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1
Crewe, Nicola Jane. "Plasmid instability : measurement and use in antimicrobial action." Thesis, University of Hertfordshire, 2004. http://eprints.lincoln.ac.uk/34490/.
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The discovery of antibiotics in the early 20th century revolutionised medicine, but quickly bacteria began to demonstrate resistance to these agents. Antibiotic resistance is still on the increase, and soon, if this trend continues, bacterial infections may not be treatable with antibiotics. In an effort to prevent this occurring, the search for novel antibiotics is under way and new antibiotic targets are being considered. One target that has not been studied in depth is the partitioning systems of bacterial plasmids. Disruption of plasmid partition would prevent effective plasmid inheritance, which, in the case of resistance plasmids, would render the host cell antibiotic sensitive. The aim of this study was to determine whether plasmid partitioning is a viable target for a new antibiotic. A series of plasmids that contained genetically altered partitioning systems was used, which provided a range of plasmid stabilities. The plasmids all conferred antibiotic resistance on the host cell, allowing the effect of plasmid instability on a population grown in the presence of antibiotics to be determined. Several different methods of cell culture were used. Simple batch culture experiments allowed the observation that few plasmid-free cells were produced from cells containing plasmids that had a functional system. In contrast, plasmids containing a faulty system were found to be rapidly lost from the host cells. Steady-state chemostat culture was used to provide a simple model of a clinical infection. The formation of equilibria between plasmid-free and plasmid-bearing cells was observed, and the cultures contained a large proportion of plasmid-free cells when the experiments involved unstable plasmids. The slow growth rate of cultures in the chemostat was seen to dramatically affect the inheritance of plasmids relying on random distribution. Finally, cultures were subjected to washout in order to determine their maximum specific growth rate (µmax). While the results from these experiments are not entirely conclusive, there is a strong indication that the growth rate of cultures containing unstable plasmids grown in the presence of antibiotics is reduced.
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Dourado, Raphael Augusto de Sousa. "Monitoring use cases in the FIBRE-BR testbed." Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 2014. https://repositorio.ufpe.br/handle/123456789/11972.
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Many researchers believe that the Internet is “ossified”, that is, its design is preventing
the network to evolve in aspects such as security, mobility, and content distribution. However,
it is difficult to test new ideas in a production environment like the Internet due to its stability
requirements. As an alternative, part of the network research community is focused on building
large-scale infrastructures called testbeds, where they can build their “own” network and test
their ideas in a more realistic environment, similar to the Internet itself. This work discusses the
challenges of a key function in a testbed: monitoring. To do this, we reviewed the state-of-the-art
in monitoring systems for testbeds and then identified, described, and implemented a set of
monitoring use cases in the FIBRE testbed. By implementing these use cases, we validate our
proposals and lay a framework reusable in other similar environments.Submitted by Luiz Felipe Barbosa (luiz.fbabreu2@ufpe.br) on 2015-03-10T17:26:38Z No. of bitstreams: 2 DISSERTAÇÃO Raphael Augusto de Sousa Dourado.pdf: 6341527 bytes, checksum: c6ee052e4d2ce1085459d2bca175af0e (MD5) license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5)
Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-11T17:36:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 DISSERTAÇÃO Raphael Augusto de Sousa Dourado.pdf: 6341527 bytes, checksum: c6ee052e4d2ce1085459d2bca175af0e (MD5) license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-07-24
Muitos pesquisadores acreditam que a Internet está “ossificada”, ou seja, sua própria estrutura a impede de evoluir em aspectos como segurança, mobilidade e distribuição de conteúdo. No entanto, há uma dificuldade em testar novas ideias em ambiente de produção como a Internet devido aos requisitos de estabilidade dos mesmos. Este impasse levou parte da comunidade de pesquisa em Redes de Computadores a construir infraestruturas em larga escala chamadas testbeds, onde pesquisadores podem montar sua “própria” rede privada e então testar suas ideias em um ambiente similar à Internet. Este trabalho discute os desafios de uma das principais tarefas de um testbed: monitoração. Para tal, foi realizado um levantamento do estado da arte em sistemas de monitoração para testbeds e, a partir deste estudo, foi identificado, descrito e implementado um conjunto de casos de uso de monitoração no contexto do testbed FIBRE. A implementação destes casos de uso validou as propostas deste trabalho, as quais podem também ser aplicadas a outros ambientes similares.
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Campbell, Laurence. "Stellar scintillation and its use in atmospheric measurements /." Title page, contents and summary only, 1991. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09PH/09phc1885.pdf.
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Majocha, Timothy Wayne. "Outcome-based measurement, its use in assessing organizational end statements." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 2000. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk1/tape2/PQDD_0020/MQ49156.pdf.
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Lindström, Jonas. "Measurement system for laboratory use : For studies in electrical science." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Elektricitetslära, 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-256667.
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The purpose of this project is to create a measurement system aimed for a laboratory environment at Uppsala University. The measurement system will be used by students for laboratories of electrical science. It will include a measurement station and an application that will be used by the students. A specification of 16 channels of measuring data, 8 current and 8 voltage, was given by the client. Beside this specification there were 8 others to fulfil. The measurement station is connected to a compactRIO which will enable the possibility to graphically and numerically represent the results through an application created in Labview. The application will include time and phasor representations of both current and voltage. It will also include two power vectors for 6 channels each. The result of this project is a fully working measurement system which generates a good overview of measurements made on an electrical power system. All given specifications was fulfilled except one, which was not possible to achieve with the chosen methodology.
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Hashempour, Faramarz. "Use of cognitive measurement tools in prediction of psychological wellbeing." Thesis, University of Bedfordshire, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10547/622694.
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Prediction of psychological wellbeing was investigated utilising a specific set of cognitive measures. This study considered a mixed method approach, progressing in three main phases. First study (the pilot study) involved (n=147) participants where data analysis was conducted using ANOVA, multiple regression and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The Pilot study considered six measures of thinking Style or Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS-24), Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ-6 negative), Meta-cognitive Awareness Questionnaire (MAQ), Mastery/control, Cybernetic Coping Scale (CCS-15) and Beck Depression Inventory BDI-II. The correlation analysis showed positive association between variables with predictive approximation of 30% for depressive symptoms. The pilot study’s confirmatory factor and path analysis results produced supporting evidence of predictive quality with a good fit with model. The second phase comprised of a two-wave panel survey which included most of the measures from study one but added a 12-item version of Eysenck’s Personality Inventory, while the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) measures replaced the BDI-II. Regression analysis indicated that approximately 50% of the variance in PHQ scores could be predicted with DAS-24, mastery, ASQ and Neuroticism being the strongest predictors. A second regression analysis predicted 65% of the variance in GAD7 scores with DAS success and perfectionism sub factor being the strongest predictor. A series of confirmatory factor analysis was conducted as well as regression and covariance analysis of the identified variables. Longitudinal path analyses were performed indicating that approximately 74% of the variance in PHQ9 scores and 71% of the variance in GAD7 scores at time two could be predicted, with the time one well-being measures the strongest predictors. The most striking findings related to the role of Neuroticism in prediction of psychological wellbeing. Third phase of this mixed method study considered qualitative approach, using framework analysis. Participants were twelve clinicians who currently working with clients with depressive or anxiety based difficulties. The main findings indicated that all previously identified independent variables of thinking style, perception, control and though awareness contributing towards psychological wellbeing. Other notable observation included participant’s clinical training modality that influenced the choice of responses. Overall tested hypotheses in both modalities of studies provided additional knowledge and understanding by offering a unique theoretical perspective, where the correlation between psychological wellbeing and cognitive processes could be predicted when utilising specific sets of measures.
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Coy, Helen S. "The Use of Performance Measurement Data in Nonprofit Organizational Sustainability." ScholarWorks, 2018. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/5315.
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In the United States, nonprofit organizations (NPOs) face a precarious future because of their heavy reliance on the financial support of government funding, other donor agencies, and philanthropic foundation resources. The purpose of this study is to understand how and to what extent leadership of NPOs can benefit from using funder-required performance data to improve organizational sustainability. Using Pfeffer and Salincik's resource dependency theory to explain organizational sustainability, this qualitative multiple case study of 10 NPOs in a northeastern U.S. state includes 14 interviews with NPO leadership, a document review of NPO 990 tax filings, annual performance reports, and board meeting minutes. All data were inductively coded and then subjected to a thematic analysis procedure. Key findings indicated 6 overarching themes associated with NPO sustainability and funder-required performance measures that impact program sustainability but are mainly used for compliance: (a) NPO adoption and use of performance measures; (b) data collection and evaluation for external compliance; (c) information pertaining to financial, operational, and administrative decision making; (d) NPO leadership decisions regarding internal constructs, operations, and management; (e) resource dependency; and (f) sustainability practices. The implications for positive social change include strategies for NPO leaders to use to ensure survival, continuous community impact, and awareness for policymakers regarding legislative and regulatory developments that may inadvertently harm NPOs.
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Wetherell, Emily Michelle. "The use of crowdsourcing in the development of measurement instruments." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2019. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/6879.
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Crowdsourcing has gained favor among many social scientists as a method for collecting data because this method is both time- and resource-efficient. The present study uses a within-subject test-retest design to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of crowdsource samples for developing and field testing measurement instruments. As evidenced by similar patterns of psychometric characteristics across time, strong test-retest reliability, and low failure rates of attention check items, the results of this study provide evidence that Amazon Mechanical Turk might represent a fruitful platform for field testing to support the development of a variety of measures. These findings, in turn, have significant implications for resource efficiency in the fields of educational and organizational measurement.
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Ersson, Sofi. "Indicators in Action : Development, Use and Consequences." Doctoral thesis, Uppsala : Företagsekonomiska institutionen, Uppsala universitet, 2007. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-8336.
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Arter, Micah. "The effects of diesel fuel density on fuel consumption measurements of portable in-use emissions measurement systems." Morgantown, W. Va. : [West Virginia University Libraries], 2007. https://eidr.wvu.edu/etd/documentdata.eTD?documentid=5509.
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Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2007.Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vii, 91 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 60-62).
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Kedney, R. J. "Performance measurement in non-advanced further education : the use of statistics." Thesis, Lancaster University, 1989. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.292437.
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Intiang, Jittakant. "Use of triple beam resonant gauges in torque measurement transfer standard." Thesis, Brunel University, 2010. http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/4500.
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A new torque transfer standard using metallic TBTF resonant sensor was developed to overcome the overload capability problem which occurs with conventional metallic resistance strain gauges. Previous research work, however, has shown that the first prototype of the metallic TBTF resonant sensor was not suitable for use in a torque transfer standard due to its size and subsequent sensitivity to parasitic lateral forces. To maximize the benefits from this sensor, particularly overload capability and long-term stability, in the high accuracy torque measurement application area, there is a need to develop significantly smaller devices. The aim of this thesis is to research through FEA modelling and experimental characterisation the key performance parameters required to produce a miniaturised metallic TBTF resonant sensor that provides better performance when applied in a torque measurement system. For high accuracy any torque transducer using these sensors ought to have low sensitivity to parasitic influences such as bending moments and lateral forces, which can only be achieved with reduced size. The problems with the existing design, key design issues, possible configuration and packaging solutions of the metallic TBTF resonant sensor that could be used for achieving a higher accuracy torque transfer standard are considered. Two designs of miniaturised metallic TBTF resonant sensors, SL20 and SL12, are considered and experimentally investigated. The lateral forces are reduced by 52% for SL20 design and by 80% for SL12 design when compared to the original SL40 design. A torque transducer using the SL20 design was calibrated falling into the Torque Transfer Standard class of accuracy 1 category, uncertainty 0.8%. A torque transducer using the SL12 design was made and calibration showed a class of accuracy 0.5 category, uncertainty 0.2%. The results from this research indicate that the SL12 design is suitable for use in a torque transfer standard. The SL12 design is optimal and the smallest size possible based on the overload capability design criteria requiring the tine cross sectional area to remain constant.
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Hoffman, Benjamin R. "Six-Component Load Cell Design for Use in Force Measurement Platforms." The Ohio State University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1383950379.
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Christopher, Yvonne M. "The Use of Performance Measurement and Management in Small Ohio Municipalities." Wright State University / OhioLINK, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1596663423705027.
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Stapountzis, Margarita Antonia. "Development of fluorescence lifetime measurement techniques for use in microfluidic channels." Thesis, Imperial College London, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10044/1/14619.
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Fluorescence lifetime measurements are a powerful tool in biomedical research and advances in detection technology make them ideally suited for the study of biomolecular interactions. Time-resolved techniques, compared to more conventional methods, provide improved precision and contrast in the monitoring of complex biological processes. Fluorescence lifetimes are extracted by using time-correlated single-photon counting, which offers single photon sensitivity, high temporal resolution and excellent signal to noise ratio. Furthermore, combining this technique with microfluidics offers unprecedented advantages. For example, in analytical applications, apart from the high sensitivity required, the study of analytes often demands low sample consumption and short mixing times to allow for the monitoring of quick reactions. These parameters can nicely be achieved with the use of microfluidics. Hydrodynamic focusing within 3-inlet 1-outlet continuous flow microfluidic devices can be used as a molecular confinement mechanism to improve the detection efficiency as well as a means to enhance mixing within microchannels for the study of fast reaction kinetics. In this work, a powerful combination of confocal microscopy and microfluidics was used to perform fluorescence lifetime measurements on freely diffusing and freely flowing molecules. For this purpose, a home-built scanning confocal system was developed to ensure sufficient reduction in background levels, enabling the detection of fluorescence signal that arises from single molecules. Fluorescence lifetime imaging along with a maximum likelihood estimator adapted from single molecule studies was performed to visualise hydrodynamic focusing and characterise mixing within microfluidic devices. Time-resolved methods were also employed to detect single molecules freely flowing within microchannels. A novel fluorescence lifetime approach was developed to perform Förster resonance energy transfer measurements on freely diffusing molecules and subsequently applied for the study of streptavidin-biotin binding and protein conformational changes upon unfolding.
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Balilah, Y. A. "The use of impulse techniques in the measurement of sound insulation in buildings." Thesis, University of Liverpool, 1987. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.234843.
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Tamblyn, Robyn M. "The use of the standardized patient in the measurement of clinical competence : the evaluation of selected measurement properties." Thesis, McGill University, 1989. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=74219.
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The standardized patient is one method which can be used in the measurement of clinical competence. The accuracy of reproduction of important features of the patient case by the standardized patient was evaluated in Studies 1 and 2. In 839 encounters reviewed, only 13/89 patients provided an accurate reproduction of the case. Attributes of the patient, training process and evaluation procedure were associated with better patient accuracy. A significant inverse relationship was found between patient accuracy and competence score. In Study 3, the use of standardized patients as raters of behaviour was assessed. There were systematic differences in the scoring by different raters, and overall rater agreement was r =.41.
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Bayer, A. "The use of Tâ‚/Tâ‚‚-relaxation effects for NMR flow sensors in multiphase flow." Thesis, Cranfield University, 1994. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.359385.
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Lindblad, Mark Richard. "Accountable to Whom?: Policymakers? Use of Performance Measurement in Local Economic Development." NCSU, 2004. http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/theses/available/etd-04052004-181125/.
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Despite a growing movement toward accountability in the public sector, little research exists on factors affecting the use of accountability tools such as performance measurement. Many publications suggest how to use performance measures, but little is known about why some municipalities use performance measurement whereas others do not. This study examines performance measurement within economic development, an area of local government that attempts to create better jobs and wages for citizens, yet faces growing criticism over its cost and effectiveness. The analysis identifies factors that affect performance measurement in economic development and compares the impact of structural determinants such as demographic and socioeconomic factors to local community choices such as organizational, political, and community forces. Of the local choice variables, performance measurement was most influenced by organizational characteristics of the economic development agency: staff size, budget, plans, partnering, and number of business incentives offered. Structural determinants, which included city expenditures, labor and employer barriers, competition for investment, and region of US, exerted less influence on performance measurement, yet showed that socioeconomic and competitive forces do affect the use of accountability tools. Overall, the findings indicate that in municipal policymaking, both structural constraints and local choices matter, but local choices matter more.
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Wong, James C. "Use of the general transit feed specification (GTFS) in transit performance measurement." Thesis, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/50341.
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Until recently, transit data lacked a common data format that could be used to share and integrate information among multiple agencies. In 2005, however, Google worked with Tri-Met in Oregon to create the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS), an open data format now used by all transit agencies that participate in Google Maps. GTFS feeds contain data for scheduled transit service including stop and route locations, schedules and fare information. The broad adoption of GTFS by transit agencies has made it a de facto standard. Those agencies using it are able to participate in a host of traveler services designed for GTFS, most notably transit trip planners. Still, analysts have not widely used GTFS as a data source for transit planning because of the newness of the technology. The objectives of this project are to demonstrate that GTFS feeds are an efficient data source for calculating key transit service metrics and to evaluate the validity of GTFS feeds as a data source. To demonstrate GTFS feeds’ analytic potential, the author created a tool called GTFS Reader, which imports GTFS feeds into a database using open-source products. GTFS Reader also includes a series of queries that calculate metrics like headways, route lengths and stop-spacing. To evaluate the validity of GTFS feeds, annual vehicle revenue miles and hours from the National Transit Database (NTD) are compared to the calculated values from agencies whose GTFS feeds are available. The key finding of this work is that well-formed GTFS feeds are an accurate representation of transit networks and that the method of aggregation presented in this research can be used to effectively and efficiently calculate metrics for transit agencies. The daily aggregation method is more accurate than the weekly aggregation method, both introduced in this thesis, but practical limitations on processing time favor the weekly method. The reliability of GTFS feed data for smaller agencies is less conclusive than that of larger agencies because of discrepancies found in smaller agencies when their GTFS-generated metrics were compared to those in the NTD. This research will be of particular interest to transit and policy analysts, researchers and transit planners.
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Ishikawa, Aiko 1973. "In vivo nitrogen measurement by use of (n,2n) method and PGNAA." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/50488.
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Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Nuclear Engineering, 1998.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 115-121).
The technique of in vivo neutron activation analysis has been used for the determination of various elements in the human body. There are two methods of measuring nitrogen in vivo: (n,2n) method and prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA). The first method utilizes the fast neutron reaction 14 N(n,2n) 13N and the second uses the thermal reaction 14N(n,y)1 N. Both methods are currently in use at several different facilities for evaluation of the nutritional status of surgical patients or metabolic study of normal human subjects. In order for the absolute determination of nitrogen, it is necessary to obtain the uniform sensitivity of detection in the subject. Experimental factors which influence the sensitivity are the activating neutron flux and the absolute detector efficiency. The distribution of the two factors in the human body is dependent on the spectral characteristics of the neutron source, the geometries of irradiation and counting systems and the size of the subject. In this thesis investigations of sensitivity and absorbed dose of the two nitrogen methods are made based on the results of Monte Carlo simulation. Two experimental facilities utilizing the (n,2n) method and the PGNAA method are simulated to assess the suitability and the feasibility of in vivo measurement of nitrogen. The potential of the use of an electrostatic tandem accelerator as a neutron source for nitrogen measurement is examined by simulating hypothetical experimental set-ups. Furthermore, those results obtained by the simulation are verified by performing accuracy measurements by the (n,2n) method. The counting system designed for human thigh measurement is described. The (n,2n) method delivers about half of the equivalent dose of the PGNAA method with same irradiation time. The simulation results showed 10 - 20 times higher sensitivity for the (n,2n) method than the PGNAA technique, depending on the patient position for the irradiation. The simulation results for the accelerator sources presented higher sensitivity than the 238Pu-Be radionuclide source conventionally used.
by Aiko Ishikawa.
S.M.
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Gehrke, Steven Robert. "Land Use Mix and Pedestrian Travel Behavior: Advancements in Conceptualization and Measurement." PDXScholar, 2017. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/3477.
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Smart growth policies have often emphasized the importance of land use mix as an intervention beholding of lasting urban planning and public health benefits. Past transportation-land use research has identified potential efficiency gains achieved by mixed-use neighborhoods and the subsequent shortening of trip lengths; whereas, public health research has accredited increased land use mixing as an effective policy for facilitating greater physical activity. However, despite the celebrated transportation, land use, and health benefits of improved land use mixing and the extent of topical attention, no consensus has been reached regarding the conceptualization and measurement of this key smart growth principle or the magnitude of its link to walking. This dissertation, comprised of three empirical studies, explores this topic in detail.
In the first study, activity-based transportation and landscape ecology theory contributed to the introduction of a multifaceted land use mix construct reflected by a set of composition and configuration indicators. This activity-related land use mix construct, and not the commonly used entropy index, was a significant built environmental determinant of walk mode choice and home-based walk trip frequency. In the second study, structural equation modeling was used to establish a connection between residing in a smart growth neighborhood and home-based pedestrian travel. This study discovered a multidimensional depiction of the traveler's residential environment that was reflective of local land use mix, employment concentration, and pedestrian-oriented design. The second-order factor, which described a smart growth neighborhood, had a strong and positive effect on the household-level decision to walk for transportation-related and discretionary travel when assessed in a multidirectional conceptual framework.
In the final study, the influence of geographic scale selection on the connection between the built environment and active and auto-related travel was explored. Informed by this sensitivity analysis, which underlined the existence of scaling and zoning effects, mode choice for both work and nonwork travel as a function of individual, household, transportation, and built environment features at the home location and destination was modeled. These discrete choice analysis results found that measures of land use mix and density at each trip end had the strongest effect on the decision to walk rather drive or ride in a vehicle for nonwork trips. In all, the findings from this dissertation provide policymakers and practitioners greater specificity in the measurement of land use mix and its connection to pedestrian travel behavior.
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Engelholm, Anton, and Johan Wiström. "Measuring Performance : the use of Lean in IT services." Thesis, KTH, Industriell Management, 2012. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-98072.
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Lean has become a widespread concept within various industries. It originates from the production system at Toyota and focuses on maximizing customer value and eliminating waste. It has been adopted throughout industries as a consequence of stiffening competition and higher customer demands. From Toyota, the concept spread to other car manufacturers and then further to other manufacturing industries. In recent years, the Lean concept has spread to more intangible settings, initially to service functions within the manufacturing companies and later to pure service oriented industries such as healthcare, banking, and insurance. Most recently, the concept has been adopted in IT businesses as a mean to gain competitive advantage. A lot of research on the Lean concept has been concerned with issues such as implementation and the operational application of the concept. Even though the purpose of the concept is to increase the operational performance and to deliver high customer value, little emphasis has been put on research related to performance measurement in a Lean service setting. While some research regarding modern performance measurement frameworks exists, a weak link is identified between the two research areas (Lean and Performance measurement). This study has focused on the specific IT service setting at Company X and their Lean initiative. The purpose of this study is to complement Company X’s Lean initiative with recommendations related to an area currently not emphasized by Company X, measuring performance improvements due to their Lean efforts. Company X is especially interested in the linkage between operational improvements and the financial outcomes. This study employs a holistic view in order to gain a wide understanding of the organizational context and the business in general. It has been paramount for this study to understand the organizational setting, the theoretical concepts, and the interplay between them. As a mean of fulfilling the purpose, the case study methodology has been employed throughout this study. The research was initially defined by its objectives and delimitations. Interviews, observations, and a content analysis contributed to the overall organizational knowledge which was deemed crucial for the end result. The organizational knowledge together with the understanding of the theoretical concepts and the exploratory benchmark study has been the basis for the analysis and recommendations. The study has rendered in recommendations regarding how measurement activities should be designed and employed in Company X’s Lean setting. This study suggests that a limited focus should be put on general measuring activities in Tieto. More specifically, little focus should be put on attempting to determine a correlation or linkage between the operational improvements and financial outcomes. The study further suggests a separation of the organizational KPIs into steering (operational) KPIs and monitoring (financial) KPIs. This is suggested in order to have operations steer the organizational performance as well as cement the Lean concept within the organization. Overall, a focus should be put on measuring processes rather than financial data.
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Daughtrey, William D. "Development of an underwater LDV for use in the high radiation case." Thesis, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/17256.
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Melendez-Cervantes, Carlos. "On the use of sound transmission in the measurement of temperature in combustion devices." Thesis, University of Sheffield, 2000. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.341842.
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Eilard, Hillevi, and Albina Iljasov. "The Use of Social Impact Measurements in Socially Entrepreneurial Organizations - A Quantitative Survey Study on Organizational Size." Thesis, Malmö högskola, Fakulteten för kultur och samhälle (KS), 2016. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-23983.
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This thesis investigates the relationship between organizational size and the decision of using social impact measurements in Swedish socially entrepreneurial organizations, which include organizations and individuals that aim at solving social problems. Data is collected using an online survey, and three different ways to measure organizational size are used and tested whether they have a positive relation-ship with the use of social impact measurement. Organizational size is measured as the yearly turnover, available personnel and the number of members and participants in the organization. The association was analyzed through three different analytical methods, and we also present detailed descriptive statis-tics for the data sample. The results showed significant relationships between available staff as well as members and participants and the use of social impact measurements, while no significant relationship between the yearly turnover and the use of social impact measurements could be confirmed. We suggest a consideration of impact measurements when addressing sustainable organizational development as well as consideration of organizational size for local governments when introducing policies, funding and other support for socially entrepreneurial organizations.
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Vila, Grifoll Mar. "Somatisation in British Secondary school children: measurement, associations, impairment and health care use." Doctoral thesis, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/284130.
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Aquesta tesi està basada en tres articles que he publicat amb dades recollides d’una mostra de 1251 estudiants de Secundària i Batxillerat al Regne Unit. La informació que es va obtenir amb els qüestionaris que aquest grup de joves van emplenar, ha permès ampliar el coneixement del fenomen de somatització en aquesta població. Les somatitzacions són dolors i altres malestars físics que tenen un origen psicològic i no orgànic. Els símptomes psicosomàtics són comuns en la població pediàtrica. Poden ser lleus i transitoris o bé configurar trastorns psicosomàtics quan suggereixen malalties mèdiques, limiten funcionalment el pacient i comporten visites mèdiques. Aquests trastorns estan fonamentats en condicions psiquiàtriques que s’anomenen Trastorns Somatomorfs.
La motivació per escriure aquesta tesi va sorgir de l’oportunitat de poder estudiar els símptomes psicosomàtics i les seves associacions en una mostra d’estudiants Britànics, així com els seu efectes en el funcionament global d’aquests joves i en la decisió de consultar el metge. L’objectiu del primer article era avaluar els símptomes somàtics utilitzant el CSI-35 (Children’s Somatization Inventory) i analitzar les propietats psicomètriques d’aquest qüestionari. El CSI-35 és un qüestionari que engloba preguntes sobre 35 queixes físiques que el nen ha presentat en les dues setmanes prèvies i avalua tant la frequència com la intensitat de les mateixes. El CSI-35 no avalua l’impacte dels símptomes en el funcionament global del nen, o les associacions amb l’estrès o amb les consultes mèdiques, aspectes que són crucials en l’estudi del fenomen de somatització. És per això que en aquest projecte vam afegir preguntes per avaluar totes aquestes facetes, i vam utilitzar una escala d’impacte en el funcionament global que pregunta sobre l’afectació dels símptomes somàtics en 4 àrees: concentració, estar amb els amics, anar a l’escola i disfrutar d’activitiats en general. Aquesta és la primera vegada que s’han estudiat tots aquests aspectes en una població comunitària d’estudiants Britànics en el context de símptomes somàtics identificats amb el CSI. A més a més d’avaluar els símptomes psicosomàtics utilitzant el CSI-35, i ja que els mals de panxa són les queixes somàtiques més freqüents en la població infanto-juvenil, vam decidir estudiar aquests símptomes amb més profunditat en el segon article. Fins ara hi ha hagut pocs estudis al Regne Unit que hagin estudiat prevalences de mals de panxa en mostres comunitàries d’adolescents anglesos, i les seves associacions amb l’estrès, problemes psicològics, l'impacte en el funcionament global i en les consultes mèdiques.
D’altra banda, estudis en la població adulta indiquen que els pacients que consulten el metge de capçalera amb alta freqüència constitueixen la majoria de les visites a Assistència Primària. Resultats en aquesta àrea d’investigació han demostrat que aquests pacients tenen més desavantatges socials, més problemes mèdics i de salut mental, consulten freqüentment altres metges i pateixen alts nivells de queixes psicosomàtiques. De totes maneres, l’estudi d’aquesta àrea en la població adolescent és escàs i no es coneixen els factors que estan associats amb l’alta freqüència de consultes mèdiques en els joves. És per això que en en el tercer article ens vam concentrar en investigar la contribució d’una sèrie de variables, incloent factors psicosocials, a la freqüència de visites mèdiques en la nostra mostra, posant especial èmfasi en el fenomen de somatització.Psychosomatic pathology is common in the paediatric population. Many children present with somatic symptoms that are often transient and non-impairing and do not need medical care; however, there is a subgroup whose symptoms are chronic, impairing, leading to health-seeking behaviour and associated with psychiatric pathology, who can meet criteria for a Somatoform Disorder. This group constitute a real health concern if not identified and treated properly, as symptoms can persist into adolescence and adulthood with severe personal, economic and public health consequences. The three papers and thus this thesis, was motivated by a need to know more about the phenomenon of paediatric somatisation in British general population by using the CSI-35 (Children’s Somatization Inventory) and studying its psychometric properties. Paper 1 investigates the use of the CSI-35 in a community sample of 1251 Secondary school students and documents the frequency of the physical symptoms and their impact in terms of functional impairment and medical help seeking in British young people. This was the first time that impairment and perceptions of stress were studied in a British general population in the context of CSI identified somatic symptoms. In addition to exploring the use of the CSI in a new population, and since abdominal pains are one of the most commonly reported functional symptoms in children and young people, this was singled out and studied in this sample. Although acute and recurrent abdominal pain is one of the main presentations in children attending primary care services in the UK, there has been little work on the prevalence rates, impairment and medical help seeking behaviour associated with abdominal pain in British adolescent community samples. Therefore Paper 2 explored the relationship between abdominal pain and other symptoms reported by the CSI, as well as investigating its associations with stress and psychological problems, impairment and medical help seeking. Research indicates that frequent attenders account for a large proportion of contacts with general practice; it has been estimated that the top 10% of frequent attenders account for 30-50% of all such contacts. However, research in this area has mainly focused on adult populations and has consistently shown that frequent primary care attenders experience psychosocial disadvantage, have high rates of physical disease, an excess of psychiatric difficulties, high levels of somatisation, and high rates of using other health services. Adolescent primary health care attendance has been neglected, perhaps because adolescents are perceived to rarely attend. This perception is misguided since national statistics indicate that in the UK, 50-70% of young people attend their general practitioner with an approximate average of two consultations per year. High rates of psychiatric disorder and emotional symptoms have been reported amongst adolescent primary care attenders, therefore it may be expected that this association will be particularly marked in those who attend frequently. Given that medical help seeking is a key feature of somatisation, it seems likely that adolescents with functional somatic symptoms will be over represented amongst frequent attenders to primary care. However, very little work has been done on the contribution of functional somatic symptoms, alongside other psychosocial problems, to the frequency of general practice consultations amongst young people, indicating a gap in our knowledge. Therefore this was the focus of Paper 3.
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Roberts, John K. "The use of driven equilibrium conditions in the measurement of NMR relaxation times." Thesis, Aston University, 1989. http://publications.aston.ac.uk/9736/.
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The further development of the use of NMR relaxation times in chemical, biological and medical research has perhaps been curtailed by the length of time these measurements often take. The DESPOT (Driven Equilibrium Single Pulse Observation of T1) method has been developed, which reduces the time required to make a T1 measurement by a factor of up to 100. The technique has been studied extensively herein and the thesis contains recommendations for its successful experimental application. Modified DESPOT type equations for use when T2 relaxation is incomplete or where off-resonance effects are thought to be significant are also presented. A recently reported application of the DESPOT technique to MR imaging gave good initial results but suffered from the fact that the images were derived from spin systems that were not driven to equilibrium. An approach which allows equilibrium to be obtained with only one non-acquisition sequence is presented herein and should prove invaluable in variable contrast imaging. A DESPOT type approach has also been successfully applied to the measurement of T1. T_1's can be measured, using this approach significantly faster than by the use of the classical method. The new method also provides a value for T1 simultaneously and therefore the technique should prove valuable in intermediate energy barrier chemical exchange studies. The method also gives rise to the possibility of obtaining simultaneous T1 and T1 MR images. The DESPOT technique depends on rapid multipulsing at nutation angles, normally less than 90^o. Work in this area has highlighted the possible time saving for spectral acquisition over the classical technique (90^o-5T_1)_n. A new method based on these principles has been developed which permits the rapid multipulsing of samples to give T_1 and M_0 ratio information. The time needed, however, is only slightly longer than would be required to determine the M_0 ratio alone using the classical technique. In ^1H decoupled ^13C spectroscopy the method also gives nOe ratio information for the individual absorptions in the spectrum.
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Boyle, William Antonio. "Development of a computer vision fish biomass measurement procedure for use in aquaculture /." Thesis, Connect to this title online; UW restricted, 1994. http://hdl.handle.net/1773/5325.
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Crowther, Shamal Mena. "The development of a fast response measurement system for use in turbomachinery applications." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 2018. http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/51044/.
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Improvements in the efficiency of power generation via turbomachinery are essential in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the world. Advancements in measurement techniques are therefore crucial to understanding the main areas of energy loss in turbines and compressors. This thesis presents a novel system which allows that loss to be characterised using fast response, 3-D measurements of the pressure field within industrial scale rigs. Turbulent energy dissipation rates give an insight into where useable energy is lost from. To gain an insight into such rates, measurement techniques must be able to take data in all three dimensions simultaneously at high sampling rates, usually over 50 kHz. Traditional methods of flow characterisation such as optical techniques and pneumatic pressure probes are unable to capture the rapid fluctuations in pressure and velocity which lead to energy loss from the turbomachine. A new system was therefore designed and implemented into a 6-stage compressor rig to take fast response measurements at sampling frequencies up to 100 kHz behind the last stage stator. A fast-response 5-sensor pressure head, acquired from Kulite Semiconductor Products Inc, has been embedded into a bespoke stem to allow turbulence measurements in a range of turbomachinery applications. The five-sensor (5S) probe was calibrated for pressure sensitivity as well as aerodynamically to give total and static pressure along with velocity magnitude and direction. Individual sensors were calibrated and characterised at temperatures within a range of 200C and 500C, which corresponds to the conditions found within the final application. The probe was also used in a vortex shedding experiment where alternative eddies were detected from the 5S probe measurements in both the time and frequency domain. The aerodynamic calibration of the 5S probe consists of exposing the probe sensors to a range of flow angles in order to map their response between ±200 in both the yaw and pitch directions. This results in four non-dimensional coefficients, two to represent pressure and two to signify the flow angles. A linear interpolation method was written and implemented to deduce pressure and flow angles from experimental query points and the calibration data. The linear interpolation was used as an alternative to the standard surface fit method, where the calibration data is expressed as system of polynomial equations. It was found that the linear method was applicable to the interpolation of flow angles and gave a reduction in computation time of the order of 104. The total and static pressure values do however require the more tried and tested polynomial interpolation method due to the need for higher order interaction terms in the surface fit equation describing the terms. The fully calibrated 5S probe was then implemented into a 6-stage industrial scale rig where it acquired fast response pressure data from the flow field at the exit of the last stage vane. The data was processed to give time resolved, 3-D measurements of total and static pressure, flow angle and velocity. Due to the simultaneous capture of data from all 5 sensors, the resulting velocity vectors can be decomposed into their mean and periodic components to obtain values of energy loss from the turbomachine. The acquisition of such data from an industrial rig marks a novel advancement in the area of turbomachinery flow characterisation and the use of the 5S probe in a range of applications will begin to fulfil the need for a database of fast response data from chaotic and turbulent flow fields.
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Hanna, Ghassan Faraj 1957. "DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHLY ACCURATE TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENTATION FOR USE IN HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 1986. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/276351.
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Ghara'ati, H. "The use of tomography images in the XRF measurement of platinum in tumours following chemotherapy." Thesis, Swansea University, 1994. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.637048.
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The technique of X-ray fluorescence of heavy elements is widely used in medical physics and has been used for tracing the platinum-based drugs administered for the treatment of malignant tumours. A method is developed for analyzing an in vivo XRF system and optimizing the system for measuring the absorption of platinum in the target. The nature of the emitted radiation and its interaction with materials are explained. The general principles of the Monte Carlo method are described. A flexible program for an annular source/collimator and back-scattering geometry is developed. Several techniques are employed to improve the statistics and the program calculates the XRF spectrum for several heavy elements simultaneously. The dimensions and shielding materials of the source collimator are investigated in detail. The results support the choice of tungsten with a thin lining of tin or copper. The background spectrum contains a prominent Compton peak, the region above this containing mainly singly-scattered photons and the region below mainly multiply-scattered photons (plus the target element K-line). Very few of these multiply-scattered photons originate in the phantom, and the high background observed experimentally in the low-energy region is therefore attributed to scattering on the surface of the detector collimator. A design is proposed which would reduce this scattering considerably. A matrix of detection sensitivity versus depth and radius of the field is obtained. To calculate the response due to the tumour one can integrate the sensitivity over the volume of the tumour using data obtainable from tomographic images (like CT or MRI). It is also found that the regions of producing the greatest number of K-photons are not directly visible from the detector. A design is proposed which corrects for this deficiency and should therefore greatly improve the detection limit.
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Yu, Autumn Chau Sheung. "The construction of low cost budget standards and their use in assessing the living standards of families on low income." Thesis, University of York, 1994. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.359307.
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De, Leon Ricardo 1957. "Use of gene probes and an amplification method for the detection of rotaviruses in water." Diss., The University of Arizona, 1989. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/191152.
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Rotaviruses are one of the most significant causes of diarrheal disease in the world. Their presence in groundwater and drinking water supplies constitutes a health risk to the population. The study of rotaviruses in the environment has been hampered by the lack of accessible and consistent detection methodologies. Gene probes and other molecular techniques are a novel approach for the detection of these viruses in water. The feasibility of these new techniques for the detection and study of rotaviruses in the environment has been assessed using the simian SA-11 and the culturable human Wa rotavirus strains as models. Two general approaches have been undertaken consisting of hybridization of probes with genomic RNA and hybridization with mRNA produced by the virion-incorporated transcriptase. Hybridization of gene probes with genomic dsRNA of rotaviruses in environmental concentrates resulted in the detection of 10 4 immunofoci of Wa rotavirus. In vitro transcription serves as an amplification method with sensitivity 100- to 1000-fold greater than when probing for genomic RNA. The sensitivity obtained in Wa-seeded distilled water and environmental concentrates after in vitro transcription is 2 and 20 immunofoci, respectively. Proteins in environmental concentrates decrease the efficiency of probe hybridization by 10-100 fold. Also, transcriptase-inhibiting factors found in environmental samples decrease the production of mRNA. Both proteins and transcriptase-inhibiting factors can be reduced significantly with Sephadex G-200 columns. Passage of environmental concentrate through Sephadex G-200 spun columns, followed by in vitro transcription, was used to detect rotaviruses in environmental samples. Rotaviruses were detected by this combination of techniques in eight of 20 sewage samples, one of 16 tap water samples, five of 32 ground water samples, and two of nine surface water samples. Only one of 17 samples which tested positive with Wa cDNA 4 was positive for non-specific probe binding. The probing of rotavirus mRNA, amplified by the virion-incorporated transcriptase, is a practical and feasible method for monitoring these viruses in the environment.
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Richardson, Kenneth James. "Use of nucleic acid probes and a nonradioactive labeling system for the detection of enteroviruses in water." Diss., The University of Arizona, 1989. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/184948.
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Enteroviruses affect a broad segment of the population throughout the world and have been suspected to play a major role in waterborne disease for quite some time. The presence of these viruses in drinking water supplies constitutes a major health risk to the population because of their low infectious dose. The monitoring and study of these viruses in the environment have been limited by the current standard detection methodologies. Nucleic acid probe hybridization is a new and effective approach for the study and detection of these viruses in the environment. An important step in the detection of viruses in concentrated water samples by nucleic acid probes is the isolation of the viral genome from the water sample for hybridization. Previously, a series of time consuming organic extract ions was used to isolate viral RNA. This study reports the development of an alternative method for the isolation and preservation of viral RNA in environmental samples. Briefly, the sample is heated in the presence of an RNase inhibitor, and then applied to a hybridization membrane. This procedure has greatly reduced the time and difficulty of the assay while maintaining sensitivity and increasing consistency. This study reports the development and modification of a nonradioactive labeling system for the detection of viruses in water. Nonradioactive labels such as biotin offer several advantages over radioactive labels including unlimited shelf life, reduced cost and time of assay, and elimination of the radiation hazard. However, radioactive labels are generally the more sensitive method of detection. By combining direct and indirect labeling strategies, the sensitivity of this nonradioactive assay has been increased ten-fold. This assay can detect as little as 100 plaque forming units of poliovirus, only one order of magnitude less sensitive than radiolabeled probes. This assay is also ten-fold less sensitive than radiolabeled probes for the detection of enteroviruses in water samples. Nonradioactive probes offer a safe, inexpensive alternative to radiolabeled probes and tissue culture for the detection of viruses in the environment when ultrasensitivity is not required.
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Robson, Alice Jane. "The use of continuous measurement in understanding and modelling the hydrochemistry of the uplands." Thesis, Lancaster University, 1993. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.385675.
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Babaei, Khorzoughi Mohammad. "Use of measurement while drilling techniques for improved rock mass characterization in open-pit mines." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/44258.
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Ascroft, John T. "A study of microwave sensor design and their use for moisture measurement in polymeric materials." Thesis, Manchester Metropolitan University, 1989. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.236923.
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Tzavidis, Nikolaos. "On the use double sampling schemes to correct for measurement error in discrete longitudinal data." Thesis, University of Southampton, 2004. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.403805.
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Hide, Jacqueline A. "The measurement of behavioural disturbance in dementia : an evaluation of the use of activity monitors." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 1993. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/19844.
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The recent advances in the miniaturisation of electronic activity monitoring devices have opened up new methods for the study of human activity. This thesis describes the application of such technologies to the measurement of behavioural disturbance in dementia. Many behavioural problems in dementia are manifested as changes in levels or patterns of activity. However, the validity and reliability of the use of activity monitors in the study of dementia had not been systematically addressed. The first study carried out established that 80% of severe dementia hospital in-patients (22 subjects) would tolerate wearing an activity monitor for 72 hours. Evening activity levels in these patients were found to correlate with nurse ratings of 'wandering and pacing' behaviour. Two healthy elderly control samples were examined for activity level differences between seventy year olds (33 subjects: 70-72 years) and eighty year olds (25 subjects: 80-84 years). No significant differences were observed. A comparison of the severe dementia patients and controls showed significantly less activity in the dementia patients with a rise towards late afternoon whereas the control subjects showed peak activity in the morning. The validity of monitoring activity as a measure of behavioural disturbance was assessed using a sample of mixed severity dementia patients living in the community (25 subjects). Cognitive function was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Cognitive Assessment Schedule. Behavioural ratings were assessed using the Revised Memory and Behaviour Problem Check-list and the Behaviour Rating Scale of the Clifton Assessment Procedures for the Elderly. Collective ratings of behavioural problems were found to correlate highly (> 0.5) with cognitive impairment. A rating of general agitation showed a significant correlation with afternoon activity measures, although other ratings of behavioural problems did not correlate significantly with activity.
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Byers, Richard J. "Measurement of particulate matter size, concentration and mass emissions from in-use heavy duty vehicles." Morgantown, W. Va. : [West Virginia University Libraries], 1999. http://etd.wvu.edu/templates/showETD.cfm?recnum=1146.
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Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 1999.Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains xxi, 289 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 259-262).
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Derakhshani, Reza. "Determination of vitality from a non-invasive biomedical measurement for use in integrated biometric devices." Morgantown, W. Va. : [West Virginia University Libraries], 1999. http://etd.wvu.edu/templates/showETD.cfm?recnum=1035.
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Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 1999.Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains x, 126 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. [72]-75).
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Spence, Luke J. "On the calculation of particle trajectories from sea surface current measurements and their use in satellite sea surface products off the Central California Coast." Thesis, Monterey, Calif. : Naval Postgraduate School, 2007. http://bosun.nps.edu/uhtbin/hyperion-image.exe/07Dec%5FSpence.pdf.
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Thesis (M.S. in Applied Mathematics)--Naval Postgraduate School, December 2007.Thesis Advisor(s): Giraldo, Francis ; Paduan, Jeffrey. "December 2007." Description based on title screen as viewed on January 18, 2008. Includes bibliographical references (p. 69). Also available in print.
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Reshitaj, Agon, and Melanie Tikhonova. "The managerial views on the use of Balanced Scorecard in Kristianstad municipality." Thesis, Högskolan Kristianstad, Sektionen för hälsa och samhälle, 2013. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hkr:diva-11080.
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Purpose - The purpose of this study is to investigate how the BSC is used to measure performance by the provider and the users in a municipality. Furthermore, the purpose is also to examine the different views of providers and users of BSC in different departments. Design/methodology/approach – The research on the use of the BSC is based on a single case study in Kristianstad municipality. The case study was performed on three different administrations, culture and recreation, children and education, and care which are representing users of the BSC. The case study was also performed in the city management which presented the provider of the scorecard. Afterwards, the results of the case study have been analyzed from an institutional perspective. Findings - In this case study, it is concluded that the BSC is a useful tool for performance measurement in the municipality of Kristianstad. The providers and users of the scorecard are viewed differently as a performance tool. Research limitations – Due to a small sample size, it is difficult to generalize the results of this single case study. Future research could expand this study by a quantitative study based on a survey including all Swedish municipalities. Another proposal can be comparative case studies of different municipalities. Practical implications – This thesis shows how the BSC is used for performance measurement and how it is viewed from the providers and users. Using the results of this study, managers can use the scorecard in a more efficient way. Originality/value – This single case study examines the use of BSC in Krisitanstad municipality as there have been relatively few studies in this area. With the collection of the empirical evidence we have contributed with literature in this area.
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Schuler, Nisha Bi. "Evaluation of Position Measurement Devices for Future Use in Obtaining In-Vivo Knee Joint Kinematics." Cincinnati, Ohio : University of Cincinnati, 2004. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=ucin1085519312.
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Farmer, Jane Catriona. "An examination of awareness, use and management of evidence-based information within the context of health service commissioning in Scotland." Thesis, Robert Gordon University, 1999. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.287766.
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Mbatha, Erica Isabel Tavares Da Silva. "The evaluation of potential dietary media, measurement parameters and storage techniques for use in forensic entomotoxicology." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63323.
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The term forensic entomotoxicology was coined by Pounder and is used to describe the process of using insects to determine the presence or absence of toxicants in decomposing corpses. Forensic entomotoxicology is most applicable when the orthodox sources of evidence (i.e. blood and urine) are no longer available for testing due to the degree of putrefaction as a result of the decomposition process. As the field is relatively new, various authors have conducted studies to determine the effects of different toxicants on different insects. These studies have all been conducted in the absence of a standardised protocol and we hypothesise that this has led to conflicting results (i.e. two different authors will conduct a study using the same toxicant and model insect and the effects on the insects will differ significantly). The aim of this thesis was to identify the areas which might have led to the artefacts in the results and identify ways in which to standardise them. The three areas selected were the feeding substrates and the measures taken to quantify growth rate, as well as the preservation techniques that should be used for preserving larval flies. The recommendation from the literature review was that artificial diets would be the most appropriate dietary media to use for entomotoxicological studies. An artificial diet was selected and modified for potential used in entomotoxicological studies. Four different diets (no meat treatment, fish, beef and pork artificial diets) were used to rear Chrysomya chloropyga larvae and their growth rates were measured using length and width. The fly larvae reared on the fish and no meat treatment diets did not reach pupation stage. The beef and pork diets produced the largest larvae and the flies in these treatments reached adult stage. The recommendation was that the beef and pork treatments be tested with various toxicants to establish their stability in the matrix and the diet that provides the toxicants with the most stability should be used for future entomotoxicological studies. The two other factors selected for standardisation were the parameters used to quantify growth rate, as well as the preservation techniques used to store empty Chrysomya chloropyga pupal casings and Calliphora croceipalpis third instar larvae. Previous authors have suggested that width be used as an alternative to length to quantify growth rate. The results from this thesis show that length should continue to be used as the standard parameter because the incremental change in length is much larger than the change in width, and these larger increments allow for greater resolution when estimating the age of the larvae. Various authors have also suggested that pupal casings should be stored without any preservative, whereas fly larvae should be stored in concentrations of ethanol >70%. The results in this thesis have shown that the concentration of ethanol does not make any significant difference to the proportional change of length and width of the empty pupal casings and the third instar larvae. The recommendation is that when selecting the preservation technique, the integrity of the specimen for examination of other evidence (i.e. DNA or toxicological extraction) should take precedence. Although this thesis has not completely standardised the protocol for forensic entomotoxicology, it has indicated the areas that need to be focused on in order for standardisation to occur. Future studies should focus on standardisation, as this makes studies more comparable and ultimately makes entomotoxicological evidence admissible in the court of law.
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O'Toole, Elizabeth. "Evaluation of the use of indirect calorimetry for the measurement of resting energy expenditure in dogs." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 2000. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk1/tape2/PQDD_0017/NQ55634.pdf.
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Lawson, Christopher Robert. "A novel measurement device for use in multiphase helium-3 and 4 at ultra-low temperatures." Thesis, Lancaster University, 2013. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.658058.
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This thesis details the design, construction and operation of a novel measurement device in multiphase 3He and 4He. The experiments detailed herein have lead to measurements of the 3He normal fluid viscosity and the discovery of an anomalous damping effect in superfluid 3He-B at ultra-low temperatures. The development of this device arose from the desire for a low . temperature tool which could be moved in an arbitrary fashion whilst in an ultra-low temperature environment. The device itself is a large NbTi wire goalpost-shaped oscillator with dimensions of order 10 x 20 mm. This gives the oscillator a low natural resonant frequency of around 60 Hz and a low Q-value, leading to it being termed the "Floppy Wire". When placed in a vertical magnetic field the Floppy Wire can be driven at its resonant frequency by an alternating current, the velocity of the movement being inferred from the induced Faraday voltage. Uniquely, the Floppy Wire may also be moved to any desired position when driven by an arbitrary force; for example a step or linear ramp. In order to infer the position of the Floppy Wire when operated in this manner one or more pick-up coils are used to measure the induced voltage from a high-frequency probe current that is simultaneously passed through the wire.
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Taylor, Matthew J. "Experimental insights to improve utility measurement for use in cost-utility analysis of health care provision." Thesis, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, 2006. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.432516.
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