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"Fly, Phoenix!": the conception of the poet in English and Irish women poets, 1930-1950
No full textThis thesis serves to address absences in the national canons of and find connections between Irish and English women poets publishing between 1930 and 1950. By examining the publishing conditions, reviews, cultural engagements, and poetic evolution of four poets, I chart how each invented and re-invented themselves in relation to their literary culture. Both Temple Lane and Ruth Pitter took on the role of the public poet and intellectual with engagements with popular culture. Lane used the popularity of middlebrow novels and her education to create a space for her poetry, which gradually grew in directness of critique of Irish literary culture and gender roles, as well as carve a career by literary pursuits. In order to maintain this space, Lane re-invented her poetic persona multiple times as her relationship to the popular and the middlebrow changed. Pitter walked a similar path by engaging with both literary and popular poetry in order to unite her inner vision with the mundane world and adapted her aesthetics as her sense of this developed and evolved through the period. Daryush and Laughton chose more private paths. Daryush used her social position and experience in English literary culture as daughter of a Poet Laureate to restart her poetic career in 1930s and quickly focused her work on the search for an aesthetics and form grounded in tradition that also fitted her female voice. Laughton, who published very briefly in comparison to the others, re-imagined traditionally feminine and domestic images and combined them with Jungian psychoanalysis to convey feminine creative power. Despite these diverse methods for claiming space as poets, the elements of their work that fits pre-existing models of the woman poet were highlighted and used to characterise their work, leading to their devaluation and removal from critical consideration
Underpinning research on the dynamical aspects of one-dimensional nonlinear lattices
No full textThe main goal of this thesis is to provide an atlas of methodologies to tackle discrete systems containing inborn nonlinear contributions. Studies of lattices date back to the late 1800s when scientists of the level of William Thomson (a.k.a. Lord Kelvin), L'eon Brillouin and many others started exploring models of dispersion. Nowadays, applications are widely extended to an uncountable number of research fields, from physics to mathematics, but also engineering and chemistry. There is a trace of nonlinearity everywhere because our world is inherently chaotic, stochastic, and, despite many people not liking the idea, uncontrollable to a certain extent. This research focuses on 1-dimensional strips, namely selected structures composed of masses and springs. The high complexity of the study has its origin in two aspects: the dynamical equations coupling and the nonlinear forcing. In their linear approximation, solutions can be (somewhat trivially depending on the architecture of the problem) obtained as superimposition of decoupled harmonic functions. When the system is perturbed by nonlinear forcing, an analytical solution might not even exist. Our idea takes its shape and finds fertile ground in the celebrated Fermi-Pasta-Ulam-Tsingou chain, or as it is better known, the FPU"T" paradox (acronym derived from the scientists who designed it: Fermi, Pasta, Ulam, and only recently recognised contribution of Marie Tsingou. Note that most of the literature up to 2010 still makes use of the shorter version FPU). The problem is attacked both mathematically and numerically, showing the weaknesses and strengths of several approaches proposed during the last 70 years and proposing new techniques which act as glue between the antipodal dynamical features that the model displays
Ion-Current Rectifying Nanopores in Aprotic Solvent: From Fundamentals to Applications
No full textIon current rectification (ICR) has long been studied in aqueous electrolyte, but remains virtually unexplored in aprotic organic solvent, where ion transport is highly sensitive to both the number and orientation of aprotic solvent molecules at the quartz interface. These particularities are favorable for sensing applications, exploiting changes to solvent ordering at the internal wall in the presence of analytes, as well as more “traditional” modulations of nanopore surface charge through analyte-probe interactions. In this thesis, ICR in confined acetonitrile (MeCN) is explored in detailed fundamental studies, and in an number of applications relevant to the pharmaceutical industry. First, a trace metal sensor capable of picomolar detection is described, which can be used in place of ICP-MS to determine residual metal concentration in organic products of Pd-catalyzed reactions. Additionally, a new detection paradigm based on changes to solvent ordering in the presence of solute is reported. This is based on the high degree of ordering exhibited by MeCN molecules at silica surfaces, which is disrupted in the presence of organic compounds possessing unique solvation shells. This is applied to the determination of enantiopurity in commercial and synthetic samples, with an ability to discriminate mixtures of enantiomers up to enantiomeric excess (ee) values of 99 %. Overall, this thesis demonstrates the remarkable potential of ICR in aprotic solvent as a sensing platform, facilitating a wider range of industrial applications than those for which aqueous nanopore sensors are currently developed, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. The nanopore sensors developed are low-cost, miniaturizable, and simple to use, which is a far cry from the dedicated facilities and highly trained personnel currently required for quality control in the pharmaceutical industry
Money flows and local market dynamics in an Irish rural town and its hinterland, 1850–1875
No full textThis thesis investigates the local market dynamics underpinning the development of post-Famine, rural Ireland (1850–75) through a microstudy of Mohill, County Leitrim. Ireland’s Famine of the late 1840s decimated the rural population, causing high rates of death, disease, displacement and emigration. Despite this, most scholars acknowledge that, for those who remained in the country, income and living standards improved in the twenty-five years after the Famine. The economy grew, agricultural prices increased, a retail sector developed, and new opportunities opened for farmers and a growing commercial middle-class. The small town of Mohill, County Leitrim was one of many in rural Ireland that experienced an increase in commercial trade, even though its population was nearly halved during the same period.1 This thesis investigates the market dynamics that underpinned local economic growth by examining the interdependencies and intertwined structures of the rural economy and society in the period. It addresses a number of under-researched areas of Irish history, including the contribution of middle- class farmers, urban dwellers, and small-town retailers. A multi-disciplinary approach enables the broad historiography of post-Famine Ireland to be examined and interpreted in a way that deepens understanding of a multi-layered and complex society. Throughout, the thesis gives particular attention to the role of women: through deep analysis of census returns and other primary sources, it aims to contribute to new understanding of female proprietorship, agency and economic contribution in the period. Using an adapted circular flow of income model as a framework, the thesis systematically tracks and analyses the money flows between sectors of the economy, including households, enterprise and government. Through quantitative and qualitative analysis of a range of primary sources, it assesses the role of a range of actors and entities within the local economy. For example, it assesses the profitability of farming, shopkeepers’ provision of microcredit, household earnings and spending power for all classes, and the role of government procurement in driving local commerce. It tests the degree to which Mohill was an open economy by investigating Mohill’s engagement with a ‘foreign’ sector, for example through markets and fairs. The research demonstrates the important role played by rural towns and their hinterlands in the development of post-Famine Ireland. Through detailed examination of the lives and livelihoods of a broad cross-section of rural society, the thesis provides new insight into how macro-concepts and national-level statistics, such as land tenure, prices and wage levels, affected the lives of people at micro level. The multi-disciplinary, microstudy approach underscores how local level analysis can both expand and challenge narratives based on national data. The thesis is intrinsically an exploration of the survivorship and resilience of people who found a way to come to terms with the Famine and its highly visible consequences, and to sustain and improve their circumstances and status. It demonstrates the vitality, ambition and entrepreneurship that were present in rural Ireland in the aftermath of the Famine, especially amongst the farming and middle classes, even as poverty continued to be present and persistent, and the poorer classes remained locked in a cycle of insecurity, subsistence wages and powerlessness. By using a combination of a broad range of sources, a microhistory approach, and a multidisciplinary research model, the thesis contributes to our understanding of urban history and rural economic development and provides a foundation for further research. By exemplifying experiences of resilience, survivorship, and recovery, it aspires to have universal resonance, particularly for rural areas emerging from colonisation, famine or other catastrophe.2025-07-07 JG: PDF Replaced at author's request. Embargo removed at author's request
Essays on the Interactions Between Environmental Quality, Health Status, and Human Capital Formation
No full textThis thesis contains three essays on the interconnections between the environment, health and human capital formation. The essays are varied in their focus but are unified by a common goal of providing novel evidence on the interdependencies between natural environments and the societies they support. Chapter 1 motivates the broad research agenda and contextualises the work with respect to existing knowledge. Chapter 2 focuses on the possibility that regional variation in environmental quality experienced early in life can have lasting implications for health and well-being over long time horizons. Specifically, the chapter provides new evidence on the implications of early-life conditions for older adults in Ireland by revisiting a set of public health interventions first studied by Delaney et al. (2011, Journal of Health Economics, 30(1), 1-10). It employs detailed residential history information collected as part of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing to link participants' birth environment to a range of health and wellbeing outcomes in later life that were not previously studied in the context of the reforms. Early-life conditions are proxied by local infant mortality rates at birth. Such rates experienced a significant urban-rural convergence in the mid-1940s that was accelerated by the 1947 interventions. Contrary to previous research for the cohorts exposed to the suite of policies, the analysis reveals limited associations between local infant mortality at birth and any of the dimensions of health or wellbeing studied. Chapter 3 presents novel evidence of the impact of noise pollution generated at major airports across the United States on the academic performance of students who attend schools nearby. The analysis empirically tests the relationship between aircraft noise and local educational attainment by utilising data on average academic performance in standardised tests at the school district level. The chapter's empirical strategy leverages plausibly exogenous variation in noise generated at airports over time due to the introduction of precision technology-optimised aircraft approach procedures, which are hypothesised to have inadvertently increased noise levels below flight paths. Federal Aviation Administration data on the implementation of these procedures is used to characterise their staggered roll-out at airports across the US. The technological development facilitates an investigation of the impacts of noise pollution on local students in a generalised difference-in-differences framework, providing the means to isolate the effect of noise exposure from that of potentially confounding factors such as air pollution. The results suggest that students in school districts below the flight paths subject to these new procedures performed worse relative to those in districts with similar airport proximity but which remained unaffected by the new technology. Chapter 4 asks whether environmental media discourse can impact mental health. Specifically, the chapter examines the relationship between environment-related television news broadcasts and individual-level wellbeing in the UK. Relevant news content is identified using quantitative text analysis and recent advances in semi-supervised keyword-assisted topic modelling. The estimated prevalence of environment-related information is linked to a longitudinal household survey in which its associations with contemporaneously collected individual mental health measures can be tested. The empirical strategy relies on within-individual variation and is aided by continuously rolling data collection throughout the analysis period: 2014-2019. The results do not suggest empirical support for the hypothesis that environmental news adversely affects mental health. The analysis also reveals limited evidence that heterogeneity across socioeconomic groups masks an effect or that a potential impact is moderated by the overall sentiment of the relevant news broadcasts
Elements of Quantum Neuromorphic Learning and Information Processing on Semiconductor Quantum Dot Arrays
No full textThis dissertation presents a comprehensive study of semiconductor quantum computing, offering novel insights into quantum sensing, information processing and neuromorphic learning within the realm of semiconductor quantum dot arrays. Beginning with an introduction to the foundational mathematical principles of quantum information theory such as qubits, Hilbert spaces and density matrices, it sets the stage for the in-depth analyses that follow. The research progresses by investigating the design and characterization of nanoscale single-electron box (SEB) utilizing a floating lead for enhanced quantum sensing capabilities. Through the adaptation of a multi-orbital Anderson impurity model, the study provides a theoretical framework for understanding the SEB’s behavior, identifying limitations and suggesting future improvements. Further exploration into the dynamical multipartite entanglement formation highlights the critical role of quantum information encoding and the impact of metallic leads. Employing advanced quantum models, the research investigates the interplay between qubit encoding strategies and multipartite entanglement, revealing essential trade-offs and the influence of carrier numbers on quantum information scrambling. The dissertation also investigates the detection of topological order and qubit encoding within Su-Schrieffer-Heeger type quantum dot arrays. By proposing models with odd and even parity and examining topological edge states, the research explores novel approaches to quantum information encoding based on topological invariants. This investigation sheds light on the potential for leveraging quantum correlations and topological properties for quantum computing
Exploring the Interplay between Family Factors and Mental Health Outcomes
No full textThis thesis explored the interplay between family factors and outcomes in those experiencing significant mental health difficulties. It reports on a systematic review of the literature surrounding a broad range of family-related factors and their relationship with clinical social, occupational, and relational outcomes in first-episode psychosis (FEP). The review identified 15 relevant studies, which indicated significant associations between family factors and outcomes in FEP. In addition, the review highlighted the need for a model reflecting family distress experienced as a result of FEP and the impact of this on family dynamics and processes. In essence, these findings underscore the importance of reorienting the understanding and priorities surrounding the systemic approach within mental health services to deliver effective support to individuals experiencing FEP and their families. Open Dialogue (OD) is a systemic approach, which supports individuals experiencing mental health crises, and their networks. This thesis reports on an empirical study which explored the feasibility of conducting an RCT to examine the effectiveness of OD approach interventions. Across two sites, fifteen participants were recruited (7 in the OD group, and 8 in the TAU group), constituting 35% of the required sample size for an RCT in this field. A retention rate of 53% was noted, with only 8 participants completing pre- and post-assessments. Substantial obstacles to conducting large-scale research in this area were identified along with potential solutions to overcome those barriers. The overall findings of this thesis outline the significance of integrating the connection between family factors and outcomes into clinical practice. While OD proves effective in supporting individuals and families during mental health crises, a need for further research, with increased sample sizes is indicated, in order to ensure the further implementation of OD across mental health services
Unveiling the Mosaic of Migrant Historic Landscapes in Ireland: The Formation of the Meath Estate and Ballyhaunis
No full textThis PhD research is dedicated to exploring the profound spatial impact of migrants on the formation of Irish landscapes. To achieve this, it investigates two significant case studies: one urban, steeped in historical significance, serving as a testament to the spatial legacy of migration, while the rural counterpart offers a canvas for scrutinising the lived experiences of migrant communities amidst contemporary landscapes. The research analyses the development of the Liberties and Ballyhaunis while focusing on the role and influence of migrants in this process. These dynamics are intricately interwoven with various physical, political, socio-cultural, and economic factors. Employing a multidisciplinary framework that integrates historical analysis of records, maps, qualitative interviews, visual surveys, and observations, the research aims to provide comprehensive insights into the complex interplay of migrancy and landscape formation by fostering an informed appreciation of past and present dynamics. The PhD research advances the discourse by analysing the distinctive spatial impact instigated by migrants, meticulously evaluating its magnitude, quality, and constraints. Whether subtle or substantial, nuanced or pronounced, the imprint of migrant influence remains an integral facet of the evolution of the urban environment. Embracing migrant heritage signifies a dedicated commitment to the preservation and perpetuation of the holistic historic urban landscape. This academic endeavour significantly contributes to the domain of urban history and expands knowledge regarding the formation of the examined landscapes. As we sift through the sands of time and space, this PhD research attempts to craft an inclusive narrative that unveils the mosaic of migrant historic landscapes in Ireland
High Dimensional Functional Data Analysis
No full textThis thesis contributes to the field of high dimensional Functional Data Analysis by addressing three distinct projects. In the first project, multivariate time series curves representing joint movements are analyzed to identify differences between typically developing subjects and those with walking abnormalities like Cerebral palsy or Parkinson's disease. A single-number index is introduced, offering a stable measure of abnormality across various scenarios, that consistently aligns with the clinical gold standard the Gross Motor Function Classification System. In the second project, the Penalized Regression with Partial Differential Equation regularization framework is extended to incorporate mathematical models for linear elasticity, specifically the linear elastic PDE. This extension allows for the estimation of elastic bodies and provides additional insights into displacement, stress, and strains in the x and y directions. The applicability of this framework spans a diverse set of applications such as designing buildings, bridges, mechanical components, and medical devices. The third project introduces a novel application of penalized regression with elastic differential regularization for reconstructing a 3D object from a sampled point cloud. This is demonstrated through an application to 3D facial data. The proposed approach is then compared with established smoothing methods, including Kriging, INLA SPDE, Thin plate spline, and Penalized Regression with the Laplacian and the Diffusion Advection Reaction PDE as the penalty
Cold Plasma interactions with food ingredients functionality
No full textDue to climate change, crops quality is degrading leading to changes in processing parameters. This is compounded by the fact that a third of the world food is wasted or lost . Additionally, the use of chemical and enzymatic treatment for modification or improvement of processed food products functionality is common practice. The use of chemicals can also result in chemical waste giving environmental concerns while the use of green alternatives such as enzymes can be very expensive. These modifications often lead to label amendments. Consumer awareness about food safety has increased tremendously in recent years, with preferences for minimal processing, clean label, pesticides free and chemical residues-free products. Hence, the food industry seeks innovative alternatives to existing processing technologies, specifically tailored to enhance functionality across diverse food systems.
Atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) has emerged as a novel processing technology, with demonstrated efficacy for microbial inactivation. ACP can be designed to be cost-effective, sustainable, non-thermal and offer system and process design versatility. ACP has shown promising results in food safety and preservation applications, food processing, and agricultural applications. However, studies on the effects of ACP and the potential to purposefully modify techno-functional and other properties of foods are sparse. The present study investigates the effetiveness of ACP for modifying food matrice and food ingredient functionality, and explores the subsequent ultilization of the modified ingredients in the development of new products. A sequence of model apple juice matrices of increasing complexity was developed to understand the interactions between spark plasma, apple juice solutions to determine if and how food formulation factots could influence the efficacy of a selected cold plasma process. . The results showed the generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitrates (NO3-) and nitrites (NO2-) species with spark plasma. Nitrite species were short-lived and were not detected after Day 1. A non-linear regression mathematical models was developed to predict the behaviour of H2O2 and NO3- throughout a 28 days shelf life.
The physicochemical, thermal and rheological properties of selected biopolymers was modified using ACP. Improvement in the powder flow properties of sodium alginate and xanthan gum was noted with plasma treatment. Reduction in viscosity of chitosan was observed and increase in average surface roughness of gum arabic was confirmed by SEM imaging. The effect of ACP on physico-chemical and functional properties of wheat flour was examined, where both whole wheat grains and wheat flour were subjected to a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) contained plasma reactor for a range of treatment times (5–30 min) at 80 kV. Plasma treatment increased the flour hydration properties of wheat flour. Furthermore, the effects of ACP treatment on wheat flour on traditional white pan bread development were determined. The bread was formulated using plasma functionalized flour (PFF), and critical product characteristic responses were analyzed. Plasma treatment of flour positively affected the bread's expansion ratio, crust color, and water activity. Farinograph analysis suggests improvement in water absorption capacity, dough development time, and dough stability. The XRMT scans suggested no macro-change in the bread matrix compared to control; however, the porosity decreased in line with the increasing plasma treatment duration of the flour Overall, this study illustrates that non-thermal plasma technology has a great potential as a novel ‘chemical free’ technology which could be used as an alternative to enhance or modify food ingredient functionality. The study's primary findings may be used for further investigations and scale-up of non-thermal plasma technology in anticipation of future industrial uses