Digital Commons Network^™

Simulation Model To Investigate Flexible Workload Management For Healthcare And Servicescape Environment, Michael Thorwarth, Paul Harper, Amr Arisha

Conference papers

High demand and poor staffing conditions cause avoidable pressure and stress among healthcare personnel which results in burnout symptoms and unplanned absenteeism which are hidden cost drivers. The work environment within an emergency department is commonly arranged in a flexible workload which is highly dynamic and complex for the outside observer. Using detailed simulation modeling within structured modeling methods, a comprehensive model to characterize the nurses' time utilization in such flexible dynamic workload environment was investigated. The results have been used to derive a generalized analytic expression that describes certain settings that lead to an instable queuing system with serious …

Egoviz – A Mobile Based Spatial Interaction System, Keith Gardiner, Junjun Yin, James Carswell

Articles

This paper describes research carried out in the area of mobile spatial interaction and the development of a mobile (i.e. on-device) version of a simulated web-based 2D directional query processor. The TellMe application integrates location (from GPS, GSM, WiFi) and orientation (from digital compass/tilt sensors) sensing technologies into an enhanced spatial query processing module capable of exploiting a mobile device’s position and orientation for querying real-world 3D spatial datasets. This paper outlines the technique used to combine these technologies and the architecture needed to deploy them on a sensor enabled smartphone (i.e. Nokia 6210 Navigator). With all these sensor technologies …

Engaging With Higher Education – Employer Perspectives, Roadmap For Employment Academic Partnerships., Niamh Corcoran, Michelle Bradley

Reports

No abstract provided.

Dit Independent , 1st.-31st. Of December, 2009, Dit:Students Union

DIT Student Union

No abstract provided.

Supply Chain Learning:The Role Of Games, John Cotter, Gerry Forster, Edward Sweeney

Practitioner Journals

No abstract provided.

A Bandwidth Aware Modification To The Dsr Routing Protocol For Wireless Mesh Networks, Mustafa Ramadhan, Mark Davis

Conference papers

This work proposes a bandwidth aware cross-layer modification to the DSR routing protocol. We include the Access Efficiency Factor (AEF) parameter in addition to the hop-count in the routing discovery mechanism. AEF is a measure to the local availability of bandwidth at a node. Employing the AEF as a metric in the routing discovery mechanism attempts to avoid routing through a congested area in the network. In this modification, we impose a limit on the hop-count in order to control the delay time in the network. The path selection procedure operates by finding a path with the highest minimum AEF …

The Year In Review - 2009, Grangegorman Development Agency

Publications

Report on the Grangegorman Project “The Year in Review 2009″ outlining achievements and milestones, and plans for 2010.

Ict Innovation Diffusion In Small Logistics Service Providers: An Empirical Survey, Pietro Evangelista, Edward Sweeney, Claudia-Maria Wagner

Conference papers

For companies competing in highly dynamic markets, innovation is considered a fundamental component of a successful business as it allows companies to sustain profit margins, sales growth and reduce competitors’ pressures. Information and communication technology (ICT) is essential innovation enablers especially in service companies. The focus of the paper is on the analysis of the role of ICT in innovation processes of small third-party logistics service providers (3PLs). On the basis of quantitative evidence emerging from a recent survey carried out on the Italian 3PL market, the paper analyses how ICT is used to support innovation and the factors the …

A Study Of Current Practice Of Corporate Social Responsibility (Csr) And An Examination Of The Relationship Between Csr And Financial Performance Using Structural Equation Modelling (Sem), Lorraine Sweeney

Doctoral

There has been a significant increase in interest in CSR in recent years (Gulyas, 2009; McGehee et al, 2009) and it is regarded as an important topic for research (Burton and Goldsby, 2009). Not only has this topic received academic attention but it is becoming a mainstream issue for many organisations (Renneboog et al, 2008; Nijof and Brujin, 2008). However, it has been noted that research on CSR in SMEs is quite scant (Burton and Goldsby, 2008; Cilberti et al, 2008). A second area of literature that remains unresolved is the relationship between CSR and financial performance (Park and Lee, …

Figurational Dynamics And Parliamentary Discourses Of Living Standards In Ireland, Paddy Dolan

Articles

While the concept of living standards remains central to political debate, it has become marginal in sociological research compared to the burgeoning attention given to the topic of consumer culture in recent decades. However, they both concern how one does and should consume, and, indeed, behave at particular times. I use the theories of Norbert Elias to explain the unplanned but structured (ordered) changes in expected standards of living over time. This figurational approach is compared to other alternative explanations, particularly those advanced by Bourdieu, Veblen and Baudrillard. Though these offer some parallels with Elias’s theories, I argue that consumption …

The Development Of Tourism Areas: A Comparative Case Study Of The Factors Underpinning Tourism Development In Killarney And Clifden In Ireland, Theresa Ryan

Doctoral

This research investigates the local, place-based factors that influence tourism development, and asks why some tourism areas develop more than others. It provides important insights into the dynamics that occur at the local level, and contributes to the existing literature on destination development by investigating the influence of local tourist influentials; the presence of a social and professional milieu and the propensity for co-operation. Taking an inter-disciplinary approach, the research draws from existing tourism literature on models of tourism development, as well as literatures on entrepreneurship and industrial district theory. Underpinned by a pragmatic philosophy, it adopts a mixed-methods approach …

Investigation Of Velocity Profiles In Anatomically Realistic Renal Artery Flow Phantoms By Physiological Flow Experimentation, Deepa Chari

Masters

Renal Artery stenosis is one of the major causes of curable renovascular hypertension.An early investigation of renal artery stenosis helps in the management of renovascular hypertension by alternative, less-invasive methods such as drug treatments, thereby reducing the risk involved in the surgery. Therefore an early investigation of renal artery stenosis has been always an attractive goal for the physicians. The renal artery stenosis affects the blood velocity profile in the renal artery. These profiles can be investigated by quantitative Doppler Ultrasound measurements obtained by flow experimentations and can be used as a tool for the identification of renal artery stenosis. …

Broadcasting Multiculturalism: Migrant Representation And Participation In Irish Radio, Kathleen Moylan

Doctoral

In the cultural context of recent inward migration to Ireland, this research focuses on migrant representation on Irish radio. Employing diverse approaches drawn from cultural studies and public sphere theory, this study examines radio programmes produced by and about new Irish migrant communities, and the ways in which 'diversity' is framed and managed by national and EU broadcast policy. This work incorporates analyses of programme content and broadcast policy in relation to Irish national public service broadcasting (Radio Telefis Eireann) and Dublin community radio.

Singlemode-Multimode-Singlemode Optical Fibre Structures For Optical Sensing, Agus Muhamad Hatta

Doctoral

This thesis describes theoretical and experimental investigations on all-fibre multimode interference (MMI) devices using a singlemode-multimode-singlemode (SMS) fibre structure for use as a new type of edge filter for a ratiometric wavelength measurement system and as novel stand alone sensors. The use of two edge filters, so called X-type edge filters based on SMS fibre structures in a ratiometric wavelength measurement system is proposed and demonstrated. The use of X-type edge filters can improve the resolution and accuracy of wavelength measurement compared to the use of one edge filter in a conventional ratiometric system. Several aspects of the SMS edge …

Electromagnetic Scattering Solutions For Digital Signal Processing, Jonathan Blackledge

Other resources

Electromagnetic scattering theory is fundamental to understanding the interaction between electromagnetic waves and inhomogeneous dielectric materials. The theory unpins the engineering of electromagnetic imaging systems over a broad range of frequencies, from optics to radio and microwave imaging, for example. Developing accurate scattering models is particularly important in the field of image understanding and the interpretation of electromagnetic signals generated by scattering events. To this end there are a number of approaches that can be taken. For relatively simple geometric configurations, approximation methods are used to develop a transformation from the object plane (where scattering events take place) to the …

Exploring What It Means To Be A Catholic In Ireland Today, Eamon Maher

Articles

No abstract provided.

Sustainable Commercial Interior Design, Órla Keane

Dissertations

This dissertation looks at the environmental benefits of 3 key areas in relation to interior design: Energy, Water and Air; energy efficient lighting, water efficient plumbing fixtures and the effects of interior materials and finishes on indoor air quality.

Qualitative research methodology: Extensive literature review of texts available on these topics, and also of the relevant building codes and environmental legislation applicable to Irish interior designers and the built environment.

Quantitative research methodology: A comprehensive survey of then currently practicing Irish interior designers, and their use of sustainable design strategies (or lack thereof). The survey was conducted in conjunction with …

The Ceecs’ Banking System: A Risk Study During The Global Financial Crisis, Bernadette Andreosso-O'Callaghan, Lucia Morales, Valentina Tarkovska

Conference papers

We consider operational risk and market integration in the banking system of the Central and East European Countries’ (CEECs). The analysis provides an interesting framework in relation to the effects of the global financial crisis in some European emerging banks. We implement an econometric model that takes into account the level of integration of these banks in relation to a number of most developed institutions, which are represented by the Dow Jones STOXX 600 index, with the objective of analyzing how this could be impacting the level of operational risk in the region. This paper provides new evidence that links …

Moisture Movement In Concrete During Drying, Niall Holmes

Other resources

No abstract provided.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis Of Zno Micro-Javelins, Suresh Pillai, Declan Mccormack, John M. Kelly, Sibu C. Padmanabhan

Articles

The microwave (MW)-assisted formation of ZnO micro-javelins from zinc nitrate and urea in aqueous solution is described. The particles (named as ‘micro-javelins’ because of their high aspect ratio and needle-like tips) grow hexagonally with well-defined facets in the h0110i direction and pointed tips in (0001) direction. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns show the appearance of a strikingly dominant (1000) orientation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations reveal the morphological evolution of these hexagonal ZnO particles with time. The effect of precursor concentrations, counterion type andMWirradiation power and their consequent influence on pH and Zn2+ ion concentration are …

Assessing Third Mission Activities, Mike Murphy

Conference papers

No abstract provided.

Wood Chip Heating For Commercial Buildings In Ireland: An Analysis Of Supply Methods And Financial Viability, Ciaran Berkeley

Masters

Ireland has three central issues regarding the supply and use of fuel and energy: import dependency; competitiveness; and greenhouse gases emissions. Ireland is ranked as one of the most import dependent states in the EU, with over 90% of its fuel sourced fiom abroad [IAEA, 20051. Combined with rapidly fluctuating oil and gas wsts and uncertainty with future supply, it is essential that Ireland find a more secure and sustainable alternative to fossil hels. Wood chip represents one such alternative energy source since it is locally produced and considered to be carbon-neutral. The main objective of this research is to …

Dit News, 1st.-30th. Of November, 2009, Dit:Students Union

DIT Student Union

No abstract provided.

Right By Children: Children's Rights And Rights Based Approaches To Policy Making In Early Childhood Education And Care: The Case Of Ireland, Noirin Hayes, Siobhan Bradley

Reports

No abstract provided.

How Does Politics Affect Electronic Healthcare Adoption, Zanifa Omary, Fredrick Mtenzi, Bing Wu

Conference papers

In the 21 century, the term e-healthcare has become the common buzzword in the world. Its popularity is directly related to the rate of its adoption and benefits that it offers to individuals and governments. Among the common benefits include reduction in medical errors, improvements on physician efficiency, improvement in physician-patient relationship and an increase in the quality of care delivered. Despite all these benefits, politics is one among the obstacles hindering its adoption. In this paper we analyse how politics at local, national and international levels affect e-healthcare adoption and thereafter we suggest appropriate alternatives to overcome these obstacles.

To Document Or Not To Document, That Is The Question? Use Of The Participatory Archive Model For A Residential Artist’S Centre, Yvonne Desmond

Conference papers

Men of genius really are doing most when they work least, as they are thinking out ideas and perfecting the conceptions which they will subsequently carry out with their hands.’ (Leonardo da Vinci) There is a romantic notion that regards all forms of Art as emanating from the gods and artists as the mere conduits for this divine inspiration. This research project disavows such notions and instead is predicated on the basis that all artists are skilled practitioners of their craft. Research into the areas of tacit knowledge and visual intelligence indicate that the making of art is an experiential …

Meshscan: Performance Of Passive Handoff And Active Handoff, Yin Chen, Karol Kowalik, Mark Davis

Conference papers

A core problem of fast handoff is when handoff should perform and which Mesh Node (MN) should associated with. We have developed a fast handoff management scheme called MeshScan to provide a novel use of channel scanning latency, by employing open system authentication in both Passive Handoff and Active Handoff. This scheme comprises three steps: firstly a client device takes advantage of the Wireless Mesh Network (WMN) architecture to maintain a list of active MNs. Secondly MeshScan Handoff Sensor performs handoff when it receives a disassociation management frame from the serving MN or when the measured signal strength from the …

Antimicrobial Evaluation Of Novel Fatty Acid Derivatives And Other Natural Antimicrobials, Patricia Nobmann

Doctoral

The food industry has shown increased interest for novel natural antimicrobials due to consumer demand for foods with fewer synthetic additives, increased safety, quality and shelf-life. Concurrently, the emergence of drug resistant bacteria substantiates the need for newer antimicrobial agents. Alternative strategies include the use of novel antimicrobials, such as fatty acid derivatives, essential oils and bacteriocins, with proven antimicrobial properties against a diverse range of bacteria. This study investigated novel carbohydrate fatty acid (CF A) derivatives for their antibacterial activity against a range of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. A series of mono-substituted CF A derivatives using lauric and caprylic …

Dataset Threshold For The Performance Estimators In Supervised Machine Learning Experiments, Zanifa Omary, Fredrick Mtenzi

Conference papers

The establishment of dataset threshold is one among the first steps when comparing the performance of machine learning algorithms. It involves the use of different datasets with different sample sizes in relation to the number of attributes and the number of instances available in the dataset. Currently, there is no limit which has been set for those who are unfamiliar with machine learning experiments on the categorisation of these datasets, as either small or large, based on the two factors. In this paper we perform experiments in order to establish dataset threshold. The established dataset threshold will help unfamiliar supervised …

The Presence Of The Past: Conference Proceedings, Barry Sheehan

Books/Book Chapters

Is architecture design? Where does it begin? Where does it end? With every iconic architect comes an iconic chair. Mies Van Der Rohe's Barcelona Chair, Aalto's Artek stool. Where is the furniture by Irish Architects? As Irish architecture has become internationally recognised what has happened to our furniture? Is furniture design oflittle interest to current Irish architects and will this change with the current market conditions?