Digital Commons Network^™

A Quantitative Study Into Grade Inflation (Perceived And Actual) In The College Of Business, Technologicl University Dublin, Derek Simon

Theses

Most academics have an opinion on the existence or otherwise of grade inflation. Some people deny the existence of grade inflation. Some argue that it is damaging to academia while some argue that it is a normal phenomenon and is not damaging while others assert that it is impossible to measure. Due to the difficulty in measurement of grade inflation this study was devised to measure firsts and distinctions to ascertain the quantity of grade inflation. This study takes a two pronged approach to discovering the real and perceived existence or otherwise of grade inflation in the College. In the …

Sweet Sorghum Production Based On Fertilizer Rates, Varieties And Use Of Grain Sorghum Model, Ashwin Kumar Devudigari

Theses

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moenich) is a promising alternative energy crop. Biophysical crop models are advanced agronomic tools designed to predict crop growth for given conditions and to supplement field experiments. No crop model has been developed for sweet sorghum. Adapting the existing grain sorghum model is a good approach to develop a dedicated sweet sorghum model. Our experiment was conducted at the NC A&T research farm in 2010 and 2011, designed with a split plot and strip plot method, respectively. These experiments included two varieties (Dale and M81-E) and four fertilizer rates (0,168-56-168, 84- 28-84-soysoap, 168-56-168-soysoap of N-P2O5-K2O …

Integer-Based Fully Homomorphic Encryption, Michael Snook

Theses

The concept of fully homomorphic encryption has been considered the "holy grail" of cryptography since the discovery of secure public key cryptography in the 1970s. Fully homomorphic encryption allows arbitrary computation on encrypted data to be performed securely. Craig Gentry's new method of bootstrapping introduced in 2009 provides a technique for constructing fully homomorphic cryptosystems. In this paper we explore one such bootstrappable system based on simple integer arithmetic in a manner that someone without a high level of experience in homomorphic encryption can readily understand. Further, we present an implementation of the system as well as a lattice- based …

Discrimination Of Surface And Volume States In Fully Depleted Field-Effect Devices On Thick Insulator Substrates, Robert Manley

Theses

The behavior of electronic devices fabricated on thin, lightly doped semiconductor layers can be significantly influenced by very low levels of non-ideal charge states. Such devices typically operate in a fully depleted mode, and can exhibit significantly different electrical properties and characteristics than their bulk material counterparts. Traditional interpretation of device characteristics may identify the existence of such non-idealities, but fail to ascertain if the origin is from within the semiconductor layer or associated with the interfaces to adjacent dielectric materials. This leads to ambiguity in how to rectify the behavior and improve device performance. Characterizing non-idealities through electrical means …

Numerical Investigation Of Fluid Flow And Heat Transfer Effects In Minichannels And Microchannels Under H2 Boundary Condition, Viral Dharaiya

Theses

Deviations in heat transfer predictions by classical theory for single-phase laminar flow in microchannels have been mainly attributed to surface roughness, deviations in channel dimensions, errors in measurement, entrance and exit effects. Identifying correct thermal boundary conditions in a given application also plays an important role in accurate estimation of heat transfer coefficients. Different thermal boundary conditions generally applied in fluid domain are: T, H1, and H2. However, there are very few solutions available for the heat transfer under the H2 boundary condition which is the most applicable thermal boundary condition in many microchannel heat exchangers. The current work aimed …

Addressing The Gender Gap In Federal Law Enforcement Professions: The Motivational Attraction Of Women In Computing, Maegan Stanek

Theses

Nationwide, federal law enforcement agencies seek candidates with specialized skill sets and more advanced educational knowledge for employment. In view of this, it was proven, after much open source research into federal agencies' qualification requirements, that those who possess a background in select areas, specifically computer science, have a better opportunity for employment with federal law enforcement agencies, particularly in the computing sector; although, in many cases, work experience can be substituted for a college degree [7]. For this reason, many women are not involved in, nor apply for, computing professions within federal law enforcement agencies. A significant step in …

Two Dimensional Rate Gyro Bias Estimation For Precise Pitch And Roll Attitude Determination Utilizing A Dual Arc Accelerometer Array, William Scorse

Theses

In this thesis, a previously developed, novel one-dimensional attitude estimation device is expanded through the development and implementation of an innovative method for estimation of two-dimensional attitude making use of a unique low-cost, dual arc accelerometer array measuring longitudinal and transverse rotational rates in real-time. The device and method proposed is an expansion of a previously developed method for one-dimensional attitude determination and rate gyro bias estimation utilizing a one-dimensional accelerometer array. This new revolutionary device utilizes a dual arc accelerometer array and an algorithm for accurate and reliable two-dimensional attitude determination and rate gyro bias estimation in real-time. The …

Energy Aware Communications Framework For Ieee 802.15.4 Wireless Sensor Networks, Rodolfo De Paz Alberola

Theses

A wireless sensor network (WSN) is a network of sensor nodes that functions in a cooperative manner to monitor the changes in the physical environment. Typically, sensor nodes are deployed in places with difficult access, if any, to an external power supply thus requiring battery power. Therefore, WSN communication protocols must be designed with energy efficient and self-organizing capabilities in mind. In this context, the IEEE 802.15.4 standard is being widely employed for the lower layers of low-cost, low-rate and low-power wireless sensor communications due to its potential to fulfil requirements of various monitoring and control applications. However, the specification …

An Examination Of Irish Females Attitudes Towards Nanotechnology Claims Used In Advertising Appeals By The Cosmetics Industry, Deirdre Kelleher

Theses

Cosmetics advertising exert an image of hope and belief to consumers in that these products will dramatically make them look younger and change their lives. Much criticism has been drawn to cosmetic claims based on nanotechnology. Do they work? Are they safe? Do the cosmetic companies use false claims?

Today, the media is saturated with advertisements that promote cosmetic products. The cosmetics industry is becoming more and more advanced due to the use of nanotechnology. Cosmetic advertisements are so common that it is difficult to distinguish one from the other. Celebrity endorsers are being utilised by cosmetic companies to promote …

Power Cable Fault Finding Using Pseudo Random Binary Sequences, Holger Geisler

Theses

The work that is presented in this thesis documents the results obtained from the pseudo random binary sequence (PRBS) cable testing method which utilises a pseudo noise (pN) sequence as a test stimulus to localise faults on a transmission line. The work targets the proof of concept of the PRBS method in a Coaxial cable as well as its eventual evaluation for fault testing accuracy and performance on a real-world underground steel wired armour (SWA) cable. Further, a novel hardware implementation of the method utilising a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is presented. The theory of the PRBS test method …

Enhanced Surveillance And Characterisation Of Three Significant Gram-Positive Pathogens, Annmarie Mollaghan

Theses

Clinical microbiology has been revolutionised in recent years by the introduction of molecular biology. Traditionally, the gold standard for diagnosis in the clinical microbiology laboratory has been culture, which in some cases, is gradually being replaced by molecular detection methods, particularly where the pathogen is difficult to grow or to identify, or when the significance of an organism is dependent on the detection of specific markers of pathogenicity, such as toxins. Many fastidious bacteria which are difficult to culture and present public health implications, i.e. Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoea, can now be detected using commercial molecular assays …

The Exploitation Of Bacteriophages For The Biocontrol Of Spoilage And Pathogenic Bacteria Including Mrsa, David Kelly

Theses

This thesis describes the successful isolation and characterisation of novel phages with applications in the medical/veterinary sector and also in the food and beverage industry. This thesis begins with a comprehensive literature review on the biocontrol applications of phages which will appear as a book chapter in “Phage therapy; Current research and applications” edited by Andrzej Gorski in the Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental therapy, Wroclaw, Poland.

Chapters 2 to 5 encompass the technical part of the thesis work, which begins with the isolation and characterization of phages of Lactobacillus and Pediococcus which cause spoilage in the brewing industry'. …

Creep Behaviour Of Hand Laminated Glass Reinforced Polymer Composites., Brian Quinn

Theses

The creep behaviour of hand laminated, glass fiber reinforced polyester composites were studied at coupon level, due to the use of similar materials in long term load bearing civil and structural engineering applications. Creep predictions were made by fitting the parameters of several viscoelastic models to experimental creep data as well as two accelerated test methods, time temperature superposition (TTS) and frequency time transformations (FTT). TTS experiments were carried out in a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) in three point bending mode for three types of material systems. Creep compliance master curves representing the linear viscoelastic creep response at reference temperatures …

Optically Injected And Mutually Coupled Frequency Distinct Semiconductor Lasers, Beatriz Baselga-Pascual

Theses

In the following work we examine the dynamics of semiconductor lasers under different types of coupled oscillator configurations, namely optical injection and mutual coupling. We examine both discrete-mode quantum well lasers and distribute feedback quantum dot lasers. First we describe optical injection experiments carried out on single mode semiconductor lasers. Conventional diagnostic tools such as optical spectra, RF spectra and intensity time series are used to describe the dynamics. We also describe a novel interferometric technique used to experimentally resolve the phase of the slave laser. This new technique has proved successful, revealing some heretofore hidden dynamical features and showing …

Quantum Engineering Of Laser-Cooled Atoms: Experiments And Theory, Kieran Deasy

Theses

In this thesis, laser cooling and trapping techniques are implemented to forrn a cold atom cloud of 85Rb atoms in a magneto-optical trap (Mon configuration. The system produces an atom cloud of~ 1.5 mm in diameter, containing ~ 108 atoms and an average temperature in the sub-Doppler range. Tapered optical fibres (TOFs) are also detailed here, including their guiding properties and the process used for their fabrication. Many possible applications for TOFs have been proposed and one such application is investigated, i.e. the use of TOFs as highly sensitive atom probes. The research results contained within this thesis describe two …

Novel Lc-Ms Methods For The Determination Of Environmental And Food Contaminants Incorporating Analyte Confirmation Using High Resolution Ms, Michael George Cahill

Theses

The contamination of the aquatic environment with pesticides has become an emerging environmental issue because of the potential risk to human health and wildlife. Effluent from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been identified as an important source of micro­organic contaminants in the environment. The EC have implemented several directives for the control of pesticides in the environment including the 98/83/EEC directive establishing the concentration of pesticide allowed for human consumption, the 2000/60/EC directive set up to monitor priority pollutants that are hazardous substances in the environment and REACH ensuring these substances are registered, controlled, therefore ensuring that the industry is …

Ray-Traced Simulation Of Radiation Pressure For Optical Lift, Timothy Peterson

Theses

When light refracts at a surface, it changes the direction and intensity of the light rays. By Newton's 3rd law, this process imparts a small momentum to the object. This effect can be exploited to manipulate very small objects, by carefully selecting the shape and optical properties of the object. This thesis describes a computational model based on the laws of physics to determine the forces and torques resulting from light interacting with a hemicylindrical particle. This model has been successfully used to predict for the first time a phenomenon called optical lift.

Cfd Analysis Of Combustion Instability For A Rocket Injector, Douglass W. Casey

Theses

No abstract provided.

The Feasibility Of A Surface-Based Neutron Spectrometer For Detecting Water On The Moon, Andre Souza

Theses

No abstract provided.

Sentential Access Control, Curt Lawson

Theses

No abstract provided.

Heuristics Modeling Optimization-Oriented Element Behaviors In Discrete, Repulsive Systems, David Barber

Theses

No abstract provided.

[Pi]-[Pi] Molecular Interactions Between Intercalating Antitumor Agents And Caffeine, Gabrielle Hill

Theses

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Irrigation On Nutrient Export From Agricultural Fields, Walter Lee Ellenburg Ii

Theses

No abstract provided.

The Dynamics Of Vehicles Under Solid Rocket Propulsion, Robert William Stough

Theses

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of The Implementation-Potential Of The Threaded Engram Database Model, Sourabh Mehta

Theses

The row-and-column orientation of the Relational Database Model is optimized for the storage of "data," but is not optimized for the storage of "information." This capstone project, researches the different human memory models, in-order to understand how memories are formed and how independent memories are linked together. The memory models explored include the Atkinson-Shiffrin memory model, Baddeley's model of working memory, and the Memory-Prediction model. The results of this investigation of human memory serve as a foundation for the design and implementation of a new database model, called the Threaded Engram Database (TED) model.

Development, Validation And Application Of Uhplc-Ms/Ms Methods For The Detection Of Veterinary Drug Residues In Food Of Animal Origin, Michelle Whelan

Theses

Ultra high pressure liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) technology was utilized for the development of analytical methods for the detection of veterinary drug residues in foods of animal origin. Initial work focused on the development of the mass spectrometry (MS) method for the detection of the analytes of interest and subsequent chromatographic separation. The MS method was optimised to detect both positively and negatively ionised analytes from different classes in a single injection in a 13 minute run time at μg kg^-1levels.

Sample preparation procedures were modified to extract the residues from muscle and …

Scalable Cooperative Caching Algorithm Based On Bloom Filters, Nodirjon Siddikov

Theses

This thesis presents the design, implementation and evaluation of a novel cooperative caching algorithm based on the bloom filter data structure. The new algorithm uses a decentralized approach to resolve the problems that prevent the existing solutions from being scalable. The problems consist of an overloaded manager, a communication overhead among clients, and a memory overhead on the global cache. The new solution reduces the manager load and the communication overhead by distributing the global cache information among cooperating clients. Thus, the manager no longer maintains the global cache. Furthermore, the memory overhead is decreased due to a bloom filter …

Lasing Behavior Of An Active Nim-Pim Directional Coupler, Riffat Ara

Theses

Negative index materials are a subclass of metamaterials which are materials having properties that are not found in nature. Present day research regarding metamaterials indicates that they possess remarkable behavior. This thesis is focused on a metamaterial-based photonic directional coupler employing a negative index material (NIM) in one of its waveguides while the other waveguide consists of a positive index material (PIM). A NIM-PIM directional coupler (DC) exhibits optical feedback even without any actual traditional resonator structure. This feedback exists because of the NIM employed in one of the structure's waveguides. The ability of a NIM-PIM DC to propagate light …

Semi-Rigid Steelwork Connections, Conor Murphy

Theses

This thesis sets out to assess the stiffiiess of typical fin plate steelwork connections. The classification of joints as pinned, semi-rigid or fixed is described and the different models of moment-rotation relationship are explained. Eurocode treatment of steelwork connections is assessed with particular emphasis on joint stiffness. Procedures for the design of fin plate connections are set out and an example presented and a spreadsheet developed. Tests on a number of fin plate connections were carried out in the Heavy Structures Laboratory, to determine the moment rotation characteristics. The finite element software LUSAS was used to analyse the fin plate …

A Sense Of Place: Branding The Richardson Olmsted Complex Through Architectural Motif, Lisa Mauro

Theses

(keywords: Henry Hobson Richardson, Frederick Law Olmsted, Thomas Kirkbride, Romanesque architecture, Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, 19th century English design reformers, Richardsonian Romanesque, motif, psychology of pattern, pattern design, architectural ornament, place-branding, Buffalo, NY) Motif design and repeat patterns have been used to decorate, communicate and imbue surface with meaning across cultures and eras. It is also evident that pattern satisfies a fundamental psychological need in humans for order and beauty. Motifs are a well-suited graphic design basis from which to create an effective branding strategy with potential to communicate with a subliminal power and in a way that …