Digital Commons Network^™

Analytical Flood Risk Models For First Responder Use: Obstruction Detection And Risk Assessment, Brett Edmond Carlock

Theses

The objective of this project is to develop and test two qualitative flood risk models for use in first responder and planning roles. The first, the Obstruction Detection Model (ODM), uses Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) derived Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and a slope analysis to detect changes in the free surface of the water that might indicate the presence of a sub-surface obstruction. The product of the ODM can be used as a guide for field inspection, as well as an input scenario for the Risk Assessment Model (RAM). The RAM is the second model developed and serves to …

Revising A Habitat Suitability Model For Spotted Turtles (Clemmys Guttata) In Upstate New York, Caitlin Dailey

Theses

In order to protect threatened and endangered species, their habitat needs to be adequately documented and assessed for conservation planning. The utilization of mapping programs such as ArcGIS can help researchers in determining the most optimal sites for a particular species in a given area. This research revises a previous habitat suitability model by Correa-Berger (2007) for the spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata) in nine counties of upstate New York. Using the same initial parameters for the creation of the seed sites and habitat requirements for spotted turtles that Correa-Berger used in his 2007 analysis, the model utilized updated Land Use/Land …

Educational Material For The Surgical Hospital At Southwoods, Victoria Altomare

Theses

The Surgical Hospital at Southwoods was established in 1996 with the purpose of creating a healthcare facility that places importance on providing excellent medical treatments. Since the individual patient is the main priority at Southwoods, the facility needed to give the patient information about his/her surgery in a way that the viewer understands regardless of that person’s health literacy level. To meet this prerequisite, the hospital was in need of new outpatient education material. The purpose of this project is to clearly inform patients what to expect before, during, and after surgery. This educational material will be given to every …

Development, Validation, And Clinical Application Of A Numerical Model For Pulse Wave Velocity Propagation In A Cardiovascular System With Application To Noninvasive Blood Pressure Measurements, Jeffrey S. Lillie

Theses

High blood pressure blood pressure is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and affects almost one-third of the U.S. adult population. Historical cuff-less non-invasive techniques used to monitor blood pressure are not accurate and highlight the need for first principal models. The first model is a one-dimensional model for pulse wave velocity (PWV) propagation in compliant arteries that accounts for nonlinear fluids in a linear elastic thin walled vessel. The results indicate an inverse quadratic relationship (R^2=.99) between ejection time and PWV, with ejection time dominating the PWV shifts (12%). The second model predicts the general relationship between PWV …

Nutritional Labelling Providing Education On Its Usage Could It Impact On Patient's Food Choice Selection For Those In The Obese Classification?, Celia Lane

Theses

A build-up of too much body fat can cause significant health risks and development of medical conditions and disabilities (National Institute Clinical Excellence (NICE), 2014). The causes of obesity involve the disproportionate intake of calories that are not utilised (World Health Organisation (WHO), 2016). The rising trend towards obesity threatens to bankrupt medical systems (Heifer and Shultz, 2014). There has been a heighten awareness from the general public in the last decade of the affiliation between health and nutrition (Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance (lUNA), 2011). In light of the ever increasing obesity trend, individuals still desire to take control of …

Farm Deaths And Injuries: Changing Farmer Attitudes And Behaviour On Farm Safety, Kieran O'Connell

Theses

While the Irish agricultural sector accounts for just 6% of the working population of Ireland, it consistently has the highest proportion of fatal incidents of any sector - generally ranging from between 35% and 45% of all workplace fatalities in any given year (Health and Safety Authority, 2015). This was again evident in 2014 where 55% (30 of the 56) of the fatal workplace incidents were in the agricultural sector (Health and Safety Authority, 2015). Agriculture has an ageing workforce with the average age of an Irish farmer now standing at fifty-seven and farmers are eight times more likely to …

Destination Cork : A New Frontier For The Culinary Curious Tourist, Catherine Fitzgibbon

Theses

Food is an important aspect in creating tourism destinations and can be perceived as an immensely influential attraction for tourism. There are excellent examples of destinations that brand themselves through food tourism, using this special-interest area as a strategy to develop regional tourism and ultimately, increase tourist numbers. However, not all destinations use food tourism as a strategic branding strategy. One such example is Cork in Ireland. While having an excellent food offering, food is not a primary tourism activity in the region’s destination branding strategy.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of branding Cork as …

Intelligent Profiling Of Blood Donors In Ireland, Joanna Kossakowska

Theses

The demand for blood products in Ireland is constantly rising due to population growth and population ageing. It is believed that within the next decade these two factors will present challenges to blood donor recruitment and the availability of blood supplies. Improving the retention of blood donors will have a positive impact on the availability of blood products. Identification of suitable donors with the potential for long-term donating can potentially enhance the predictability of blood supply levels.

This research proposes that the patterns of blood donation behaviours of donors can be isolated from blood donor databases held by blood collecting …

An Investigation Into The Obstacles And Barriers Preventing Farmers In Rural Areas Using Information Communication Technologies, David O'Leary

Theses

Technology and in particular, mobile devices can help farmers both from a social and business perspective. This study focuses on the areas preventing farmers using smart phones and the downfalls they might be facing on a regular basis in the adoption of mobile devices. The objectives of this study were to identify what devices are being used and for what purpose, identify who helps the farmer when they are in difficulty with their device, identify if broadband is an obstacle and to develop a set of recommendations based on my research for the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) …

A Spatial Analysis Of Climate Change Effects On Maize Productivity In Kenya, Dan Wanyama

Theses

Climate change has intensified the risk of catastrophic natural disasters all over the world. Though impacts of the change are global, developing countries are more at risk. Although agriculture remains the backbone of Kenya’s economy, the sector’s dependence on natural resources increases its vulnerability to the aggravating impacts of climate change and variability. Climate system variations that impact staple food crops like maize (Zea mays) ultimately threaten the food security of the nation. This study examined environmental factors affecting maize productivity through regression analysis. A GIS suitability model for maize was also developed to identify Kenya’s different levels of suitability …

Meta-Analysis Of School Climate And Well-Being Of Lgbtq Youth: A Case Study Of Alabama’S Public School Climate Toward Sexual Minority Students, Minoo Vafai

Theses

Decades of research demonstrates that adolescents who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ), are at higher risk of peer victimization, harassment, and bullying compared to heterosexual youth. It is reported that 3 out of every 4 LGBTQ students are verbally harassed and 1 out of every 3 is physically bullied (Kosciw et al., 2014). Exposure to constant victimization, harassment, and bullying can subsequently pave the way to a host of negative psychological and educational outcomes. The current research is a systematic review and a meta-analysis of school climate and its impact on the LGBTQ students. This research …

The Effect Of A Neuromuscular Training Program On Jump Landing Performance, Richard Alan Aley

Theses

Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is highly prevalent within competitive sports of all levels and types. Female athletes are at higher risk for sustaining an ACL injury. specifically those participating in field and court based sports involving large dynamic movements, such as soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and gymnastics. The use of neuromuscular training to promote proper mechanics during jumping and change of direction activities may decrease the risk of ACL injury.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of a neuromuscular trai11ing program on jump landing mechanics in female college athletes.

METHODS: Forty-three female Division …

The Socioeconomic Impact Of Indian Gaming On Kumeyaay Nations: A Case Study Of Barona, Viejas, And Sycuan, 1982 - 2016, Ethan L. Banegas

Theses

This study will use the reservations of Barona, Viejas, and Sycuan to measure the socioeconomic impacts of gaming within the Kumeyaay nation. It will also draw on information available from other gaming tribes. To organize my research, I will use the following categories: health, education, economics and infrastructure. Within these four topics I will cover: investment capital, poverty, higher education, internet access, alcohol addiction, suicide rates, obesity, diabetes, and other socioeconomic indicators. Once this is accomplished I will assess the social and economic impact of gaming on Barona, Viejas, and Sycuan and include the possible implications to heal historical trauma …

The Problem Of Unwanted Online Publication And Use Of Images Of Children And Young People : A Legal Challenge, Anna Bunn

Theses

The online publication of images of children and their subsequent use has the potential to cause harm to a child who is a subject of such an image. Indeed, the publication and distribution of photographs or video clips has been found to be one of the most impactful forms of bullying.1 Even outside a cyberbullying context, however, this thesis argues that two important aspects of a child’s social and emotional development — namely their selfesteem and the development of relationships — can be harmed by the unwanted online publication or subsequent use of an image of that child. In particular, …

The Nature And Scope Of Outdoor Education In Western Australian Secondary Schools, Duncan Picknoll

Theses

Outdoor Education (OE) is an important learning area taught in many Western Australian (WA) schools. However, very little is known about its nature and scope, and how its delivery may differ between school sectors. Given the valuable contribution of OE to the holistic development of children and adolescents, it appears to be an under-resourced and undervalued learning area.

The primary aim of this study was to gather data regarding where and how OE was being taught in secondary schools in WA and to compare the findings to similar studies undertaken in Victoria, South Australia (SA), New Zealand and Singapore.

This …

A Comparative-Historical Analysis Of Cross-Cultural Influences Affecting The Evolving Of Christian Marriage In The First Century Ce, Kevin Smith

Theses

Anecdotal evidence and media discussions indicate that today formal marriage is not deemed necessary to cement a conjugal relationship. Many nominally Christian countries such as France, Germany, the U.K., Ireland and Australia have given de facto relationships the same or similar legal standing as formal marriages. In addition, the legitimacy of children born of de facto liaisons is no longer a contested issue. We are living in a time of important social change.

Similarly, the Roman world of the first century was experiencing great social change, including issues surrounding marriage and the bearing and raising of children. This investigation examines …

The Lived Experience Of The Western Australian Graduate Registered Nurse Who Is Male, Dianne Juliff

Theses

Nursing professionals are ageing and alternate career opportunities for females threatens nursing workforce sustainability. Largely untapped human resource and underrepresented within nursing in Australia are men. Therefore, the attraction and retention of men into nursing is imperative for the profession to support a sustainable workforce.

A qualitative longitudinal phenomenological study, explored the lived experience of nine newly graduated registered nurses who are male during their first year in their professional-practice environment. The methodological approach that guided this study was Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The IPA enhanced the exploration of the lived experiences of these participants by investigating the meaning of …

Outsourcing Human Resource Activities - Impact On Organizational Performance In Multinational Organizations., Vesela Kacharova

Theses

Outsourcing some or all Human Resources functions is a part of a growing trend. Organizations have different reasons to contract HR to an outside provider such as to save money, focus on strategic Human Resources, improve compliance, gain access to skilled HR professionals, or take advantage of technology. This thesis focuses on the outsourcing of Human Resources activities and possible impacts on organizational performance. Due to the large amount of multinational organizations with presence in Ireland, the research focused on outsourcing of HR functions in multinational organizations.

Two different types of questionnaires were conducted targeting Human Resources professionals and Line …

An Analysis Of The Physiological And Psychological Wellbeing Of Irish Naval Service Personnel, Cliodhna Sargent

Theses

Whilst all military cohorts have been seen to experience both physiological and psychological stressors during occupational duties, the naval service experience different stressors due the prolonged periods of time spent at sea. Research has analysed some of these stressors however many them have focused on how individuals are affected because of time spent in combat zones. The Irish Naval Service (INS) is an organisation under the Irish Defence Forces organisation and as such many of its physiological and psychological assessment procedures have come from the Defenee Forces. Very limited researeh has been carried out in relation to the INS as …

Integrating A Code Of Professional Conduct And Ethics: An Action Research Approach, Ciara Kissane

Theses

A new version of the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives (NMBI, 2014a) was published in 2014. A nurse’s fitness to practice, and the associated patient experience, is determined by the extent to which the nurse accords with the duties outlined in the Code. Professional misconduct among members of the nursing profession has been highlighted within recent reports and enquiries. The failure to act on unethical care is also a feature. The literature suggests that Codes are poorly understood and can be problematic to integrate in practice. This study sought to; explore the impact …

Beauty Brand Versus New Media: How Have Communications Tactics Changed Within A Large Cosmetic Brand & How Have They Incorporated New Media Pr Tactics, Ruth Walsh

Theses

This research study aims to investigate and analyse what is working in the cosmetic PR industry for beauty brands; bloggers; and beauty consumers. There has been limited research conducted into this important topic and less so into the PR tactics used by large cosmetic brands. This thesis first examines that said limited scope of literature that relates to the cosmetic PR industry but not well and it further examines the viewpoints of well-known PR professionals. From this research, a triangulation approach to data collecting was outlined and conducted that included two interviews with beauty industry experts; a PR professional, a …

The Internal Organizational Factors And External Environmental Factors Affecting The Implementation And Management Of The Hr Department: A Case Study Of Kearys, Eva Spitere

Theses

Globalisation and an increased demand for competitive advantage have caused the contemporary HR department to face additional pressure to provide strategic value to the organization. To do so, the HR department must integrate with overall business strategy and continually monitor both the internal and external environments in which the organization operates. This thesis focuses on identifying these internal organizational factors and external environmental factors, and exploring how these factors can affect the implementation and management of a new HR department within an already established organization.

Given the unique position of the researcher, who is currently solely responsible for the establishment …

Transfer And Competency Exchange Of Wisetek Into The Data Centre Hubs Of Frankfurt And Amsterdam: An Empirical Study, Thomas G. O'Farrell

Theses

This research study is an examination of Wisetek; an organization that has expanded from their head office in Cork, Ireland into the North America, Asian and the MENA region. This study is particularly focused on analysing the data centre hubs of Frankfurt and Amsterdam, a market where Wisetek do not have a presence and are looking to explore the region further. The growing problem of E-waste defined in this research, and the benefits of the services that Wisetek offer of managing E-waste, is a solution for data centres. Wisetek was founded in 2007 by Sean Sheehan and is a provider …

Reliability Of Micro Mechanical Low Frequency Energy Harvesters For Implanted Cardiac Pacemakers, Sunny Jay

Theses

The aim of this project was to develop methods to assess the suitability and reliability of silicon-based piezoelectric micro-electro-mechanicai systems (MEMS) energy harvesters to capture the kinetic energy of the heartbeat in an implanted cardiac pacemaker. The major challenges of the work were that harvesters for vibration frequencies below 100 Hz have not been widely reported and the system requires reliable operation over a long lifetime. In this work device modelling was used for harvester design assessment. Experimental test methods and equipment were developed to produce data to validate the device models and to assess device reliability. A 2D analytical …

Automating The Milking Process Within A Grass-Based System, John Shortall

Theses

The successful integration of automatic milking (AM) and grazing has resulted in AM becoming a feasible alternative to conventional milking (CM) in pasture-based systems. The objective of this thesis was to establish (i) the social, environmental and economic effects of adopting AM technology and (ii) the factors affecting cow traffic, which once the AM is adopted, can also impact on the sustainability of AM. A theme across this thesis is the examination of AM in the context of a seasonal pasture-based milk production system. Electricity and water meters were installed on seven AM fanns. Milking and livestock/^miscellaneous processes were the …

Microbiota, Diet And Medication In Human Gut Disorders, Adam Clooney

Theses

The microbiota, a community of micro-organisms in a particular environment, have been intensely researched in the past decade and interest appears to continue to increase. The human body is richly populated with bacterial cells (3.8x10'^) and alterations in these communities are associated with disease. The work presented in this thesis explores aspects of microbiota research methodologies with regard to optimisation and concerns over a lack of reproducibility. Additionally, we investigated the effects of medication, in particular Proton Pump Inhibitors, on the human gut microbiota, along with comparisons between the microbiota of patients with active and inactive Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Microbiota …

A Diagnostic And Control Programme For Johne’S Disease On Irish Dairy Farms, Aideen Kennedy

Theses

Johne’s disease (JD) is an enteritis of ruminants with potential zoonotic implications. JD diagnosis and control present difficulties given JDs prolonged subclinical nature. In order to improve JD control in Ireland, PhD aims included conducting a national survey documenting high-risk husbandry practices employed on Irish farms, thereby targeting areas for improved management. Furthermore as JD has been associated with on-farm economic losses internationally, this research programme aimed to analyse production losses associated with testing JD ELISA positive on Irish dairy farms. A longitudinal study was also conducted to assess if successful JD control can be achieved using gold-standard protocols. Due …

Development Of A Novel Kalman Filter Bank Predictor To Optimally Schedule The Renewable Energy Contribution Within A Micro-Grid, Conor Lynch

Theses

This PhD thesis presents a novel Kalman Filter Bank (KFB) methodology. The novel KFB is applied to predict and optimally schedule the operation of micro-grid energy resources with a public fixed-grid connection and an auxiliary battery storage backup facility. This methodology relies on a sliding single time step forecast projection to accurately acquire the anticipated schedule for a range of time dependent parameters, stochastic by nature, that have inherent embedded cyclical patterns. The innovative feature here consists of a novel bank of hourly adjacent Kalman Filter estimators, which operate in synchronism, for accurate parameter prediction over a selected time horizon. …

Economic Viability Of Direct Drilling In Ireland Compared To Conventional Drilling, Angus Griffith

Theses

With the price of fuel rising and the need for farmers to try and cut costs, and not just variable and the input cost of producing the crop need to be reduced too. It is for this reason that this project is going to focus on direct drilling (DD) vs. conventional tillage (CT) which is the most common system of production in Ireland while also looking into the difference in the costs of establishing each of the two methods. In addition, this project will determine whether or not there are any differences in soil quality and conditions as well as …

The Development Of New Molecular Tools To Detect Mycobacterium Avium Subspecies Paratuberculosis From A Bovine Faecal Environment By Real-Time Pcr, Marcel De Kruijf

Theses

The slow-growing intracellular pathogen Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) causes Johne’s disease in domesticated and wild ruminants. Johne’s disease inflicts severe annual economic losses to the dairy industry worldwide. This thesis is divided into five chapters that consist of a literature review' chapter and four experimental chapters focusing on MAP strain genotyping and the development of novel molecular MAP detection tools using real-time PCR. Chapter 1 describes published information regarding MAP characteristics, Johne’s disease, MAP genomes, available MAP detection methods, MAP epidemiology and genotyping.

To efficiently control and monitor MAP infection, molecular t>ping of MAP strains provides extensive knowledge …