Digital Commons Network^™

Get A Grip: Analysis Of Muscle Activity And Perceived Comfort In Using Stylus Grips, Evanda Vanease Henry

Theses

The design of handwriting instruments has been based primarily on touch, feel, aesthetics, and muscle exertion. Previous studies make it clear that different pen characteristics have to be considered along with hand-instrument interaction in the design of writing instruments. This should include pens designed for touch screens and computer based writing surfaces. Hence, this study focuses primarily on evaluating grip style’s impact on user comfort and muscle activity associated with handgrip while using a stylus-pen.

Surface EMG measures were taken approximate to the adductor pollicis, flexor digitorum, and extensor indicis of eight participants while they performed writing, drawing, and point-and-click …

Heat Transfer In Silicon - Experiments And Simulation, Chihlin Huang

Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to study the heat transfer in silicon. Silicon is the key semiconductor material, and thermal processing is the traditional method that is used in semiconductor processing. In this research, we can predict the temperature of the silicon wafer during heating. This ability to predict wafer temperature during semiconductor processing will facilitate in the following: (a) Process temperature uniformity, (b) Film thickness uniformity, (c) Diffusion, (d) Process yield, (e) Thermally induced stresses, and (f) Device yield - spatially and temporally across the wafer. For low temperature applications, IC chips can be modeled to simulate the …

Eis Analysis Of Shear Enhanced Microfluidic Lab-On-A-Chip Device, Mehnaz Mursalat

Theses

Electrochemical sensors and biosensors have received much attention owing to the feasibility demonstrated regarding instrumental simplicity, decent cost, and portability during the detection of a wide range of biological and pharmaceutical macromolecules. Carbon-based nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes, have garnered tremendous interest for their unique thermal, mechanical, electronic and catalytic properties while designing these sensors. Whenever the macromolecules interact with a bio-recognition element on the electrode transducer surface, a measurable change in the electrical current or potential takes place. To achieve lower limits of detection, the use of sensor surfaces modified with nanostructured materials such as nanotubes, or nanoparticles is becoming …

An Examination Of The Uses And Gratifications Of Utilitarian And Experiential Online Shoppers, Michelle Spang

Theses

As money being spent on e-commerce continues to rise, marketers and retailers are interested in what motivates people to shop online. In the past shoppers have been broken up into two categories, utilitarian or experiential (e.g., O'Brien, 2010; Overby & Lee, 2006; To, Liao, & Lin, 2007; Wolfinbarger & Gilly, 2001). The purpose of this study is to evaluate both categories of shoppers by utilizing a uses and gratifications theory framework. Online survey method is utilized to determine if there are differences between the utilitarian and experiential online shoppers in terms of uses sought. As a result, of the five …

Selfie Usage In Marketing Between Companies And Consumers, Qinjin Yang

Theses

This case study analysis focuses on the use of selfies by both companies and consumers in relation to certain products. By using uses and gratifications theory, this case study analysis investigates four major companies and their products, as well as their implementation of user-generated selfies. Selfie-posting and other related interactions between consumers and companies suggest effective marketing of both consumers’ self-images, (i.e., consumers’ intentions of obtaining social capital by posting selfies) and companies’ products. Finally, this case study analysis also suggests a healthy and productive marketing result between consumers and products with the use of selfies.

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 …

American Civil War Reenactments: Race And Masculinity In Modern Images And Memory, Austin C. English

Theses

The celebration of past wars and warriors is not a uniquely American notion. For centuries nations and individuals have celebrated and revered those who went to war. Similarly, modern Civil War reenactments represent one ritual where Americans honor the War and its participants. But is there something distinctive about the way Americans commemorate and remember the Civil War? Do reenactments hide, forget, or obscure certain elements of the War as much as they commemorate?

The Influence Of Jailhouse Informant Testimony On Eyewitnesses' Propensity To Change Their Identification, Preston M. Smith

Theses

The present study investigated the influence of jailhouse informant testimony on eyewitness identifications and self – reported confidence. Participants watched a video of an actual armed robbery and, after, made an identification decision from a photo lineup. Except for those in the no – feedback control condition, all participants then read that certain lineup members either confessed to the crime, denied involvement or were implicated by a jailhouse informant. Jailhouse informant testimony implicating the identified lineup member led participants to have higher confidence in their identification. In contrast, jailhouse informant testimony implicating one of the unidentified lineup members led participants …

Future Digital Money: The Legal Status And Regulation Of Bitcoin In Australia, Chinelle Van Der Westhuizen

Theses

Virtual and digital crypto-currencies, specifically Bitcoin, were developed by an anonymous pseudonym ‘Satoshi Nakamoto’ in 2009 and have become a developing form of payment system used by businesses and consumers. Unlike traditional payment systems, Bitcoin is a peer-to-peer network with unique characteristics. Bitcoin is a private, anonymous and decentralised network that is intended to work independently from a government or banking authority. Bitcoin is therefore a network dependent upon mathematical algorithms between two users and managed through a process called ‘mining’, which is then stored within a user’s private ‘wallet’. This innovative technology offers numerous opportunities as a payment system; …

Giving Up The Microphone: The White Racial Framing Of Race, Kimberly Lane

Theses

Drawing from Joe Feagin’s white racial frame, the study employs critical discourse and framing analysis to examine ways in which two national newsprints- the New York Times and Washington Post- reinforced the framing of race in coverage of Trayvon Martin and the Black Lives Matter movement. Results showed that the news coverage reflected an encompassing pro-white/anti-Black master-frame that presented Black Americans as: inadequate, lawless, criminal, sassy, hypersexual, threatening, and biologically different. The news stories also contributed to the media’s conceptualization of race within a paradigm of a liberty-and-justice American myth narrative. Conversely, whites were presented favorably as “protectors” and “virtuous.” …

The Power Of Word-Of-Mouth: A Study On The Impact Of Interpersonal Communication Using Arts Festivals As A Case Study, Holly Ní Ghráda

Theses

The purpose of this study is to investigate the importance of interpersonal communication tactics in building and maintaining key relationships in the arts festival context, using two Irish traditional music festivals as its case studies. The main objective of this research is to demonstrate the effectiveness of word-of-mouth endorsements among stakeholders for small organisations.

This research undertook three stages of study. The first stage of this thesis took the form of a literature review - also known as the secondary research phase. Throughout this stage the author found relevant academic opinions and definitions based on selected public relations, culture, and …

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) …

Developing A Model For Lifelong Learning Of Communication Professionals In Agencies : The Role Of Communities And Networks Of Practice, Pia Sue Helferich

Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate “how communication professionals attain lifelong learning in their working environment in order to face the challenges arising from digitalisation?” Challenges include, for example, the extensive use of social media by stakeholders. Even though scholars have clearly outlined the importance of lifelong and informal learning in the education literature, the topic has not been investigated with regards to communications professionals. Furthermore there is a lack of empirical evidence in the literature that investigated the impact of social media on informal learning strategies. This thesis provides an in-depth multi-disciplinary literature review with an emphasis …

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 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 …

Towards A New Approach For Teaching Religious Education In Catholic Schools, Anne-Marie Irwin

Theses

How should Catholic Religious Education look in the twenty-first century? Today’s challenges are many, including diverse student faith backgrounds and levels of teachers’ religious knowledge, understanding and commitment. There are differing curriculum structures, time and space constraints, challenges in accessing suitable resources, and the authentic use of proven pedagogical practice.

This study was a journey that explored these challenges. It followed a path opened by Maria Montessori, trodden in turn by Sofia Cavalletti and, more recently, developed by Gerard O’Shea into a way for teaching religious education in Catholic schools. This was a design-based research study that adapted, trialled and …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Semiconductor Materials And Devices For 2 Micron Generation, Dzianis Saladukha

Theses

In the last century, semiconductor research has led to significant changes in the fields of communication, medicine, the environment, and many others. Semiconductor devices provide a relatively simple and effective way to convert electrical energy to light and vice versa. Devices based on semiconductor materials of various kinds provide interaction of an electromagnetic signal in the range of wavelengths with a medium. Examples of such devices are LED lamps, photovoltaic cells, thermometers, gas sensors, cameras, and many others. The study of various semiconductors broadens the range of application of photonics. This work is based on the study of materials which …

In Vitro Three-Dimensional Skin Tissue Constructs, Tinashe Dereck Gombedza

Theses

Human skin provides fortification against peripheral threats which may compromise the integrity and health of the human body. Its presence as the largest human organ forms a protective barrier making it an effective first line of defence against pathogenic, chemical and physical damage. Tissue engineering technology has enabled the development of in vitro three-dimensional (3D) organotypic skin cultures in order to understand the skin's physiology and architecture. This advancement has enabled the use of 3D skin model platforms to study skin diseases and conditions as well as facilitate drug discovery, clinical research and cosmetic product development.

In this study, an …

Exploring The Impact Of A Training Programme On Acute Healthcare Professionals' Attitudes And Understanding Of Dementia, Orla Quirke

Theses

Acute healthcare professionals lack education and training in dementia care. This results in people with dementia having poorer outcomes when admitted to the acute healthcare setting. An overarching aim of The National Dementia Strategy (2014) is the provision of optimal care for people with dementia in all healthcare and community settings. In response to this, Dementia Elevator a national inter-professional suite of educational programmes were developed by Dublin City University and the Health Service Executive to help individuals, communities and health systems engage positively with people with dementia. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a four-hour dementia training …

Project Spraoi : The Effectiveness Of A School Based Multicomponent Health Promotion Intervention On Sedentary Time And Markers Of Health Among Irish Primary School Children., Juliet Murphy

Theses

1.1 Introduction

Sedentary Behaviour (SB) has been associated with deleterious health outcomes such as increased levels of overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes (Tremblay et al, 2010, Pate et al., 2008). Currently, there is a dearth of objective data on the amount of time Irish children spend sedentary and the subsequent effect on their health. The purpose of this study was to assess (i) levels of SB and markers of health among Irish primary school children, and (ii) the effectiveness of a health promotion intervention Project Spraoi on reducing SB and improving markers of health among Irish children.

1.2 Methods …

Mobile Learning In Early Childhood Education: A School-University Partnership Model, Serena Davie

Theses

Mobile learning (mLearning) devices are ideal for 21st century learning. mLearning devices are light and, therefore, mobile so that young children can use them anywhere. Examples of mLearning devices are tablet computers, programmable robots such as Bee-Bots and robotic Lego. The term 21st century learning is used around the world and includes the skills of collaboration, communication, new literacy, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. New literacy has emerged because of new technologies and being literate in the 21st century now includes being digitally literate. However, mLearning is not widely used in early childhood education despite the fact that schools are …

"On The Side Of The Saints": A History Of The Sydney Catholic Pro-Life Organisation Family Life International With Reference To Identity Formation, Jocelyn Hedley

Theses

Histories of the pro-life movement are surprisingly absent from both historical and social scientific research, something that is remarkable given the movement’s often contentious and sometimes decisive role in contemporary politics. Certainly, there is an enormous body of work engaging with arguments for and against the pro-life position and attendant issues, but as far as histories of the movement are concerned there seems to be a distinct absence of literature. Indeed, until recently, anything like an extended and scholarly engagement with the pro-life movement has been markedly absent throughout the English-speaking world, though this lack has begun to be addressed, …

Variation In Larval Behavior Across The Ecologically Distinct Host Populations Of The Cactophilic Drosophila Mojavensis, Joshua Coleman

Theses

Ecological host shifts likely have a major impact on the evolution of species. The host shift can result in an organism being faced with significant chemical, nutritional, volumetric, and other challenges, which may lead to adaptation. Host shifts can lead to speciation by prezygotic isolation, and even reinforcement through postzygotic isolation. This study looks at behavioral differences in terms of larval activity in populations of Drosophila mojavensis which have experienced host shifts. The mean speed of the four populations of D. mojavensis larvae were measured, and considered in the ecological context. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) DNA library was prepared …

Kinetic Analysis Of The Hypergolic Reactivity Of Dimethylpiperazines With Red Fuming Nitric Acid, Kenneth Haines

Theses

This research investigated the hypergolic reaction that occurs between dimethylpiperazines with red fuming nitric acid. An advanced laser diagnostic system was designed previously to measure chemical delay times. This equipment was utilized to study the effects of temperature, fuel to oxidizer ratio, the presence of dinitrogen tetroxide in the oxidizer and the presence of methanol in the fuel. A comparison was made with dimethylpiperazine isomers and derivatives of hydrazine previously studied.

A Journey Towards Conscientisation: Motives Of Volunteers Who Support Asylum Seekers, Refugees And Detainees, Sarah Koelsch

Theses

The focus of this case study is an examination of the factors that motivate people to engage in volunteerism working with asylum seekers. In the research project, volunteering is understood as a civic responsibility of an active member of society which involves social interactions that foster social inclusion: active citizenship. The co-researcher agency of this project is the Perth based Centre for Asylum seekers, Refugees and Detainees (CARAD). The project aim is to investigate the values, belief systems, and attitudes of CARAD’s volunteers. This informed the decision to employ a social constructionist approach and is intended to enable further understanding …