Digital Commons Network^™

The Role Of Social Marketing In Salt Reduction, Michael Barry

Theses

More people die from cardiovascular disease than any other cause in Ireland (Department of Health, 2013). A direct correlation exists between high salt intake and high blood pressure and ensuing cardiovascular diseases (He and MacGregor, 2010). This thesis focuses on the use of social marketing to educate people on the dangers of high salt intake with the eventual aim of making recommendations to aid in the reduction of high blood pressure. In-depth interviews were conducted with twelve leading personnel from salt reduction and social marketing fields. All interviewees reached similar conclusions suggesting that salt reduction as a health issue needs …

Cross-Training In Virtual Teams, Amanda Pryor

Theses

Prior research has investigated the benefits that cross-training can have on a number of team outcomes, including performance, transactive memory, team efficacy, and interpositional knowledge. The present study examined the effect that different types of cross-training can have on these outcomes. Rotational and clarification cross-training were predicted to result in better team performance than own-role training alone. Transactive memory, team efficacy, task interdependency, and interpositional knowledge were predicted to mediate this relationship. Results indicate that cross-training had no effect on team performance, which could have been the consequence of information overload or a weak manipulation. Cross-training did significantly impact transactive …

What Impact Would A Change To The Curriculum On Vocational Beauty Therapy Courses In The Dochas Centre (Mountjoy Prison) Have On Teachers And Prisoner-Learners: An Action Research Study, Carina Brereton

Theses

This action research study is an interpretive inquiry into the impact of curriculum design on female prisoner learners at the Dóchas Education Centre, Mountjoy Prison, Dublin. The objective was to understand prisoner learner experiences of vocational training courses in the discipline of beauty therapy. In particular, it aimed to understand the motivation for participation in the beauty therapy course and the effect of the course structure and assessment approach on learner perceptions of the training experience. The research design is qualitative and interpretivist in nature. The data was gathered via a series of semi-structured interviews, with prisoner-learners and teaching staff. …

Adaptations Of Bacterial Flagella To Animal And Plant Hosts, Alshae’ R. Logan

Theses

Flagella have been studied for more than a hundred years, yet there remains a simple and powerful question about how to further make use of the recent wave of genomic data to find differences between flagellar genes across diverse bacterial strains. With the comparative power of bacterial genomic data, we propose that flagellar gene sequences may be used as genetic markers that indicate evolutionary adaptations of different bacteria for different hosts. We specifically proposed to identify and utilize genetic sequence differences that may diagnose for the presence of bacterial pathogens found to infect different hosts, specifically animal versus plant hosts. …

Blanche Dubois: Feminist Forerunner, Andrea M. Grey

Theses

Andrea M. Grey’s thesis, Blanche Dubois: Feminist Forerunner, explores Blanche Dubois from Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire as a proto-feminist figure. Challenging traditional interpretations of Blanche as merely fragile or delusional, Grey argues that Blanche exhibits traits of modern feminism, advocating for female independence, financial self-sufficiency, and resistance to patriarchal oppression.

Blanche’s education, career as a teacher, and efforts to manage her family’s estate position her as an independent woman in a male-dominated world. However, societal constraints and gendered double standards undermine her agency. Her sexual autonomy is condemned while her male counterparts’ indiscretions are ignored. Blanche’s opposition …

A Study Of Density Fluctuations For Flow Over A Flat Plate Using A Hybrid Reynolds-Average Navier-Stokes Large Eddy/Simulation Approach, John Price

Theses

The objective of this thesis is to study the density fluctuations due to turbulent flow structures generated within a spatially developing boundary layer using a hybrid Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes/Large Eddy Simulation approach. For this study, a flat plat configuration was used. A planar mixing inflow boundary condition was used to add large-scale fluctuations to the flow field. Computations were performed using the Wind-US 3.0 computational fluid dynamics code and the Nichols/Nelson multiscale hybrid RANS/LES approach as implemented in the Wind-US code [7]. The study showed that the normalized density profile normal to the flat plate is sensitive to spanwise grid spacing, …

Three-Dimensional Model Of A Plasma Railgun Using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics, Lloyd M. Jackson

Theses

Pulsed plasma accelerators are utilized for in-space propulsion and drivers for inertial fusion concepts. Theoretical models are necessary to assist in diagnostic analysis and for developing scaling laws. SPFMax is a new 3D code which uses smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) to simulate fluid flow, and has been designed specifically for modeling plasmas produced by these pulsed devices. A set of gasdynamic test cases were established and utilized to verify the accuracy of SPFMax for modeling the gas dynamics in a railgun. The free expansion confirmed that the gas expands supersonically without exceeding the predicted maximum value. With the square wave …

Impact Of Run-Off Coefficients On Urban Drainage Design, Ross O'Sullivan

Theses

This study assesses the impacts that runoff coefficients have on an urban drainage design. The first part of the report reviews how drainage design is carried out. This assesses the traditional hand calculations method, where eharts and graphs are used, versus the more modem approach of using a computer modelling system such as WinDes. Both approaches were reviewed, as both will be used to design drainage systems at a further stage in the project. The objective of this projeet is to see how runoff eoefficients impact on urban drainage design. The methodology used to determine this, is to test six …

Characterisation Of The Enzybiotic Potential Of Selected Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteriophages, Ruth Keary

Theses

The work presented in this thesis focuses on harnessing the bactericidal potential of bacteriophage (phage) encoded peptidoglycan hydrolase enzymes to combat the significant pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. In order to identify novel peptidoglycan hydrolases lytic against S. aureus, the complete genomes of two staphylococcal temperate Siphoviridae bacteriophages, DW2 and CSl, were sequenced and annotated. Screening of these genomes identified genes for several putative peptidoglycan hydrolases including two endolysins and three virion-associated peptidoglycan hydrolases. The identification of putative genes relating to virulence and host fitness lends to the understanding of the role played by such temperate phages in the evolution of this …

A Novel Waveform For Emergency Services Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks : The Link Layer Perspective, Sebastian Helmle

Theses

Existing wireless communication systems of emergency services mainly enable ordinary unicast or broadcast voice communications. The increasing demand for data services such as messaging, file transfer, maps, etc requires those long-range communication systems to provide higher data rates while maintaining robustness against link failures. In this thesis, various aspects of a link layer design specifically for narrowband mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs) that are targeted at emergency services are investigated.

The major aspect of this thesis is the optimisation of a time division multiple access (TDMA) design considering both efficient and reliable multicast resource reservation. An approach to mathematically describe a …

Detection, Identification And Characterization Of The Novel Campylobacter Species: Campylobacter Ureolyticus And Campylobacter Corcagiensis From Their Reservoirs., Monika Koziel

Theses

Campylobacter ureolyticus has been identified in a large proportion of diarrhoeal samples from patients in Ireland. However, the source of human infections has not been established and little is currently known about the potential reservoirs of C. ureolyticus in nature.

The aim of this project was to investigate a range of environmental and animal samples for the presence of this emerging pathogen using a molecular approach, to support the hypothesis of its zoonotic origin.

During the study, C. ureolyticus was detected in 30 out of 1,254 (2.4%) human diarrheic samples and isolated from 11 patients, describing, to the best of …

Evaluation Of Ireland’S Potential To Expand Its Hydro Electrical Power Facilities Through The Construction Of A Seawater Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Scheme, James Herley

Theses

The National Renewable Energy Action Plan for Ireland has detailed that 40% of Irelands total energy consumption from the electricity sector must come from renewable sources by 2020. In 2012 this figure was at 11.4%, it is unlikely these targets will be met by 2020. The important role that hydro power can play in achieving these targets was examined. Research into hydropower in general was carried out in order to attain an understanding of the principles and terminology used. Many traditional hydro schemes have been previously developed in Ireland. However due to increased population, there are no longer suitable locations …

Gastroenteritis Viruses In Ireland: Epidemiology And Evolution, Lynda Gunn

Theses

Viral gastroenteritis is a common disease of both humans and animals. This thesis focuses on the use of classical virology, coupled with phylogenetics to study gastroenteritis viruses [Bocavirus (BoV), Coronavirus (CoV), and Rotavirus A (RVA)], isolated from selected samples from humans and animals. RVA was associated with outbreaks in elderly care facilities in Northern Ireland, isolates were genotyped and we reported the first detection of G2 lineage lie RVA in Ireland, with other common human RVA genotypes G1P[8], G2P[4] and G9P[8]. Evolutionary dynamics of human RVA VP7 genotypes was examined using codon models of evolution, results show heterogeneous selective pressure …

Investigation Of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids In Foods Using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry, Caroline Griffin

Theses

Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs) are known plant toxins which can cause hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD) in both humans and livestock when ingested. Although PAs are primarily known for their hepatotoxicity they also induce genotoxicity, carcinogenicity and pneumotoxicity. PAs are consumed through plants as food, for medicinal purposes, or as contaminants of agricultural crops. Aside from ingesting the plants directly PA exposure may occur through the consumption of honey produced by bees that visit PA-containing plants or by drinking milk produced by animals that have consumed PA-containing plants. Possible PA contamination in our food chain is a potential health risk.

To assess …

The Development Of Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Methods For The Analysis Of Cyanobacterial Toxins In Environmental Freshwaters, Brian Anthony Dineen

Theses

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are a common component of many freshwater and marine ecosystems and have a potential to produce several different classes of biotoxins. The most common class of cyanobacterial toxins are the microcystins (MCs) and cylindrospermopsins (CYLs). MCs are cyclic heptapeptides that display potent hepatotoxicity and are tumour promoters. CYLs are alkaloids that are cytotoxic and can cause illness and display hepatotoxic effects in animals and humans. Worldwide, these toxins have caused fatal poisonings to animals, birds and fish. Several incidents of human intoxications have been reported and the presence of these toxins in environmental waters …

The Irish Sport Horse Abroad: The Role Of Public Relations In Promoting An International Brand, Marianne Van Pelt

Theses

This thesis uses a case study approach to explore the role of public relations in promoting an international brand. This thesis attempts to determine whether public relations can contribute significantly to the promotion of an established international brand. This thesis looks at whether the people in the organisation formally responsible for promoting the Irish Sport Horse brand have a stated goal of promoting the brand, a clear intention of promoting the brand through public relations tactics, and whether find these tactics successful. The thesis also looks at the views of opinion makers within the industry to try to verify the …

Modern Islamic Motif Design: Developing New Arabesque Motifs By Mixing Styles, Shuruq Nahhas

Theses

"Modern Islamic Motif Design: Developing New Arabesque Motifs by Mixing Styles" focuses on developing modern arabesque motifs that are based on the method of mixing styles. This method is based on mixing the most representational characteristics of two styles from different period of time: modern and historical Islamic styles. The achievement will look modern and Islamic at the same time without losing the elements of the old style. The purpose of this research is to revive historical Islamic motifs and adding a contemporary look to them by keeping the Islamic look, which could be used perfectly in many fields of …

Minus 25 Betty Tyson, Taunja Isaac

Theses

Betty Tyson was convicted of murder in May 1973 in Rochester, NY. She was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Her trial was hasty and the jury of peers she faced was all white. The evidence against her was tainted yet she was still found guilty. I was 9 years old when I first heard this story. When I decided to pursue my Master in Fine Art, I remembered this story and wanted to use my journalism instincts that I developed during my undergraduate degree at SUNY Brockport. I approached my thesis committee for approval to pursue this …

Variability In The Phenolic Content Of Invasive And Non-Invasive Emergent Wetland Plants, Melissa M. Maurer

Theses

The colonization of wetlands by invasive plant species negatively impacts vegetation structure, nutrient and organic matter cycling, and ultimately alters native wetland ecosystem functions and services. It is unclear if the spread of invasive species can be attributed to their chemical composition. To further understand mechanisms of plant invasion, it is important to assess secondary chemistry of aggressive invaders. Phenolic compounds are important due to their diverse functionality including pathogen resistance, herbivore deterrence, and allelopathic interference. I conducted a broad field survey and a field experiment to better understand the importance and variability of wetland plant phenolic compounds and the …

3d Illustration Of Environments From The Chinese Legend "The Journey To The West", Fei Gao

Theses

The project "3D Illustration of Environments from the Chinese Legend 'Journey to The West'" explores the use of modern digital techniques, to reveal the look of traditional Chinese elements in both a realistic and creative way. This project is broken into two parts: the modeling, texturing and lighting section where most originality and restoration occurs; and the animated part illustrating the final result of the combinative exploration. The first stage of my project is on creating detailed and realistic-looking objects, which allows the audience to be immersed in both ancient and mystical Eastern environments. This project requires mainly Maya and …

Design For Slow Living, Siyang Gong

Theses

"As speed is seemingly equated with efficiency and professionalism, however, slowness can become a way of signaling an alternative set of values or a refusal to privilege the workplace over other domains of life." (Parkins, W., & Craig, G., 2006)

This thesis defines what slow living is, its background and why it is becoming important today. Slow living can be defined as a way to improve socialization. It is a lifestyle that helps people slow down their pace and spend more time with their families and friends doing meaningful things together. As a reward, they can feel more relaxed and …

Reproductive Timing Of The Scarlet Shiner (Lythrurus Fasciolaris) In Northern Alabama, Toacca Taylor

Theses

A key aspect to understanding a species' life history and ecological relationships is the species' schedule of reproduction. Knowledge about the reproductive biology of imperiled North American cyprinids is necessary for reversing population declines. Lythrurus fasciolaris, the Scarlet Shiner, is one species that needs better knowledge of its life history and ecological relationships. In an effort to understand reproductive ecology of the Scarlet Shiner, a 15-month study was performed along a 10 km length of the Flint River in northern Alabama. Based on the gonadosomatic index (fraction of body mass contributed by ovarian mass) of adult female Scarlet Shiners, peak …

Activity Of Plant Essential Oils And Extracts Against Pathogenic Fungi, Venkatasai Chaitanya Surapuram

Theses

Despite the recent advances in antifungal development, fungi remain a highly destructive threat to human health and compromise food viability. Though chemical fungicides today provide the primary means of postharvest pathogenic fungal control, their continuous use is faced with two major complications - increasing concern regarding their bioaccumulation in the human system and increasing resistance among the pathogen populations. There is a need for alternative strategies for fungal control. Recently, the use of natural product plant extracts and essential oils for postharvest cure and protection is an increasing trend. In this study, antifungal properties of various Costa Rican, Australian, and …

Gender In Shakespeare's Macbeth : Performances And Performativities, Christa Reaves

Theses

Critics and audiences alike have been guilty of reducing Lady Macbeth and Macbeth to the most basic form of their characters--evil. Because of their non-normative, complex gender roles, they are often misunderstood. Through the application of gender theory and performance theory, the anxieties within Macbeth surrounding and concerning gender can be explained as an issue of performance. With the understanding that gender is performative, I argue that the key to portraying the humanity within these characters is through performance of the text. In examining various stage and screen performances of Macbeth, I demonstrate that portraying these characters as realistic and …

Effects Of Personality, Communication, And Cross-Training On Virtual Team Performance, Jennifer L. Morgan

Theses

As use of virtual teams continues to grow, it is important to the success of businesses that the most effective individuals are selected for these teams. The present study explored which personality traits influenced the formality of communication and language use in virtual team communication. Additionally, the effects of virtual communication characteristics and cross-training styles on virtual team performance were also examined. Participants (N = 210) worked in teams of three as a team of Vice Presidents at a fictional Hollywood movie studio in the business simulation Tinsel Town to maximize profit for a simulated business year. The results of …

Invoking America : Representation, Revolution, And Republican Motherhood In Eighteenth-Century American Iconography, Megan Scallan Melvin

Theses

"Invoking America: Representation, Revolution, and Republican Motherhood in Eighteenth-Century American Iconography" explores the use of early American female allegories and their role in republican ideology. By mapping out the history of western female allegories, I argue the founding generation consciously chose to represent America as female rather than male. The personifications of Liberty in the Revolution and Columbia in the early republic served not only as abstract figures of America, but also as tangible, universal maternal figures of the new nation and its people. Columbia came to be the "Mother of the Republic" and the ideal Republican Mother by 1786. …

Carry On, Yatao Li

Theses

Carry On is my thesis project for a MFA in Film and Animation at Rochester Institute of Technology. The entire process took more than two years from start to finish. In November 2011, I wrote the first draft of the script. In April 2013, we finished filming. I did not wrap up editing and the final stages of production until December 2013. I ran into many difficulties and faced many challenges during this special experience, yet I also received more help than I had ever imagined in getting me through these hard times. Truthfully, there would be no way for …

Dedeler En Iyisini Bilir (Grandpas Know Best), Nehir Tuna

Theses

This short fiction film is a modern love story set in Istanbul that explores cultural changes and family expectations regarding love and marriage. It explores the question of “Can you really make yourself and your family happy at the same time?” The film was screened in December, 2013, at RIT, to members of the RIT community.

Savage, Andrew Curran

Theses

"Savage" is a stop-motion, animated graduate thesis film. It was originally conceived as a story about the perils of socially constructed reality. The film follows a feral boy and his dog as they go hunting to close to civilization. One day the two come upon a farm and it is their undoing.

This film was made using traditional stop motion techniques, with the assistance of Dragon Stop Motion Software. The post work, mainly rig removal was done in After Effects and Photoshop.

The following is an attempt to outline my process from concept to completion.

Interactive Interpretive Ballet, Amara Chekwa

Theses

My thesis exposes users to interpretive ballet, using many aspects of computer graphics design, including 3D animation, interaction and graphical user interface design. The interactive work consists of dragging and dropping pre-rendered animated ballet moves to create a sequenced dance performance. The target audience is young girls, ages 7-13, who are interested in interpretive dance and/or ballet. As ballet consists of precise movement, my animation focuses more on interpretive dance movements that imply ballet, rather than mimic the actual precision of ballet moves. The model used for this project was constructed on a grant from the National Center for Women …