 2022
Biophysical Journal, 2022
Biophysical Journal, 2021
Classical molecular dynamics (MD) and combined quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) MD... more Classical molecular dynamics (MD) and combined quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) MD simulations have been performed to investigate the structural and dynamical properties of the Tl(III) ion in water. A six-coordinate hydration structure with a maximum probability of the Tl O distance at 2.21 Å was observed, which is in good agreement with X-ray data. The librational and vibrational spectra of water molecules in the first hydration shell are blue-shifted compared with those of pure liquid water, and the Tl O stretching force constant was evaluated as 148 N m −1. Both structural and dynamical properties show a distortion of the first solvation shell structure. The second shell ligands' mean residence time was determined as 12.8 ps. The Tl(III) ion can be classified as "structure forming" ion; the calculated hydration energy of −986 ± 9 kcal mol agrees well with the experimental value of −986 kcal mol.
Biophysical Journal, 2019
characterize membrane remodeling induced by other pore forming peptides such as a mutant derivati... more characterize membrane remodeling induced by other pore forming peptides such as a mutant derivative of the bee venom peptide melittin in supported lipid bilayers (Langmuir 34: 28 (2018)). The data revealed time dynamic interconversion between membrane-thinned and pore-like states, as well as colocalization between these different modes of membrane remodeling. Here, we use AFM imaging to characterize the lipid bilayer remodeling induced by pHD108. Studies of pHD108 conducted on supported POPC bilayers at differing pH revealed pH-dependent membrane distortions including punctate pore-like features. To provide a broader mechanistic picture, single molecule AFM imaging results are placed in context with other measurements (e.g., leakage assays) performed on the same peptide/membrane system.
Biophysical Journal, 2020
Numerous karst dolines have been formed along the Croatian coast and many have been submerged dur... more Numerous karst dolines have been formed along the Croatian coast and many have been submerged during the Late Glacial and Holocene sea level rise. The coastal area of Cres Island in the Northern Adriatic is a typical example of this geomorphological setting, where transitional forms from subaerial to submerged dolines are present. Once dolines are formed they can accumulate soil, water and sediments due to their morphology. Sediments are an especially valuable source of environmental data. This paper presents the results of the study of foraminiferal assemblages and sediment geochemistry, supplemented with grain-size and mineralogical data, from the marine ponds developed in the karst dolines on Cres Island. Obtained data is correlated with the sediment core record from submerged dolines in the present-day embayments along the coastal zone of Cres Island. In total, 3 sediment cores were collected in the marine ponds Marinska, Arcij and Podbrajde, while 2 longer sediment cores have been extracted from the Jaz and Sonte embayments. The Marinska, Arcij and Podbrajde marine ponds have distinct geochemical and mineralogical sediment compositions, with monospecific foraminiferal assemblages and generally differ from each other. The common characteristics are their high N and P concentrations and the algal origin of organic matter. Agglutinated foraminiferal taxa (Haplophragmoides canariensis and Trochammina inflata), typical for intertidal environments, are abundant in the brackish-water Marinska pond, while stress-tolerant species Ammonia tepida has been identified in the Arcij marine pond. Environmental conditions in the Podbrajde marine pond did not facilitate the development of a rich foraminiferal fauna. Results from the present-day marine ponds enabled recognition of similar environments in the sediment cores collected in the Jaz and Sonte embayments that were progressively inundated during the Holocene sea level rise. A palaeo-marine pond existed in the Sonte embayment until 6610 cal BP, when the sea flooded the investigated area. A marine pond in the Jaz embayment was formed at 711 cal BP. Low-diversity foraminiferal assemblages in these palaeo-ponds are similar to those recognized in the present-day Arcij marine pond on Cres Island. However, differences in the geochemical composition of palaeo-marine ponds, in comparison to the present-day ponds, exist. They might be attributed to climate variability over time and variations in the geological setting of each environment. High Mo concentrations and abundant organic matter content are the main sediment characteristics of the recognized palaeo-marine ponds in the Jaz and Sonte embayments. dolines with surface connection to the sea. In the literature, this type of environment is termed a marine lake (
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of environmental contaminants which are forme... more Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of environmental contaminants which are formed due to natural processes such as forest fires and anthropogenic activities including incomplete combustion of organic matter (eg. wood, carbon, coke, fossil fuel etc.). These ubiquitous contaminants have attracted attention due to their toxicity and carcinogenicity. The Agency for the Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) have identified 16 PAHs as priority pollutants based on their health effects.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs are a group of organic compounds with more than one benzene... more Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs are a group of organic compounds with more than one benzene ring formed due to natural processes such as forest fires and anthropogenic activities These ubiquitous contaminants have gathered an interest due to their toxicity and carcinogenic activity Exposure to PAHs has also been linked with cancer, cardiovascular disease and poor fetal development PAHs are considered as persistent organic pollutants because of their stable chemical structure and inherent resistance to decomposition. In this study, the water bodies near two diesel fueled power plants in Sri Lanka i e , Kerawalapitiya and Kelanitissa were selected to determine the presence of PAHs in surface water and its sediment In the preliminary sampling rounds, the presence of PAHs were identified With increased sample size, three sampling rounds were carried out in addition to water and sediment from Hamilton canal and Sebastian canal, water samples from wells near both power plants were a...
Journal of Science Policy & Governance
Experiential Learning is a useful tool to prepare negotiators and politicians in the art of diplo... more Experiential Learning is a useful tool to prepare negotiators and politicians in the art of diplomacy and can have a unique value in Science Policy and Diplomacy training. This workshop review summarizes two EL activities undertaken in a University of Arizona SPD course. The first was a semester-long project in conjunction with graduate and undergraduate students from a UA climate change adaptation course and the United States Department of State’s Diplomacy Lab. For this project, students researched issues and potential policies to address climate change effects on water, energy, and food resources in the Lower Mekong river basin. The second activity was the Mercury Game, a negotiation simulation that challenged students to represent interests of various countries to tackle an international environmental issue. Student survey results and other feedback demonstrate that EL is a valuable tool for SPD education and preparation for practice. Insights into how faculty, staff and student...
Biophysical Journal, 2022
Biophysical Journal, 2022
Biophysical Journal, 2021
Classical molecular dynamics (MD) and combined quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) MD... more Classical molecular dynamics (MD) and combined quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) MD simulations have been performed to investigate the structural and dynamical properties of the Tl(III) ion in water. A six-coordinate hydration structure with a maximum probability of the Tl O distance at 2.21 Å was observed, which is in good agreement with X-ray data. The librational and vibrational spectra of water molecules in the first hydration shell are blue-shifted compared with those of pure liquid water, and the Tl O stretching force constant was evaluated as 148 N m −1. Both structural and dynamical properties show a distortion of the first solvation shell structure. The second shell ligands' mean residence time was determined as 12.8 ps. The Tl(III) ion can be classified as "structure forming" ion; the calculated hydration energy of −986 ± 9 kcal mol agrees well with the experimental value of −986 kcal mol.
Biophysical Journal, 2019
characterize membrane remodeling induced by other pore forming peptides such as a mutant derivati... more characterize membrane remodeling induced by other pore forming peptides such as a mutant derivative of the bee venom peptide melittin in supported lipid bilayers (Langmuir 34: 28 (2018)). The data revealed time dynamic interconversion between membrane-thinned and pore-like states, as well as colocalization between these different modes of membrane remodeling. Here, we use AFM imaging to characterize the lipid bilayer remodeling induced by pHD108. Studies of pHD108 conducted on supported POPC bilayers at differing pH revealed pH-dependent membrane distortions including punctate pore-like features. To provide a broader mechanistic picture, single molecule AFM imaging results are placed in context with other measurements (e.g., leakage assays) performed on the same peptide/membrane system.
Biophysical Journal, 2020
Numerous karst dolines have been formed along the Croatian coast and many have been submerged dur... more Numerous karst dolines have been formed along the Croatian coast and many have been submerged during the Late Glacial and Holocene sea level rise. The coastal area of Cres Island in the Northern Adriatic is a typical example of this geomorphological setting, where transitional forms from subaerial to submerged dolines are present. Once dolines are formed they can accumulate soil, water and sediments due to their morphology. Sediments are an especially valuable source of environmental data. This paper presents the results of the study of foraminiferal assemblages and sediment geochemistry, supplemented with grain-size and mineralogical data, from the marine ponds developed in the karst dolines on Cres Island. Obtained data is correlated with the sediment core record from submerged dolines in the present-day embayments along the coastal zone of Cres Island. In total, 3 sediment cores were collected in the marine ponds Marinska, Arcij and Podbrajde, while 2 longer sediment cores have been extracted from the Jaz and Sonte embayments. The Marinska, Arcij and Podbrajde marine ponds have distinct geochemical and mineralogical sediment compositions, with monospecific foraminiferal assemblages and generally differ from each other. The common characteristics are their high N and P concentrations and the algal origin of organic matter. Agglutinated foraminiferal taxa (Haplophragmoides canariensis and Trochammina inflata), typical for intertidal environments, are abundant in the brackish-water Marinska pond, while stress-tolerant species Ammonia tepida has been identified in the Arcij marine pond. Environmental conditions in the Podbrajde marine pond did not facilitate the development of a rich foraminiferal fauna. Results from the present-day marine ponds enabled recognition of similar environments in the sediment cores collected in the Jaz and Sonte embayments that were progressively inundated during the Holocene sea level rise. A palaeo-marine pond existed in the Sonte embayment until 6610 cal BP, when the sea flooded the investigated area. A marine pond in the Jaz embayment was formed at 711 cal BP. Low-diversity foraminiferal assemblages in these palaeo-ponds are similar to those recognized in the present-day Arcij marine pond on Cres Island. However, differences in the geochemical composition of palaeo-marine ponds, in comparison to the present-day ponds, exist. They might be attributed to climate variability over time and variations in the geological setting of each environment. High Mo concentrations and abundant organic matter content are the main sediment characteristics of the recognized palaeo-marine ponds in the Jaz and Sonte embayments. dolines with surface connection to the sea. In the literature, this type of environment is termed a marine lake (
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of environmental contaminants which are forme... more Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of environmental contaminants which are formed due to natural processes such as forest fires and anthropogenic activities including incomplete combustion of organic matter (eg. wood, carbon, coke, fossil fuel etc.). These ubiquitous contaminants have attracted attention due to their toxicity and carcinogenicity. The Agency for the Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) have identified 16 PAHs as priority pollutants based on their health effects.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs are a group of organic compounds with more than one benzene... more Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs are a group of organic compounds with more than one benzene ring formed due to natural processes such as forest fires and anthropogenic activities These ubiquitous contaminants have gathered an interest due to their toxicity and carcinogenic activity Exposure to PAHs has also been linked with cancer, cardiovascular disease and poor fetal development PAHs are considered as persistent organic pollutants because of their stable chemical structure and inherent resistance to decomposition. In this study, the water bodies near two diesel fueled power plants in Sri Lanka i e , Kerawalapitiya and Kelanitissa were selected to determine the presence of PAHs in surface water and its sediment In the preliminary sampling rounds, the presence of PAHs were identified With increased sample size, three sampling rounds were carried out in addition to water and sediment from Hamilton canal and Sebastian canal, water samples from wells near both power plants were a...