Digital Commons Network^™

Introducing Hyflex Teaching In Geotechnical Engineering, Juan Pablo Osorio

Case studies: Digital Education

Geotechnical Engineering 2 is a third-year technical module in the BE in Civil Engineering and the BE in Structural Engineering, and it covers the theoretical and practical aspects of the retaining wall stability, foundation design and compressibility of soils. The two classes are merged together for it. It uses lectures, laboratories and tutorials as teaching methods. The module has 36 hours of direct contact and 64 hours of self-directed learning. It is a semester 2 core module that follows Geotechnical Engineering 1. The mode of delivery for both modules is in-person lectures at the lecture hall, with three laboratory practices …

Using The Ms Surface Pro 9 To Enhance Teaching And Learning, Anthony Reynolds

Case studies: Digital Education

Thermodynamics is a fundamental subject for mechanical engineers, focusing on the principles of energy conversion and the behaviour of matter under various conditions.Thermodynamics is very challenging for students for several reasons: It involves abstract concepts like entropy, which can be difficult to visualize and understand. It requires a strong grasp of mathematics(e.g.,calculus),which can be intimidating for somestudents. It intersects with various fields(e. g.physics and chemistry) requiring students to integrate knowledge from different areas.

Artificial Intelligence And Humanoid Robotics: Bioethical Implications Of Replacing Human Agency In Healthcare And Beyond, Sara Feizyab, Gabriele Bonetti, Maria Chiara Medori, Cecilia Micheletti, Immacolata De Luca, Kevin Donato, Jan Miertuš, Mehmet Sait Dundar, Miroslava Vráblová, Gary Henehan, Richard Brown, Robert Marks, Stanislav Miertus, Lorenzo Lorusso, Gianluca Martino Tartaglia, Munis Dundar, Sandro Michelini, Stephen Thaddeus Connelly, Ariola Bacu, Tommaso Beccari, Ornela Gordani, Xhilda Dhamo, Eglantina Kalluci, Dominika Vešelényiová, Iveta Dirgová Luptáková, Jiri Pospíchal, Matteo Bertelli

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

The integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robotics into healthcare represents a critical evolution in biotechnology with profound societal implications. This review explores the bioethical implications of these technologies, and their potential to displace human agency in life-critical decisions. It adopts an interdisciplinary approach encompassing ethics, law, and technology. The review examines how innovations in AI and robotics might shift autonomy from humans to machines, and addresses the accountability challenges inherent in such transitions. We synthesize discussions on the ethical management of AI and robotics, underscoring the importance of maintaining human oversight and integrating ethical standards in technology …

A Novel Enrichment-Free, Low-Volume Filtration And Rapid Lysis (Elr) Method In Combination With Real-Time Pcr For Detection Of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia Coli (Stec) In Water, Zina Alfahl, Louise O’Connor, Dearbháile Morris, Terry J. Smith, Jean O'Dwyer, Paul D. Hynds, Martin Cormican, Liam P. Burke

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Consequences of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection can range in severity from asymptomatic infection to haemolytic uraemic syndrome, renal failure and death. Groundwater-derived drinking water is an important route for STEC transmission. Detection of STEC in water is crucial for timely response and public health interventions; however, currently used culture-based methods are time-consuming and laborious. Therefore, there is a need for rapid methods that maintain high sensitivity and specificity [1]. We describe a novel, sensitive, enrichment-free water filtration method using a convenient sample volume (100 ml) to detect DNA markers of STEC serogroups and virulence factors within 6 h. …

Data Protection’S Function In Society: A Search For The Limits Of A Non-Absolute Right, Katherine Nolan

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

No abstract provided.

Development Of Edible Coatings To Enhance The Functional Properties And Shelf Life Of Food, Sophie O Riordan, Lily Jaiswal, Shiv Shankar

Level 3

No abstract provided.

Study Of The Performance Of A Laser Structure Based On A Fiber Ring And A Dual-Bottle Whispering Gallery Mode Microresonator, Anuradha Rout, V.R Anand, Zhe Wang, Zhouchen Wang, Rayhan Habib Jibon, Yuliya Semenova

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

This study examines the impact of a dual-bottle whispering gallery mode (WGM) microresonator on the performance of a laser structure based on a fiber ring, focusing on the modes switching and generating single- and multi-mode emissions. Through experimental analyses, we demonstrate how the unique geometry of dual-bottle resonators affects lasing behavior, providing insights that could advance applications of the proposed laser structure in telecommunications and photonic sensing systems.

The Museum Of The City: A Case Study Of Self-Guided Site Visits For Built Environment Education, Elaine Edmonds

Irish Journal of Academic Practice

This case study examines the development and implementation of a self-guided, museum style site visit project for built environment students, created in response to the logistical and pedagogical limitations exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Drawing on principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), the project Museum of the City integrates narrative-based microlectures, multimodal media, and optional reflective activities to support student engagement and accessibility. Over four years of integration into a final-year planning module, the approach has demonstrated sustained student participation, adaptability across delivery modes, and pedagogical value in contextualizing theoretical content. This case study outlines the rationale, design process, …

Editorial: The 2nd Asia Pacific International Religious Tourism And Pilgrimage Conference (Apirtp), Darius Liutikas, Imam Wahyudi Karimullah, Sonny Elfiyanto

International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage

Editorial and overview of 2nd International Asia Pacific Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Conference (APIRTP) was held in Universitas Islam Malang in Malang, Indonesia on 17 – 20 January 2024.

Untapped Halal-Friendly Tourism Potential For Taiwan, Arina Khoirunnisa, Indrawati Indrawati, Yu-Fang Yen, Subhash Kizhakanveatil Bhaskaran Pillai

International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage

Being the second largest belief, and fastest growing economy, many of the people from Muslim countries started travelling outside their countries due to increased economic prosperity and curiosity of exploring different cultures. The present study focuses on a non-Muslim country Taiwan, where the government is taking initiatives to attract the new segment of Muslim travellers. To support such initiatives, Halal-friendly-tourism is promoted in Taiwan. The pandemic period of 2019-2022 led to exploring different forms of tourism for reviving the ailing tourism sector, and cultural and heritage tourism is gaining prominence in this direction. Taiwan is trying to showcase its cultural …

Shrinkage Study In Photopolymerisable Hybrid Sol-Gel Through Holographic Patterning, Jamshed Aftab, Izabela Naydenova, Tatsiana Mikulchyk

Articles

Photopolymerisation induced shrinkage of holographic materials is one of the main factors which needs to be considered for designing holographic optical elements (HOEs) with high accuracy in light redirection with maximum efficiency. This work studies the shrinkage in photopolymerisable hybrid sol-gel (PHSG) by examining the properties of volume transmission gratings recorded in PHSG layers. It explores both the dependence of shrinkage on the holographic grating parameters (thickness, spatial frequency, slant angle) and the effect of material aging. By using the fringe-plane rotation model, shrinkage is found to have the maximum value of 1.37 % at 765 lines/mm (19.36° slant angle) …

The Modern Pilgrimage Of Umrah: The Convergence Of Spiritual Devotion And Pop-Consumer Culture In Indonesia, Syamsu Madyan, Habil Abyad, Imam Wahyudi Karimullah

International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage

This study explores Umrah’s significant growth as a religious tourism model in Indonesian Muslim society. The discussion examines factors that influence that growth, from the increased income levels of Indonesian middle-class Muslims to the Umrah propaganda generated by the wave of social media. This study will also capture Umrah as a solution for Indonesian Muslims to the long waiting queue for Hajj quota in Indonesia, as it is seen as a good opportunity for religious commodification through the touristic market being exercised by stakeholders such as policymakers and travel agencies. As the Umrah tourist market will be analysed in this …

Can A Picture Paint A Thousand Words? Visualising Variety In Challenge-Based Learning, Clare Gormley, Hyowon Lee, Deiric Ó Broin, Cliona Mcparland, Lily Girme, Ben Mallon, Aideen O'Dochartaigh, Anthony Downes

Irish Journal of Academic Practice

Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) is an educational approach that involves students engaging with peers, academics, and external stakeholders to collaboratively investigate and develop solutions to real-world challenges of urgency and significance. One of the strengths of CBL is that it is a flexible framework that can be adapted to suit the educational discipline and local context. As CBL becomes applied in more disciplines, there are opportunities to learn from those implementing it which can stimulate new ways of approaching certain aspects. Staff members developing and disseminating guidance to support CBL at one Irish university therefore initiated a project to co-develop a …

An Examination Of How Technological Universities Develop Cultural Capital Through Active Learning, Emma Carroll Dr, Orla Watson, Aisling M. Burke

Irish Journal of Academic Practice

Drawing on Bourdieu’s (1986) framework of embodied, objectified and institutionalised capital, this paper explores how technological universities (TUs) support the development of students’ cultural capital through active learning approaches. The formation of technological universities in Ireland marked a notable shift in the higher education landscape, with an emphasis on these institutions meeting the regional and economic needs of the location in which they operate. Currently, there is a dearth of studies pertaining to cultural capital and TUs. Consequently, there is an impetus for a conceptual study to help guide researchers towards understanding how active learning practices within Ireland’s TUs can …

Green Technologies For Isolating Bioactives From Plant-Based Food And Their Applications In Human Health And Longevity, Vibha Gajbe, Azza S. Naik, Roji Waghmare, Shuchi Midha

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

No abstract provided.

Accessible And Inclusive Pathways To Higher Education: Outcomes From A Pilot Feasibility Study Of Irish Transition-Year Student Participation With University Pre-College Courses, Susan Lynott, Charlie Cullen, Kevin Mellon

Irish Journal of Academic Practice

The TYDE programme is a college-in-school initiative which aims to develop partnerships between Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and local schools. It provides second-level students with an authentic experience of what is required to succeed in university programmes within the familiar environment of school. This experience supports students in transitioning from secondary school to university life, encourages participation, and supports good college and career choices. Transition-year students (15–16 year-olds) take core university modules from engineering programmes running at TU Dublin. The students get to experience first-year modules under the same conditions as college students. In this paper we present the …

Early Lane Change Prediction For Mixed Traffic With V2x Communication, Muhammed Fatih Koc, Nouman Ashraf, Pramod Pathak, Sachin Sharma

SAML-25 Workshop on Statistical and Machine Learning

Lane change prediction is essential for ensuring road safety and effective decision-making in autonomous vehicles (AVs). AVs will probably take several decades to penetrate new vehicle sales. As AVs and human-driven vehicles (HDVs) will coexist in traffic for the long term, AVs must understand the lane change intentions of surrounding HDVs. Lane changing is a critical manoeuvre that can cause a crash if it is performed late or if incorrect lane adjustments are made. Therefore, forecasting surrounding vehicles’ lane change intentions in advance is essential to ensure safe driving in mixed traffic environments having both AVs and HDVs. The unpredictability …

Pros & Cons Of Reinforcement Learning - Illustrated By The Problem Of Controlling Gantry Robots, Horst Zisgen

SAML-25 Workshop on Statistical and Machine Learning

In this talk a solution for the dynamic scheduling of flexible flow shop systems using gantry robots for material handling by means of simulation and Reinforcement Learning (RL) is presented. Subsequently the pros and cons of a RL approach are briefly discussed and illustrated at the robot control problem.

Impact Of Spatial Diversity And Subject Variability On Wifi-Based Human Activity Recognition, Amany Elkelany, Robert J. Ross, Susan Mckeever

SAML-25 Workshop on Statistical and Machine Learning

In recent years, WiFi-based Human Activity Recognition (HAR) has gained substantial attention due to the ubiquity of WiFi infrastructure and advancements in wireless communication. Unlike camera-based systems that raise privacy concerns or wearable sensors that require user compliance, WiFi-based HAR provides a noninvasive and practical alternative that operates seamlessly with existing infrastructure. WiFi-based HAR leverages fluctuations in wireless signals, particularly Channel State Information (CSI), to passively detect and classify human activities. WiFi-based HAR models often achieve high accuracy in a single environment but suffer significant performance drops when applied to new environments due to variations in spatial settings, human movement, …

Benchmarking Energy And Performance Of Parallel Machine Learning Models Using Hardware And Software Power Meters, Urooj Asgher, Tania Malik

SAML-25 Workshop on Statistical and Machine Learning

The growing reliance on machine learning algorithms across domains such as healthcare, transportation, and finance has led to their increased deployment on high-performance computing platforms. While performance optimization remains a central concern, energy efficiency is emerging as a critical design consideration, particularly in light of global sustainability goals. This study presents a comparative analysis of the energy consumption and performance of serial and parallel implementations of four machine learning algorithms, K-means clustering, Ant Colony Optimization, Logistic Regression, and Random Search. Experiments were conducted on an HPC testbed using both hardware-based and software-based power meters to measure energy consumption. The results …

Development Of Antimicrobal Formulations From Natural Extracts And Silver Nanoparticles, Ellen Hoey, Lily Jaiswal, Shiv Shankar

Level 3

No abstract provided.

Childhood Myopia Part Ii: Treatment Mechanisms, Emerging Options, And Considerations, Safal Khanal Dr, Erin S. Tomiyama Dr, Síofra Harrington Dr

Articles

Abstract

The rapidly increasing prevalence of myopia and its association with vision-threatening complications in later life has intensified efforts to identify treatments that can prevent the onset and slow the progression of myopia in children. These efforts have led to the development of several optical, environmental, and pharmacological myopia control treatments. Investigations of additional treatment options are ongoing and have shown great promise for clinical translation. Although significant progress has been made in identifying potential pathways and modes of action of these treatments, a complete mechanistic understanding is still lacking. This critical review article explores the potential mechanisms underlying the …

Childhood Myopia Part I: Contemporary Treatment Options., Safal Khanal Dr, Erin S. Tomiyama Dr, Síofra Harrington Dr

Articles

Abstract

Childhood myopia is a growing global public health concern. Treatments to control myopia are a priority because myopia, particularly high myopia, poses significant lifelong risks of vision loss from myopia-associated ocular pathologies. Intensive research efforts over the past two decades have led to the development of several effective strategies for controlling myopia in children: increased time outdoors, atropine eye drops, dual-focus and multifocal contact lenses, orthokeratology lenses, and specialized spectacle lenses. While the efficacy of these strategies is variable, evidence is growing regarding the potential benefits of applying these interventions in children with myopia, although none completely halt myopia …

‘I Want To Break Free’ - Reflecting On The Use Of Educational Escape Rooms For Entrepreneurial Education And The First Year Experience, Jennifer Cowman

Irish Journal of Academic Practice

This reflective case study explores the use of Educational Escape Rooms (EERs) within a first-year business module at TU Dublin, developed in response to persistent engagement and retention challenges (Shah et al., 2021; Byrne et al., 2012). Using BreakoutEDU kits and guided by best practice principles including alignment, narrative, and debriefing (Nicholson, 2016; Veldkamp et al., 2020a), sequential EERs were implemented over two academic years. The design focused on key entrepreneurial competencies such as collaboration, communication, and problem-solving (Duggins, 2019; Hartman-Caverly, 2022), with tasks embedded in module topics on environmental analysis and introduction to marketing. Observational insights suggest EERs yielded …

Partitioning Around Medoids On Product Spaces: A Clustering Approach For Cylindrical Data, Yahia Hammami, Houyem Demni, Amor Messaoud, Giovanni C. Porzio

SAML-25 Workshop on Statistical and Machine Learning

Clustering is a common unsupervised task in data analysis and machine learning. It deals with finding clusters of objects that are characterized by the highest similarity within the same cluster and the highest dissimilarity between different clusters. One of the most used algorithms in clustering is the popular Partitioning Around Medoids (PAM), also known as k-medoids [4, 5]. The algorithm imposes the center of clusters to be some of the data points, and it looks for a minimal value of the sum of the dissimilarity to all the objects. One of the recognized properties of such a method is its …

The Golden Standard: Potential Of Gold Nanoparticles In Cancer Research And Therapy, Caoimhe Mcmanus, Shubhrima Ghosh Dr.

Level 3

No abstract provided.

Development Of Antimicrobial Formulations From Natural Extracts And Zinc Nanoparticles, Mia Keane, Lily Jaiswal, Shiv Shankar

Level 3

No abstract provided.

“Did I Say That?”: Introducing An Oral Process To Reflective Practice To Enhance Student Learning In A Final Year Project, Bairbre Brennan, David Gaul

Irish Journal of Academic Practice

This paper reviews the introduction of an oral reflective component to a final year class practical assignment. Drawing on the theory of student involvement, feedback literacy, and the literature relating to reflective practice, the redesign of the assignment repositions the student at the centre of their own learning journey and as a sense-maker of their learning from their applied experiences. The positive outcomes in this case study suggest the approach is worthy of trialling in a wider context, to see if it is replicated and has an impact on learner attainment.

Investigation Of A Polymer-Based Holographic Grating For Visible Light Dosimetry Using A Bleachable Dye, Saoirse Maher, Denise Denning, Jackie Mccavana Dr., Seán Cournane Dr., Suzanne Martin Dr., Dervil Cody

Conference Papers

Holographic sensors are of interest for a range of sensing tasks because of their high sensitivity, rapid response time, broad dynamic range, lightweight characteristics, and design flexibility. The practical application of holography makes it possible to design optical sensors that are effective in the visible and near-infrared ranges. The objective of this research is to construct a holographic grating that is customised to provide quantitative data in visible light dosimetry applications. Upon exposure to visible light, the proposed holographic grating will produce a measurable change in diffraction efficiency based on the bleaching of the grating material. In the evolution of …

The Impact Of Teaching Practice On Student Self-Efficacy In Undergraduate Stem Classrooms, Gintarė Lübeck, Michael K. Seery, Barry J. Ryan

Irish Journal of Academic Practice

This quantitative study examined the impact of teaching practice on students’ self-efficacy at the outset of their undergraduate STEM programmes, considering prior academic performance and class setting. Data were collected through a self-efficacy survey (n = 483) and 15 non-participatory classroom observations at a large, modern university in Ireland. Observed classes included lectures, laboratories, and tutorials across physics (n = 3), computing and digital skills (n = 3), engineering (n = 2), biology (n = 3), chemistry (n = 2), and mathematics (n = 2). Statistically significant connections were identified between students’ past academic performance, the week of instruction, and …