Physics Commons^™

An Investigation Into Employee Exposure To Environmental Tobacco Smoke Within Designated Smoking Areas In The Hospitality Industry, With An Analysis Of Legislative Compliance Of Said Designated Smoking Areas, Hannah Byrne

Masters

Background: Occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is still occurring in the hospitality industry and the instance of non-compliant smoking areas required investigation. A designated smoking area covered by a roof where more than 50% of the perimeter of that part is surrounded by one or more walls is deemed a non-compliant smoking area. This study aimed to gather evidence of non-compliances across Dublin, determine current employee exposure whilst also measuring PM2.5 concentrations within smoking areas as well as providing insight into possible immediate health effects of ETS exposure.

Methods: Seventy-five smoking areas (41 located in high, 27 in …

Echocardiography Audit On Patients With Hereditary Haemochromatosis, Lorna Doran

Masters

Background: The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Guidelines for Hereditary Haemochromatosis (HH) refer specifically to symptomatic Homozygous C282Y patients and provide an algorithm for treating such patients who are predisposed to iron overloading. The British Society of Echocardiography does not make provisions for HH patients per se. Cardiac failure is a known complication of severe iron overload although it is atypical. Aim: To retrospectively investigate if an echocardiogram (echo) was warranted in the HH population at Louth County Hospital (LCH) Venesection Clinic based on the current guidelines. Methods: A cohort of 833 HH patients was reviewed …

Thermal Comfort, Energy Usage And Fuel Poverty In A Sample Of Older Person’S Households In Dublin, Eugene Monahan

Masters

This research was conducted in twenty nine Dublin City Council senior citizen sheltered housing dwellings. Temperature (°C) and relative humidity (% RH) was recorded inside all dwellings using data loggers over two separate monitoring periods of four months between December and March of 2011-2012 and 2012-2013. Energy usage including gas and electricity was also recorded for each dwelling during both monitoring periods. Outside ambient temperature data for both periods was acquired from Met Eireann. A dwelling occupant questionnaire was completed to obtain relevant technical, social and behavioural data, and to establish the prevalence of fuel poverty amongst the sample. The …

Manufacture And Investigation Of Organic Composite Polymer Based Films For Advanced Flexible Solar Cells, Raffie Arshak

Masters

Modern society has created big challenges in the area of sustainable supply of energy to satisfy the needs of growing population and to account for depleting fossil fuel resources. The Irish Government has set targets for the energy sector by 2020, with 33% of electricity to be generated from renewable sources. Organic photovoltaic devices offer several advantages over expensive silicon solar cells, including deposition of ultra-thin films by spin-coating, printing and spray-coating. This in turn provides for the exciting possibility to make lightweight, flexible solar cells for a broad range of existing and emerging applications for security, military and medicine. …

Establishing Normative Data For The Visual Skills Of Gaelic Footballers, Valerie Kennelly

Masters

Although sports vision procedures have been implemented in many sports worldwide, no rigorous scientific investigation of the visual skills trends of Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) participants has been carried out in Ireland to date. The aim of this study was to identify the visual skills required to play Gaelic football and to establish normative data for those skills which can be used to classify, superior, above average, average, below average and inferior visual performance. Hardware visual skills including high and low contrast vision, stereo acuity, colour vision, and contrast sensitivity and software skills including eye hand co-ordination, dynamic fixation and …

Effect Of Reduction Of Breath-Holding Time In The Single-Breath Method To Assess Carbon Monoxide Diffusing Capacity, Elsa Magro

Masters

Measurement of the diffusing capacity of the lung is part of the routine pulmonary function assessment in every patient and the single breath method is the most commonly used method. This method requires a subject to inspire a gas mixture followed by a 10 second (s) breath-hold. However dyspnoea may preclude measurement in patients with advanced pulmonary disease. We sought to determine if breath-hold time reduction had a significant effect on measured DLco values.
Forced spirometry and CO-diffusion by the single breath method were
performed by a respiratory scientist with a Jaeger master-screen PFT equipment, in duplicate with breath-holding of …

Macular Pigment: Practical Implications For Optometric Practice In Preventative Health Care And Visual Performance Enhancement, Grainne Scanlon

Masters

The macula is a specialised part of the retina responsible for detailed central and colour vision. The carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin are uniquely concentrated in the inner and central layers of the primate macula, where they are known as macular pigment (MP). It has been shown that MP is entirely of dietary origin and that lutein and zeaxanthin levels in serum, diet and retina correlate. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a disease of the macula and results in loss of central vision. MP, because of its optical filtration and antioxidant properties, may have an important role in the prevention …

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. …

Spectroscopic Imaging Of Quantum Dot Cellular Interactions, Lorenzo Salford

Masters

Quantum dots (QDs) are a diverse class of engineered nanomaterials that have great potential for use as agents in imaging, diagnostics and drug-delivery because of their intense and photostable fluorescence. Advances in the field of nanotoxicology, however, have recently identified potential risks and hazards associated with exposure to QDs. The main purpose of this research is to investigate the capabilities of a synergistic range of different techniques, including cytotoxicity assays, confocal microscopy and vibrational spectroscopy, to probe their interaction with Biological systems. With the combination of these techniques it is hoped to understand the mechanisms of the interaction of QDs …

To Evaluate The Effects Of The Introduction Of A Smoke-Free Environment On The Lung Function Of Bar Workers In Dublin, Michele Agnew

Masters

It has long been recognised that exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) causes respiratory and cardio-vascular disease. A ban, prohibiting smoking in the workplace, was sanctioned by the Irish government and came into effect on 29 March, 2004. Bar staff were an ideal group to study the health effects of the introduction of this ban. Methods Workers were recruited through their Trade Union, Mandate, and 81 participated in the pre-ban phase of testing between September 2003 and March 2004. They attend the Respiratory Laboratory in St. James’s Hospital and underwent lung function tests and measurement of exhaled carbon monoxide (CO). …

Electronic And Optical Processes In Fullerene Films, Naomi Brant

Masters

This work primarily focuses on the archetypal fullerene, which is C60. C60 is electron rich and yet can be six fold reduced, taking on up to six additional electrons. Interest in the electrical properties of the solid state C60 were intensified when it was observed that it could be chemically doped with alkali metals, producing a metallic state A1C60, and even a superconducting state A3C60, where A indicates an alkali metal such as potassium or rubidium. Previous work has demonstrated that such a conductive state can also be achieved by optical pumping or by electron injection. The electronic properties of …

Characterisation Of An Acrylamide-Based Photopolymer For Holographic Data Storage, Hosam Sherif

Masters

An acrylamide-based photopolymer, formulated in the Centre for Industrial and Engineering Optics, was investigated as a recording material for holographic data storage applications. Holographic data storage (HDS) is an optical storage technique, which theoretically allows densities as high as tens of TB/cm2 with data transfer rates of many GB/s/. HDS has unique advantages, such as the ability to perform parallel data searches (associative recall) and implement novel encryption techniques. At present, many materials have been investigated to determine their suitability for use as HDS media. As yet, no one material possesses all the properties that are required to realise the …

An Investigation Of The Effect Of Variation In Surface Electrode Type And Placement On Action Potentials Elicited By Peripheral Nerve Simulation, Jacinta Augustine

Masters

Several experiments were designed and carried out in order to compare the performances of five commercially available EMG surface electrodes. The aim was to identify the optimal surface recording electrode from the samples examined. The particular interest was to assess the comparative performance of the electrodes routinely used in our hospital Neurophysiology laboratory. It is envisaged that the conclusions from the study might be applied to improve the quality and reproducibility of nerve conduction techniques use din our department. A literature survey was carried out to identify some of the factors that influence the recording of evoked potentials from peripheral …

Comparison Of Auto-Adjusting And Fixed Level Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy In Patients With Mild To Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Hypopnoea Syndrome, Geraldine Nolan

Masters

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) is a potentially serious medical disorder associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It is estimated to affect 4% of males and 2% of females between the ages of forty and sixty. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the first choice treatment for this condition and it is extremely effective at controlling OSAHS. However, not all patients can tolerate this therapy, in particular those within the mild to moderate category, and there are also many others who are unable to comply with the minimum usage requirements of at least four hours every night. A …

Optimisation Of Organic Materials For Laser Applications, Kieran P. Henderson

Masters

This project sets out to investigate the variations of the optical properties of organic conjugated polymers with a view towards understanding the transition from isolated molecule (solution) to the solid state. The polymer poly9p-phenylene vinylene-co-2,5-dioctyloxy-m-phenylene vinylene) (PmPV) is chosen as it is of interest for both light emitting and nanotube composite applications. As a model compound, 2,5-dioctoxy-p-distrylbenzene, termed the trimer, is employed for comparison. The objective are to characterize the effect of the environment, using solvent and concentration dependent studies, on the optical properties of the polymer and to compare the results for the more complex polymeric system to the …

High-Speed Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry, Carol Armstrong

Masters

Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry (ESPI) is used to measure surface displacements. Phase shifting can be used to obtain a fringe pattern which depicts the phase at every point in an image. Previous studies have used algorithms such as the 4-bucket algorithm to obtain phase maps of objects. After the object is displaced a second phase map is obtained in the same way and by correlation the phase difference due to the displacement can be determined. When the object is in rapid continuous motion these algorithms cannot be used. Towards this end a 5-frame algorithm was written, in which the calibrated …

Studies In Cardiac Defribrillation, Eamonn Mckenna

Masters

Cardiac disease resulting in cardiac arrest is one of the most common fatal diseases in the developed world. Defibrillation is the medical procedure used to correct the irregular cardiac rhythm (ventricular fibrillation (VF)) which is very often detected in patients suffering cardiac arrest. In the work reported in this thesis, two aspects of the defibrillation of patients in VF were examined. The first area of investigation concentrated on the use of multiple defibrillation electrodes to be used during closed chest (transthoracic) defibrillation. This study was carried out in a saline bath and centred on “focusing” electric fields from perimeter electrodes …

Non Linear Electronic And Optical Processes In Fullerene Thin Films, Siobhan Phelan

Masters

In this study the current voltage characteristics of C60 thin film sandwich structures fabricated by vacuum deposition on indium tin oxide (ITO) with an aluminium top electrode are presented and discussed. A strongly non-linear behaviour and a sharp increase in the device conductivity was observed at relatively low voltages, at both room and low temperatures (30K). At room temperature the system is seen to collapse. In situ Raman measurements indicate that the collapse is the result of a solid state reduction of the fullerene thin film to a polymeric state. The high conductivity state was seen to be stable at …

Crash Analysis: An Investigation Of Current Speed Estimation Techniques, Robert Rice

Masters

The increasing number of cars and collisions on the roads of Europe ensure that the need for accurate speed estimation is an ever-more pressing requirement. This requirement has provided the motivation for an investigation into the accuracy and reliability of existing crash models An in-depth literature review was undertaken to create a greater understanding of the structural collapse behaviour of vehicles during full frontal collisions. It was decided to concentrate the work on frontal collisions as this type of accident makes up the majority of road accidents. This review underlined some of the phenomena that need to be considered when …

Modelling Growth And Testing Of Multilayer Cavity Structures Incorporating Birefringent Materials, Nour-Eddine El Khachia

Masters

A simple one-dimensional photonic bandgap structure, which is also known as a Fabry-Perot Microcavity (FPM) structure was studied theoretically and experimentally. In particular this project addressed introducing an optically birefringent material in the cavity. This FPM consists of two grown regular Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) mirrors that can be put together as a sandwich with a space between them, which will lead to the creation of the desired cavity. Each mirror, or one-dimensional dielectric stack structure, was grown using the Vacuum Evaporation Technique and consists of multiple layers of alternating high-and low-refractive index dielectric materials arranged periodically. The project covers …

Microtonal Systems And Guitar Composition, Michael Nielsen

Masters

This thesis focuses on the use of microtones in guitar composition. In the course of this study the physical aspects of musical sound (pitch, loudness and quality/timbre), vibrational frequencies of strings, and the theory of musical scales and tuning systems are discussed. Whole-number ratios corresponding to musical intervals within the twelve-note/equal temperament scale are calculated in relation to the overtone series for the purpose of surveying consonance and dissonance within the tempered system. These are compared to the ratios for corresponding intervals within the overtone series. Whole-number ratios are also calculated for intervals involving the microtones referred to in this …

Diffusion Based Grating Formation In A Photopolymer Material, Justin R. Lawrence

Masters

Photopolymers are promising materials for use in holography. They have many advantages such as ease of use and are capable of efficiencies of up to 100%. However, the main disadvantage to these materials is their inability to record high spatial frequency gratings when compared to other materials such as dichromated gelatine and silver halide emulsion. This poor spatial frequency response is not predicted by any of the current physical modes. In this study, it is proposed that this effect is due to polymer chains growing away from their initiation point and causing a ‘smearing’ of the profile to be recorded. …

Development And Construction Of A White Light Profiler For Industrial Applications, Martin Somers

Masters

With the ever decreasing tolerances in modern manufacturing processes it has become more important to define surface topography measurements quickly and accurately. Though contact methods, using the stylus probe, have been used for a long time more optical techniques are being brought into the market place. The advantages in using optical methods is obvious; no contact with the surface eliminates damage due to a probing tip and also the surface may be scanned in a matter of seconds. Optical techniques also have the advantage that a full field of view may be acquired, unlike point measurement where the surface must …

Characterisation Of The Effects Of Time And Pressure On A Group Of Electronic Voltage Standards, James Kevin Armstrong

Masters

Although primary metrology laboratories use standards based on the Josephson effect to maintain a local reference standard for dc voltage, artefact standards are still the standard of choice in many secondary laboratories. The National Metrology Laboratory, Dublin maintains a local reference standard for dc voltage by means of an ensemble of Zener-diode based electronic voltage standard units. Electronic voltage standards have a number of shortcomings over Josephson standards for use as a local reference standard. In particular their output voltages are influenced by several external factors. In order to make optimum use of the NML reference standard it is important …

The Design And Construction Of An Out-Of-Plane Sensitive Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometer For Non-Destructive Testing Applications, Alexander Burden

Masters

There are many non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques use din industry, which employ acoustic emission, ultrasound, X-rays and thermography. Optical interferometric methodology is being increasingly used in industry. Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry (ESPI) is one of the principal optical interferometric techniques used in NDT to measure deformations. Optical surface metrology offers many advantages over conventional methods. These include greater sensitivity, improved lateral and vertical resolution, non-contact and full field measurement. Conventional methods of NDT however continue to be chosen over ESPI. The objective of this thesis is focused on making ESPI more feasible as a NDT technique for use in industry. …