bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative study on chemical and lipid composition of two varieties of quinoa seeds (Chenopodium quinoa L.)
Authors:   University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Chemical Technology, 24, Tzar Asen Str., Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria, Teneva O. T. , Petkova Zh. Y. ,   University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Chemical Technology, 24, Tzar Asen Str., Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria, Angelova-Romova M. J. ,   University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Chemical Technology, 24, Tzar Asen Str., Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria, Antova G. A. ,   University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Chemical Technology, 24, Tzar Asen Str., Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Published: August 2024

The seeds of two varieties of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa L.), white and black, were analysed for their chemical composition and a detailed study of their lipids was carried out as well. The chemical composition of the seeds was as follows: protein content - 15.7% and 14.5%, lipids - 5.9% and 6.6%, carbohydrates - 65.6% and 64.6%, starch - 40.2% for both varieties, water soluble sugars - 7.2% and 5.5%, and minerals - 2.4% and 2.3%, respectively. The oil content was about 6.0%, but high amounts of biologically active compounds in the seed oils of black quinoa were noted (tocopherols - 1102 mg/kg, phospholipids - 7.6% and sterols - 3.4%), while in the seed oils of white quinoa tocopherols were 365 mg/kg, phospholipids - 11.9% and sterols - 2.1%. Linoleic and oleic acids dominated in both oils, followed by palmitic and linolenic acid. Unsaturated fatty acids predominated in the lipid fraction where the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids was 53.1% (white quinoa) and 49.4% (black quinoa), followed by monounsaturated fatty acids - 30.7% and 33.5%, respectively. In the tocopherol fraction of the oils the main component was - tocopherol, followed by α- tocopherol. The main component of the sterol fraction was - sitosterol (80.1% and 75.7%). Phospholipids in the seeds of the two varieties of quinoa had similar composition. Despite some differences in the chemical and lipid composition, these quinoa seeds were established to be a valuable source of proteins, carbohydrates and healthy lipid-soluble bioactive components for human nutrition.
Airborne Geophysical Survey of the Oquirrh Mountains, Utah
Authors: Mills Stephanie E. , Schermerhorn William , Hinks Donald , Phelps Geoffrey
Published: August 2024

In 1994, Kennecott Utah Copper Corporation (now Rio Tinto Kennecott Corporation) commissioned DIGHEM Inc. to collect an airborne geophysical survey over the entirety of the Oquirrh Mountains. The Oquirrh Mountains airborne geophysical survey contains electromagnetic (EM), aeromagnetic, aeroradiometric, and very low frequency (VLF) data over the most significant mineral-producing area in Utah and remains the most complete geophysical dataset over the mountain range to date. The survey represents a dataset that would be unfeasible to collect under modern airspace considerations. The data in this report was contributed through a joint agreement by Rio Tinto Kennecott Corporation and Rio Tinto Exploration with the Utah Geological Survey to ensure this valuable dataset can be used for continuing geologic interpretation of the Oquirrh Mountains for topics that are important for mineral exploration, such as mineral deposit formation, structural evolution, and magmatic emplacement.
Fault Trace Mapping and Surface-Fault-Rupture Special Study Zone Delineation of the East and West Cache Fault Zones and Other Regional Faults, Utah
Authors: Hiscock Adam I. Hiscock , Kleber Emily J. , Jänecke Susanne U. , McDonald Greg N. , Oaks Jr. Robert Q. , Rittenour Tammy
Published: August 2024

The Cache Valley region in northern Utah and southern Idaho contains and is surrounded by several large, hazardous faults which pose significant earthquake risk. The 40-mile-long (65 km) East Cache fault zone (ECFZ) and the 35-mile-long (56 km) West Cache fault zone (WCFZ) bound the Cache Valley graben and both show evidence of large surface-faulting earthquakes in the late Quaternary. Other hazardous faults in the Cache Valley region include the intrabasin Dayton-Oxford fault, the Mantua area faults within the Wellsville Mountains, and the James Peak fault at the very southern end of the ECFZ. This region is a rapidly growing area of northern Utah, with development spreading along the margins of the valley and encroaching on these hazardous fault zones. Airborne light detection and ranging (lidar) elevation data was collected in the Cache Valley area in 2016, 2018, and 2020. High-resolution topographic data derived from these lidar datasets has allowed for a complete update of the mapping of surface traces of the ECFZ, WCFZ, and other regional faults. Previously, the surface location and extent of fault traces associated with these fault zones were not well understood in many areas, owing to limited aerial photography coverage, heavy vegetation near range fronts, and the difficulty in recognizing moderate (<1 m) scarp heights in the field or on aerial photographs. In addition to lidar-derived elevation data, other datasets including previous geologic mapping, paleoseismic investigations, historical aerial photography, and field investigations were used to identify and map surface fault traces and infer fault locations. Special-study zones were delineated around fault traces to facilitate understanding of the surface-rupturing hazard and associated risk. The fault geometries, attributes, and special-study zones were published in the Utah Geologic Hazards Portal simultaneously with this Report of Investigation. Defining surface-fault-rupture special-study zones encourages the creation and implementation of municipal and county geologic-hazard ordinances dealing with hazardous faults. We identified potential paleoseismic investigation sites where fault scarps appear relatively pristine, are in geologically favorable settings, and where additional earthquake timing data would be beneficial to earthquake research of the ECFZ, WCFZ, and other regional faults. This report contains supplementary material describing the data and methods used to perform the mapping and in locating potential paleoseismic investigation sites in the study area. This work is critical to raise awareness of earthquake hazards in areas of Utah experiencing rapid growth.
A Study on the Registered Intermediary Scheme for Assisting Vulnerable Witnesses in the UK: Focused on a Comparison with the Testimony Assistance System in Korea
Authors:   The Korean Association of Criminal Procedure Law, Hong Jinyoung , Lee Sanghyuk
Published: August 2024

This paper aims to promote a precise understanding and practical improvement of the testimony assistance system, which was introduced in 2013 and saw its scope of application expanded with the 2023 amendments to the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes. To this end, the paper examines the specific procedures and current practice of the UK's Registered Intermediary Scheme, which served as the primary model during the introduction of the Korean testimony assistance system. Reflecting on this comparative legal discussion, the paper concludes that the ultimate purpose of the testimony assistance system is to contribute to the discovery of substantive truth by obtaining the 'best evidence' from individuals with communication vulnerabilities who need to testify in criminal proceedings, while also alleviating the stress and burden that may arise from communication difficulties during the testimony process. To align with the purpose of this system, the paper proposes concrete measures to refine the current system and enhance the substance of the testimony assistance system. The main proposals are as follows:1) The testimony assistance system should not be limited to victims of sexual crimes but should be expanded and reorganized to support the communication and expression of all witnesses, informants, defendants, and suspects who experience difficulties in communication. 2) As the opportunity for testimony assistants to participate in the cross-examination process on behalf of the defendant has increased, measures should be taken to strengthen the fairness and neutrality of the testimony assistants to ensure the defendant's right to a fair trial. 3) To further activate the testimony assistance system and enhance its operation, the system should be actively promoted to procedural participants and the general public. The operational system should be restructured to operate the testimony assistance system systematically and integratively, reflecting the opinions of various stakeholders. 4) The education and evaluation system should be reinforced to enhance the professionalism of testimony assistants, and their compensation should be made substantive and rational.
Affirmative Psychology Evolution 2.0: Integrating Technological Innovation
Authors: Maria Ruth M , Rafiya Banu S , Maria Fastina M
Published: August 2024

Over the last two decades, there has been substantial growth in Positive Organization in Psychological research, advancing our understanding of effectiveness and satisfaction at work. However, a new wave of inquiry and novelty is about to hit the sector, which might transform its the discourse.The theoretical basis of 'Psychology of Organizations 2.0' (POP 2.0) is outlined in this document as an information-driven, scientifically validated field that uses focused on humanity planning and technological advancement to explore and enhance positive aspects of individuals, institutions, and society for optimal emotional well-being.The commencement strategy section provides a brief history of the formation of COP, highlighting its key characteristics and looking at the causes of its explosive growth and waning importance. Next, we develop COP 2.0, outline its key features, and advocate for upgraded processes, a larger core audience, and pioneering role changes for practitioners. We conclude by outlining opportunities, challenges, and points of view for the anticipated wave of contemporary research.
The Image of Men in Harold Pinter’s Birthday Party
Authors: Oudah Neamah Hani
Published: August 2024

Harold Pinter frequently shows the difficulty of forgotten persons who cannot sense their existence. These characters are fatigued and dissatisfied in a society that strips them of their humanity. They retreat into a little realm where they seek safety and shelter. External influences, portrayed by invasive persons, disrupt the protagonists' feeling of security by representing strange, indefinable forces. The struggle between these hackers and the protagonists concludes with the characters' defeat. The rationale for the hackers' attack on the victims remains unknown and has not been explained. The sense of mystery infuses Pinter's plays and is one of their key features. This dissertation investigates how Pinter coped with this challenge in his debut play, The Birthday Party (1957). This study seeks to answer the issues of how a person escapes from his reality, what forms of dangers assault him, and why he is unable to battle these threats.
Emergence of New Women with Reference to Temsula Ao’s Aosenla’s Story
Authors: Chandrasekaran Saranya , Boobalan Rathika
Published: August 2024

Temsula Ao is one of the pioneer women writers of Northeast India who is a fictionist, poet, ethnographer and retired Professor of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. Her novel entitled Aosenla’s Story (2017) delineates the story of a vibrant protagonist called Aosenla. The novel deals with the emergence of “New Woman” which comprises autonomy and individuality. Aosenla is one such character who tries to be assertive against the limitations which society imposes on women in her native place. This story is taken up for discussion to highlight the condition of women in Northeast region through the character of Aosenla. Aosenla tries to prove her mettle to overcome the lower financial background of her family. The investigation explores how Aosenla struggles hard to break the familial shackles physically, mentally and emerges from the patriarchal world that subjugates women inside home by restricting their moves through the invisible rules.
Dystopia and Technological Domination: An Analysis of Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World
Authors: Ehsan Bazila , . Sheenam
Published: August 2024

This paper delves into Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World to scrutinise the influence of technology on societal structures and human experience. It examines how technological advancements, spanning genetic engineering and reproductive control, psychological conditioning and indoctrination, pharmacological manipulation, surveillance practices, and mechanised forms of entertainment and social interaction reshape the dystopian landscape of the novel. This study explores themes of dehumanisation, alienation, and the broader critique of societal norms and ethical implications inherent in technological dominance. It offers a critical lens on how Huxley’s narrative serves as a cautionary tale, urging reflection on the ethical boundaries of technological progress and its impact on human identity and societal dynamics.
Extra-Ordinary Elements in Chetan Bhagat’s Select Novels
Authors: Gunasekaran R , Kayalvizhi A
Published: August 2024

Five Point Someone in a gentle tone calls attention to our specialized education has lifeless framework and requirements transformation. Chetan Bhagat gives a perception of the glaring affects of ragging that’s tainted very regular in designing colleges. The more energizing of Indian Institute of Technology including the three understudies Ryan Oberoi, Alok Gupta and Hari Kumar have been using the seniors up on the exhibition for ragging at midnight. Youth cultures from five Point Someone and intercaste marriages to 2States are turning the Indian society according to modern world. Chetan Bhagat has raised a trouble which blends throughout the radical is of age opening by explaining between love marriage and on this manner he has tended to such a subject which is visible as an unfathomable in India. In this novel, Chetan Bhagat has ascended as author having his awl to form the general populace overflowing with the weeds of shades of vindictiveness. He has endeavored to fill the opening of a while revealing the truth concerning how obscenities inside the open eye work out their fastidious and disguised impact on the character direct well known of humans of the general populace.
The Feminine Face of Environmental Activism: An Ecofeminist Perspective
Authors: Alice Evangaline Jebaselvi C , Mohanraj K
Published: August 2024

Environmentalism and feminism lay the rich and complicated field of ecofeminism. This multidisciplinary movement promotes the simultaneous liberation of women and the environment by criticizing the interconnected forms of oppression that impact both. Ecofeminism, which has its roots in feminist and ecological concerns, offers a comprehensive framework for comprehending and resolving the structural injustices that underpin gender inequality and environmental degradation.Ecofeminism gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s when environmental challenges and feminist concerns started to more clearly overlap. Scholars and activists such as Vandana Shiva, Carolyn Merchant, and Maria Mies brought attention to the manner in which patriarchal structures exploit nature and women. They maintained that the exploitation of the environment is supported by the same cultural logic that defends women’s dominance.Ecofeminism is based on a number of fundamental ideas that connect ecological and feminist viewpoints - Interconnected Oppression, Appreciating Diverse Knowledge Systems, Holistic Perspective on Health and Sustainability, Activism and Praxis.In ecofeminist theory and practice, several central themes arise, each emphasizing a distinct facet of the movement’s concentration on the links between gender and environmental challenges. Ecofeminists contend that similar myths have traditionally been used by patriarchal civilizations to justify the dominance of both women and environment. These stories frequently present women and the natural world as submissive, caring, and in need of supervision. Industrialization, for example, has resulted in the exploitation of natural resources and the consignment of women to domestic work for no pay—both of which are viewed as “natural” and hence exploitable.This paper highlights how ecofeminism promotes the emancipation of women and the Earth, provides crucial insights and avenues for revolutionary change as environmental and social issues grow more pressing.
A Study on “Lending Strategies and Technological Advancements of Financial Sector” with Special Reference to Kanyakumari District Central Cooperative Bank Limited
Authors: Lakshmi J , Benisha V
Published: August 2024

Banking is essential for the economy because it makes money easier to move and makes economic activity possible. The primary functions of a bank include taking deposits, making loans, assisting with transactions, and providing a range of financial goods, such as credit cards, loans and savings accounts. Here, the lending strategies adopted and the different technologies used by the bank for the growth of the bank and for the welfare of the people. The different lending policies adopted by the bank makes the people to take more loan. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the degree of technologies used in lending, the internet banking services and its impacts on customer engagement and to know about the innovative strategies used by the bank. The research methodology used here is descriptive analysis. The data is collected by preparing questionnaire and convenience sampling method is used. 120 responses had taken for the analysis and the tools used for the analysis were percentage analysis, one way ANOVA and correlation. Finally the analysis help to find out to give some more innovative strategies and few more technological innovation in the lending process to complete the loan process faster. Some more updations were made in the online banking services to make it more easier for the people and get to know more about their account activities in an easier way.
Beauty Brand Versus New Media: How Have Communications Tactics Changed Within A Large Cosmetic Brand & How Have They Incorporated New Media Pr Tactics
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Walsh Ruth
Published: August 2024

This research study aims to investigate and analyse what is working in the cosmetic PR industry for beauty brands; bloggers; and beauty consumers. There has been limited research conducted into this important topic and less so into the PR tactics used by large cosmetic brands. This thesis first examines that said limited scope of literature that relates to the cosmetic PR industry but not well and it further examines the viewpoints of well-known PR professionals. From this research, a triangulation approach to data collecting was outlined and conducted that included two interviews with beauty industry experts; a PR professional, a large scale Irish blogger with over 60 thousand followers; and a survey that was targeted at social media beauty consumers. The results indicate that traditional media is still a valued PR tactic that is as important to both brand and consumer even as new media or social media seems to have taken over. The results also highlighted that beauty consumers primarily use Youtube when researching new beauty products and over 70% of those participants do not believe that larger scale beauty bloggers are reliable for product reviews.
Gender Bias Of Cardiovascular Risk In Caucasian Type Ii Diabetics: A Haemostatic Explanation?
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Quirke William
Published: August 2024

People with type II diabetes are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease compared to those without diabetes. The relative risk of cardiovascular disease caused by type II diabetes is higher in females than in males. This risk has not been fully explained by traditional risk factors and attention has turned to the possible role of haemostatic abnormalities in explaining the excess cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among diabetic females. We examined specific parameters of the coagulation (factor VII, factor VIII, von Willebrand factor, fibrinogen) and fibrinolytic (plasminogen activator inhibitor- 1, thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor) system in 113 Irish Caucasian type II diabetics to determine if these parameters possibly contribute to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetic females. This study demonstrated the prothrombotic state of type II diabetes with increased levels of factor VII (111.0 versus 100%, P
An Investigation Into Teleworking As A Flexible Working Arrangement In The Irish Private Sector
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Galvin Elaine
Published: August 2024

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 a combination of snow and high winds which created blizzard like conditions (Coleman, 2018). Storm Ophelia and Storm Emma (Beast from the East) forced many employees to work from home for several days. For many of these employees it was their first experience working from home. While for others it was the first-time they worked from home over a long period of time. The aim of this study was to look in depth at the experiences and opinions employees have whilst working from home and if it impacts their work-life balance, motivation and performance levels. A quantitative research approach was taken as part of this study which was carried out using a survey. This approach was taken to gather both data and employee’s opinions to see whether any trends emerged in relation to their work and family boundaries, motivation and performance levels whilst working from home. The use of survey monkey allowed the researcher analysis the data through graphs and charts while also gathering the participants opinions and experiences of teleworking through open-ended questions. Conclusions were drawn, outlining that teleworking does have a positive impact on work-life balance, motivation and performance levels of employees. Although there were mixed opinions presented as to whether teleworking would be beneficial on full-time basis. Many participants commented that if teleworking was completed removed it would have a negative effect on motivation and productivity amongst workers. Overall, it was clear to see the high levels of positivity surrounding teleworking and how this impacts positively on employee motivation and productivity. Teleworking also has a positive effect on employee well-being, employee work life balance and job satisfaction. In addition to this if employees are more motivated and have increased levels of productivity it is likely to also have a positive effect on the employer in terms of retaining and attracting staff This study will be of direct benefit to employees, educators, policy makers and HR professionals.
To What Extent Does Employee Engagement Impact On Business Productivity?
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Kierans Leonie
Published: August 2024

Employee productivity is a critical element of business success. Employee engagement has a significant impact on an employee’s level of motivation and productivity. Due to the importance of engaged employees, this research will focus on engagement levels and what common motivators are driving engagement for employees within a recruitment agency. Specifically, the context of this study is focused around the researcher’s place of work, a small to medium sized recruitment agency with offices in Cork and Dublin, that recruit nationally for the life sciences sector. The researcher adopted a mixed methods approach, based on a sequential explanatory strategy for the purpose of this research case study. This method involves conducting quantitative research first which is then followed by qualitative research. The findings from both quantitative and qualitative research are combined through the use of triangulation to give an overview of the research topic. The researcher completed online surveys with recruitment consultants and semi-structured interviews with the senior leadership team to answer the research question of this study. This method allowed the researcher to gain a better insight into managements perception of engagement levels within the organization and compare them to the consultant’s perception of engagement, as well as how engaged they currently are in their role. Due to ethical considerations, participants for both the online surveys and semi-structured interviews have remained anonymous. The researcher’s findings reveal that while employees overall are generally engaged, there are particular areas within the organization that need to be addressed in order to keep employees engaged and productive. These key areas include reward and recognition, career progression and communication. Research findings from this study also highlight that there is a slight disconnect between the Senior Leadership Team and the consultants in particular areas which may be problematic for the future. Engagement has been found to be beneficial within an organization regarding employee retention and productivity. It could be said that this is even more critical within a recruitment agency given the general nature of a high staff turnover. It is essential for senior management to have an insight into what keeps employees engaged in order to positively impact on the business across a number of areas. This study will be of benefit to senior management by providing a crucial insight into how employees perceive engagement and what engages them personally. This study will also benefit Eluman Resource practitioners and researchers who may not have studied employee engagement on a smaller scale such as an in-depth case study.
The Internal Organizational Factors And External Environmental Factors Affecting The Implementation And Management Of The Hr Department: A Case Study Of Kearys
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Spitere Eva
Published: August 2024

Globalisation and an increased demand for competitive advantage have caused the contemporary HR department to face additional pressure to provide strategic value to the organization. To do so, the HR department must integrate with overall business strategy and continually monitor both the internal and external environments in which the organization operates. This thesis focuses on identifying these internal organizational factors and external environmental factors, and exploring how these factors can affect the implementation and management of a new HR department within an already established organization. Given the unique position of the researcher, who is currently solely responsible for the establishment of a new HR department within Kearys, this long-established firm was chosen as the organization upon which this study would be based. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted on 10 internal mid and senior level managers and two external HR professionals who have previous experience of working within HR in the motor industry. A number of salient findings emerged through the analysis of the in-depth interview results. First, the significant lack of information and practical guidance available in relation to setting up a HR department within an established organization became abundantly apparent through the analysis of current literature as well as the in-depth interview results. Through the identification of internal organizational factors and external environmental factors it became evident that many of these factors can be interlinked and that the internal and external environments in which the organization operates should therefore, be analysed as a whole as opposed to identifying individual factors. Furthermore, employee, line management and top management buy-in and support were identified as the factors most likely to determine the success or failure of a new HR department. A fourth key finding highlighted the importance of effective, consistent internal communication across the organization during all stages of the HR department’s implementation. Finally, the inconsistent expectations of management in relation to the purpose of the HR department was also highlighted as one of the biggest challenges facing the new HR department within Kearys and indeed, HR departments across a wider context.
The Power Of Word-of-mouth: A Study On The Impact Of Interpersonal Communication Using Arts Festivals As A Case Study
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Ní Ghráda Holly
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the importance of interpersonal communication tactics in building and maintaining key relationships in the arts festival context, using two Irish traditional music festivals as its case studies. The main objective of this research is to demonstrate the effectiveness of word-of-mouth endorsements among stakeholders for small organisations. This research undertook three stages of study. The first stage of this thesis took the form of a literature review - also known as the secondary research phase. Throughout this stage the author found relevant academic opinions and definitions based on selected public relations, culture, and festival themes. The information gathered during this stage helped to form a better understanding of the research question, and to design the basis for the primary research. The second stage of this study involved a mixed methods approach for the primary research phase. The researcher collected relevant information using a quantitative research methods approach in the shape of a survey, which was distributed to a sample audience of one of the case study festivals chosen by the author. A qualitative research methods approach was also used in the form of interviews with two co-founders of the chosen Irish traditional music festivals. The researcher made use of triangulation in the final stage of the research to analyse the information gathered. Results found the major impacts of word-of-mouth endorsements and peer recommendations have on these selected arts festivals and the invaluable advantage this has for them compared to larger, international festivals. The research also showed the interpersonal communication tactics used by these two festivals which were successful in building and maintaining the relationships between these two organisations and their key stakeholders.
Integrating A Code Of Professional Conduct And Ethics: An Action Research Approach
Authors:   ,   Institute of Technology Tralee, Kissane Ciara
Published: August 2024

A new version of the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives (NMBI, 2014a) was published in 2014. A nurse’s fitness to practice, and the associated patient experience, is determined by the extent to which the nurse accords with the duties outlined in the Code. Professional misconduct among members of the nursing profession has been highlighted within recent reports and enquiries. The failure to act on unethical care is also a feature. The literature suggests that Codes are poorly understood and can be problematic to integrate in practice. This study sought to; explore the impact of the current Code on nursing practice as perceived by a group of nurses and develop a strategy or tool to augment its integration. Action Research was used as it facilitated participants to engage and collaborate to produce rich data towards identifying current impact and future integration strategies. Data collection consisted of Action Learning Sets, within two practice based sites (acute and community). The perspectives of relevant key personnel in nursing were also sought. Data was analysed using Ritchie and Spencer’s Framework Method (1994) and NVivo 11. Lack of awareness, knowledge and inaccessibility of the new Code was evident amongst the nurses. The Code is necessary guidance for professionalisation, but can be hard to apply due to the ‘grey areas’ in nursing, sometimes making it aspirational and idealistic. Working environments impact on how the Code is integrated in practice, therefore, support and leadership is essential. Cognitive skills; reflection and critical thinking, along with internal attributes; moral agency and moral courage, are necessary to apply the Code in practice. The Code should be implemented in collaboration with other relevant professional, regulatory, legal, ethical and local guidelines. Drawing on the study’s findings and in collaboration with the participants the ACT (Assess, Consider, Take Action) model for integration of the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics was developed. This model aims to guide nurses through the process of ethical decision making. It helps bring the Code to life by making it practical and integrating it with other relevant guidelines and areas needing consideration when faced with an ethical dilemma/situation. Reflection and critical thinking is encouraged with this model. It is hoped this model will be piloted in a practice- based setting in future research to ultimately extend its use in patient care situations.
Semiconductor Materials And Devices For 2 Micron Generation
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Saladukha Dzianis
Published: August 2024

In the last century, semiconductor research has led to significant changes in the fields of communication, medicine, the environment, and many others. Semiconductor devices provide a relatively simple and effective way to convert electrical energy to light and vice versa. Devices based on semiconductor materials of various kinds provide interaction of an electromagnetic signal in the range of wavelengths with a medium. Examples of such devices are LED lamps, photovoltaic cells, thermometers, gas sensors, cameras, and many others. The study of various semiconductors broadens the range of application of photonics. This work is based on the study of materials which provide light generation around 2μm. Semiconductors with properties of that kind are Ge, InAs, and InSb. These materials are not as widely discussed in literature as InGaAs is, which is widely used in telecommunications. Main application of 2 μm materials is gas sensing. However, they also have the potential for telecommunications when using ZBLAN fiber for communication at short distances or utilising quantum constraints for tuning the band energies. In this work, attention is focused on Ge and InAs. Ge has a low lattice index and is more promising for silicon integration. Silicon is the basis for modem electronics and the possibility of direct integration with photonics will provide a new generation of devices with optical communication between components. For the design of the Ge energy structure, tensile stress is applied by growth of Ge on the lattice-mismatched material, and also investigated. As an alternative approach for band engineering nanoscale structures of GeSn are also studied. The optical properties of the materials were studied by the methods of photoluminescence and photoreflection. Also part of the work was devoted to the research of InAs as a powerful photonics material grown on an InP substrate. Manufactured materials and the lasers based on quantum confined InAs active medium were characterised as semiconductor sandwiches, Fabry-Perot lasers and single mode distributed feedback lasers. A method of frequency difference in a nonlinear crystal is used to provide a time resolution of the measured spectra. Based on this material, a laser with emission corresponding to NH3 gas spectral fingerprint was developed.
The Cost And Benefits Of Upskilling The Irish Labour Force
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Daly Peter
Published: August 2024

"This study assesses the position of Irish businesses in relation to upskilling their workers in the globalised business environment. There is a scarce amount of data published on the implications for Irish businesses and their interaction state supports for upskilling the Irish labour-force. This study has found that Irish businesses recognise that they now operate in a global market and that they believe that a strong third and vocational level of skills exist but work based skills must improve. Outsourcing parts of the business process is not considered a preferred option of skills replacement by Irish businesses but business networks are considered a viable method to upskill workers. Labour mobility has provided scarce skills but potential skills are not always identified by employers. FAS, the state training agency, are perceived as overly bureaucratic by Irish businesses and out of step with business needs. The Skillnets, enterprise led, training networks model is considered proactive and in step with Irish business needs but also needs improved marketing. Irish businesses believe that potential exists in the tax credit system to improve upskilling supports. This research has found that the government is committed to ‘Life-Long-Leaming’ in the drive towards the knowledge led economy but that the government and the state agencies need to market their upskilling services better to the Irish business community. This current study has found that the government needs to remove bureaucratic obstacles in relation to accessing upskilling supports. This research has also found that the government needs to adapt the services provided by its training agencies to the needs of Irish business for the upskilling of the Irish labour-force."
Outsourcing Human Resource Activities - Impact On Organizational Performance In Multinational Organizations.
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Kacharova Vesela
Published: August 2024

Outsourcing some or all Human Resources functions is a part of a growing trend. Organizations have different reasons to contract HR to an outside provider such as to save money, focus on strategic Human Resources, improve compliance, gain access to skilled HR professionals, or take advantage of technology. This thesis focuses on the outsourcing of Human Resources activities and possible impacts on organizational performance. Due to the large amount of multinational organizations with presence in Ireland, the research focused on outsourcing of HR functions in multinational organizations. Two different types of questionnaires were conducted targeting Human Resources professionals and Line Managers. Analysis of the questionnaire responses resulted in the identification of a number of findings. One of the findings shows that organizations that have high salary expenditure can reduce their costs with up to 30% by outsourcing mechanical HR activities such as recruitment and payroll. Another finding concerns with the collaboration of the HR department and Line Managers and the causes for inability of HR people to effectively address employees’ inquiries. It shows that HR employees in multinational organizations with presence in Ireland have the expertise to deal with inquiries but do not have the time to address all employees and management issues due to excessive workload. A third finding of the questionnaires highlights that HRO has impacts on Line Managers’ responsibilities. The research shows that Line managers are responsible for some HR duties and a different management skillset is required as a result of the contracted HR activities. A fourth salient finding discusses the effects as a result of recruitment services provided by an outside HR vendor. The research shows that people hired by recruitment agencies are more likely not to fit in the corporate culture of the organization which results in them being less confident and less engaged in their work compared to employees hired from an in-house recruiter.
Design, Implementation And Evaluation Of A Networking Context Aware Policy Environment
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Udugama Asanga
Published: August 2024

Future mobile networks are anticipated to have support to access heterogeneous access technologies. An important question in such environments is the decisions on when to use what access network. These decisions must take the users and mobile network operators’ perspectives into consideration. The operators usually have a focus of always-best-managed networks while the users have an always-best-connected focus. A key enabler of such environments is the use of policies to perform these handover decisions. These policies, which must be dynamic in nature, should be configurable when the requirements change. Policy decisions are always made based on the current context of mobile networks. Context information refers to static and dynamic information about mobile networks. Networking Context Aware Policy Environment (NetCAPE) is a policy based mobility management architecture for such mobile networks. NetCAPE is based on the policy framework defined by the IETF and DMTF. It consists of Policy Decision Points (PDPs), Policy Enforcement Points (PEPs) and meters that work together to make decisions based on the regulatory, operator and user policies. The PDPs make decisions using the policies defined in the policy repository and the context information in context repositories. The context information is built by the meters distributed in the mobile networks. Decisions are finally executed by the PEPs that control different network elements of mobile networks. The work in this thesis consists of defining this new architecture (NetCAPE), detailing the operations and mechanisms its constituent components, implementing it and evaluating its performance against a non-NetCAPE based environment.
Development Of A Dynamic Cfd Model For Offshore Oscillating Water Columns With Non-linear Interactions
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, O' Connell Ken
Published: August 2024

This thesis focuses on the development of a state of the art modelling technique for offshore Oscillating Water Column (OWC) type Wave Energy Converters (WEC) using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Current literature indicates a limited amount of work has been completed on studying these devices containing non-linear time dependent flow phenomenon. Initially, a 2D Numerical Wave Tank (NWT) is studied to reduce discretisation error in order to reproduce accurately propagating waves. Further development into a 3D domain permits the geometrical requirements of an OWC type spar buoy to be included. In parallel, a single Degree of Freedom (DOF) model is developed by incorporating a freely heaving barge into the 2D NWT. Response of the heaving barge is analysed with respect to a range of incident waves and compared to results in the literature to validate this modelling approach. A non-linear Power Take Off (PTO) boundary condition is developed to replicate the response of an impulse turbine, typically simulated by an orifice plate during small-scale testing. CFD simulations are completed with the PTO boundary and responses are compared to experimental data to further validate this step. A dynamic CFD model is created by coupling together the 3D NWT, DOF modelling methodology and the non-linear PTO boundary condition. The restoring forces from a non-linear catenary mooring system are employed to enhance the model by including a surge mode. Linear monochromatic waves are allowed to propagate until responses from the model reach a quasi-steady state. Responses are compared to experimental work conducted by MaRFI in the LIR- National Ocean Test Facility, UCC, Cork, under an FP7 MARINET project. Good correlations are observed for both simulated and experimental data sets. The developed numerical model is further tested for robustness and modified to permit a wide range of non-linear regular waves to be simulated. Interactions by the device to non-linear waves indicated good agreement to experimental responses. The model also demonstrates the ability to capture various device characteristics and performance trends with a high degree of accuracy. Finally, a design change to the PTO damping coefficient demonstrates a slight reduction in PTO damping can almost half the resulting structural stresses with marginal reductions in performance. The project outcome presents a fully validated dynamic CFD model to analyse the performance of offshore OWCs with the inclusion of fluid structure interactions. Therefore, the developed model can be used to further analyse and optimise offshore WFCs for wide scale commercialisation.
Lightweight Objective Quality Of Voice Estimation Through Machine Learning
Authors:   ,   Institute of Technology Tralee, Riordan Daniel
Published: August 2024

"Communication systems are undergoing constant and rapid innovation, both at the design stage and in the field. This in turn has led to an inereasing need for fast, efficient, portable and economic methods for the testing of these systems. For voice carrying communication systems the quality of the transmitted voice that the system produces is a large factor in the overall performance rating of the system. This measure is known as the ‘Quality of Voice’ (QoV) and can be evaluated either subjectively or objectively. Speech quality is a complex subjective phenomenon that can be best quantified by subjective testing. A subject QoV measurement requires a ‘listener’ to rate a sample of speech produced by the system. To achieve aceurate results an average rating, or Mean Opinion Score (MOS), must be found from a large panel of listeners. This results in subjective QoV testing being a highly expensive and time consuming process to conduct. Objective methods of QoV estimation attempt to predict the results a panel of listeners would produee when presented with a given sample of speech. Objective QoV estimation teehniques comprises both Intrusive and Non-Intrusive methods. Non-intrusive QoV estimation methods involve an automated algorithm taking account of various speech impairment factors based on the operational parameters of the system under test. These parameters are then used predict the distortion levels introduced to the speech during transmission by the system and thereby an estimate of the QoV eapabilities of the system can be made. Intrusive QoV estimation methods involve a comparison between an original speech sample and a resulting speech sample which has been degraded by transmission through the system. By performing a distance measure between the original and degraded speech samples, an estimation of the QoV capabilities of the system can be made. This project aims to create an objective method for the estimation of the voice transmission capabilities of a system using Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) techniques. Algorithms for both Intrusive and Non-intrusive objective QoV estimation through machine learning will be investigated during this thesis. It is hoped that the application of A.I. techniques to objective QoV estimation algorithms will improve the efficiency and economy of communication system testing."