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Portfolio of Original Compositions for Various Performing Groups with Detailed Analyses
Get PDFAbstract My main reasons for undertaking this research were to benefit from the wealth of possibilities inherent in contemporary classical music along with creating a substantial body of original work. As a jazz musician and composer with a good understanding of Indian classical music, folk, free improvisation and pop music I felt that learning from and utilising contemporary classical music would greatly enrich my compositional abilities. This research has yielded works with a variety of musical styles and instrumentation; a solo piano sonata that marries serialism with the rhythmic language of Indian classical music, a modern string quartet with a traditional foundation, a contemporary SATB choral piece with piano accompaniment using the text from a Czech poet, a piece for the modern jazz trio ‘White Rocket’ that uses random compositional techniques mixed with Indian rhythms, an orchestral piece influenced by jazz and Indian music and a piece for a mixed sextet influenced by minimalism and African polyrhythm. My main aim was to explore methods and techniques that were unknown to me and to develop my compositional strengths in such a way as to forge a unique and personal language
A scalability study into Server Push technologies with regard to server performance
Get PDFThe dissertation summarises the results of a performance analysis of the use of Node.js (JavaScript) for the execution of high volumes of long-running requests on a single fixed size server. The Node.js performance is compared to a traditional Java threaded model using the industry standard Tomcat 6 and Tomcat 7 hosting environment. The results indicate that Node.js can provide significant performance improvements in this type of task
A finite element study of microstructure-sensitive plasticity and crack nucleation in fretting
Get PDFThis paper is concerned with finite element modelling of microstructure-sensitive plasticity and crack
initiation in fretting. The approach adopted is based on an existing method for microstructure-sensitive
(uniaxial) fatigue life prediction, which proposes the use of a unit cell crystal plasticity model to identify
the critical value of accumulated plastic slip associated with crack initiation. This approach is successfully
implemented here, using a FCC unit cell crystal plasticity model, to predict the plain low-cycle fatigue
behaviour of a stainless steel. A crystal plasticity frictional contact model for stainless steel is developed
for microstructure-sensitive fretting analyses. A methodology for microstructure-sensitive fretting crack
initiation is presented, based on identification of the number of cycles in the fretting contact at which the
identified critical value of accumulated plastic slip is achieved. Significant polycrystal plasticity effects in
fretting are predicted, leading to significant effects on contact pressure, fatigue indicator parameters and
microstructural accumulated slip. The crystal plasticity fretting predictions are compared with J2 continuum plasticity predictions. It is argued that the microstructural accumulated plastic slip parameter has
the potential to unify the prediction of wear and fatigue crack initiation, leading in some cases, e.g. gross
slip, to wear, via a non-localised distribution of critical crystallographic slip, and in other cases, e.g. partial
slip, to fatigue crack initiation, via a highly-localised distribution of critical crystallographic slip with preferred orientation (cracking locations and directions).
� 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved
Beyond Facilitated Learning Network Structures - An Exploration of Evolving Learning Communities in the Micro-Firm Tourism Environment
Get PDFFacilitated networks are regularly cited in the literature as a means to promote sustainable competitive advantage in small tourism firms. These networks function for a variety of reasons including marketing and innovation; however learning networks specifically seek to encourage learning among entrepreneurs. Once established, the question remains whether such networks can transition from facilitated cooperative learning strategies to become independent learning communities in the longer term. Little is known about the formation, maintenance or success of these types of learning relationships after facilitated learning structures and supports reach a conclusion. What is known is that these networks, labelled „Evolving Learning Communities‟ (ELCs) by the author, are devoid of formal structures and consequently autonomy in their structural and relational reasoning is required. This research sought: to explore the elements and relationships that influence individual learning in Evolving Learning Communities, once facilitated learning supports reach a conclusion. A comprehensive review of the literature revealed a number of key themes that were incorporated into a model of ELC learning. The ELC model maps the micro-firm owner/manager‟s learning development, from the autonomous business setting to the facilitated learning network environment and on to the independent learning network arena, illustrating the evolution of a learning community. From an interpretivist philosophical position, a longitudinal interpretive case study method incorporating sub-studies for the purposes of cross-validation sought to establish the potential of an ELC situated in the South West of Ireland, to transition from a Facilitated Learning Network (FLN) setting to an independent learning community. Supporting research techniques comprised observation, interviews, on-going ELC communication review and reflective diary maintenance. The key contribution of this research is the development of an ELC model, which explains the elements and relationships that influence learning at individual, sub-group and community level. The findings suggest that independent learning communities face quite unique learning and development challenges and require quite specific learning supports as a result. As such, the development of the ELC model was a legitimate research exercise. This thesis concludes with a chapter outlining the study‟s contribution to the existing body of knowledge, its research limitations and recommendations for further research
The Influence of an Acute Bout of Resistance Exercise on Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Endothelial Microparticles in Trained Men
Get PDFThe endothelium plays an important role in maintaining vascular homeostasis. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) are cells which take part in endothelial repair and angiogenesis. These EPCs are typically in low circulating numbers in disease states than healthy populations. Endothelial microparticles (EMP) are blebs of endothelial cell membranes which “bud” off due to endothelial cell activation and apoptosis, and can act as a sensitive biomarker of endothelial status. We hypothesised that low intensity resistance exercise that greatly increased muscle fatigue and acidosis would increase EPCs and endothelial activation.
Aim: To determine the influence of low intensity resistance exercise on EPCs and EMPs.
Methods: Thirteen healthy resistance trained men undertook an acute bout of high volume low intensity resistance exercise (RE). Peripheral blood samples obtained pre- and at 10 min, 2 hr and 24 hr post-exercise. EPCs (CD34+VEGFR2+CD45dim) and EMP reflecting endothelial cell activation (CD62E+ EMP) and apoptosis (CD144+ EMP) were measured by flow cytometry.
Results: Circulating EPCs were increased as a result of the RE bout. Total progenitor cell (CD34+CD45dim) counts did not change following exercise however. When EPC counts are expressed as a % of total CD45+ events, these were 74% and 110% higher (p<0.05) at 2 hr and 24 hr post-exercise respectively. CD62E+ EMP but not CD144+ EMP increased post-exercise with CD62E+ EMP 27% higher at 24 hr post-exercise. These changes in EPC and EMP were accompanied by increases in serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). There were no significant changes in other MP subsets.
Conclusions: Low intensity resistance exercise can increase circulating EPCs to promote angiogenesis and vascular repair, possibly via increases in VEGF and G-CSF. Resistance exercise also increases the expression of the activation marker CD62E on endothelial cells which may play a role in binding circulating EPC to the endothelium
Synthesis of Artificial Receptor Motifs for Anion Binding and Organocatalysis
Get PDFThe initial part of this works involves the evaluation of a related series of bisamides for
rational correlation between anion complexation and organocatalysis: remarkable
enhancement of hydrogen bonding to anions was observed along with significant increases
in catalytic activity in the Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction. In addition, X-ray
crystallography showed a large degree of pre-organisation was observed in one receptor by
incorporation of bis(trifluoromethyl)aniline groups along with a thioamide functionality. A
novel bifunctional amide/N-acylsulfonamide within the series gave the best catalytic
profile for the initial receptors/organocatalysts.
Following on from the initial work, a series of bifunctional hybrid (thio)urea/amide
molecules were designed and also tested for their anion binding properties and catalytic
activites. A urea/amide hybrid produced the highest binding constants while a
thiourea/amide analogue gave optimal catalytic properties in the aforementioned reaction
with yield of up to 79% obtained. Catalyst-substrate binding studies were undertaken for
the most successful catalysts and a catalytic mechanism related to receptor/catalyst acidity
was proposed.
Another major part of this work involved the design and screening of a range of simple Naryl
and N-heteroaryl pyrrolidine amide organocatalysts incorporating N-pyridyl and Nquinolinyl
groups in the synthetically useful aldol reaction of isatin with acetone. The
‘reverse amide’ N-pyridyl pyrrolidinylmethyl amide catalysts proved highly catalytically
active but gave disappointing enantioselectivities. However, an N-3-pyridyl prolinamide
catalyst gave the aldol adduct in high yields and high enantioselectivity with up to 72% ee
of the (S)-isomer. Conditions were optimised for this catalyst and in particular an additive
screen identified a link between the pKa of the acid additive and the yield and
enantioselectivity. An N-acylsulfonamide prolinamide was also identified as a catalyst for
this reaction giving the (R)-enantiomer in 68% ee
More experiments with Delay and Disruption Tolerant Networking over AX.25 Networks
Get PDFPreviously the authors gave an overview of a Delay Tolerant Network Convergence Layer implemen- tation that operates over Connected Mode AX.25, and detailed the results of some performance tests using it to transfer data over Amateur Radio channels. These results were compared to both a native AX.25 and a TCP/IP- over-AX.25 implementation. The investigation of TCP/IP was undertaken because, while it is generally accepted that TCP is unsuited to wireless links, it has become the dominant protocol in real-world applications, with over 50% of internet traffic now accounted for by TCP over port 80 [1].
As some issues were highlighted in experiments leading to the authors’ prior publication, these have been worked on and have been largely resolved. It was also found that our model for an ideal AX.25 communications channel had deficiencies, so a correction is offered. Additionally, we also tested our Convergence Layer alongside a TCP/IP over AX.25 implementation on both a 1200 and 9600 baud point-to-point link and give comparative results between our Convergence Layer implementation and TCP/IP. Real-world behaviour of the data link still diverges from the model, but the authors provide some possible reasons for this
Bunmhúinteoirí a oiltear thar lear agus an Scrúdú le hAghaidh Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge
Get PDFSeo tráchtas faoi stair oideachais iarchéimithe a théann thar lear d’fhonn a gcáilithe mar bhunmhúinteoirí. Tá soiléiriú ar a bhfuil le déanamh acu ar a slí chun cáilithe óna mbunscolaíocht féin ar aghaidh, go gcasann siad ar Éirinn ag lorg oibre inár mbunscoileanna. Lorgaíonn an staidéar na fáthanna go dtéann na hiarchéimithe Éireannacha seo chun na Breataine go bliantúil ar an gcéad dulsíos agus na himpleachtaí a ghabhann leis seo i dtaobh múineadh na Gaeilge inár mbunscoileanna.
Rinneadh an staidéar le cabhair ó theagascóirí Gaeilge, le 157 d’iarchéimithe ar fud na tíre a d’fhill go hÉirinn tar éis cáiliú sa Bhreatain, le hoideachasóirí coláiste oideachais in Éirinn, le mic léinn coláistí oiliúna oideachais éagsúla in Éirinn agus sa Bhreatain agus le meantóir bunscoile. Tráchtar ar bhunmhúinteoirí anseo agus a ngluaiseacht chun cáilithe. Rinneadh comparáid idir stádas na teanga anseo agus stádas mionteangacha Eorpacha eile, faoi bhunscolaíocht sna tíortha lena mbaineann siad agus i dtaobh na dteangacha neamhfhorleathana sna tíortha sin ach go háirithe.
Feictear ó thorthaí an staidéir gur gá a thuilleadh iniúchta a dhéanamh faoi roghnú iarratasóirí ar chúrsaí oiliúna oideachais anseo in Éirinn, ar an gcúrsa iarchéime ach go háirithe. Tá pointí tábhachtacha i gceist maidir le stádas na mbunmhúinteoirí a oiltear thar lear. Níl aon mheasúnú déanta fós ar thurraing na mbunmhúinteoirí seo ar an gcóras oideachais nó ar an nGaeilge agus ar mhúineadh na Gaeilge, inár mbunscoileanna. Tá páirt lárnach ag páistí a ranganna agus cearta na bpáistí iontu, de réir an Bhunreachta agus gach a léirítear ann faoin teanga.
Cinntítear ón staidéar go bhfuil ceisteanna tábhachtacha ag baint leis an stádas seo. Tá fadhbanna le réiteach ag an rialtas agus ag údaráis oideachais faoina ndualgais i leith na teanga, faoina ndualgais i leith na bpáistí inár mbunscoileanna agus i leith na mbunmhúinteoirí áirithe seo a oiltear thar lear
Investigation into Factors affecting Precision Positioning Instruments with a view to Standardisation of Specifications
Get PDFThis thesis investigates the requirements in their totality of precision positioning
instruments with a view to suggesting standardised specification guidelines. Although
concerns over inadequate vendor specifications were voiced as early as 2003, no
national or international standards have yet been published that address this issue.
To facilitate this investigation, a comprehensive design was undertaken of a three axis
nanopositoning instrument. A state-of-the-art design was realised, based on an
extensive review of the literature, while also incorporating particular novel features and
procedures.
Mechanically, the instrument designed in this work consists of a support frame that is
kinematically mounted onto a base plate. A piezo driven monolithic flexure
stage/force-frame and a metrology frame are both mounted isostatically onto this
support frame. The movements of the stage are measured by a parallel metrology
arrangement of three capacitance sensors that are calibrated in place by three
Michelson interferometers. Use of commercially-available adjustable optical mounts
provides adequate flexibility for set-up and experimentation. Specified set-up
procedures, in combination with a specifically designed orientation jig ensure that all
capacitance sensors and interferometers are properly aligned and that the measurement
and movement axes coincide in accordance with the Abbe principle. A set of LabView
programs, are used to control and monitor the stage position to calculate the
coordinates of locations, to allow scanning over curved surfaces and tracking along
curved paths, to calibrate the capacitance sensors, to compensate for positioning bias,
arising from measured environmental disturbances and to correct for measurement
non-linearity through fourth order error mapping.
An iterative design process was employed, using an effective approach of parallel
prototyping, calculation, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and MathLab modelling.
Propagation mechanisms of uncertainties associated with all identified error sources
were studied, leading to the establishment of an uncertainty budget and an estimate of
instrument positioning tolerance. An efficient and effective experimental regime was
proposed, reflecting the numerous known factors and unknown interactions between
factors that may be significant. This provided a means to validate the design, theory,
and analysis and also to gain insight into the necessary experimental rigor. Although the instrument was not assembles or tested, the instrument comprehensive
design and analysis provided an effective vehicle for attaining insight into the relative
significance of multiple factors that affect the performance of precision instruments in
general. Consequently, it was possible to suggest appropriate standardising guidelines
for the specification of precision positioning instruments
Developing Business-to-Business Network Collaboration in a Rural Tourism Destination
Get PDFOne dominant theme that continuously emerges in national and international reports is that, in order for rural tourism firms to surmount the detrimental effects of lost competitiveness, tourism enterprises must be encouraged to adopt a network perspective (European Commission, 2006; CAP Rural Development Plan, 2007-2013). There is broad consensus in the tourism and rural development literature that the establishment of linkages with other actors will enable small firms to create value by leveraging combined resources, shared knowledge, reduced risk and, in general, create a competitive advantage that is likely to be sustainable (Lynch, 2000; Murdoch, 2000; Van der Ploeg et al., 2000; Tinsley and Lynch, 2001; Morrisson et al., 2004; Saxena, 2005; Sundbo et al., 2007). Accordingly, the Irish government has adopted a strategy intended to improve the competitive capacity of the Irish rural tourism sector through the creation of cooperative collaborative local networks (National Development Plan 2007-2013; Tourism Renewal Group, 2009; Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, 2010). Although both academic and government circles recognise collaborative networks as a key driver of competitiveness for rural tourism enterprises, very limited empirical research has been conducted on how rural tourism networks should be developed and managed (Tinsley and Lynch, 2001; Jamal and Stronza, 2009).
This research focuses on the relational factors that influence the development and maintenance of a collaborative rural tourism network. The level and depth of researcher involvement in the process, combined with the dual aims of enhancing both academic and practitioner understanding, led to the adoption of an exploratory, interpretive and qualitative action research methodology.
The findings highlight the criticality of interpersonal relationships to the formation and maintenance of a rural tourism network. Communication, a common vision, trust and functional conflict are key factors that promote network development. Maintenance of a collaborative network is facilitated greatly by the presence of individuals that act as network champions. The research has resulted in the development of a pragmatic managerial model for involving rural tourism stakeholders in a collaborative rural tourism network