Digital Commons Network^™

Soil And Water Remediation Using Controlled Release Polymer, Jerrine Theresa Foster

Theses

Water and soil treatment for the eradication of pathogens are important today and will forever be of importance in the future. It has been noted that poor water quality poses major threat to human health and is responsible for the deaths of 1.8 million people annually worldwide, with over 90% (1.6 million) of the reported cases being children under the age of five (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, 2005). Fresh water can be accessed for personal use and recreation through fresh water sources, such as rivers, lakes, groundwater and springs. These sources, especially surface water sources, are exposed to …

3d Simulation Of Jet-A Combustion In A Model Aircraft Engine Combustion Chamber., Mohammad Golam Mostafa

Theses

Aviation transportation is a major source of gaseous pollutant emissions in modern society. It is important to understand the formation, classification and mitigation of the resulting pollutants. In this work we have designed a combustion chamber to perform CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation using ANSYS FLUENT with simplified detailed jet-A/air combustion mechanism with the purpose of predicting the major gas pollutants - mainly NOx, CH, CO and C2H2.The primary objective was to compare the emission data measured on CFM56-2C1 engine during APEX (Aircraft Particle Emission eXperiment) campaign by NASA. Four engine operating conditions, idle/taxi, approach, climb and take-off have been …

Computational Modeling Of Mucin 1 (Muc1) Peptide And Anti-Muc1 Aptamer Binding, Kristen Lorraine Rhinehardt

Theses

Biomarkers are molecules that indicate changes in a physiological state and are detected by biosensors. Aptamer based biosensors are highly efficient, with high specificity and reusability. An aptamer library for a 25-mer aptamer contains 1015 possible sequences. Experimentally, the procedure known as Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) is used. Selecting an aptamer from such a huge library is highly involved and time consuming. A single round of SELEX uses a few hundred aptamers and can take few hours to weeks. Use of computational modeling may simplify this aptamer selection process. Prior to computational modeling of the aptamer …

Essential Learning Objectives For Graphic Designers, Post Secondary, William Joshua Weaver

Theses

Graphic designers today need to possess a wide variety of skill sets in order to adequately perform their duties. The skill sets include areas of study in Art, Design, Computer Technology, and Print Technology. My goal is to find what learning objectives in these areas and others are essential for a person to become a graphic designer. A need for this arose from an observation of a growing gap between Art and Technology with emphasis on academic setting to professional setting. The reasons for the gap are that the range of knowledge and skills needed by today’s graphic designers has …

The Influence Of Tropical Cyclone Size On Its Intensification, Cristina Alexandra Carrasco

Theses

This study investigates the tropical cyclones of the past two decades (1990-2010) and the correlation, if any, between their size and their ability to undergo rapid intensification (RI). Results show that rapidly intensifying storms do show sensitivity to initial size. Comparisons between RI and non-RI storms confirm that tropical cyclones that undergo RI are more likely to be smaller than those that do not. Findings show that the RMW and the average 34kt radius have the strongest negative correlation with the change of intensity. Alternatively, there is no correlation between ROCI and the subsequent change of intensity. Scatter plots made …

Assessing The Impact Of Celebrity Ambassadors On The Pr Strategies Of Non-Profit Organisations: A Public Relations Perspective, Allison Kelleher

Theses

There has been increased interest from academics, public relations professionals and industry professionals regarding the impact of celebrity ambassadors on the PR strategies of non-profit organisations. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of the non-profit PR sector and the impact of celebrity ambassadors on this section of the PR industry. A qualitative research design was deemed most suitable by the researcher, and semi- structured interviews were used to collect the necessary primary research data. The researcher interviews two PR professionals and three non-profit organisation representatives regarding this particular study. Interviewees were chosen due to their knowledge, experience and …

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 …

Surface Modification Of Poly(Dimethylsiloxane) With 254 Nm Irradiation : A Comparative Study Of Hydroxyl, Carboxylic, And Fluoro-Terminated Groups, Kenya M. Wallace

Theses

No abstract provided.

Improving Pcr Efficiency With Inorganic Pyrophosphatase, Anuj Singhal

Theses

No abstract provided.

Solving Practical Problems In Hilare-Type Mobile Robot Trajectory Tracking Control Via Application Of Nonlinear Model Predictive Control, Chandrasekhara Bharath Panathula

Theses

No abstract provided.

Study Of The Ferroelectric Inverter And Sram Cell, Crystal Dianna Laws

Theses

No abstract provided.

Reliability Based Assessment Of E-Glass/Epoxy Frp's Under Exposure To Aqueous Solutions, Seth E. Farrington

Theses

Fiber reinforced polymer composites are increasingly being used for a variety of applications and wet-layup composites are a significant portion of this increasing use. Despite the extensive use of these composites there exists no generic method to determine the long term properties of wet-layup composites when exposed to water, sea water, and alkaline solutions. To begin answering these questions a glass-fiber and epoxy composite, and neat epoxy was subjected to temperature induced accelerated degradation. The resultant data was used with an Arrhenius time-temperature model to develop predictive equations for the mean values of the ultimate strength and the elastic modulus …

Analysis Of Launch-Vehicle Separation Dynamics Using Perturbation Techniques, Andrew T. Couchman

Theses

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of Spectral Estimation Techniques For Range-Doppler Mapping, Praveen Ranganath

Theses

No abstract provided.

Decomposition Of Radar Amplitude Tracks In The Presence Of Multipath, Michael Anthony Johnson

Theses

No abstract provided.

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 …

Characterisation Of Crataegus Monogyna Fractions And Assessment Of Their Functional Properties, Eilish Shortle

Theses

Hawthorn {Crataegus monogyna) is a herb that has been used medicinally since ancient times. In modern medicine it is known for its cardiotonic properties and is used as a cardiovascular protective, hypotensive and hypocholesterolemic agent. In recent years supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) has become more popular as an extraction method for botanical material as it is an environmentally-friendly method that can produce toxic-free extracts. The optimal SFE extraction conditions for the extraction of antioxidant compounds from both, hawthorn leaf & dower and hawthorn berries, using carbon dioxide, were determined in this study. The optimized extracts were then compared to pre-prepared …

Limnoarchaeology Using Commercially Available Side Scan Sonar: The Locks Of The Muscle Shoals Canal, Alabama, Robert Kavanaugh

Theses

No abstract provided.

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 …

Quantum-Dot Mode-Locked Lasers With Optical Injection, Tatiana Habruseva

Theses

In this thesis novel stabilised ultra-fast pulse sources for a range of practical applications have been developed.

Semiconductor mode-locked lasers have much promise as sources of short, low- jitter, high repetition rate pulses. Development of stabilised semiconductor sources is in a great demand for applications, such as optical telecommunications, frequency metrology, optical sampling and clock recovery. Arbitrary waveform generation, wavelength-division and orthogonal-frequency-division multiplexing techniques need wide stable frequency combs with low phase noise. A low level of pulse-to-pulse timing fluctuations is essential for clock recovery, optical sampling and optical time- division multiplexing. Therefore, this work dealing with the development of …

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 …

Effects Of Cyclic Loading On Offshore Foundation Systems, Shane Browne

Theses

A brief description of the various offshore foundation systems currently available is provided in this report, including the advantages and disadvantages for each system and water depth in which they can be used. These foundation types include floating structures, jacket structures, gravity base structures and the monopile foundation, on which this research specifically focuses.

The monotonic lateral loading of the monopile structure is also examined and the reasons why monotonic testing is required are highlighted, along with the potential analysis that can be generated to improve the design of the monopile foundation. A review of previous test programmes for monopiles …

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 …

Theoretical And Experimental Analysis Of Mems Ohmic Switch Design And Control For Reliability Improvement, Cuong Do

Theses

MEMS devices are micromechanical components fabricated using semiconductor fabrication technologies. With advanced functionalities and miniaturization, MEMS devices are being employed in a wide variety of applications, especially in mobile networks. The MEMS ohmic switch is one of the most promising MEMS devices and has the same principle of a mechanical moving switch to manipulate an electrical signal. Due to the existence of mechanical movement, and its compactness, reliability issues have been observed as the main barrier to commercialisation.

This thesis addresses the key issue of reliability in the rapidly expanding area of MEMS. In particular, MEMS ohmic switches are considered. …

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 …

Usability Evaluation Of Modeling Languages, Christian Schalles

Theses

Over the last two decades more and more companies started to recognize the importance of graphical modeling as a way to meet their business goals. In order to describe a business case such as a business process or an application system, information in various different formats has to be integrated within a graphical model. Graphical models are developed using modeling languages such as the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and Event Driven Process Chains (EPC). The usability of graphical modeling languages has not been explicitly considered in past research. Most usability evaluation surveys are mainly focusing on applications, websites, software and …

Disturbance Utilizing Control Using Lqr Theory With A State/Control Cross-Product Term In The Performance Index, Kyle Davis

Theses

No abstract provided.

Deep Learning Using Genetic Algorithms, Joshua Lamos-Sweeney

Theses

Deep Learning networks are a new type of neural network that discovers important object features. These networks determine features without supervision, and are adept at learning high level abstractions about their data sets. These networks are useful for a variety of tasks, but are difficult to train. This difficulty is compounded when multiple networks are trained in a layered fashion, which results in increased solution complexity as well as increased training time. This paper examines the use of Genetic Algorithms as a training mechanism for Deep Learning networks, with emphasis on training networks with a large number of layers, each …

The Impact Of Polarization On The Performance Of All-Optical Flip-Flops, Claudio Ippolito

Theses

This thesis experimentally characterizes the polarization dependence of an all-optical flip-flop (AOFF) based on a resonant-type semiconductor optical amplifier. Previous demonstrations of such an optical-memory device have exhibited poor on-off contrasts of around 3 dB (2:1). Our work maps out the dependence of the bistable hysteresis on the injected polarization state for the first time and clearly shows how to optimize the on-off contrast to achieve 8 dB. Beyond this optimization technique, it also demonstrate a novel technique to achieve and on-off contrast exceeding 30 dB (1000:1).