Digital Commons Network^™

Direct Occlusion Handling For High Level Image Processing Algorithms, Carl Ryan Kelso

Theses

Many high-level computer vision algorithms suffer in the presence of occlusions caused by multiple objects overlapping in a view. Occlusions remove the direct correspondence between visible areas of objects and the objects themselves by introducing ambiguity in the interpretation of the shape of the occluded object. Ignoring this ambiguity allows the perceived geometry of overlapping objects to be deformed or even fractured. Supplementing the raw image data with a vectorized structural representation which predicts object completions could stabilize high-level algorithms which currently disregard occlusions. Studies in the neuroscience community indicate that the feature points located at the intersection of junctions …

Evaluation Of Medical Alarm Sounds, Elizbha Philip

Theses

Auditory alarms in medical equipments perform considerably below their optimal level. Concern has been expressed about the quality of medical alarms by a large number of researchers in recent years. A detailed literature survey on the medical alarm related problems has been carried out. Hospital visits were made to obtain real life information and data of alarm sounds in various type of monitors used in OR and ICU. A laboratory experiment has been conducted on selected melodic alarm sounds. These melodic alarm sounds are being implemented in medical equipments and the idea of design is proposed in ISO / IEC …

Learning To Like Facebook? Effects Of Cultural And Educational Capital On The Use Of Social Network Sites In A Population Of University Students, Randy Lynn

Theses

This study explores the reasons why university students prefer to join or participate frequently in one social network website (SNS) over another. Drawing from previous research into motivations and environmental factors influencing SNS behavior, a theoretical model of SNS selection and frequency of use is constructed and evaluated. Random sampling methods are used to generate a population of students from a midwestern, urban, public university with an enrollment of nearly 16,000. Subjects responded to a questionnaire soliciting information regarding personal characteristics and SNS behaviors, and additional data was extracted from a content analysis of SNS profiles. The results show that …

The Work Of Abe Kobo In The 1960s The Struggle For Identity In Modernity; Japan, The West, And Beyond, Devon A. Cahill

Theses

No abstract provided.

Increased Visual Attention To Moderate Causes Mitigates The Discounting Effect, Lindsey A. Czarnecki

Theses

No abstract provided.

Competency Requirements Of Managers In Hotels In Jamaica: The Implications Of Soft Skills, Sharmon Hinds-Smith

Theses

Jamaica, being considerably dependent on tourism and its subsequent hotel industry, has consistently recruited technically competent managers. A manager in a hotel in Jamaica must meet certain requirements in terms of academic and technical competencies which include bodies of knowledge such as accounting, finance, marketing and operations (hard skills). Since globally, managers with competencies in both the hard and soft areas have had more of a competitive edge regarding the hotel business at large, it is clear that the "softer" skills are seen as significant in terms of competency and vital to a manager's performance within the hotel. This study …

The Effect Of Text And Graphic Search Goals On Web Advertisement Viewing, Brian Ashbaugh

Theses

Advertising has become an integral part of the Internet's capacity to generate revenue, drive traffic to websites, and to increase brand recognition. This study examined how text and graphic search goals influence how many times and how long people look at graphic and text advertisements. Twenty-four participants were eye tracked while they searched for text or graphic information on six websites. Results show that when people searched for text information they increased the amount of time and the number of times that they viewed text advertisements. When people searched for graphical information, they increased the amount of time and number …

The Application Of Social Marketing In Reducing Binge Drinking Among Female College Students: An Investigation Of A Third Level College In Cork, Fergus Murphy

Theses

Ireland has one of the highest levels of alcohol consumption in the EU, consuming 10.6 litres of pure alcohol per person in 2003, increasing to 13.4 litres in 2006. This rise in consumption has led to increases in alcohol-related harm and disease, and has resulted in more than 1,775 deaths according to the Health Research Board (Mongan et al., 2007). In general, increases in overall consumption are accompanied by a greater incidence of health and social problems. In addition to the high volume of alcohol consumed by people in Ireland, drinking occasions appear to be strongly related to heavy episodic …

Investigation Into The Glazing Sector Of The Construction Industry In The Cork Region: To Identify The Main Criteria Used In The Window And Glazing Selection Process, Michael A. Mc Avoy

Theses

The selection of glazing and windows is an important element in the architecture of a building in terms of both aesthetics and practicality. Other related issues include sustainability, and the potential effects of glazing selection on the environment. It is essential that glazing experts contribute to the design process at an early stage in order to maximise the efficiency of the windows while still allowing architects to create their visions and unique buildings. This study focuses on the current systems used in the window selection process for the Cork region, and will propose changes based on the findings of the …

"Welcoming The Stranger": A Dialogue Between Scriptural Understandings Of And Catholic Church Policies Towards Migrants And Refugees And Pastoral Praxis In The Migrant And Refugee Pastoral Care Bodies Within The Archdiocese Of Perth, Judith M. Woodward

Theses

Growth in human movement around the world has been one of the phenomenal aspects of globalization since the Second World War. Among these ‘people on the move’ those whom the United Nations Humanitarian Commission for Refugees has described as ‘persons of concern’ – refugees, displaced persons etc. – have increased at an alarming rate. They are now well in excess of the global population growth rate over the same period Many of these have moved into adjacent poorer developing countries but increasingly many are seeking asylum, either through official United Nations’ channels or through on-shore arrivals, in developing nations. This …

Treasure In Jars Of Clay: Towards A New Pauline Pastoral Theology Of Mission To Generation Y In Australia, Matthew Brain

Theses

Within the contemporary Australian context, it is evident that the young people who represent Generation Y (born, 1981 – 1995) are not engaged by a Christian faith. This thesis will set out an approach that will seek to re-envisage the transmission of a Christian faith to the members of Generation Y in Australia through a Pauline pastoral theology of mission. Hence, this thesis aims:

1. To provide a theological hermeneutic of pastoral mission that may be a partner in dialogue with other approaches to ministry among Generation Y.

2. To assist the Christian churches in their consideration of some of …

Ireland: A Branding Phenomenon? An Examination Of "Ireland The Brand"., Sarah O'Mahony

Theses

This study is an examination and assessment of the branding phenomenon, ‘Ireland the Brand’. An investigation into the current image of ‘Ireland the Brand’, was conducted as part of this research study, focusing particularly on the aspects of the brand relating to the foreign direct investment sector (Ireland Inc.), and the Irish tourism industry brand (Tourism Brand Ireland). Many events and aspects of Irish history contributed to the subsequent awareness of the values of ‘Ireland the Brand’. It included the Great Famine, which led to mass emigration, marking the beginning of a substantial Irish community abroad, the Irish diaspora. Also, …

Cork City : The Untapped Tourism Potential, Frank O'Sullivan

Theses

This research focuses on Cork City and the attributes of the city, which possess the ability to enhance the tourism product, yet remain largely ignored. The study includes the opinions, perceptions and analysis of key figures in the local tourism industry. The study highlights the key promotional bodies representing Cork City as a tourism destination and their shortcomings.

The research delves into the initiatives and projects charged with enhancing the tourism product. The access providers are examined in terms of their significance and contribution to the local tourism market. The impact of the European Capital of Culture is analysed. Cork …

Born Under A Lucky Chinese Sign, Just Wish I Was Chinese., Suzanne Newsham

Theses

This thesis is a cumulation of my life and my career as a student at Lindenwood University. Each essay is a comedic peek into the chaos that is my life. I was heavily influenced by the writing styles of David Sedaris and Sloane Crosley. Their views and easy read style of writing influenced me to write the same type of stories.

The first essay speaks to the influence that my parents had on me by making me feel overly loved and accepted even though I was adopted. "Not a dirty word in my house."

I continue with various lengths of …

Past Due: A Collection Of Poems, Byron Lee

Theses

"Past Due" is a co1lection of poems written almost entirely in free verse and almost exclusively based on personal experience. I find, at least at this point in my growth as a writer, that when I try to adhere to poetic structure, I feel confined. My style is sparse because I feel that this aesthetic best cuts to the emotion I'm trying to convey. I also love playing with line breaks, since I find that doing so can give several lines in a poem their own statement, like each poem makes its own statement even when bound in a co1Iection …

Viral Marketing In Tertiary Level Educational Establishments, Vicky O'Sullivan

Theses

Technological evolutions, principally developments in electronic and digital social media, have introduced new marketing paradigms, such as viral marketing. Viral marketing is a relatively new phenomenon which offers marketing practitioners significant opportunities to reach target audiences in a credible and attention grabbing way.

Students have rapidly adopted new social technologies, and they use these media to enrich existing offline personal relationships that they have with friends within their tertiary level environment. Students have a predilection to forward messages to friends, and value messages they receive from friends. This is because students trust friends, and also believe that friends will know …

Seven Hour Education, Amy Recktenwald

Theses

Seven Hour Education is a hybrid of a collection of personal essays, and a short memoir. It chronicles my experience at the death of my son, Nicholas, and the resultant aftermath, some of which has come still years later. At times the material is contradictory in content and emotion, but this is to be expected as grief is a conflicting and fluid state of being. Much of the writing focuses on the "unexpected," situations and considerations most people aren't aware of in the life and perspective of the recently bereaved.

"Seven Hour Education" narrates the even of my son's birth, …

The Fair Information Principles: A Comparison Of U.S. And Canadian Privacy Policy As Applied To The Private Sector, Shane Crounse

Theses

U.S. consumers are worried about their privacy and their personal information. High profile cases of identity theft involving companies losing the private information of hundreds of thousands of customers have only served to elevate the mistrust consumers have for companies that collect and share their personal information. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is charged with protecting U.S. consumers from fraud, deception, and unfair business practices in the marketplace; a task made difficult by an overarching need to balance the rights of the individuals against the security needs of the country and the free flow of information required by a free …

Adolescent Technology Usage During Sleep-Time: Does It Influence Their Quality Of Sleep, Attention Difficulties And Academic Performance?, Kristin Dehmler

Theses

Many adolescents use the Internet, cell phones, television, and computer and video games on a daily basis. Therefore, an important question for educators is: how is technology affecting adolescents' quality and quantity of sleep, their attention difficulties, and their academic performance? The purpose of the current project was to examine the relationships between adolescent self-reports of technology usage, sleep patterns, attention difficulties and academic achievement. Results indicated that nocturnal technology use has a negative impact on adolescents' quality and quantity of sleep. Furthermore both technology use in general and reported attention difficulties have a negative impact on adolescents' academic achievement. …

Layering, Aimee Pickett

Theses

It is my belief that furniture has the potential to store worlds. It can protect the china inherited from a grandmother. It can display porcelain bowls collected on a trip through Asia. It can bear the scratches from a pet, or carry the hallmarks of its previous owner. These are merely a few examples of how furniture can store personal history. In the same vein, I believe that a piece of furniture has the potential to become a metaphor of oneself through daily interaction. Ideally what is chosen for a home reflects one self, and as a result each home …

Assessing Instructional Strategies At Barbados Community College Hospitality Institute In A Dynamic Global Environment, Juiann Young-Lovell

Theses

Today, there are educational institutions whose offerings highlight the value of a blended learning experience. Such organizations design their curricula to enhance students' knowledge, skills and attitudes. These institutions integrate several elements into the learning experience. The subject mater is taught, provision is made for students to practice and this all takes place in the traditional or virtual classroom or in a real world setting. Instructional practice is the bridge between the student and the teacher. At the Barbados Community College Hospitality Institute (BCCHI), there is no evidence that the faculty has conducted formal assessment of the organisation's instructional practices …

Environmental Enrichment Effects On The Activity Of A Nearctic River Otter, Kenneth O. Nelson

Theses

Environmental enrichment has been used to identify and change a stimulus in a captive environment to increase the animal's welfare by bring out species-appropriate behaviors and combating stereotypic behaviors. One captive North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) was presented four enrichment initiatives (live fish, frozen fish, swim tube, PVC scent tubes) in a random order and placement throughout the exhibit. Baseline data showed that the otter preferred to spend mornings in the lower level of the exhibit and the afternoons in the upper level. Food initiatives (i.e. live fish, and a lesser degree frozen fish) were most effective in deterring …

The Relationship Between Hotel Managers’ Communication Styles And Subordinate Employee Attitudes And Personal Relationships, Tess Kittelberger

Theses

Assertiveness and responsiveness are two qualities managers must possess to maintain an organizational work environment with employees. Using McCroskey and Richmond’s Assertiveness-Responsiveness test, subordinate employees’ perceptions of their managers’ communication styles were assessed to determine if there was any relationship with employee perceptions and personal relationships with managers. Subordinate employees at the Holiday Inn Rochester Airport and the RIT Inn and Conference Center served as a convenience sample. The results show that overall, employees like more responsive managers. Although statistically nonsignificant, assertiveness was positively related to having a good relationship. The results, overall, indicate that the assertiveness and responsiveness relate …

Customer Satisfaction : The Case Study Of A Service Company, Emre Ilkme

Theses

This research was undertaken in Derichebourg Multi services to gain an understanding of customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction and improving the customer service are important as this serves to create loyal customers in the business, since market competition has increased. If a company fails to respond to the customer needs and expectations, the satisfaction will not be provided and so customers will lose loyalty to the company and may eventually change the companies altogether. Thus, the importance of customer satisfaction and related subjects has been highlighted in this research. Satisfaction causes have been identified and the recommendations made to increase the …

Socially Responsible Advertising In The Fashion And Cosmetic Industry : The Female Consumers’ Perspective, Christine Murphy

Theses

This study explores the portrayal of women in advertising in the fashion and cosmetic industry. While traditionally, companies have employed the use of highly attractive thin women known as the thin ideal in their advertisements, there have been some moves in the industry towards the use of women of various ages and sizes in an attempt to celebrate female beauty as a whole instead of focusing on the thin ideal. This has been in response to criticisms of the industry as dominant contributors to high levels of negative body images, dissatisfaction, extreme dieting and eating disorders among girls and women. …

The Organisational Impact Of Outsourcing On Multinational Businesses Operating In Ireland, Veronica Perdisatt

Theses

This study is an examination and assessment of the effectiveness of outsourcing arrangements currently employed by a sample of multinational organisations operating in Ireland. Informed by previous research, this study employs field research in the form of interviews with experienced and successful practitioners in the outsourcing industry. The study responds to issues of focus, which include the analysis of benefits of outsourcing programs, barriers to achieving outsourcing benefits and identification of unexpected or indirect impacts of outsourcing. This research highlights that from the perspective of operating from a small open economy, outsourcing is one strategy that organisations are increasingly adopting …

Participation And Determinants Of Physical Activity Amongst Irish 3rd Level Students., Jonathan Lerner

Theses

Currently, there is a dearth of research investigating physical activity patterns among Irish third level young adults (17-22 year olds). Both national and international research report that levels of physical activity decline in adolescence, this trend being most pronounced among females. Various biological, psychological, social, and environmental determinants have been found to influence physical activity; however, specific factors associated with the decline in activity during adolescence remain largely unknown. This research study examines participation and determinants of physical activity among Irish third level students.

A “National questionnaire” was administered to a sample of 532 students from Health Education Authority (HEA) …

Information Brokerage - A New Approach Using Knowledge Management, Robert Loew

Theses

Traditional knowledge management attempts to store the total enterprise knowledge into IT related structures, but knowledge management strategies should focus also on people and organisations and not just on technology.

This can be addressed in part by communicating knowledge between people, in and across organisations. Such communication focuses on the development and exchange of people’s experience.

This thesis introduces a hybrid knowledge management solution consisting of an automated system that includes people: employees, experts and Knowledge Brokers (KB). The hybrid concept supports the identification of suitable people for certain topics of discussion. Further, it supports the knowledge communication process by …

Renovating A Control Engineering Laboratory For Enhanced Learning, David Hamilton

Theses

In an attempt to both place the student at the centre of the learning process and thus improve student engagement with the discipline, and to incorporate professional skills into the engineering curriculum at the module level, an enquiry based learning (EBL) component to enhance teamwork, problem solving skills and the student’s ability to learn independently was developed using current best practice in teaching and learning. As EBL is not widely used in engineering curricula in CIT, a pilot scale three week trial was performed during the academic year 2007-08 to evaluate the appropriateness of the pedagogy and student reactions to …

Generating Sustainable Weight Loss: Investigating The Efficacy Of A Behavioral Based Weight Loss Intervention, Michael James Bordieri

Theses

Two thirds of Americans are overweight or obese. Traditional obesity interventions (e.g. drug therapy, diets, behavior therapy) generate moderate short-term weight loss but have little evidence of long-term weight maintenance. The cultural phenomenon of "yo-yo dieting" mirrors empirical findings which suggest that weight loss, albeit demanding, is a far easier process to target than weight maintenance. The present study sought to evaluate the efficacy of an acceptance based behavioral intervention designed to generate improvements in psychological health and quality of life in obese and overweight adults as well as encourage gradual and sustainable weight loss. The therapy package combined the …