Digital Commons Network^™

Recognition Of Prior Learning In Irish Higher Education – A Qualitative Study, Deirdre Goggin

Theses

This study examines why, despite inclusion in national strategy and position papers, the practice of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) remains at low levels in Irish higher education. The study focuses in particular on the recognition of informal and non-formal learning and seeks to elucidate the factors which have most influence on practice. In the Irish higher education context, RPL incorporates prior formal, informal, and non-formal learning which is validated within the context of a specified destination award from level one to ten on the national framework of qualifications (European Commission; Cedefop; ICF International, 2014, p. 3). The research conducted …

Characterisation Of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria (Abu) Isolates And Their Antimicrobial Activity Against Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli (Upec), Ciara Kenneally

Theses

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the most common aetiological agent of community and hospital-acquired urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs caused by E. coli result in considerable morbidity, mortality, and economic loss worldwide due to increasing resistance to antibiotics. Substantial efforts are being made to develop novel alternatives to conventional antibiotic therapies. One approach is the principle of bacterial interference; using low-virulence, or commensal, bacteria to prevent colonisation of pathogens by competing for nutrients, or producing antimicrobial compounds such as bacteriocins. E. coli isolates inducing asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) have been proposed as a therapeutic alternative for UPEC infection. ABU is a …

The Exploitation Of Genomic Information For Dairy And Beef Cattle Breeding, Cliona Ryan

Theses

Genotype information is now available for over 4 million Irish dairy and beef cattle, and is primarily used for parent verification and genomic evaluations. Additional benefits that can be generated from genomic data should be explored to maximise the respective return-on- investment. This thesis investigated novel approaches that leverage genome-wide genomic information in cattle, focusing on using the genotype data to accurately determine breed composition, to quantify the association between major genes and performance traits, and to identify karyotype abnormalities. Furthermore, the value of genotyping for the purpose of identifying genetically superior animals depends largely on the accuracy of the …

A Blockchain-Based Platform For Open Science: A Framework For Transparent And Trustworthy Scientific Research, Rajesh Pandey

Theses

Open science promotes transparency in scientific processes, including open access, incentivization, provenance, open-source tools, metrics, and resource sharing. However, effective management of these processes remains a challenge. This research explores the application of blockchain technology to address key aspects of open science, offering a decentralized and secure platform for secure tracking and independent verification of scientific data across various domains. Additionally, it allows researchers to preregister information, track every step in the research lifecycle, accrue incentives based on downloads and citations, and verify dataset authenticity through blockchain, providing immutable proof of existence at specific time points. We also analyzed the …

Query Augmentation For Information Retrieval (Ir) Using Large Language Model (Llm), Anish Bhusal

Theses

In the context of exponential data growth, the efficient retrieval of information remains a known challenge. One key problem lies in bridging the gap between the search query and the information available. This thesis introduces a framework for information retrieval with the help of large language models (LLMs) along with query augmentation. Given a query, its sub-queries are created, using a fine tuned Seq2Seq (sequence to sequence) model through a technique called knowledge distillation. Different prompting methods are applied to produce an efficient query graph. The graph generated is then fed through a retrieval augmented generation (RAG) pipeline to respond …

Identifying Redox Active Metalloligands For Catalytic Applications With Special Focus On Enabling Photoredox Processes On Cerium(Iii) Centers, Yogesh Lnu

Theses

Terminal cerium(IV)-oxo (CeIV=O) species are known to be highly reactive and tend to oligomerize and degrade organic ligands. This is preventing their application as atomic oxygen radical anion (O.-) transfer reagents. CeIV=O species have been successfully stabilized via non-covalent interactions between the oxo-group and Lewis acids. However, our work is focused on incorporating CeIV=O species into robust polyoxometalates (POMs) to avoid stabilizing the terminal oxo-group and preserving its full reaction potential. Redox-active metalloligands, such as lacunary POMs, have the capability to act as electron reservoirs and promote multi-electron redox-processes as required for catalysis. Therefore, two all-vanadium(V) dodecavanadate, {V12}, metalloligands were …

Characterizing A Web Server Deployed In A Lightweight Kubernetes Cluster In An Iot Computing Environment, Jackson Lawrence

Theses

As the world’s reliance on the internet continues to grow, so does the need for cloud-based computing solutions. These solutions offer a degree of flexibility, scalability, and reliability that traditional computing methods cannot provide. This thesis focuses on characterizing a web server deployed in a lightweight Kubernetes cluster hosted across three Raspberry Pi 4 minicomputers. Characterization metrics include the transfer rate of data from the web server as well as the CPU utilization and power consumption of the Raspberry Pi devices when under load. The background on cloud-based technology is introduced and the tools used in the thesis research are …

Establishment And Validation Of A Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analytical Method For Targeted Metabolomics: Towards Comprehensive Profiling Of Metabolic Signatures, Ayan Barua

Theses

This research aims to establish advanced analytical methods for targeted metabolomics using Gas-Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The focus is on quantifying key metabolites involved in specific metabolic pathways, optimizing sample preparation, and ensuring rigorous validation of method development parameters. By targeting thirteen specific metabolites, the research seeks to enhance metabolite extraction efficiency and analytical sensitivity. Analytical parameters such as selectivity, specificity, range, limit of detection, and limit of quantification were evaluated. This study's findings will contribute to a more precise understanding of metabolic alterations in disease states and improve the robustness of GC-MS-based metabolomics.

Development Of A Simulation Tool For Assessing Electrical Short Risks From Metallic Whiskers On Printed Circuit Boards Using Unity, Joseph Eric Black

Theses

Tin whiskers are metal strands that spontaneously form on tin surfaces and can grow up to a centimeter long. These whiskers can cause electrical shorts by breaking off and landing on circuit boards, yet there is limited simulation and analysis data regarding their shorting probability. This thesis presents a software tool developed using Unity, Blender, and FreeCAD to simulate the behavior of tin whiskers on PCBs. The tool accurately represents PCBs and whiskers, applying various forces to predict whisker landing positions and the impacted metal faces. By importing STEP files of PCBs, the software automatically sets up the simulation in …

Enhanced Suppression Of Stimulated Brillouin Scattering In High Energy Fiber Lasers Through Novel Chaotic Phase Modulation, Zachary Helton

Theses

Stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) poses a significant challenge in the development of high-power, single-mode continuous-wave fiber lasers. SBS occurs when the laser intensity is sufficient to generate acoustic vibrations in the fiber, leading to the reflection of light and limiting the maximum achievable power. Spectral broadening of the laser linewidth is a common SBS suppression technique. This thesis presents a novel approach using sine waves phase-modulated by chaotically generated noise to achieve improved SBS suppression. Experimental results demonstrate that this method achieves flatter and broader optical linewidths compared to traditional white noise modulation, even at lower power levels. This approach …

Ambient Temperature Modelling With Ecostress And Private Weather Stations, Gaurav Khatri

Theses

This thesis explores the development and application of a novel data architecture for predicting ambient temperatures across US cities, focusing on integrating multi-source data i.e. ECOSTRESS land surface temperatures, urban surface properties, and crowdsourced weather data. The methodology is designed for scalability and adaptability across different urban regions, employing rigorous data quality control to enhance prediction accuracy. The validation of this model across diverse urban settings, demonstrated through rigorous RMSE comparisons and spatial mapping, validates its superiority over traditional models. Through experiments in diverse climatic conditions in Madison, Wisconsin, and Las Vegas, Nevada, the study assesses the model’s generalizability and …

Phylogeography, Speciation, And Cryptic Diversity In The Cave Springtail Pseudosinella Spinosa (Entomobryomorpha: Entomobryidae) From The Interior Low Plateau And Appalachian Valley & Ridge Karst Regions, Brendan Cramphorn

Theses

Caves offer a unique opportunity to study the ecology and evolution of life in extreme environments, particularly with respect to understanding patterns of diversity. Most cave-obligate species are dispersal limited and have restricted ranges, often endemic to a single or a few cave systems. However, a few species have particularly broad distributions suggesting that they either are not dispersal limited or perhaps represent a species complex of morphological similar but genetically distinct species. In this thesis, I explore morphological variation, phylogeography, and possibly cryptic diversity in Pseudosinella spinosa, a cave collembolan (springtail) that inhabits the Interior Low Plateau and Appalachian …

A Multi-Decadal Analysis Of Urban Heat And Pollution Islands In New Delhi, India, Saumya Omala Yamineni

Theses

New Delhi, India's capital, is a mega-city with complex urban environments and significant Urban Heat Island (UHI) and Urban Pollution Island (UPI) footprints. Over the past two decades, the city has experienced steady urban growth, increased land cover and green spaces, and rising pollution from local and interstate sources. Currently, a comprehensive multi-decadal analysis of the co-evolution of UHI and UPI in New Delhi is lacking. Such an analysis was conducted using a fusion of in situ data, NASA satellite products, and MERRA-2 reanalysis, reveals: 1) Significant trends of daytime cooling (decreasing by ~ 0.16 ∘C), nighttime warming (increasing by …

Modeling The Impacts Of Land Use/Land Cover Change On Hydrological Dynamics In The Belize River Watershed Using The Soil And Water Assessment Tool, Nina Copeland

Theses

Forest cover loss from land cover/land use (LCLU) change (LCLUC) can alter watershed hydrology. The primary goal of this study was to understand how LCLUC in the Belize River Watershed (BRW) impacted streamflow and related hydrological dynamics from 2000 to 2020 using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). The main objectives were to (1) calibrate and improve the accuracy of the SWAT model using in-situ streamflow data, (2) investigate the predominant LCLUCs leading to forest cover loss in the BRW, and (3) examine changes in streamflow and related hydrological dynamics in the BRW comparing four LCLU scenarios. Findings showed …

An Assessment Of Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene Carolina Carolina) In North Alabama With A Focus On Ranavirus Prevalence And Urbanization, Emma M. Jordan

Theses

Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) are susceptible to many threats, including development, urbanization, and disease. A novel Ranavirus has been attributed to mortality in both captive and wild box turtles, including one known occurrence in a captive box turtle in Alabama, but no further assessment has been made. The aims of this study were to assess if Frog Virus 3-like Ranavirus infects wild box turtles and if its prevalence is related to urbanization in North Alabama, USA. I conducted visual encounter surveys in eight survey areas in North Alabama that occur across a gradient of urbanization and development. Twenty-six …

Analysing The Prevalence Of Servant Leadership Characteristics And Cultural Values In A Uae-Based Multinational And Multicultural Workforce, Richard John Atkinson

Theses

In an increasingly virtual, pandemic-affected working environment, cross-cultural and people-centric leadership approaches are needed. Scholars have explored leadership effectiveness under different conditions and influences. However, in the body of leadership literature, there is scant attention to the variance across cultures for servant leadership to manage workers effectively.

This mixed-methods study explores whether servant leadership relates to cultural characteristics across three different nationalities in a UAE-based multinational organisation, providing a more comprehensive understanding of these relationships and differences and employees' perceptions. The quantitative method is examined using context-specific knowledge and the qualitative method explores the nuances of participant responses making the …

The Perception Of Year 11 Students In Catholic Secondary Schools Towards Christian Service-Learning, Salvatore Pietro De Luca

Theses

The purpose of this research was to firstly, explore the perceptions of Year 11 students in four Catholic secondary schools in Western Australia towards Christian Service-Learning (CSL), and secondly to assist improvement in the delivery of CSL programs through an understanding of the students’ perceptions. The study explored Year 11 student perceptions regarding their understandings of CSL, as well what they perceived to be the benefits, challenges, and impacts of participating in a CSL program. A key informant (KI) from each school provided contextual understanding about the CSL program within their school and how the program is delivered within the …

Ngala Kaditjiny ’Our Culture’, Barbara Bynder

Theses

In this study I explored some of the key components of Noongar cultural practice that remain embedded within Noongar society today yet have adapted, changed, and evolved over time and demonstrate that there remains a sense of duty and commitment among Noongar women to follow cultural values and value systems that determine rights, responsibility, and obligation during the practice of disputes.

The target group for this inquiry is Noongar women, The target group is made up of nine Noongar women who shared their personal story, a group of senior Noongar women called the Kookaburra Club who guided me through the …

Deterring The Digital Dragon, Bryn Lacey

Theses

Australia’s 21st century has been heavily influenced by a growing number of cyber incidents ranging from individuals causing extraordinary damage to state-based attacks from adversary states such as China. Focusing on state actors in the cyber domain, this thesis investigates Martin Libicki’s cyber-deterrence framework, with a specific emphasis on the employment of deterrence by punishment, and applies this concept to the case study of the relationship between Australia and China.

In recent years, Australia has been consistently targeted by sophisticated state-based cyber actors and the Australian Government has appeared increasingly prepared to publicly criticise Beijing as a key security challenge. …

Design-Build Discussions: Coordination Practices In Design-Build Education Projects, Michael James Phillips

Theses

Design-build projects involve guiding a group of participants through the collaborative process of designing and constructing an architectural outcome while offering relevant learning opportunities. Guidance is often delivered intuitively through discussions between coordinators and participants, which integrate learning opportunities with activities that advance the development of the outcome. This study explores the discussion-based guidance practices of experienced coordinators, to address a gap in the literature on coordination practices.

As a step towards providing a more diverse range and detailed accounts of designbuild coordination practices, this study examines how experienced coordinators make sense of the design-build process and share their understanding …

Lived Experiences Of Former Secondary School Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Phenomenological Study, Dinoshi Sajivini Keiper

Theses

This study was an exploration of the lived experiences of students with ADHD in the Australian secondary school classroom in identifying factors influencing their learning outcomes. Students with ADHD face short-term issues, such as strained relationships with teachers, peers, and parents, a lack of relatedness and engagement with school, late arrival and absenteeism, and high drop-out rates, leading to poor academic outcomes (Dembo et al., 2016; Fried et al., 2016). In the long-term, their poor academic achievements have led to many other negative outcomes including psychological conditions, under-employment, substance abuse, criminality, and an overall poorer quality of life, causing significant …

First Nations Children: Investigating Elements For A Successful Education Model, Frances Mccarthy

Theses

This study was undertaken at the request of and in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, community members and families, and educators. These First Nations participants allowed the study to explore what might contribute to the creation of a successful model of education for First Nations children to lead them to be successful contributing members of the community.

The cultural interface theory is the theoretical framework used in the design of this research project. Through the implementation of the phenomenographic methodology, knowledge was gathered through semi-structured interviews with participants. By listening and questioning, a picture of the educational …

Uncovering The Link Between Diabetes And Pulmonary Hypertension, Nishant Nundlall

Theses

Background

Diabetes is a common disorder in the general population with most studies focusing on its role on the left ventricle and coronary artery disease, however it effects on pulmonary hypertension (PH) have not been fully studied. There is a pressing need to more completely explore the cardiovascular impacts of diabetes. The impact of diabetes might vary according to the various forms of PH, their predominant contribution is likely to be in PH due to left heart disease (group II, the most common form of PH).

Thus far, most studies have offered a focussed perspective with data from specialised referral …

"Where You Do Not Wish To Go": Petrine Ministry Between Charism And Institution, In The Thought Of Erich Przywara And Hans Urs Von Balthasar, Daniel Uremovic

Theses

Since the First Vatican Council’s solemn definition of papal primacy and infallibility, the Catholic ecclesial consciousness has been shaped by a unique form of devotion to the office of the Supreme Pontiff. While the scope of these charisms had been clearly defined and delimited, a sentiment described as “creeping infallibility” has nevertheless complicated the proper understanding of the Petrine office and its demands on the faithful. Before the episcopal college, local church communities, the laity at large, and the individual churchman, this office has been regularly viewed in tensions that feel the prerogatives either of institution or charism threated. Even …

Challenging The Myth Of Consensus: Irish Australian Voices In Perth During The Great War Conscription Referendums, Alexander Mcclure

Theses

The controversial conscription referendums of 1916 and 1917 in Australia saw a resurgence of religious sectarianism and a perceived entanglement with the aftermath of political violence in Ireland. Examining the voting outcomes in all the Australian states for the referendums may suggest that Western Australia stood against the nationwide trend of rejecting Prime Minister William Hughes’s proposals for compulsory military service. Analysis over the last thirty years has challenged this idea, which is that Western Australia showed a unique, widespread consensus during the Great War period. A greater understanding has developed with the increasing digital accessibility of wartime primary sources, …

The Cumulative Incidence And Site Of Recurrent Metastatic Breast Cancer And Post-Metastasis Survival Of Females With An Initial Diagnosis Of Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer In New South Wales, Sarah Jane Lord

Theses

This dissertation aimed to investigate the population-level incidence, site, and survival of recurrent metastatic breast cancer (rMBC) occurring after stage I−III breast cancer, and changes over time. Breast cancer mortality has declined over the last 30 years due to advances in screening, diagnosis, and treatment. However, the impact of improved cancer care on rMBC is not yet well understood because cancer registries do not routinely report on cancer recurrence (Chapter 1). A systematic review of 20 population-based studies provided evidence of improvements in survival for people with de novo metastatic breast cancer (stage IV at diagnosis) since 1995 in high-income …

Optimising Care For Musculoskeletal Conditions To Reduce Burden On Hospital Emergency Department And Orthopaedic Services, Piers Truter

Theses

Worldwide health care systems are under increasing pressure due to aging amongst ever growing populations with increasing co-morbidity and treatment options (WA DoH, 2019). Furthermore, how people choose to engage with health care and access and literacy for health information is also changing, as is understanding of the factors associated with good health outcomes. These changes are driving evolution in health care delivery. There is a need for high quality and sustainable models of care accompanied by judicious evaluation of impact in terms of health services deliverables and the consumer experience of care. This thesis explores the feasibility and applicability …

Access, Security, And Trust: Balancing Agencies' Need-To-Access Encrypted Data With Digital Security And Public Trust In Australian Government's Policy Approaches To Law Enforcement And National Security, Stephen Anthony Haydon

Theses

In the 21st Century, governments around the world are confronted by the challenges of policing against serious crime, terrorism, and other malicious-actor threats in an increasingly complex and convoluted digital landscape. Accelerating social changes and advances in secure and anonymising technologies (including end-to-end encryption) are providing regular frustrations to law enforcement and intelligence organisations. These agencies must detect, deter, and disrupt the threats to lives, public safety, and national security posed by malicious foreign and domestic actors who are utilising such technologies to communicate securely and ‘go dark’ online. Accessing encrypted data to identify and investigate these threats frequently requires …

Across The Pond, Lisa Larrabee

Theses

"A collection of stories inspired by the author's father; from his earlier childhood in Italy, to his emigration to the US around age 10 and to his adjustment in finding a balance as an Italian-American teen in the 50s, it includes his meeting / falling in love with the author's American mother and the ensuing circumstances of the culture clash from their relationship. This collection includes 5 historical fiction stories that are based heavily on factual stories, which are chronologically connected by 9 non-fiction pieces."

Summer Critical Reading Initiative Helping Talent Search Students Redefine Their College Potential Through Literature, Tania Dominguez

Theses

Despite efforts to improve college access and develop college readiness skills, students are graduating high school unprepared for college. Each year, fewer students choose to enroll or drop out within their first semester of a post-secondary institution after high school graduation. The figures are even more dire for students who are from low-income and first-generation backgrounds. Furthermore, data shows that college-bound participants from federal pre-college TRIO programs are underserved in the most critical time of their high school journey. There is an educational gap in the services that pre-college programs, such as Talent Search, provide students. Educators and college counselors …