Automated microscopic analysis of optical fibre transmission surfaces

Outlined in this thesis is the design of a prototype device for the inspection of optical fibre endfaces. The device designed uses lenses with different magnification’s to acquire scaled microscopic images of the endfaces for analysis purposes. The design specifications for the device are established based on the optical transmission requirements of the fibres and the impact of defects on transmission losses in various regions of the optical fibre endface. The specifications of this device are as follows: • Optical System o 3 lens automated changeover • Imaging System: o Minimum Resolvable Object Size of 2.43j.im o Maximum Field of View of 0.9mm o Resolution of 740 X 560 pixels • Autofocus System with Focus Resolution of 1.25pm • Coaxial Illumination System • 12Mbits/sec USB video acquisition hardware The device designed realises all the mechanical, optical and electronic functionality required to automate the inspection process of optical fibres. The hardware and software challenges involved in designing and building the prototype are discussed in detail in the thesis. A complete evaluation of the design is also carried out, difficulties and problems that occurred with the project are analysed, and recommendations for the improvement of the design are made

A Macro-econometric Model for Ireland

The Bank’s Macro-Econometric model has recently been revised. This paper outlines the context within which the model was initially built and the reasons for the revision and re-estimation. Compilation of the data used was a key component of the revision and this is described. The general structure of the model is outlined. Key equations are described and estimation issues noted. A discussion on simulating the model is provided along with results from sample simulations. The paper concludes with a discussion of how future work on the model might evolve.

A Broader View of Relevance

The question of the relevance of MIS research to practitioners is part of the broader question of the match between academic research goals and the goals of constituents. We call for a broader conception of who those constituents might be, and the implications that has for the activities of MIS academics

Self-Regulation, Mediators, and E-Learning: A Field Experiment in Rural Belize

Can lessons from IS research be applied on a small scale in rural environments to help a country develop? Students in rural schools in Belize often lack access to well-trained subject experts, score lower on national exams, and enroll in secondary schools at a lower rate than urban students. Utilizing mobile Internet technologies, students living without electricity can now access educational resources similar to urban students. How best to utilize these resources to improve students’ learning outcomes remains to be solved. This article first describes and compares a theory originating in the developed world (self-regulated learning) with one originating in the developing world (minimally invasive education). Second, it presents a framework combining constructs from both theories. Finally, it focuses on learning outcomes as measured by students’ cognitive ability, self-efficacy and motivation and compares a self-organized learning environment with one enhanced by self-regulated strategies, through a quasi-experimental design

Representation-theoretic approaches to several problems in probability.

PhD Theses.In this thesis we study certain random walks on the two-dimensional lattice, known as the Manhattan and Lorentz Mirror models, and certain quantum spin systems which are generalisations of the quantum Heisenberg model. The topics are united by the fact that we use the Brauer and walled Brauer algebras, and the representation theory of these algebras, to study both. We give an overview of Brauer and walled Brauer algebras, as well as that of the symmetric group and the classical groups, and the representation theory of general finitedimensional algebras. A key feature of the representation theory of the groups and algebras studied in this thesis is called Schur-Weyl duality. We give an account of this theory, as well as applying it to our work on quantum spin systems. We study the Manhattan and Lorentz Mirror models on a cylinder of finite width. We give an estimate on the vertical distance travelled by the walk along the cylinder, as the cylinder width grows large. We use the Brauer algebra to depict paths of these walks through the cylinder. Our work on quantum spin systems is split into two parts, studying two classes of models. The first is a class on the complete graph, and the second is an inhomogeneous class, which includes models on the complete bipartite graph. In each case we give the free energy, and formulae for certain magnetisation and total spin observables. We then use these results to give formulae for points of phase transitions, as well as to describe the phases of the models. For the complete graph models, we are able to draw phase diagrams

Moving Toward the Next Generation of Graduate Degree Programs in Information Systems

The curriculum recommendations for master’s level degree programs in Information Systems (most recently, MSIS 2006) have served the IS community well and formed a strong foundation on which many departments have built their graduate programs. Changes in technology, the way in which IS/IT solutions are procured and provided, and the need to raise the profile of master’s programs in IS, however, have created a need to review the master’s level model curriculum. This article builds on recent discussion on this topic within the IS community and is intended to move the conversation regarding the curriculum revision forward. Through three program exemplars and integrative discussion, the article identifies and addresses key questions related to the curriculum revision and provides guidance for any department that is currently in the process of modifying its degree program

Scaling Instant Messaging Communication Services: A Comparison of Blocking and Non-Blocking techniques

Designing innovative communications services that scale to facilitate potential new usage patterns can pose significant challenges. This is particularly the case if these services are to be delivered over existing protocols and interoperate with legacy services. This work explores design choices for such a service: large scale message delivery to existing Instant Messaging users. In particular we explore message throughput, accuracy and server load for several alternative implementation strategies. These strategies focus on approaches to concurrency, with best practice in current and emerging techniques thoroughly benchmarked. Specifically, a conventional Java Executor approach is compared with a functional approach realised through Scala and its Actors framework. These could be termed “blocking I/O” technology. A third approach has also been measured - a “non-blocking I/O” based on an alternative to Java Virtual Machine approaches - employing Node.js and Javascript. We believe that some of the results are startling

Isolation of Lactobacilli with probiotic properties from the human stomach

Aims: Recent evidence suggests that the human gastric microbiota is much more diverse than previously thought. The aim of this study was to assess the potential for isolating lactobacilli from the human stomach.Methods and Results: Lactobacilli were selectively cultured from gastric biopsies from 12 patients undergoing routine endoscopy. Lactobacilli were present in four of 12 biopsies. We isolated, in total 10 different strains representing five species (Lactobacillus gasseri, L. fermentum, L. vaginalis, L. reuteri and L. salivarius). The 10 isolates varied greatly in their ability to inhibit the growth of two Gram-positive bacteria and two Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, the acid and bile resistance profiles of the 10 isolates spanned a wide range. Conclusions: Five different Lactobacillus species were cultured from human gastric biopsies for the first time. Significance and Impact of the Study: Diverse Lactobacillus species are more prevalent in the human stomach than previously recognized, representing an untapped source of bacteria with beneficial probiotic and/or biotechnological properties

CE10011

Use the URI link below to search the Marine Institute Data Discovery Catalogue for datasets relevant to this report.Acoustic surveys on blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) spawning aggregations in the north east Atlantic have been carried out by the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) Norway since the early 1970s. In the early 1980s a coordinated acoustic survey approach was adopted, with both Russia and Norway participating to estimate the size of this migratory stock within the main spawning grounds to the west of Ireland and Britain. Since 2004, an International coordinated survey program has expanded to include vessels from the EU (Ireland and the Netherlands) and the Faroes. Due to the highly migratory nature of the stock a large geographical area has to be surveyed. Spawning takes place from January through to April along the shelf break from the southern Porcupine Bank area northwards to the Faroe Shetland Ridge including offshore areas as the Rosemary, Hatton and Rockall Banks. Peak spawning occurs between mid-March and mid April and acoustic surveys are timed to occur during this phase. To facilitate a more coordinated spatio-temporal approach to the survey participating countries meet annually to discuss survey methods and define target areas at the ICES led Working Group on Northeast Atlantic Pelagic Ecosystem Surveys (WGNAPES). Data from the annual spawning stock abundance survey (March/April, western waters), juvenile surveys (May, Norwegian Sea and January-March, Barents Sea trawl survey) and commercial landings data are presented annually at the ICES Working Group of Widely Distributed Stocks (WGWDS). Ultimately, combined data inputs into the management and catch advice for this international cross boundary stock. The 2010 survey was part of an International collaborative survey using the vessels RV Celtic Explorer (Ireland), RV Fridtjof Nansen (Russia), RV Tridens (Netherlands) and the RV Magnus Heinason (Faroes) and the RV G.O. Sars (Norway). The total combined area coverage extended from the Faroe Islands in the north (60.30°N) to south of Ireland (52°N), with east -west extension from 6°-18° W. International survey participants meet shortly after the survey to present data and produce a combined relative abundance and biomass index the blue whiting spawning stock in western waters. The combined survey report is presented annually at the WGNAPES meeting held in August and made available to the WGWDS assessment group