Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Characterisation And Optimisation Of Gypsum Crystallization, Catherine H. Shannon

Theses

Gypsum is produced as a by-product during the citric acid production process at ADM Ringaskiddy. The particle size and filterability of the gypsum has a critical bearing on the overall citric acid production rate. Prior to August 1996, research in the area of gypsum crystal optimisation at ADM had concentrated on the application of vortex mixing to perform the gypsum formation reaction. While the gypsum crystals produced with vortex mixing were found to be desirably clear of microcrystalline gypsum, the crystals were considerably smaller and more difficult to filter and wash. This research project sought to retain the advantages conferred …

The Atomic Force Microscope In The Elucidation Of Leukocyte Abnormality, Derbrenn O'Connor

Theses

The aim of this project was to investigate the novel use of the atomic force microscope (AFM) as a technique in the elucidation of leukocyte abnormality. To this end, comparative AFM imaging and elasticity studies were performed on normal and myeloid leukaemic leukocytes.

Initially, an evaluation of techniques for the isolation of specific leukocyte (e.g. lymphocytes, granulocytes, etc.) populations from whole blood or leukocyte concentrates, was carried out. It was found that a silanised glass surface failed to select and immobilise a leukocyte population. However, centrifugation of whole blood in an Isopaque-ficoll gradient solution yielded a viable mixed leukocyte population …

Conjugated Bilirubin Measurement Re-Examined: A New 'Approach'., Aidan Kelleher

Theses

Conjugated bilirubin is an important but difficult metabolite to measure accurately, elevated levels of conjugated bilirubin in the serum are indicative of obstructive jaundice and therefore can be used to discriminate this disorder from other forms of unconjugated hyper bilirubinaemia.

Optimisation Studies In A Batch Pharmaceutical Company, Sarah Fitzgerald

Theses

This thesis outlines a collaborative project between industry and academia based on a short term research contract.

In the past in Eli Lilly, process optimisation in a multi-purpose, modular building had been mainly confined to equipment commissioning and new product development. It was necessary to embark upon an exercise to develop an optimisation programme m order to meet the increased requirements and demands of the building. Increased market demands, through the introduction of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and the demand for cycle time reduction through the expiry of existing patents, made the need for optimisation inevitable.

The purpose of this thesis …

A Comparison Among Older And Younger Caregivers Of Physically Disabled Adults And Their Ability To Handle Stress, Traynette Jenkins-Reese

Theses

This study was designed to determine if there was a significant relationship in the level of caregiver burden and age. Participants consisted of thirty-three individuals who considered themselves to be the primary caregiver for a physically disabled or elderly family member. These thirty-three volunteer caregivers were drawn from those who had a disabled or frail family member receiving services from a local agency. The subjects were asked to complete Zarit's Caregiver Interview Questionnaire. The findings in the study did not produce significant levels to justify rejecting the null hypothesis or to show that there is a relationship between the caregiver's …

The Knowledge Of Dementia Among Nursing Staff Working In Special Care Units, Julia M. Gray

Theses

Dementia is a growing concern among the elder population. Special Care Units in long-term settings are becoming common placements for elders with dementia. The nursing staff within Special Care Units ideally have additional training in dementia. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the knowledge of dementia among nursing staff working in Special Care Units.

The Influence Of Health Care Service Quality On Patient Satisfaction, Mary Ann Hackmeister

Theses

This thesis will concentrate on the delivery of health care services and the influence the level of service quality has on patient satisfaction.

The health care industry continually experiences changes. but the changes that have occurred over the past five to ten years have occurred quite rapidly. These changes have altered the way that patients view delivery of health care services. Those within the industry itself, including physicians, administrators. and staff members, have been faced with many challenges.

From a competitive standpoint alone, today's health care environment is drastically different from the previous decade. Declining revenues for the health care …