Engineering Commons^™

Multifunctional Glazing System: Solution For Modern Smart Glazing, Aritra Ghosh, Brian Norton, Aidan Duffy

Conference papers

Multifunctional glazing combines various glazing ,that have potential to control solar heat gain by changing the window transmittance and low heat loss. In autonomous multifunctional glazing it s function will be powered by PV layer attached to the glazing. This glazing obviates the necessity for shading devices to control the glare. Glare control for such a small scale south facing vertical surface multifunctional glazing is discussed.

Analysing The Impact Of Digital Photography Projects On Student Engagement And Performance In A Higher Education Engineering Discipline, Michael Gleeson

Conference papers

Developing and implementing engaging activities aligned with the learning outcomes of a module within a higher education programme is essential to successful teaching practice in the 21^st century. Substantial research evidence indicates that student engagement plays a pivotal role in the academic performance and success of the student. The aim of this research is to compare student performance after adopting an alternative pedagogic approach utilising digital photography as a tool to engage the student in an engineering discipline. The activity was designed to promote student engagement by integrating digital photography, replicating authentic construction professional practice and focusing on images …

Conceptualization Of A Photovoltaic Powered Electrochromic Switching Of A Multifunctional Glazing, Aritra Ghosh, Brian Norton, Aidan Duffy

Conference papers

A multifunctional glazing system has the potential to reduce the heat loss through a window with control of solar heat gain and daylight. Thus it can reduce both the cooling load and heating load depending on weather, occupancy and building construction. A photovoltaic (PV) panel can be used to generate energy to change the colour of the electrochromic (EC) material. Battery storage system has been included to activate the EC behaviour using stored solar electricity. PV area and cost can thus be smaller. As a window can be placed in different sides of a building, incident solar irradiation on a …

Shaping The Axial-Ratio Footprint Of Crossed-Dipole Antennas, Adam Narbudowicz, Max J. Ammann, Janusz Przewocki

Conference papers

A method is proposed to adaptively change the axial-ratio beam of simple circularly-polarized antennas. It is shown, that by varying the phase shift between two orthogonal elements the axial-ratio beam shape can be dynamically adjusted. This allows control of the direction of minimum axial-ratio and the ability to increase or decrease the beamwidth in one of two planes. The method is intended for satellite navigation systems: it can improve the rejection of reflected signals in varying propagation conditions (e.g. urban canyons), while using simple and low-cost circularly-polarized antennas.

Spatial Skills As Predictors Of Success In First-Year Engineering, Sheryl Sorby, Edmund Nevin, Avril Behan, Eileen Mageean, Sarah Sheridan

Conference papers

Numerous research studies have highlighted the importance of well-developed 3-D spatial skills for success in STEM related programs. Poor spatial skills, particularly among first-year students, can place them at a distinct disadvantage when completing introductory courses in mathematics, CAD, descriptive geometry, and graphic communications - first-year requirements in many STEM related programs. This in turn can lead to poor grades and retention issues. Women are disproportionally among the group of students with weak or poorly developed 3-D spatial skills meaning that they are at a greater risk of leaving engineering when compared to their male counterparts. In this study, the …

An Optimal Calibration Procedure For A Telemac-2d Model Of The Eastern Coast Of Ireland, Garrett Keane, Andrew Stokes, Zeinab Bedri, John O'Sullivan

Conference papers

A review of the literature shows that most model calibrations involve the adjustment of the bottom friction coefficient to minimise the error between predicted and measured tidal elevations. In this study, an alternative procedure is adopted when calibrating a Telemac2D model covering an area on the Eastern coast of Ireland. The model is forced with eight principal tidal constituents derived from the MIKE 21 global model. It is calibrated separately for the two principal constituents, M2 and S2. The field data comprises tidal elevations recorded at five locations over a full lunar cycle in October 1998 and Spring and Neap …

The Impact Of Fuzzy Requirements On Medical Device Software Development, Martin Mchugh, Abder-Rahman Ali, Fergal Mccaffery

Conference papers

Any software development project can experience difficulties with unclear or vague requirements. Unfortunately, this problem can be experience two fold in regulated environments such as the medical device software development industry. In the medical device software development industry, development organisations must contend with vague or “fuzzy” both the customer and regulatory bodies. As new requirements are introduced they can have a knock on effect on other requirements. These requirements should be analysed to determine if they are conflicting, cooperative, mutually exclusive and irrelevant. Only when the requirement is classified can a clear method be established as how to integrate that …

Aligning Bim And Lean Methodologies Within Capital Works Management Framework In Ireland, Barry Mcauley, Alan Hore, Muiris O'Loingsigh, John Deeney

Conference papers

In 2007, following continued dissatisfaction with the lack of cost certainty on publicly funded projects, the Irish Government introduced the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF). This framework had stated strategic objectives of achieving greater cost certainty at contract award stage; better value for money at all stages during project delivery and, more efficient end-user delivery. The framework, in particular, sought to rebalance risk, so that there was an optimal transfer of risk to the contracting authority and the contractor through the implementation of fixed price contracts. Coinciding with the introduction of the CWMF, there was significant debate around the introduction …

Using Game Engine Technologies For Increasing Cognitive Stimulation And Perceptive Immersion, Garrett Keenaghan, Imre Horváth

Conference papers

With the development of more user friendly game engine packages and software, detailed cognitive stimulation of procedural activities has now become easier to develop in virtual reality environments. With packages offering built-in visual editors, the amount of labour hours required for the development of specific applications are reduced. This paper considers the use of computer supported game engine technology to provide location independent comprehension and procedural skills learning for built environment education.

The Development Of Synthetic Wind Series Based On Gaussian And Non Gaussian Statistics, Thomas Woolmington, Keith Sunderland, Jonathan Blackledge

Conference papers

The ability to summarise the characteristics of turbulence into classical statistical models has long been a cause of intrigue for the wind energy industry. Currently, in the context of wind energy systems, a representation of turbulence is by a singular numerical value, turbulence intensity (TI), but the question is whether a classical statistic has the ability to accurately quantify the turbulence characteristic in question.

State Of The Art Of Using Virtual Reality Technologies In Built Environment Education., Garrett Keenaghan, Imre Horváth

Conference papers

the application of virtual reality technologies in built environment education (BEE). In addition to an analysis of the current trends and developments in current virtual reality technologies and systems, it also evaluates their educational usability and effectiveness in the mirror of the literature. First, a reasoning model is introduced, which is used as a structuring skeleton of the paper. The context of the analysis is learning experience of BEE students who tend to form individual perspective and expectations. When the experience and perspective of the virtual reality developer differs from that of the user the virtual environment-based learning may result …

Water At The Centre Of Environmental Issues – Research At The Ucd Dooge Centre For Water Resources Research, Zeinab Bedri, Eva M. Mockler, Michael Bruen, Yaqian Zhao, Pj Purcell, John O'Sullivan, M. Alsaji, Aisling Corkery, Liam Doherty, M. Dzakpasu, M. Martins, A. Rymszewicz, L. Willuwet

Conference papers

Since 1988, the UCD Dooge Centre for Water Resources Research has been conducting research in a wide range of water topics including hydraulics, hydrology, coastal dynamics and wastewater with an emphasis on multi-disciplinary collaboration. This paper presents an overview of this research, both past and present, and provides an outlook to the future research directions of the Centre.

Hydro-Environmental Modeling Of Sewage And Riverine Discharges Into A Coastal Area: Comparison Of Depth-Averaged And Three-Dimensional Models, Zeinab Bedri, John O'Sullivan, Aisling Corkery, Louise Deering, Katalin Demeter, Wim Meijer, Gregory O'Hare, Bartholomew Masterson

Conference papers

This study applies and compares two hydrodynamic and water quality models; a depth-averaged (TELEMAC-2D) and a three-dimensional model (TELEMAC-3D) on their performance in simulating the transport and fate of Escherichia coli (a main microbial bathing water quality indicator) in the coastal waters of Bray, Ireland subjected to sewage discharges and freshwater inflows from the River Dargle. The models first calibrated and validated against hydrodynamic and water quality data, were used to simulate Escherichia coli distribution patterns based on mean spring and mean neap tides for dry and wet weather scenarios. The hydrodynamic calibration yielded a good match between both models …

An Analysis Of The Barriers To And Drivers Of Green Public Procurement In Achieving A More Sustainable Construction Industry, Myles Keaveney, Paul Butler

Conference papers

The public sector in Ireland possesses enormous purchasing power which has the strength to affect production and consumption trends in all market sectors. Environmental purchasing tools such as Green Public Procurement (GPP) are seen by many as the solution to greener purchasing decisions in order to obtain and maintain not only a more sustainable construction sector but also a more sustainable economy. The purpose of this research is to determine and examine the key barriers to and drivers of implementing GPP in public procurement departments in order to reduce the effect construction works have on the environment. There was limited …

Assessing The Effectiveness Of A Problem-Based Computer Modelling Module From The Student's Perspective, Garrett Keane, Brian Bowe

Conference papers

The Computer Modelling module delivered to the third year Level 8 Mechanical Engineering students in the Technological University Dublin is marked completely by continual assessment. It was developed using a problem based approach in that the theory of Computer Modelling methods is first explained but is then illustrated by demonstrating its application to the solution of real life problems. It is delivered in a traditional manner for the first six weeks in that the underlying principles and techniques of the finite difference method are covered in lectures and practical assignments are completed in the weekly computer laboratory classes. A problem …

What Role Does Mathematical Preparedness Play For Engineering Students Who Transfer From And Ordinary Degree Into An Honours Degree?, Michael Carr, Marisa Llorens, Susan O'Shaughnessy, Anne Marie Mccarrick, Domhnall Sheridan

Conference papers

Students who have not achieved a high level of mathematics at secondary school but have a pass in ordinary level mathematics have the option of entering onto a 3-year Ordinary degree (Level 7). Upon successful completion of this award students may apply to progress to the third year of the Honours degree. Up until relatively recently an upper merit (60%) was the minimum required to make this transition. In recent years this requirement has been reduced with many students with lower marks being offered the possibility of transferring.

Relatively little work has been done on the transition from an Ordinary …

Evaluating The Implementation Of Curriculum Development For Sustainable Design In Electrical Services Engineering, Michael Mcdonald, Stephen Donohoe

Conference papers

The professional role of electrical services engineers is evolving and changing to meet the needs of industry, both national and internationally. The current demands throughout the built environment are primarily driven by European Directives and Government policies pertaining to sustainable design, energy reduction and energy efficiency. Thus, it is essential that Ireland’s Higher Education Institutions meet these challenges head on by developing diverse programmes which have sustainability at the core of curriculum design. Moreover, programmes of this nature will ensure that young engineers of the future command key transferable skills and enhance their lifelong learning which is required for today’s …

Educational Programmes For Spatial Information Sciences In The Technological University Of Dublin, William Prendergast, Eamonn Murphy, Audrey Martin, Avril Behan

Conference papers

The ever increasing spatial information needs of society, the rapid development of new surveying technologies, and the global demand for appropriately qualified surveyors, have triggered a radical re-evaluation of geomatics education worldwide. Significant enhancements have been made to the educational programmes in the spatial information science discipline in the Technological University of Dublin’s (DIT) during the last decade including the provision of a BSc in Geomatics and various masters’ programmes to cater for the increasingly specialised needs of the Geographic Information sector in Ireland.

Building A Database Of Political Speech Does Culture Matter In Charisma Annotations?, Andrew Hines, Ailbhe Cullen, Naomi Harte

Conference papers

For both individual politicians and political parties the in- ternet has become a vital tool for self-promotion and the distribution of ideas. The rise of streaming has enabled po- litical debates and speeches to reach global audiences. In this paper, we explore the nature of charisma in political speech, with a view to automatic detection. To this end, we have collected a new database of political speech from YouTube and other on-line resources. Annotation is per- formed both by native listeners, and Amazon Mechanical Turk (AMT) workers. Detailed analysis shows that both la- bel sets are equally reliable. The results …

Robustness And Prediction Accuracy Of Machine Learning For Objective Visual Quality Assessment, Andrew Hines, Paul Kendrick, Adriaan Barri, Manish Narwaria, Judith A. Redi

Conference papers

Machine Learning (ML) is a powerful tool to support the development of objective visual quality assessment metrics, serving as a substitute model for the perceptual mechanisms acting in visual quality appreciation. Nevertheless, the reliability of ML-based techniques within objective quality assessment metrics is often questioned. In this study, the robustness of ML in supporting objective quality assessment is investigated, specifically when the feature set adopted for prediction is suboptimal. A Principal Component Regression based algorithm and a Feed Forward Neural Network are compared when pooling the Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) features perturbed with noise. The neural network adapts better with …

Clarification Dialogues For Perception-Based Errors In Situated Human-Computer Dialogues, Niels Schütte, John D. Kelleher, Brian Mac Namee

Conference papers

We present an experiment about situated human-computer interaction. Participants interacted with a simulated robot system to complete a series of tasks in a situated environment. Errors were introduced into the robot's perception to produce misunderstandings. We recorded the interactions and attempt to identify strategies the participants used to solve the arising problems.

Quantized Nonnegative Matrix Factorization, Ruairí De Fréin

Conference papers

Even though Nonnegative Matrix Factorization (NMF) in its original form performs rank reduction and signal compaction implicitly, it does not explicitly consider storage or transmission constraints. We propose a Frobenius-norm Quantized Nonnegative Matrix Factorization algorithm that is 1) almost as precise as traditional NMF for decomposition ranks of interest (with in 1-4dB), 2) admits to practical encoding techniques by learning a factorization which is simpler than NMF’s (by a factor of 20-70) and 3) exhibits a complexity which is comparable with state-of-the-art NMF methods. These properties are achieved by considering the quantization residual via an outer quantization optimization step, in …

Perceived Audio Quality For Streaming Stereo Music, Andrew Hines, Eoin Gillen, Naomi Harte, Damien Kelly, Jan Skoglund, Anil Kokaram

Conference papers

Users of audio-visual streaming services expect an ever increasing quality of experience. Channel bandwidth remains a bottleneck commonly addressed with lossy compression schemes for both the video and audio streams. Anecdotal evidence suggests a strongly perceived link between bit rate and quality. This paper presents three audio quality listening experiments using the ITU MUSHRA methodology to assess a number of audio codecs typically used by streaming services. They were assessed for a range of bit rates using three presentation modes: consumer and studio qual- ity headphones and loudspeakers. Our results indicate that with consumer quality headphones, listeners were not differentiating …