Digital Commons Network^™

Investigation Of Factors Influencing Trichloromethane Levels In Milk And Its Control., Siobhan Ryan

Theses

Trichloromethane (TCM) is an undesirable chemical residue that can develop in milk. While TCM levels in milk are not within ranges of public health concern, it is important that minimal levels are maintained in order to promote the marketing of Irish dairy products abroad. Germany has enacted strict regulations on TCM concentrations in foodstuffs with a recommended level of0.002 mg/kg and re-analyse those milks, subsequent to cause identification and provision of advice on reducing TCM levels in milk. Milk samples were analysed using Gas chromatography (GC) with electron capture detection. The GC method was adapted and a standard curve was …

In Silico Screening Of Antitrypanosomal Natural Products Against Trypanosoma Cruzi Proteins, Stephanie Felker Mcculley

Theses

No abstract provided.

A Performance Comparison Between Water And Ias-Charged Thermosyphons, Stephen D. Cooke

Theses

No abstract provided.

Isolation And Purification Of An Organophosphate Degrading Enzyme, Shannon W. Landvater

Theses

Organophosphates (OP) are a class of pesticide widely used in agriculture and are found in a number of insecticides and chemical warfare agents. OPs are extremely dangerous in that they inhibit cholinesterase function, which disrupts proper activity of the nervous system. . OPs are also harmful due to their broad target range and toxicity for nontarget species (Horne, Qiu, Ollis, Russell, & Oakeshott, 2006) . Furthermore, following the introduction and wide spread use of pesticides, great environmental concerns have arisen. Some of the methods used for removing OP residues are impractical and costly, or are themselves environmentally hazardous (Horne et …

An Assessment Of Animal Agricultural Producers Within North Carolina In Relation To Their Perceptions Regarding The Animal Agricultural Industry, Jessica Gowins

Theses

The purpose of this study was to analyze the perceptions of North Carolina animal agricultural producers relative to the sociological, biological, and economic aspects of the animal agricultural industry. A survey instrument was used in this study to obtain perceptions as well as demographic information. The survey was distributed to producers at the producer meetings and randomly throughout the state. A one-week interval, three round data collection method was used. Convenient sampling was used to collect 88 surveys. Producers agreed or strongly agreed that: people’s perceptions of animal agricultural industry are affected by animal rights groups; the prevention and control …

Ontology Management For Universities, Roland Böving

Theses

What is the 'knowledge' of a university? It is the sum of all experiences and all contributions of students and staff. Knowledge ultimately exists, among other things, in the form of theses, articles, lectures and research reports. The largest knowledge pool of a university is made up, however, of the knowledge and expertise of every single member of the university. As a result of the high rate of turnover of people, knowledge and expertise are on the one hand constantly being lost, but this is replaced by a fresh intake of upcoming young students and lecturers reflecting the spirit of …

Poetry And Prose: The Story And The Slant, Carol Arnett

Theses

Not available.

Graphic Design + Biomimicry, Margaret Mckosky

Theses

GRAPHIC DESIGN + BIOMIMICRY: Integrating Nature into Modern Design Practices is a thesis that explores how to effectively integrate the methodologies and principles of graphic design and biomimicry. The objective is to create an innovative design process resulting in successful, sustainable and timeless design solutions. This process is meant to remind designers of the benefits nature has to offer in helping us solve many of the problems that society is currently grappling with today. Nature over 3.8 billion years has already used its imaginative prowess to find what works, what is appropriate, and most importantly, what lasts here on Earth. …

Diy Pr: How Independent Music Artists Use Online Social Networks For Public Relations Purposes, Martina Lawless

Theses

Significance of the study: Independent musicians are a huge part of the Irish music industry and yet they are the part that do not have the backing of a record label. This means independent musicians need to look at cheap or even free ways to promote themselves to existing fans and potential new fans. With the emergence of social networks musicians both signed and independent have the tools necessary to engage in a new form DIY PR. The purpose of this study is to look at the different ways that social networks have helped musicians in recent years, but also …

The Effects Of Climate On The Growth Of Winter Wheat And Spring Barley In An Irish Context, Adrian Kennedy

Theses

The climate of earth is always changing due to natural events, however it is thought that the rapid warming period currently taking place is primarily due human activity to (environmental protection agency 2012). Climate change is altering the environment and this will have consequences for agriculture (Teagasc publications 2012). In this study we examine the relationship between weather and the yield of winter wheat and spring barley in an Irish context using data gathered from 2004-2010 at the Teagasc Oak Park research centre in Carlow. The data was analysed using a mixed effect model to test which if any weather …

In Silico Prediction Of Protein-Protein Interactions Between Cronobacter Sakazakii And Human Host, Sean Held

Theses

The genus Cronobacter accommodates 16 biogroups of the emerging opportunistic pathogen known formerly as Enterobacter sakazakii. Cronobacter are occasional contaminants of milk powder and, consequently, powdered infant formula (PIT). Since it is a pathogen that is transmitted in infant formula it represents a significant health risk to neonates. These bacteria are opportunistic pathogens (can only cause disease when the host's resistance is low) and are linked with life-threatening infections in neonates. Some of the clinical symptoms of Cronohacter infection include necrotizing enterocolitis, bacteremia, and meningitis, with case fatality rates of 50-80% being reported (Healy et al. 2010). Infant formula manufacturers …

Numerical Modelling Of The River Bandon, Stephen Finn

Theses

Numerical modelling involves the use of data from the physical environment and mathematical equations to achieve predictive solutions to many engineering problems including for river engineering. The field data is surveyed, sampled, recorded and tested before it is entered into the numerical modelling program for analysis. The numerical modelling program contains various mathematical equations that solve the data that has been entered. Numerical modelling is an important tool for predicting the consequences of future events. It can be used for predicting the damage of a 1 in 100 year flood event in a river system. Numerical modelling is used by …

Development Of Mass Spectrometric Methods For The Analysis Of Serotonin And Related Compounds In Biological Matrices, Merisa Moriarty

Theses

Serotonin is a major neurotransmitter in the brain and affects various functions both in the brain and in the rest of the body. It has been linked to depression, migraines, and aggression, as well as many psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, dementia and anorexia nervosa. It also has been associated with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease along with other neurotransmitters such as dopamine.

The aim of this research project is to develop various mass spectrometric methods for the analysis of serotonin, dopamine and similar indoles in both urine and serum matrices. This thesis provides extensive reviews detailing a general overview of serotonin …

An Assessment Of Phosphorus Recovery From Dairy Wastewater, Éanna Kelleher

Theses

Phosphorus is an important nutrient for plant and animal life. It is one of the three essential nutrients required for plant growth; Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. It plays a vital role in the quality and structure of plants. In animals it is essential for the transfer of energy around the body and for the development of the skeleton. Phosphorus is mined from deposits of phosphate rock and is mainly used to produce fertiliser which is applied to agricultural land to improve plant growth. However, phosphorus is a finite resource and, similar to oil, is expected to peak during this century. …

Examination Of The Prevalence And Persistence Of Pathogenic Staphylococci On Euro Currency, Emma Gabriel

Theses

Staphylococci are a diverse group of bacteria that cause diseases ranging from minor skin infections to life-threatening bacteremia. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is the most common multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen in Europe estimated to cause 170,000 infections resulting in more than 5,000 deaths and additional healthcare costs of approximately €380 million annually (Kock et al., 201 1). Whilst rarely life-threatening, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), in particular S. epidermidis are responsible for the majority of indwelling medical device failures, causing intrinsically resistant biofilm infections, estimated to cost $2 billion per year in additional healthcare costs in the U.S. alone (Otto, 2009).

It is …

Phylogenetic Analysis Of Rotavirus Strains Gl, G3 5g9 5p[8] And P[4] Using Both Neighbour-Joining And Maximum Parsimony, Jenny Cotter

Theses

Globally rotavirus is one of the most important causes of gastroenteritis in children and affects nearly all children by the age of 5 years. It also infects adults with most severe symptoms in the elderly or immune compromised. The most common strains associated with human rotavirus gastroenteritis are G1-G4 and G9 along with P[8],[6]and [4].All previous studies used only neighbour-joining method in the phylogenetic analysis of rotavirus genes. In this study rotavirus genes VP7 and VP4 for rotavirus strains G1 .G3 ,G9 , P[8] and P[4] were analysed in MEGA4.0 using both neighbour-joining and maximum parsimony. The main difference in …

Purification And Applications Of A Bacteriophage-Derived Enzyme Chapk Against Problematic Staphylococci., Niamh Marie O'Shea

Theses

The bacteriophage K-derived peptidase CHAPk (Cysteine/Histidine-dependant amidohydrolase peptidase) can be produced from E. coli XL 1-Blue. Standard operating procedures for the production, purification and quality assessment of the peptidase were developed and set out in detail in this thesis. CHAPk exhibits strong antistaphylococcal properties and the purified enzyme was evaluated for its potential to eliminate S. aureus from the bovine udder and from human skin. As a teat dip CHAPk reduced the levels of S. aureus by three to five log cycles on both animal and human surfaces. CHAPk activity in milk was evaluated using challenge assays against the bovine …

Evaluation Of Novel Low Molecular Weight Antimicrobial Compounds Produced By Lactic Acid Bacteria., Jiahui Leona Guo

Theses

Fungal food spoilage plays a pivotal role in the deterioration of food and feed systems and some fungi are also able to produce compounds toxic for humans and animals. The mycotoxins produced by fungi can cause serious health hazards and include toxins which are cancerogenic, immunotoxic, teratogenic, neurotoxic, nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic effects and Kashin-Beck disease. In addition to this, fungal spoilage/pathogens cause losses of marketable quality and hygiene of foodstuffs, resulting in major economic problem throughout the world. Nowadays, food spoilage can be prevented using physical and chemical methods, but no efficient strategy has been proposed so far to reduce …

Stacking Of Dangerous Goods In Accordance With United Nations Stacking Recommendation, Zachary Loughery

Theses

The purpose of the study was to determine if the possible interpretations of the UN stacking recommendation could lead to different results. If this is possible the recommendation would need to be rewritten to eliminate the possibility of the same product passing or failing within the standard. The focus of this study was a plastic jerrican filled with water. The acceptable methods that are mentioned in the recommendation are the type of compression and the optional use of a fixture to simulate nesting. Each jerrican was filled in accordance with the recommendation and allowed to Condition in the testing room …

Protecting Nature, Preserving Life: A Visual Exploration Of Carbon Footprint Calculator, Byungmi Choi

Theses

Vast amounts of complex raw data, which can be overwhelming and difficult to understand, surrounds us. Processing and transforming this data into meaningful information increases its usefulness and subsequently deepens our knowledge. Computer graphics designers explore thoughtful design solutions using methods for organizing, prioritizing, structuring and interacting with content, making it accessible, understandable and eliminating ambiguity.

Carbon Footprint Calculator visually represents the quantity of greenhouse gases individuals generate and quantifies each state's carbon usage. It collects data regarding people's carbon usage as far as transportation and electricity. This project's goal involves using data visualization to make important and complex information …

Little Star's Journey: A Motion Graphics Work About The Value Of Life, Yi-An Chien

Theses

Little Star's Journey is a short animated story expressing my personal explanation of the value of human life. Life is a process of learning through a mix of happiness and suffering. The essential value is to help one to become a better person who can inspire others with wisdom and compassion. Through Little Star's adventure from sea to the sky, he meets different kinds of things. Some look good, and some look bad. However, those all are the lessons from which he learns to become a real star lighting up others in the sky. The project concerns the combination of …

Skirr, Melissa Tierney

Theses

SKIRR is an animated graduate thesis that showcases 6 different environments and the life within them. It focuses on the beauty of life and art, and the creation of both. This film is comprised of 3D, 2D, and stop motion animation. It was produced digitally using various video, audio and animation software. The following paper outlines the development and production of this film. I address concept, style and influences, goals, production process and overall experience. To further illustrate the creative process, supplementary materials are included.

War Games, Trevor Fruchey

Theses

I plan on creating a playful body of work, which will investigate thoughts and memories of the past. Purity, childhood, and innocence will be some of the things that I consider and explore in this body of work. I will try to reawake or evoke memories of the past, but also explore ideas of lost memories and the loss of innocence that everyone goes through as they grow into adulthood. I plan to have a dichotomy of playfulness, youthful innocence, reawakening of youth, versus maturity, loss of innocence and youth, and the desire to revisit ones youth. Through exploration and …

An Investigation Into The Neural Substrates Of Virtue To Determine The Key Place Of Virtues In Human Moral Development, Andrew P.J Mullins

Theses

Virtues, as described by Aristotle and Aquinas, are understood as dispositions of character to behave in habitual, specific, positive ways; virtue is a critical requirement for human flourishing. From the perspective of Aristotelian-Thomistic anthropology which offers an integrated vision of the material and the rational in the human person, I seek to identify the neural bases for the development and exercise of moral virtue. First I review current neuroscientific knowledge of the capacity of the brain to structure according to experience, to facilitate behaviours, to regulate emotional responses and support goal election. Then, having identified characteristics of moral virtue in …

Rewriting Desire : Milton And The Latin Love Elegy, Leslie H. Hodges

Theses

No abstract provided.

Sea Smoke, Carolyn Rankin

Theses

"Sea Smoke" is a feature-length screenplay that tells the story of Nilly Hayworth, a successful advertising executive living and working in mid-coast Maine. Nilly is married to Hank Hayworth, a lawyer, and they have a son, Jasper, who has just finished law school. Nilly's father is William "Bill" J. Pixley. She has a brother named William "Butch" Pixley Jr., who is married to Holly Pixley, pregnant with their first child. Nilly has accommodated to her father's strong preference for his son , her brother. She has also adjusted to and forgiven Hank for past affairs. Nilly is offered a position …

‘Un Healthy Tableware Design, Wei-Mei Chiang

Theses

Design one set of healthy tableware that brings users: one healthy pleasant serene dining; one happy pleasurable healthy diet. This MFA thesis design reason was out of my passion for tableware/housewares design and personal experiences of both surfeit and anorexia problems, although balanced healthy diet was also my experience. Moreover, it was also my researches and observations of modern diet problems that happen often. Therefore, my thesis goal was to design one set of tableware which can promote healthy and happy diet, generate peaceful and pleasurable dining atmosphere, and be helpful for users to move from unhealthy dining habits to …

Implement Modified Version Of Nestle Oil Test On Flexible Packaging Film To Evaluate Migration Of Essential Oils On Films Coated With Layered Nanoclay Platelets., Dain A. Nelson

Theses

Project followed a previous research method established by Nestle Purina for test of grease migration in Pet Food packaging using chicken fat and oleic acid. This procedure was modified and replaced with Essential oils commonly found in spices and seasoning blends. The objective was to observe the barrier effectiveness of an emerging coating technology (Nanoseal) using less than one micron thick layer of exfoliated clay platelets coated on thin packaging film commonly used in food packaging. Use the Nestle method to track Migration of Essential oils detectable under natural and UV light exposed to chromatography plates under ambient and elevated …

The Blanket: Play For Social And Creative Development, Monica Zagarra

Theses

Seeing that many educational toys available today are focusing too much on the toy itself and not the play possibilities it generates, this thesis attempts to put the importance back on the activity of play. It proposes to bring play back to the basics by focusing mainly on face to face interactions. This thesis discusses toys or playthings that help develop creative and social skills in children through parent-child oriented play. This is done through the encouragement of pretend play and storytelling as the basic activities.

Impact Analysis Of The Panama Canal Expansion On Alabama, Jaehoon Kim

Theses

No abstract provided.