Digital Commons Network^™

Development Of A Long Range Wireless Sensor Platform, Daryoush Bayat

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Wireless Sensor Networks have emerged as an exciting field in recent years. There have been numerous studies on how to improve and standardise different aspects of wireless sensor networks. This paper aims to develop a wireless sensor network suitable for environmental monitoring applications. More specifically this paper aims to address the limited communication range of the existing wireless sensor technology. In order to achieve the desired objectives, we have initially developed a hardware platform and then integrated the hardware with a long range RF radio module to achieve the goals. The system is further enhanced with mesh networking capabilities to …

They Reckon I Need A Dramaturg : Examining The Value Of A Dramaturg To Both The Playwright And The Professional Theatre Company In Australia, Polly Low

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This thesis examines aspects of dramaturgy delivered by a dramaturg, and the practical contributions of dramaturgs to both the writer and the theatre industry in Australia. It investigates elements of the working relationship between dramaturgs and playwrights, looks at the chameleon-like nature of the theatre dramaturg and examines how Australian writers, directors and dramaturgs perceive the role/s of the dramaturg. The thesis is partly a reflective investigation of personal practice, partly an historical investigation of the emergence of Australian ideas about dramaturgy, and partly an active investigation into what can help to make a constructive playwright/dramaturg relationship. A major aim …

Purification, Characterisation And Applications Of A Cloned Staphylococcal Bacteriophage Lysin For The Control Of Multi-Drug Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Including Mrsa, Mark Fenton

Theses

The work presented in this thesis focuses on the purification, characterisation and practical applications of an anti-staphylococcal lysin (LysK) and its single-domain truncated derivative (CHAP_k) against pathogenic staphylococci including meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Both proteins were purified to greater than 90% homogeneity. Affinity chromatography was applied as the optimum method for LysK purification and ion-exchange chromatography was successfully applied to CHAP_k. The lytic spectrum of LysK was investigated by zymogram analysis where the enzyme exhibited strong activity against a range of staphylococci regardless of their origin, sequence type (ST) or antibiotic resistant profile. This analysis …

Monitoring And Improving The Effectiveness Of Quality Control And Quality Assurance In Road Construction At Al-Ain Municipality, Mohammed Muftah Sultan Al Aryani

Theses

A good roads network has an important bearing on the economic growth of the country. Construction of quality roads, which is considered a primary objective of any highway agencies and contractors, requires concerted efforts on many fronts. Over the past several years, agencies have been working with the construction industry to implement Quality Assurance/Quality Control activities (QA/QC) in an effort to improve the quality of highway construction. They are used as a mean to describe the materials, workmanship, and other general requirements for the project that the highway agencies expect from the contractors. Good specifications should be easy to understand …

Design Of A Centralised Anaerobic Digestion Plant In Ireland., Diarmuid O'Meara

Theses

Climate change is brought about by greenhouse gases emitted to the earth’s atmosphere by fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources are seen as an alternative to fossil fuels. Examples of renewable energy sources are biofuels which are a method of reducing the emission of greenhouse gases. One form of biofuels is biogas that is produced during the anaerobic digestion process. In this thesis pig slurry is used to produce biogas.

In this project, the optimum design process for a centralised anaerobic digestion plant was established in the literature review, The optimum process for anaerobic digestion plant design in Ireland was investigated. …

Azerbaijan: How Equitable Is Access To Higher Education?, Rashan Aliyev

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

This paper aims to shed light on some of the issues that impede the development of higher education sector in Azerbaijan, focusing on the growing inequality in the educational outcomes at the secondary level and the ensuing unequal access in higher education. It assesses the performance of the education sector in the Republic of Azerbaijan in terms of ensuring equitable access in higher education (H.E.) across the country. A comparison of university admission rates among different groups in question acts as a fairly good proxy for most aspects of equity in access in higher education. For that reason, this analysis …

Institutional Discrimination Against The Minority Groups In Bosnia And Herzegovina: Barrier To Eu Membership, Bedrudin Brljavac

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

extensive European Union-related reform process, the country is still facing serious democratic deficit. In particular, the post-Dayton public sphere has been dominated by ethno-nationalist political elites which are doing everything to exclude non-nationalists and members of minority groups from the decision-making process. This is a clear paradox since one of the main objectives behind the integration of the European countries into the European Community was to reduce disintegrative and dangerous influences of nationalists and establish a peaceful, prosperous, and secure community. In this article, we analyze the process of the post-Dayton ethno-nationalization resulting in a widespread discrimination against the so-called …

What The Spiritual Caregiver Should Know While Dealing With Survivors Of Ethnic Violence, Nazila Isgandarova

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Ethnic cleansing and genocide are different terms but both involve violence as a main tool, and many women and girls suffer from this kind of violence. The challenge for the spiritual caregiver is to define the major emotional turmoil of the patient and offer a helping hand. The main terminology involves the words „ethnic cleansing‟, „genocide‟ and „violence.‟ The case study is the Khojali genocide, which was recognized in the US Congress as the “biggest tragedy of the year” (Extensions of Remarks from Congressional Record E463). The paper discusses the role of spirituality and the major spiritual challenges of the …

Calorific Values Of Building Materials And Their Effect On The Structural Environment, Graham Doyle

Theses

As materials are seen to be a distinct source of fire and to avoid the destructive effects of fire to people and the environment, there is certainly a need for an assessment of building materials, internal finishes and contents to be conducted in a fire engineering context. This report examines the effect of these materials on the structural environment with a view of ultimately determining compartmental fire loads.

Research has shown that there is a significant lack of information available in regards to the calorific values of materials, and in particular building materials. In addition, material calorific values and generic …

Does Marketing Have An Image Problem? An Empirical Study In To The Opinion Of Marketing From The Perspective Of Business And Consumers., Tony Ferguson

Theses

In the 50 year period since the marketing concept was first introduced to business strategy, we have witnessed a shift from the post-World War 2 austerity of supply shortages, to a modern day consumerist society, where maturing markets and an excess supply of goods and services pose serious challenges, in a highly competitive business environment. As competition has intensified, businesses have endeavoured to differentiate themselves from their competitors. Billions of dollars have been invested in research to gain an insight in to what motivates a highly sophisticated and increasingly cynical consumer. These challenges have been exacerbated since 2008, by the …

A Machine-Learning Approach For Workflow Identification From Low-Level Monitoring Information, Thorsten Stein

Theses

Knowing which workflows are executed within Service Oriented Architectures (SOA) is essential for successful IT management. In many cases, SOAs grew out of previous existing IT architectures; existing components are used as single services and therefore as parts of newly created workflows. Since such workflows consist of newly developed and legacy services, traditional workflow management systems often cannot be applied. This thesis presents a method for gathering information about the executed workflows within such heterogeneous environments. An implementation of a framework is presented. This framework allows the training of machine-learning algorithms with workflow models and the mapping of low-level monitoring …

Composition - Structure - Property Relationships In Strontium / Zinc Doped Glass-Ceramics., Mark Looney

Theses

Calcium silicate ceramics are amongst a group of ceramic materials currently utilised as bone graft materials. However, current calcium silicate grafts offer little therapeutic potential and poor mechanical properties. The objective of this project was to examine the composition-structure-property relationships arising from the incorporation of therapeutic ions of strontium (Sr) and zinc (Zn) into calcium silicate glass-ceramics (GC) in order to allow for healthy bone regeneration and antibacterial efficacy. Five compositions were studied with varying mole fractions of Sr and Zn. The GC’s were characterised using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), x-ray diffraction (XRD) at room and ascending temperatures, x-ray tomography …

Semi-Automatic Management Of Knowledge Bases Using Formal Ontologies, Andreas Textor

Theses

This thesis presents an approach that deals with the ever-growing amount of data in knowledge bases, especially concerning knowledge interoperability and formal representation of domain knowledge. There arc multiple issues that must be addressed with current systems. A multitude of different formats, sources and tools exist in a domain, and it is desirable to develop their use further towards a standardised environment. Such an environment should support both the representation and processing of data from this domain, and the connection to other domains, where necessary. In order to manage large amounts of data, it should be possible to perform whatever …

Composition-Structure-Property Relationships For Experimental Composite Nerve Guidance Conduits, Xiaofang Zhang

Theses

Many Nerve Guidance Conduits (NGCs) have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an alternative to nerve autografting for guiding peripheral nerve regeneration. However these materials offer little therapeutic potential for favourable axon growth environment, and difficulty in balancing the mechanical properties and the degradation rate of the implanted material is also a contemporary challenge. This project involved the design of experimental composite NGCs comprising glass particles and Pluronic FI27 in the copolymer (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)) and examined the composition-structure-property relationships for such materials. Three glasses (0.5Si-(x) Na-0.2Ca-0.13Zn-(0.17-x) Ce) (0.0.04 > x > 0.14) were produced. Glasses were characterised using …

A Qos Aware Framework For Wireless Sensor Networks In Industrial Environments, Berta Carballido Villaverde

Theses

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are a key enabling technology for industrial monitoring applications where the use of wireless infrastructure allows high adaptivity and low cost in terms of installation and retrofitting. Although WSNs present several advantages over traditional wired monitoring systems, there is significant concern as to the reliability of wireless communications due to the unpredictability of the wireless channel, which is inhibiting the widespread adoption of the technology. Furthermore, due to the diverse range of monitoring applications that are found in industrial environments and their differing requirements, there is a need for quality of service (QoS) provisioning so that …

Semi-Rigid Steelwork Connections, Conor Murphy

Theses

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

Miniature Embedded Module For Prognostic Health Monitoring (Phm) Of Electronic Systems, Liam Moore

Theses

Sensing systems for reliability prognostics are used extensively in life- and mission- critical electronics systems. They allow monitoring of reliability stresses in real time and scheduling of preventative maintenance before system failure. However, reliability prognostics systems are, in general, large and expensive and cannot be used in lower cost, small sized or portable products.

This thesis presents a sensing module for reliability prognostics which is only 1cm in volume and uses only commercial off-the-shelf components. In its 1cm package, the module combines all the necessary elements to act as an embedded prognostic sensor system for multi axial strain, vibration, humidity …

Protection Of Embedded Systems For Applications Involving High Loading Rate Mechanical Forces, Amjad Alsakarneh

Theses

This thesis describes the development of a methodology to optimise the dimensions and mechanical properties of force-absorbing layers surrounding miniaturised embedded electronic modules subject to high mechanical compressive/impact forces and vibration. While much has been published on the mechanical protection of electronic systems in larger scale applications, where traditional mechanical shock absorbers and springs can be used to protect the electronics, little has been published on the mechanical protection of miniature electronic modules embedded in smart structures and materials where traditional methods of mechanical protection are not feasible. The generalised system concept used in this thesis is of module encapsulation …

Geotechnical, Environmental And Regulatory Aspects Of Brownfield Development, Martin Casey

Theses

Brownfield sites are a common feature of the urban landscape, have significant development potential and when remediated are the catalysts for urban regeneration. However, site specific information regarding geotechnical and environmental aspects of the site, including regulatory issues are needed in terms of bringing the land back into beneficial use. This research project discusses current Irish practice and regulation in respect of brownfield development. A comparison is made between Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the European Union in this regard. A review of all available literature indicates a number of shortcomings in respect of the geotechnical, environmental and regulatory aspects …

Efficient Contracting Between Foreign Investors And Host States: Evidence From Stabilization Clauses, Sam Halabi

Articles, Chapters in Books and Other Contributions to Scholarly Works

Bilateral investment treaties are agreements between sovereign states that give broad protections to investors and investments made within the jurisdiction of the other state. The prevailing view in the academy and practice is that developing countries sign bilateral investment treaties in order to reassure investors from developed states that their investments will be safe from changes in domestic law. Without these "credible commitments," investors would be deterred from making investments, depriving developing countries of foreign capital. This Article disputes that view by demonstrating that foreign investors and host states effectively contract around the risk of changes in the law. This …

Scaling Properties At Freeze-Out In Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collisions, M. M. Aggarwal, Z. Ahammed, A. V. Alakhverdyants, I. Alekseev, J. Alford, B. D. Anderson, S. Bueltmann, I. Koralt, D. Plyku, Star Collaboration

Physics Faculty Publications

Identified charged pion, kaon, and proton spectra are used to explore the system size dependence of bulk freeze-out properties in Cu+Cu collisions at √sNN=200 and 62.4 GeV. The data are studied with hydrodynamically motivated blast-wave and statistical model frameworks in order to characterize the freeze-out properties of the system. The dependence of freeze-out parameters on beam energy and collision centrality is discussed. Using the existing results from Au + Au and pp collisions, the dependence of freeze-out parameters on the system size is also explored. This multidimensional systematic study furthers our understanding of the QCD phase diagram revealing the importance …

Design Of Superconducting Multi-Spoke Cavities For High Velocity Applications, C. S. Hopper, Jean R. Delayen

Physics Faculty Publications

Superconducting spoke cavities have been designed and tested for particle velocities up to β₀ ~ 0.6 and are currently being designed for velocities up to β₀ = 1. We present the electromagnetic designs for two-spoke cavities operating at 325 MHz for β₀ = 0.82 and β₀ = 1.

Higher Order Mode Properties Of Superconducting Two-Spoke Cavities, C. S. Hopper, Jean R. Delayen, R. G. Olave

Physics Faculty Publications

Multi-Spoke cavities lack the cylindrical symmetry that many other cavity types have, which leads to a more complex Higher Order Mode (HOM) spectrum. In addition, spoke cavities offer a large velocity acceptance which means we must perform a detailed analysis of the particle velocity dependence for each mode's R/Q. We present here a study of the HOM properties of two-spoke cavities designed for high-velocity applications. Frequencies, R/Q and field profiles of HOMs have been calculated and are reported.

A Training Program To Equip Local Churches For Small Group Evangelism In The East Ghana Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists, Kwasi Ansah-Adu

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Many Adventists in the East Ghana Conference like others in the global church erroneously perceive ministry as limited to activities at the church premises on the Sabbath or specific programs or events like a three-week evangelistic series, rather than a lifestyle. Even so few participate in ministry leaving the bulk of the membership in the pew as spectators.

Method

My research was based on the study of the Bible, E. G. White counsels, literature on church growth, statistics on growth trends of the East Ghana Conference, and the church in Ghana, as well as my personal journey as a …

Breaking And Moving Hotspots In A Large Grain Nb Cavity With A Laser Beam, G. Ciovati, A. Gurevich, C. Baldwin, K. Jordan, P. Kneisel, S. Zhang, G. Nemes, M. Morrone, S. Anlage, L. Turlington, K. Wilson, G. Cheng

Physics Faculty Publications

Magnetic vortices pinned near the inner surface of SRF Nb cavities are a possible source of RF hotspots, frequently observed by temperature mapping of the cavities outer surface at RF surface magnetic fields of about 100 mT. Theoretically, we expect that the thermal gradient provided by a 10 W green laser shining on the inner cavity surface at the RF hotspot locations can move pinned vortices to different pinning locations. The experimental apparatus to send the beam onto the inner surface of a photoinjector-type large-grain Nb cavity is described. Preliminary results on the changes in thermal maps observed after applying …

Tof-Sims Analysis Of Hydrogen In Niobium, From 160°K To 475°K, P. Maheshwari, G. R. Myneni, G. Ciovati, C. Zhou, F. A. Stevie, J. M. Rigsbee, D. P. Griffis, A. D. Batchelor

Physics Faculty Publications

Niobium (Nb) is the material of choice for superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities due to its high critical temperature and critical magnetic field. Interstitial impurity elements such as H directly influence the efficiency of these cavities. Quantification of H in Nb is difficult since H is extremely mobile in Nb with a very high diffusion coefficient even at room temperature. In the presented work, Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) was used to characterize H in Nb over a wide temperature range (160°K to 475°K) in situ to check for changes in mobility. Multiple experiments showed that as …

Design Of Superconducting Parallel Bar Deflecting/Crabbing Cavities, Jean R. Delayen, Subashini De Silva

Physics Faculty Publications

The superconducting parallel-bar cavity is a deflecting/crabbing cavity with attractive properties, compared to other conventional designs, that is being considered for a number of applications. We present an analysis of several designs of parallel-bar cavities and their electromagnetic properties.

Crab Crossing Consideration For Meic, S. Ahmed, Y. Derbenev, Geoffrey A. Krafft, Y. Zhang, Subashini De Silva, Jean R. Delayen, A. Castilla

Physics Faculty Publications

Crab crossing of colliding electron and ion beams is essential for accommodating the high bunch repetition frequency in the conceptual design of MEIC – a high luminosity polarized electron-ion collider at Jefferson Lab. The scheme eliminates parasitic beam-beam interactions and avoids luminosity reduction by restoring head-on collisions at interaction points. In this paper, we report the possible crabbing schemes and requirements for both electron and proton beams.

Crab Crossing Schemes And Studies For Electron Ion Collider, S. Ahmed, Y. Derbenev, V. Morozov, A. Castilla, Geoffrey A. Krafft, B. Yunn, Subashini U. De Silva, Jean R. Delayen

Physics Faculty Publications

This report shows our progress in crab crossing consideration for future electron-ion collider envisioned at JLab. In this design phase, we are evaluating two crabbing schemes viz., the deflecting and dispersive. The mathematical formulations and lattice design for these schemes are discussed in this paper. Numerical simulations involving particle tracking through a realistic deflecting RF cavity and optics illustrate the desired crab tilt of 25 mrad for 1.35 MV. Evolution of beam propagation are shown which provides the physical insight of the crabbing phenomenon.

Fundamental And Hom Coupler Design Of The Superconducting Parallel-Bar Cavities, Subashini De Silva, Jean R. Delayen

Physics Faculty Publications

The superconducting parallel-bar cavity [1] is currently being considered as a deflecting system for the Jefferson Lab 12 GeV upgrade and as a crabbing cavity for a possible LHC luminosity upgrade. Currently the designs are optimized to achieve lower surface fields within the dimensional constraints for the above applications. A detailed analysis of the fundamental input power coupler design for the parallel-bar cavity is performed considering beam loading and the effects of microphonics. For higher beam loading the damping of the HOMs is vital to reduce beam instabilities generated due to the wake fields. An analysis of threshold impedances for …