Digital Commons Network^™

Towards Scale-Invariant Aboveground Biomass Estimation In Savanna Ecosystems Using Small-Footprint Waveform Lidar, Dave Kelbe

Theses

Land degradation is becoming an issue of increasing concern in the savanna ecosystems of southern Africa. As a result, there is a growing need to map structural changes at the fine scale, while retaining the ability to aggregate up to landscape level for analysis across land use gradients. Aboveground biomass (AGB) is an important indicator of vegetation structure and therefore is the ideal variable for estimation from light detection and ranging (lidar) data. To avoid the effects of scale, this paper takes a tree-delineation approach for segmentation of the structurally heterogeneous savanna environment. Diameter at breast height (DBH) measurements collected …

Investigating The Role Of Toll Like Receptor-4 (Tlr-4) In Goats, La'toya D. Lane

Theses

An animal's ability to fight off infections with Escherichia coli can be impacted by polymorphisms in the TLR-4 gene. In goats, the effects of polymorphisms of the TLR4 gene are not known and need to be researched to improve goat herd production. The objectives of this study were to evaluate gene polymorphism and transcription of TLR-4 and to assess the effects of LPS exposure on gene expression and signaling in neutrophils from Spanish and Boer goats. To study genetic polymorphisms, gene segments using primers specific for TLR-4 were amplified. PCR products were then examined on a 1% agarose gel to …

Identifying Opportunities And Obstacles For The Use Of Solar Energy In Commercial Office Buildings In The Northeastern Region Of United States, Anju Ann Mathew

Theses

The aim of this research was to find the existing challenges to and opportunities for the use of solar energy, in commercial office buildings in the northeastern region of the United States. Although solar energy is an abundant source of energy, it is still not the number one source of energy when compared to other renewable sources of energy. This research explored some of the hindrances or hurdles associated with it and any new opportunities available. The research tried to analyze the various solar energy utilization strategies or other renewable energy strategies employed in a Leadership in Energy and Environmental …

Bovine Colostrum And Gene Expression In E. Coli., Savanna Love Schepis

Theses

Escherichia coli cause mastitis upon entry into the mammary gland. Colostrum is the first milk produced by the lactating mother and provides immune nutrients for protection of the newborn. Bacterial pathogenesis may be modulated by exposure to colostral components. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of host immune factors in colostrum on E. coli K-12 growth, RNA transcription, and gene expression. Samples of E. coli K-12 were grown to mid-log in LB (Luria Bertani) broth and colostrum-treated LB broth. One of each culture was heat shocked to create one control and three different treatments. Growth was …

The Role And Positioning Of Public Relations In Non Profit Organisations: A Case Study Analysis, Gillian Lyons

Theses

This study aims to explore the role and positioning of public relations (PR) in non-profit organisations (NPO’s). Two case studies are explored namely the Mercy Hospital Foundation and the Cork Simon Community. The lack of research in the area along with the belief that NPOs rely on PR more than any other industry prompted the research idea for this study.

The literature review deals with the need for PR to be accepted as a management function with many leading theorists agreeing on the matter. According to Grunig (1992), the organisational effectiveness theories provide organisations with the formula to make their …

Zackup, A Scalable Centralized Backup Service, Benjamin Allen

Theses

The currently available open source, centralized to disk, backup services use a custom data storage structure to effectively store backup sets. While cus- tom data storage structures are necessary to store backup sets in differential or space efficient manner, they often lead to hard to navigate structures and increase the complexity of the backup service. To solve these problems a backup service was developed that relies on the Sun Microsystems, Inc. open sourced file system ZFS. With the variety of features ZFS includes, the major- ity of common tasks to create backup sets were delegated to the file system. Along …

The Pathology Of Addiction, Janis Dougherty

Theses

The field of addiction has grown exponentially in the last 60 years with abundant research and results. Today we understand that addiction is less of a disease and more of a choice, however, it continues to be a perplexing disease. The focus of this thesis project is to condense the theories presented in Dr. Ronald Ruden's book The Craving Brain into a 7 minute animated film. The film illustrates three major topics outlined in the book: "Landscaping the Brain", stress, and neurotransmitters. The conclusion ties it all together showing how each individual piece contributes to the makeup of the addictive …

Safety Data Dissemination Framework For Vehicular Networks, Martin Koubek

Theses

An effective transportation system is essential to modern societies with transportation having a significant influence on economic growth, social development and the environment. But this dependence on road mobility has had serious consequences in terms of rising crash costs that include deaths, injuries, lost productivity, material damage and congestion. The European Union and many other governments worldwide support active safety as being the next logical step in diminishing crash costs after passive safety (safety belt, ABS etc.) where drivers will be warned prior to reaching hazardous situations enabling them to react appropriately. While improving road safety is unanimously considered the …

Application Of Liquid Chromatography - Tandem Mass Spectrometry For The Determination Of Veterinary Drug Residues In Food Of Animal Origin, Brian Kinsella

Theses

The QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) sample preparation approach was evaluated for the extraction of anthelmintic residues from bovine milk and tissues. Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrom.etry (LC- MS/MS) was used for detection and quantification of residues, which included the benzimidazoles (BZs), macrocyclic lactones (MLS) and the generally overlooked flukicides.

Initial work focused on the optimisation of a QuEChERS method to effectively extract anthelmintic residues from milk and liver. The method involves the extraction of residues with acetonitrile (MeCN) in the presence of salts (MgS04 and NaCl) to induce phase separation. After shaking and centrifugation, …

Development Of A Hover Test Bed, Jason Alan Williams

Theses

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of The Current Knowledge, Attitude And Perception Of End-Of-Life Electronics Among Students Of Selected North Carolina Universities Located In Guilford County, Bethany L. Clark

Theses

The purpose of the present study was to determine how much the general student population understands about the dangers and lost value that result from not properly recycling end-of-life (EOL) electronic devices. It was believed that changing the language associated with EOL electronics would, in turn, change the disposal practices of the general student population. College students at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T SU) and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) were chosen for this study because college students are a large group of electronic device consumers and because they are the next generation …

Genetic And Evolutionary Feature Selection And Weighting For Face Recognition, Tamirat Abegaz

Theses

In this thesis, we have Investigated the hybridization of genetic-based feature selection (GEFeS), genetic-based feature weighting (GEFeW) and LBP-based face recognition techniques. The results indicate that feature selection and weighting enhances the overall performance of LBP-based face recognition techniques. In addition, the results show that GEFeS reduces the number of features needed by approximately 50% while obtaining significant improvement in the accuracy. GEFeS improves the accuracy from 70.36 to 96.62 (in the case of LBP-GEFeS) and from 70.71 to 96.43 (in the case of oLBP-GEFeS) respectively.

Antimicrobial Activity Of Copper Alone Or In Combination With Lactic Acid On The Growth Of Escherichia Coli O157:H7 In Laboratory Medium And On The Surface Of Lettuce And Tomatoes, Rabin Gyawali

Theses

In recent years, Escherichia coli O157:H7 has been a major foodborne pathogen associated with fresh produce. Many outbreaks of foodborne illnesses have raised concerns in the microbial safety of fresh produce. Several different treatment solutions are being used to decontaminate fresh produce, but still it is very difficult to guarantee the microbiological safety. Therefore, the development of effective treatment for reducing E. coli O157:H7 on fresh produce is needed. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of copper alone or in combination with lactic acid on the survival and growth of E. coli O157:H7 in laboratory medium …

The Potential For Gaseous Biofuels In Ireland, Darren Kenneally

Theses

According to the EU Renewables Directive 2009/28/EC, 20% of the energy across Europe needs to be renewable by 2020. This is inclusive of the energy utilised in the transport sector where 10% of this energy needs to be renewable. In order for Ireland to meet the targets set in the Renewables Directive various changes need to be applied. The utilisation of gaseous biofuels produced from the anaerobic digestion of various feedstocks will aid Ireland in meeting this directive.

In this study biodegradable municipal waste (BMW) and energy crops are analysed as potential feedstocks for the production of biomethane. This biomethane …

The Understudy, Linda Denise Harris

Theses

This story is a first person true account of love and loss between two sisters. The sisters are separated by seven years and other siblings, yet the bond formed in childhood is strengthened through the trials and tribulations of life. When the older sibling learns that she has terminal cancer she wants her sister by her side.

From the perspective of the younger sister, the story weaves from past to present, back and forth, as each substantial scene unfolds. Through her eyes, the younger sibling sheds light on the early years and the reader learns what it was like growing …

My Family, My Open, Deborah A. Herzog

Theses

This collection of poems and non-fiction work focuses on self-reflection and family with all its perfections and imperfections. I believe this collection mirrors the essence of the writer and gives insight to the loved ones who shaped that life. It is a tapestry of emotional revelation derived from introspection and observation of the world.

The author has experienced the joy of reading for over forty years and spent many hours journaling throughout her life. The empty nest syndrome was the catalyst to pursue studies in creative writing. It became a cathartic exploration of life that blossomed into a work that …

Imagining The Imaginary: Finding Mr. Marmalade, Brian Kappler

Theses

Unavailable.

A Critical Analyses Of How The Hse’S Communications And Public Relations Department Responded To The Swine Flu Pandemic In The Southern Region Of Ireland., Suzanne Mccarthy

Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to analyse how the HSE South handled the Swine Flu pandemic. This was largely focused on how the HSE communicated with their publics as well as how they carried out such a large public information campaign. It is also important to understand how the public felt about the management of this pandemic. This thesis was dependant on interviewing various individuals from relevant backgrounds. This included PR and communication personnel employed by the HSE, representative of the media and health care professionals who deal directly with different communities within the general public. The objectives of …

Utilising A Combined Exercise And Counselling Program To Examine The Relationship Between Emotional Self-Efficacy And Physiological Improvements In Breast Cancer Survivors, Jena K. Buchan

Theses

Breast cancer diagnosis in women has increased in recent years, though medical progress has helped more patients become survivors rather than victims. With cancer diagnosis and treatment, however, comes a host of psychological and physical side effects that must be addressed. Research has found exercise and counselling may decrease the detrimental effects of breast cancer, but programs have typically utilised these modalities separately. As psychosocial issues appear correlated with physical health, it is imperative to examine the mind-body connection and explore the benefits of a combination exercise and counselling program. One psychological variable of interest is emotional self-efficacy, which relates …

Upon Wakening, Joan M. Lovelace

Theses

Upon awakening is a memoir essay that details the free fall from my prime into the disease of addiction, which took everything from me but the one thing I willingly would have given: my life. Instead, alcoholism dragged me on a horrifying public journey that began in a secret place in my mind.

At first, only I knew the trouble I was in, as I began drinking from the liquor bottles in the wet bar of our home. As my craving for booze grew beyond my control, I lost my career as a television journalist, my self-respect, my dignity and …

An Analysis Of The Contribution Of Public Relations To The Growth Of The Ballymaloe Brand., Avril Desmond

Theses

The aim of this dissertation was to explore the public relations techniques of Ballymaloe and determine the effectiveness of these techniques on the Ballymaloe brand. Relevant literature was explored and the subjects the subjects that were encountered included public relations traditional and new media avenues.

The research methodology constituted quantitative analysis. Interviews were the primary research tools, with media analysis being used to back it up. The data was analysed using content analysis procedures.

The conclusion identified that, Ballymaloe are inadequate in implementing two way communications with their strategic publics. The research highlighted the relaxed attitude towards their public relations …

Self Fish, Douglas E. Rogers

Theses

Without the pursuit of love and happiness, breath is simply the sand of an hourglass pouring away to our time of passing. Love is the reason we are alive. To spend even a moment in misery is a moment wasted. Love is the goal of humanity. Everyone has or will experience love in its many forms over the course of a lifetime. Many, out of ignorance, habit, or sheer desperation, will fall in love with the wrong person. Most of us have or will have that one failed relationship, the one we reflect on as the relationship that taught us …

Necessity Of Implementing Electronic Personal Health Information Privacy Regulation In Dominican Republic, Miguel Molina

Theses

The use of technology has increased considerably in the Dominican Republic in the past years. All public and private organizations have started a process of digitize all information they manage. The health area is not away from this process and hence they have started to use personal health records in a digital format. However, the management given to this information is not regulated by any law in the DR. Doctors, medical centers, health assurance companies and patients treat this data as they want without any control which represents a huge privacy risk for patients in the country. During our investigation …

The Use Of Social Marketing Messages In An Anti-Tobacco Context: An Investigation Of Irish Female Adolescents, Barry Griffin

Theses

The WHO (2008) report states that although tobacco deaths rarely make headlines, tobacco kills one person globally every six seconds. Tobacco kills a third to a half of all people who use it, on average 15 years prematurely. Today tobacco use causes 1 in 10 deaths among adults worldwide - more than 5 million people a year (Murray and Lopez, 2006). The Irish Office of Tobacco Control’s research has confirmed that initiation into smoking is largely a childhood phenomenon. More than 75% of all smokers in Ireland started to smoke before they reached the age of 18 (HBSC Ireland, 2006). …

The Application Of Social Marketing In Increasing Blood Donation Among Donors And Non Donors: The Case Of Third Level Students., John Healy

Theses

In today’s society, blood donation is dependent on the goodwill of people to voluntarily donate blood without financial reward. There is a continuous need for new blood donors, because the demand for donor blood is increasing, whereas the supply of blood is declining. Three thousand blood donations are needed in Ireland every week. Maintaining an adequate supply is the biggest challenge. Only 3.6% of the population in the Republic of Ireland donate blood. This leaves an enormous potential blood donor base, which if tapped into and maintained could lead to an adequate reserve of donations to meet the transfusion needs …

Detection And Molecular Characterisation Of Rotavirus, Adenovirus And Bocavirus Circulating In Southern Ireland, Olivia Cashman

Theses

This study reports the detection and molecular characterisation of group A rotavirus circulating in the south of Ireland in both the bovine and human population. Characterisation of the group A rotavirus was carried out through the extraction of viral nucleic acid in faecal specimens collected from hospitals in the Cork and Waterford area and Cork regional veterinary laboratory from 2006-2009. Other gastroenteritis viruses characterised during this study include adenovirus type 41, and the newly identified gastrointestinal virus, human bocavirus, which was identified for the first time in Ireland during this study. The human bocaviruses identified in children in the south …

Politics 2.0 : The Emergence Of New Media And Its Impact On Political Communication In Ireland: A Public Relations Perspective, Gerald Counihan

Theses

Political communication occurs as a by-product of any political action. It can either be managed or not. The traditional methods of communication are still very prevalent in Irish political communication. The party maintains a strong role in communicating, but it does not infringe overly much on is national and local representatives.

The traditional mass media are play a crucial role in facilitating communication but the emergence of web 2.0 applications in social media is slowly beginning to revolutionise political communication in Ireland.

The evolution of communications tools over the past number of years has revolutionised the PR industry, and therefore …

Exploring Aspects Of Social Change In A Newly Multi-Cultural Community, Mary Hopkins

Theses

This research explored aspect of the social changes attached to the arrival of immigrants in a smaller-type rural community. It was particularly concerned with how this newly multicultural community was adapting to and accepting of a new social identity.

This study may have provided the first opportunity for locals and new-comers to engage with the nature of changes happening in the community and to speak out on what they had to say.

Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 5 local population members, 5 adult immigrants and 2 support service staff. This research examined levels of cultural nationalism among local respondents, …

Identification And Molecular Characterisation Of Mycobacteriophages And Their Lysis Proteins, Marine Henry

Theses

Given their potential as specific and natural biocontrol agents, bacteriophages and their associated proteins have become the focus of renewed interest over the last decade. This study reviews the current state of mycobacterial diseases control worldwide and presents how phage therapy and the production of recombinant bacteriophage lysis proteins can be applied as novel biocontrol strategies for mycobacteria.

Chapter 11 presents an overview of the predicted LysA and LysB proteins in all the mycobacteriophages sequenced to date and proposes an in silico 3D predictive model of the lysin B of a recently isolated and characterised mycobacteriophage. Our data also confirms …

Assessing The Impact Of Social Media On The Celebrity Industry: A Public Relations Perspective, Jessica O'Sullivan

Theses

There has been an increased interest from academics, public relations professionals and industry professionals in the importance of social media in the role of public relations. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of the effect social media has on the celebrity industry, from a public relations perspective.

A qualitative research design was chosen, and the primary methods used to gather the data were semi-structured interviews with online communication professionals from the public relations industry and an online music producer who uses various forms of social media to distribute and promote his music. All interviewees were chosen due to …