Digital Commons Network^™

Issues Faced By Female Middle Managers On Returning To The Workplace Following Maternity Leave., Flora Buckley

Theses

The increased participation of women in the workforce has been one of the major changes in the labour force in recent years. The nature of Ireland’s workforce has changed radically in the past twenty years and women, whether for personal or financial reasons, are now an established part of the workforce. Despite the rapid increase in female participation in the paid labour-force, considerable evidence has been gathered that documents a dearth of women in executive level positions not just in Ireland, but internationally.

Many studies have highlighted issues women face in progressing to senior level management. There is, however, very …

Phage Lysins - Structure, Genetics And Applications, Jennifer Garry

Theses

Antibiotics are of the utmost importance in the fight against pathogenic bacteria, however, in recent years there has been a continual increase in the development of antibiotic resistance among bacteria. As a result it has become essential to develop new technologies to combat these pathogens. One such technology is the application of phage lysins as antimicrobial agents against pathogenic infections. A promising phage lysin is LysK, a 495 amino-acid protein derived from Staphylococcal Phage K. LysK can lyse a wide range of staphylococcal species including MRSA. It is also capable of killing both live and dead cells increasing its potential …

Biosynthesis Of Exopolysaccharides From Lactic Acid Bacteria And Evaluation Of Their Prebiotic Potential, Colette Ann Forde

Theses

In this study, two strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) namely Weissella kimchii F28 and W. confusa MGl were used for the production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) from sucrose. Both strains produced glucan polysaccharides. In the case of W. kimchii F28, the EPS isolation procedure was performed six times, making modifications in order to optimize the yield of EPS. The maximum yield of EPS for this strain was 16 g per litre of culture. In the case of W. confusa MGl, the EPS isolation procedure was followed five times, resulting in a maximum yield of EPS for this strain of 34.4 …

Isolation And Molecular Characterization Of Mycobacterium Avium Subsp. Paratuberculosis In Ireland, Pierre Emmanuel Douarre

Theses

MAP is a proven animal pathogen causing Johne's disease, one of the most widespread and economically important diseases of ruminants. Since 1992 and the opening of the European market, the prevalence of MAP in Ireland has increased considerably. Improvements in diagnostic strategies for Ireland and elsewhere are urgently required. MAP infects a wide host range and has emerged as a potential threat to human health and has been associated with Crohn's disease. The control of paratuberculosis infection requires a better understanding of the genetic diversity of the pathogen. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize this enteric …

Detection And Molecular Characterization Of Canine Enteric Viruses In Southern Ireland., Susan Mcelligott

Theses

Enteric viruses, such as canine parvovirus (CPV) and canine coronavirus (CCoV), are a major cause of gastroenteritis in dogs. More serious clinical symptoms occur in young pups, or when both of these viruses infect an animal simultaneously. Caliciviruses and rotaviruses can also cause gastroenteritis in dogs, but these viruses, while causing significant problems in other animal species and humans, are considered to be less significant pathogens of canines. However, on occasion, these viruses have been reported to produce severe clinical symptoms such as vomiting, haemorrhagic enteritis and severe dehydration.

Many viral vaccines for canines are formulated using old vaccine viral …

Composition-Structure-Property Relationships In Multicomponent Bioactive Glasses, Sharon Murphy

Theses

Silicate glasses function effectively as bone grafts by stimulating bone regeneration through gene activation. However these materials offer little therapeutic potential for the regeneration of healthy bone in those suffering from metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Examining the composition-structure-property relationships arising from the incorporation of therapeutic ions such as strontium (Sr) and zinc (Zn) into such glasses in order to allow for healthy bone regeneration and antibacterial efficacy, as well as sodium (Na) to allow for controlled ion release was the objective of this work. Eight calcium-strontium-sodium-zinc-silicate glass compositions were produced, based on incremental additions of Sr and Na. …

Toxicodynamics And Biotransformation Of Azaspiracids Incorporating Liquid Chromatography-Tandem-Mass Spectrometry (Lc-Ms/Ms) Techniques., Daniel O'Driscoll

Theses

Azaspiracids (AZAs) are a family of lipophilic polyether marine biotoxins, that have caused a number of human intoxication incidents in Europe since 1995, which was the first incident reported following the consumption by consumers of intoxicated shellfish {Mytilus edulis). This class of phycotoxins has been responsible for extended closures of shellfisheries in various locations around Europe, where levels of AZAl-3 are regulated in shellfish. Since their discovery in 1995, AZAs have become the focus of extensive research, resulting in the discovery of numerous analogues. Only AZAl and AZA2 have been found in phytoplankton and all the other analogues are believed …

Improved Strategies For Anti-Money Laundering In Kosovo : [Presentation Given In Late 2010.], Besart Qerimi

Theses

This capstone project report considers the problem of money laundering globally and in Kosovo specifically. Since 1999 in Kosovo there has been an increase of money laundering. To make sure that this problem was addressed in Kosovo the Financial Intelligence Centre (1) has been mandated to investigate and combat money laundering and the associated terrorism. This project emphasizes the definition, phase, trends, methods phases and effects of money laundering. It also explains the role of the national and international organizations and initiatives in the fight against money laundering. This project will help the Ministry of Finance and the development of …

The Resettlement Process In The Lignite Mining Areas Of Kosovo : [Presentation Given February 23, 2010], Besnik Haziri

Theses

The resettlement process for the purposes of exploiting natural resources often causes problems for governments and the people concerned. This is the case in most countries. In fact, the use of private agricultural land or the construction of industrial buildings for the purpose of exploiting natural resources can be relatively easily compensated with money or other benefits. Industrial buildings can be rebuilt at another location, and agricultural land can be exchanged for other land owned by the company. However, when it comes to the requirement to demolish and/or relocate houses, then the question is much more complex than just compensation …

Development Of A Three-Axis Mems Accelerometer, Jacob Leveto

Theses

While originally developed to deploy air bags for the automotive industry, Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) based accelerometers have found their way into everything from video game controllers to cells phones. As prices drop and capabilities improve, it is expected that the use of accelerometers will further expand in the coming years. Accelerometers currently have the second highest MEMS sales volume, trailing only pressure sensors [1]. In this work several single and three-axis accelerometers are designed, fabricated, and tested under a variety of conditions. The designed accelerometers are all based off of the piezoresistive effect, where the value of a resistor changes …

Infrastructure Investment Strategies For Increased Agro-Industrial Outputs In Kosovo : [Presentation Given August 12, 2010], Siti Insiana

Theses

Not provided.

The Relationships Between Obesity, Obstructive Sleep Apnea And Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Performance, Jennifer Ann O'Neil

Theses

Obesity and Obstructive Sleep Apnea will impair Commercial Motor Vehicle operator performance. Obesity will increase the risk of developing serious medical conditions that may cause harm to human health and wellbeing. One condition that can be associated with obesity is known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Various symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea will impair a commercial motor vehicle operator's ability to safely maneuver a vehicle. Many commercial motor vehicle collisions have been caused by operator fatigue and have resulted in serious injury and death. Due to unhealthy lifestyles, commercial motor vehicle operators are at a high risk of being obese. Obesity …

Characterization Of The Effects Of The Human Head On Communication With Implanted Antennas, Michael A. Pecoraro

Theses

Cranially implanted sensors and electrodes have been used in practice for several years; their applications range from the recording of neural signals for use in Brain-Computer Interfaces to help the disabled, to the treatment of diseases and conditions ranging from Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, depression, etc. Current communication methods with implants, however, are lacking; they run the gamut from physical, percutaneous connections that increase the risk of infection, to wireless links that are slow and uncomfortable for patients. The present work focuses on the characterization of the effects of the human head on communication with cranially implanted antennas for its …

Maximizing Societal Benefits Associated With Alternative Fuel Subsidies: The Case Of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Samir Nazir

Theses

Government seeks to improve the welfare of its citizenry and intervenes in marketplaces to maximize benefits when externalities are not captured. By analyzing how welfare changes from area to area across the country in response to the same intervention informs where government should act. This thesis analyzes the case of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). PHEVs have many societal benefits, including improving national security, economic, environmental, and health advantages. The magnitude and distribution of these benefits depends on where PHEVs are deployed. This thesis develops and applies a methodology to determine if the benefits from PHEV deployment vary across the …

High Field Induced Stress Suppression Of Gidl Effects In Tfts, Andrew Mccabe

Theses

Gate-Induced drain leakage (GIDL) is an unwanted short-channel effect that occurs at higher drain biases in an overdriven off state of a transistor. The GIDL is the result of a deep depletion region that forms in the drain at high drain-to-gate biases. The depletion region causes significant band bending which in-turn allows conductive band-to-band tunneling creating excess current. In a PFET, electrons tunnel from the drain to the body while holes tunnel into the drain. By utilizing the effects of high energy, or "hot", electrons, the GIDL current in an accumulation-mode PFET can be suppressed. This suppression is thought to …

Analysis Of Symmetric Key Establishment Based On Reciprocal Channel Quantization, David Wagner

Theses

Methods of symmetric key establishment using reciprocal quantization of channel parameters in wireless Rayleigh and Rician fading channels are considered. Two important aspects are addressed through generic analysis: impact of a proximity attack by a passive eavesdropper and achievable key establishing rates. The analysis makes use of the National Institute of Standards and Technology statistical test suite applied to the channel quantization bits as the outputs of a random number generator. For proximity attacks, a passive mobile eavesdropper with an ability to approach one of the communicating parties and a possible signal-to-noise ratio advantage is assumed. The minimal required distance …

Particle Deposition In Replica Healthy And Emphysematous Alveolar Models Using Computational Fluid Dynamics, Edward Harding Jr

Theses

Particle deposition in the pulmonary region of the lung has gained increasing interest in the past years. Of particular interest are nano-sized particles, because they have the potential of crossing the blood-gas barrier and into the capillaries. Many factors contribute to how and where particles deposit, such as lung morphology, breathing conditions, fluid flow characteristics, and alveolar wall movement. These many factors make simulating particle deposition in the alveoli difficult. The experimental in vivo studies have commonly used micron sized particles and there is a lack of data for smaller sized particles. Due to these many factors, deposition in the …

Strategic Planning For Creating Effective Joint Dwelling Associations In Kosovo : [Presentation Given October 2010], Drita Shabani

Theses

Not provided.

The Role And Future Challenges Of The Kosovo Security Council (Ksc) : [Presentation Given October 2010], Visar Rushti

Theses

Not provided.

Improve Stability Operations In Kosovo's Electrical Energy Distribution Network: A Case Study Of Northern Prishtina : [Presentation Given May 18, 2010], Lutfije Dervishi

Theses

Not provided.

Individual, Behavioural And Environmental Pathways To Adolescent Obesity, Paola Teresa Chivers

Theses

The longitudinal investigations of the contributions of obesogenic variables to developmental pathways of adolescent obesity were examined. Key obesogenic variables were examined from the extensive database of the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. The data set included variables collected in utero (18-20 weeks), at birth, and at ages 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 10, and 14 years.

The key research question was: How do individual, behavioural and environmental factors in childhood contribute to weight status at early adolescence? Investigation of this key question examined how factors change over time and their respective influence on obesity, identified critical points in …

Qualitative Versus Quantitative Data Tools For Sustainable Package Design At Eastman Kodak Company, Elizaveta Liubkina-Yudovich

Theses

Due to the increased sustainability trends in the packaging industry during the last decade and a push from major retailers, in conjunction with the dire economic climate and internal reorganizations within the company, a need for an official design tool was born; a tool that would simplify, unify and improve the design process within the company. Following the creation of the original tool, the Packaging Development and Optimization Tool (PDOT), a critique arose that suggested an addition of LCA data, creating a more quantitatively based tool. A modified design process followed, the Sustainable Packaging Design Tool (SPDT), which utilized LCA …

An Exploration Of The Study Abroad Experiences Of United States Students In Three Halls Of Residence At A Catholic University In Western Australia, Nicole Schiffer

Theses

The purpose of this research was to explore the ways United States students develop through studying abroad at a Catholic university in Western Australia. The significance of the research lies in the belief that host and home universities should be aware of the needs of these study abroad students. The needs of these students were understood through an exploration of the challenges faced, the support received, and the personal and professional development attained.

Four dimensions of the context contributed to an understanding of this study. These four dimensions were the University of Notre Dame Australia Fremantle, the UNDA three halls …

Cold Flow Simulation Of Vortex Shedding In A Segmented Solid Rocket Motor, Rasheed Durojaye

Theses

Combustion instabilities are a major problem in large solid rocket boosters. They are responsible for exciting undesirable oscillations in the propellant burn rate. It is believed that vortex shedding from upstream inhibitors is one of the phenomena responsible for the onset of these instabilities. Vortex shedding frequencies are time dependent due to the unsteady nature of the flow inside the rocket motor. When one of these frequencies coincides with a structural frequency, the oscillations can increase substantially. The protruding inhibitors are caused by their slow burn rate compared to that of the fuel. In the current research, cold flow simulations …

Parents' Perceptions And Parental Stress Related Obesity Of Children In United Arab Emirates, Salma Omar Sbait Ai-Nuaimi

Theses

Aim: This study aims to explore parents’ perception of obesity in children and stress related to obesity during childhood period in Emirate of Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates.

Background: The prevalence of excess weight among children is increasing in both developed and developing countries. Overweight and obesity are leading cause of the most common health problems in children. The degree of parents’ perception about their child’s weight is likely to play a critical role in the development and management of childhood obesity. Greater parental perception and involvement is likely to encourage more active monitoring and controlling of child’s dietary …

The Genetic Basis Of Familial Hypercholesterolemia In The United Arab Emirates, Shaikha Saif Mohamed Al Mazrooei

Theses

No abstract provided.

The Prevalence Of Epstein Barr Virus In The Tonsils And Adenoids Of United Arab Emirates Nationals, Shamma Sultan Mohamed Al Dhaheri

Theses

Although Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is often found in human tonsils and adenoids, it remains to be precisely determined in what cells and microenvironment the virus is present. Although generally regarded as a B lymphotropic virus, EBV can infect non B-cells. The aim of this project is to determine the prevalence of EBV in the tonsils and adenoids of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Nationals and to provide a basis for understanding the origin and biology of EBV -infected B and non-B cells, the immunophenotype of all EBV -infected cells in reactive tonsils was determined by subjecting tonsil and adenoid sections …

An Investigation Of Female Career Progression And Development In The Irish Hospitality Industry., Richella Ryan Devereaux

Theses

In recent years, the increasing number of women at the lower positions in the hospitality industry and their underrepresentation in top management positions has made women’s status in the industry a great concern. The purpose of this study is to examine the career progression of female graduates in the Irish hospitality industry.

A qualitative approach in the form of in-depth interviews of twenty-one female middle and senior managers in the Irish hospitality industry provided the opportunity to gain insights into their experiences and barriers faced in advancing their careers to senior management positions.

The results of the current study identify …

The Effect Of Dietary Supplement On Risk Of Infection In Community Based Patients With Type Two Diabetes Mellitus, Mamoon Ibrahim Abu Haltem

Theses

Background: Type Two diabetes mellitus prevalence is increasing dramatically universally and locally. Diabetic patients have shown higher risk of infections and associated morbidity. Many factors contribute to this, including poor nutritional status of this population. The lack of evidence in this field inspired us to look at the relationship between the dietary supplements and risk of infection in these patients.

Objective: To measure the effect of dietary supplement on risk of infection in community based patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: Following informed written consent 100 diabetic patients have been randomly assigned to receive either an oral dose of …

Effect Of Various Heavy Metals On The Enzymatic Activity Of Bacterial Alkaline Phosphatase, Maithah Maktoom Salmeen Al Nuaimi

Theses

Soil is a natural resource that is utmost importance from an agricultural as well as environmental perspective. Good soil health not only helps improve the quality and yield of agriculture products, but is also important for recycling of significant amounts of organic biomass. However, pollution of soil by various pollutants, such as heavy metals, pesticides or petroleum hydrocarbons, can lead to serious environmental as well as biological effects. This pollution can directly harm animals and human beings, leach into drinking water source, damage plants and vegetation, as well as affect the endemic microorganisms and insects living in the soil.

Microorganisms …