Digital Commons Network^™

Aevum: Personalized Health Monitoring System, Abhishek Swaminathan

Theses

Advancement in the field of sensors and other portable technologies have resulted in a bevy of health monitoring devices such as blue-tooth and Wi-Fi enabled weighing scales and wearables which help individuals monitor their personal health. This collected information provides a plethora of data points over intervals of time that a primary care physician can utilize to gain a holistic understanding of an individual’s health and provide a more effective and personalized treatment. A drawback of the existing health monitoring devices is that they are not integrated with the professional medical infrastructure. With the wealth of information collected, it is …

Fabrication And Analysis Of Multifunctional Carbon Nanotube Electrical Conductors, Andrew Robert Bucossi

Theses

Carbon nanotube (CNT) bulk conductors have been proposed as an alternative material to metals for power and data transmission applications due to their light weight, flexure tolerance, and chemical stability. However, current fabrication technologies prevent bulk CNT wires from matching the electrical properties of individual CNTs, providing opportunity for researchers to improve CNT wire fabrication.

In this work, CNT conductors have been advanced using high-purity laser-vaporized single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Acid dispersion and extrusion of SWCNTs into a coagulant bath was used to fabricate wires and systematic modification of the process has determined that coagulation dynamics govern the resulting …

The Design Of A Debugger Unit For A Risc Processor Core, Nikhil Velguenkar

Theses

Recently, there has been a significant increase in design complexity for Embedded Systems often referred to as Hardware Software Co-Design. Complexity in design is due to both hardware and firmware closely coupled together in-order to achieve features for low power, high performance and low area. Due to these demands, embedded systems consist of multiple interconnected hardware IPs with complex firmware algorithms running on the device. Often such designs are available in bare-metal form, i.e without an Operating System, which results in difficulty while debugging due to lack of insight into the system. As a result, development cycle and time to …

Control Of Pv Connected Power Grid Using Lqr And Fuzzy Logic Control, Samar Emara

Theses

As the contribution of renewable energy to the current power grid is becoming an essential part of the global energy system, it is of critical importance to study the effects of this increased penetration of the renewable sources on the power system. Focusing on solar energy, its intermittent nature makes it difficult to predict the output when connecting to the power grid. Therefore, well-structured control methods should be used to assure a continuous and steady system performance with regard to the system frequency variation.

In this thesis, a PV system is modelled and connected to a grid served by a …

Optimization Of A New Array Noise Tool; Analysis & Interpretation Of Case Studies Of Down- Hole Leak Detection, Moustafa Mahmoud Hassan Ismail

Theses

This thesis is concerned with the optimization and analysis of new array noise tools. Various lab and field case studies are analyzed to test the capabilities and determine the optimum operating conditions of the new tool for leak detection purposes. The purpose of this study is to optimize the logging procedure of real-time array noise tool, selecting adequate gain parameters and frequency band in the processing phase, and to analyze the data acquired through multiple labs and field tests. The study methodology involved the following steps:

1. Performing lab and field tests for the tool in a range of different …

Vrent: A New Interactive & Immersive Rental Space Experience, Wenhan Lin

Theses

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, there are more than 18.2 million college students in the United States, including both out- of-state students and international students (Drew, 2013). While trying to find a space to live is a difficult process for anyone, it is especially painful for international students. Housing agencies are also tasked with providing accurate information to potential tenants coming from different cultural backgrounds, which can be challenging on their part. This project sought to not only solve this problem, but also enhance the experience of house- hunting for international students.

The overall purpose of this …

Social Financing And Payment By Results: Greater Driver In Efficiency, Innovation, And Impact In Tackling Social Problems?, Erin Mathis

Theses

There is mounting pressure on government to provide funding for social services; however, due to budget constraints and complex social issues, this has become a challenge (Social, 2014). With the increase of poverty, behavioral and mental health issues in America, the status quo in the social sector simply will not hold (Shah, 2013). In 2013, fourteen percent of Americans were living below the poverty line (Gongloff, 2014), with one in five children living in poverty (Shah, 2013, p.2). In 2011, under President Obama, the US government decided to try a different method in assisting the high demand for social services, …

C H R O N O S P A C E Living In The Moment: Metaphorical Motion Design, Guan-Huei Wu

Theses

Live in the present. People often put too much emphasis on their past mistakes or planning for what their future may hold. We are living in the present and should focus on “The Now.” The present is the key to our future. Everything that happened in the past has shaped where people are now in the present.

People try to erase all the bad experiences and save only the good ones. However, everything that has happened, both positive and negative, provides some intrinsic value to people. The past is unchangeable. The future is untouchable. The present is what you can …

3d Printing Of Transparent Materials For Optical Applications, Shaunak B. Gandhi

Theses

Additive manufacturing processes have been used to print a variety of polymer, metal, ceramic and composite materials for a rapidly growing range of functional applications involving printed electronics, embedded optical components and sensors. Additive manufacturing (or 3D Printing) techniques such as Stereolithography (SLA) and Inkjet Printing have been used to print stand-alone optical components and interactive optical devices respectively. To date, however, there has been relatively little focus on multi-material printing of components with embedded optical functionality.

This research focuses on printing embedded light-transmitting “pipes” within 3D structures using Fused Filament Extrusion (FFE) and inkjet 3D printing. With FFE, relatively …

Prognosis Of Equine Limb Fractures Based On Type And Location, Megan Gaffney

Theses

Horses are powerful animals: a galloping horse’s forefoot hits the ground with an average of about 2,000 pounds of force. This can result in many kinds of injuries. To work with and love a horse properly, the owner needs to understand more than just grooming and feeding. Owners must understand how the horse operates, particularly the structure and workings of the horse’s legs, to comprehend how a broken leg impairs a horse. This understanding enables the owner to work well with a veterinarian in determining the best course of treatment for an injury.

A review of the current veterinary literature …

Ancient Chinese Tombs: Western Han Dynasty Chapter, Yaling Zhang

Theses

The study of history is one way of preserving human culture. In China, a country with thousands of years long history, a vast number of historical events have been recorded in different literary works, including history books, fictions, biographies, and so on. However, we still need evidence to support or verify those literatures.

One physical evidence are antiques excavated from tombs of different dynasties. The ancient tomb mirrors a micro society of a certain dynasty. This project presented in this study is a 3D environmental design, comprised of four 3D scenes in high quality rendering to show the architecture and …

Automating The Crowd-Mapping Workflow With Deep Learning, Lasith Niroshan

Theses

Maintaining updated maps in an ever-changing built environment is important for supporting modern society in many ways. The usage of online crowdsourced maps in particular has gained importance in a wide range of recent location-based applications (route planning/navigation, urban planning, real estate, tourism, etc). However, both traditional map production methods and updating today’s online maps suffer from early obsolescence due to their largely manual map production/update workflows. Significant research efforts have focused on refining techniques to identify changes in raster satellite images, aiming to improve and streamline map production processes. Concurrently, the surge in Internet usage has led to a …

Assessment Of Clinical And Blood Gas Parameters In Healthy And Diarrhoeic Calves, Patrick Dillane

Theses

Neonatal calf diarrhoea (NCD) is a major problem to calf health worldwide. Metabolic acidosis, electrolyte imbalances are common complications of NCD, consequently, blood gas analysis is regarded as the gold standard test to assess of severity of these abnormalities in diarrhoeic calves. The objective of this research was to develop blood gas reference ranges for neonatal calves accounting for influencing physiological and environmental factors. As this disease is commonly treated by primary producers, previously published clinical assessment scoring chart was also analysed and compared to gold standard blood gas, in addition to next- generation biomarkers for severity diagnosis for NCD. …

The Design, Test And Evaluation Of A Sensing System For Process Analytical Technology (Pat), Trevor Murphy

Theses

Increased globalisation and competitiveness has given rise to a more dynamic and diverse global market that has begun to place incredible strain on manufacturing supply chains. Conventional manufacturing methods such as the batch manufacturing methods employed largely by the materials processing industries i.e. pharmaceuticals, polymers and magnesium processing plants are ill-suited to cope with the demands of today. As products evolve with technological advancements they become more complex to produce and require alternative approaches to manufacturing to ensure product quality while reducing costs and increasing manufacturing efficiencies.

A potential solution to the growing demands on today's supply chain is process …

An Analysis Of Strategic Planning In Delivering Infrastructure In Ireland, Noel Murtagh

Theses

The 2009 recession was the most severe recession in the history of the state and led to bankruptcy and subsequent bailout of the Irish state by the European Union, International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank (collectively known as the 'Troika'}. In this context, this research looked at the role of strategic planning and investigated did Ireland lack a strategic planning perspective in economic development, with a particular focus on the delivery of critical national infrastructure. This research also looked at the impediments to the delivery of infrastructure in Ireland, the benefits to national growth with investment in infrastructure …

‘The Show Must Go On’: Amateur Musical Theatre As A Community Of Practice, Kevin Walsh

Theses

Amateur musical theatre has its roots in long-standing theatre traditions that include both professional and amateur production. Apart from the performance, which is the over-arching goal, participation in amateur musical theatre yields many other personal and social benefits in areas of learning, community and identity, aligning with Wenger’s concept of a ‘Community of Practice’.

Using an analytical framework based on previous studies in this area, this research investigates how amateur musical theatre functions as a ‘Community of Practice’. The research was conducted using an ethnographic case study of two contrasting local amateur productions. Experiential data and details regarding participant interactions …

An Investigation Into Teleworking As A Flexible Working Arrangement In The Irish Private Sector, Elaine Galvin

Theses

This study is based on teleworking in the Irish private sector. The aim of the research study was to assess the impact teleworking has on work-life balance, motivation and performance levels of employees working within the private sector of Ireland. The researcher had a keen interest in the research topic due to two major storms that hit Ireland during late 2017 and early 2018. Storm Ophelia was one of the worst Atlantic hurricanes on record to hit Ireland in 50 years (Siggins, 2017). Storm Emma hit Ireland at the end of February and start of March 2018, this storm was …

Retaining Nurses In The Irish Health Service: What Role Does Human Resource Management Play In Employee Retention?, Aishling O'Gorman

Theses

This thesis focuses on the role of Human Resource Management for employee retention. Given the critical shortage of nurses within Irelands healthcare workforce, the need for first class recruitment and retention strategies is vital. Management should be actively working to attract, recruit and retain nurses within the sector.

In an attempt to investigate the turnover and retention of nurses in the Irish Healthcare workforce research was carried out in the form of surveys and semi structured interviews. The study draws upon a survey gathering both qualitative and quantitative data from 117 nurses currently employed in Irish hospitals. It also draws …

Foreign Direct Investment: A Sustainable Prospect For Irelands Future?, Kieran Stanton

Theses

This research has found that, as a consequence of the recent changes in the approach taken globally to foreign direct investments, Irelands existing model for practice is under threat. This research has focused on the future sustainability of Irelands foreign direct investments and the feasibility of introducing changes to the existing model for practice at local and national levels. Positively, this research has also found that Ireland offers many corporate advantages, including a competitive cost base, a young and educated workforce, low tax regime, membership within the European Union and it remains to be one of the most attractive locations …

Designing And Evaluating The Impact Of An Inclusive Aquatics Training Programme For Aquatic Tutors And Teachers, Lucy Cush

Theses

Every human has a fundamental right to physical education, physical activity and sport without discrimination. To achieve quality physical education, physical activity and sport, the associated support personnel, professionals and volunteers alike should be appropriately enabled through suitable training. For people with disabilities, aquatic activities are a recognised method of developing physical and motor skills, social skills and developing selfesteem (Getz, Hutzler and Vermeer, 2006). Hence, aquatics being the most popular physical activity for people with a disability (Irish Sports Monitor, 2015).

A key factor that determines the success of an inclusive aquatic programme is the aquatic instmctor (Conaster et …

Golf Access For All? An Analysis Of Golf Clubs From A Universal Aceess Perspective Towards The Development Of Case Studies Of Good Practice And Guidelines For Best Policy And Practice, Dominique Wehrkamp

Theses

People with disabilities (PWD) partake less in sport and physical activity than the able-bodied population, thereby putting PWD at a disadvantage in terms of experiencing the health and social-related benefits of an active lifestyle.

This mixed-method study conducted an analysis of Irish golf clubs (n=100) in order to assess their inclusiveness for PWD and gauge the sector’s willingness to become more inclusive. The research utilised an interpretative phenomenological approach in conjunction with a post-positivist research-method consisting of 100 surveys and 6 semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data were analysed thematically and quantitative data were analysed with SPSS Edition 23.

A total of …

Readiness For Assisted Decision-Making: An Exploratory Qualitative Study, Kay Cronin

Theses

Background: Ireland has recently enacted the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015. The enactment of the legislation has allowed Ireland to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (2008). The convention obliges all member states to assist people with disabilities to make their own decisions, with their will and preference taking precedence over what others deem to be in their best interests. Implementation of this legislation requires a change in working practice among health and social care providers to promote autonomy and decision-making among service users. To date, this topic has not been researched in Ireland. …

Preliminary Trajectory Design Using Nuclear Fusion Propulsion For Rendezvous Missions To Jupiter And Saturn, Saroj Kumar

Theses

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Partial Discharge Characteristics In Insulated Twisted Pair Wires, Sri Surya Shankar Neerukonda

Theses

No abstract provided.

Movement, Passion, And Nature's Agency, 1701-1748, Andrea Ferniany Perez

Theses

No abstract provided.

A Numerical Analysis Of The Effects Of Flapping Wing Kinematics On The Aeroacoustics In Hovering Flight, Kabilan Nedunchezian

Theses

Despite the recent interest in flapping wing aerodynamics, the aerodynamic sound generation mechanism of a flapping wing is inadequately understood. In this thesis, the interplay between the wing motion, resulting unsteady aerodynamics, and aeroacoustics of a flapping wing flyer is investigated. The wing motion is varied in terms of the flapping amplitude, pitching amplitude and the phase difference between flap and pitch. The unsteady flow around the flapping wing is numerically calculated using a well-validated Navier-Stokes equation solver. Acoustic pressures are computed using the Ffowcs- Williams and Hawkings equation in a three-dimensional space at varying distances from the wing. Two …

Fourier Transform Infrared Imaging Of Populus Tremuloides Rhizosphere Nutrient Exchange Interactions With Laccaria Bicolor And Pseudomonas Fluorescens, Carli S. Salvador

Theses

Plants form interactions with other symbiotic organisms such as mycorrhizal fungus and bacteria in the rhizosphere; therefore, it is pivotal to understand the nutrient exchange that takes place. In this experiment, Populus tremuloides seedlings were grown on a thin, nutrient dense media for the control as well a limited-nitrogen media. Fourier Transform Infrared Imaging is used in this study to analyze nitrate and ammonium concentrations in the rhizosphere of P. tremuloides with Laccaria bicolor and Pseudomonas fluorescens after 7 weeks of growth. Plants were grown on low-emission slides in the first experiment; however, due to media thickness issues, Polyethylene and …

A Novel Technique To Tilt Radiation Beams In Bowtie Antennas, William D. Ake

Theses

A novel geometrical change is introduced to a broadband bowtie antenna to allow radiation beam tilting without the use of an engineered material. This is done by halving a standard triangular/elliptical bowtie antenna along the horizontal axis of symmetry. This causes an asymmetric current distribution to form, tilting the antenna’s equi-phase line. The location of this equi-phase line determines the amount of tilt provided by the antenna structure, and the line is controlled using the geometrical parameters that form the antenna. This technique may be applied to various antenna structures to achieve a tilted beam. Further bandwidth improvements are realized …

In Communion With Our Brothers : Catholic Clergy And Religious Sisters In The Civil Rights Movement, Shannon Meredith Lampton

Theses

In the history of the civil rights movement there is a great deal of research, narrative, and historiography devoted to African American men and women’s participation, and of the ways African American churches worked in the movement. I researched to find out how the Catholic Church and her people participated in the civil rights movement. My main points of focus were how these men of privilege and women got involved; how the changes in the Catholic Church encouraged or hindered its members’ civil rights’ work; and how historian perceived that work. I learned that the Catholic Church did not change …

Macrostructure And Mechanical Behavior Of Inconel 718 Superalloy Fabricated By A Blown Powder Laser Deposition Additive Manufacturing Process, Chris Hill

Theses

Additive manufacturing (AM) has become a process of great interest to the aerospace world for its potential of fabricating near net shape parts with unique complex geometries. As certain components are being proven to be able to be manufactured with suitable material properties on smaller scale systems, engineers are looking to scale up the size of manufactured components for larger systems. While powder bed AM is limited to the size of components that can be built in the box, other methods can be used to print larger components. This study looks at blown powder AM which is scalable to larger …