Digital Commons Network^™

Implementation Of Phase-Only Modulation Utilizing A Twisted Nematic Liquid Crystal Spatial Light Modulator, Mohammad Mahmud, Izabela Naydenova, Vincent Toal

Articles

Twisted nematic liquid crystal spatial light modulators, (SLM) are widely used for amplitude modulation of light. The technique for measuring phase and amplitude modulation introduced by a twisted nematic cell is not new but the novelty here is that after characterisation of a Holoeye LC2002 TNLC device we were able to identify specific conditions that allow for its use as a pure 180 degree or more, phase modulator with little or no amplitude modulation at 514.5 nm laser wavelength. The phase shift introduced by the SLM was measured using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The experimentally measured and the theoretically predicted intensity …

The Nudix Hydrolase 7 Is An Acyl-Coa Diphosphatase Involved In Regulating Peroxisomal Coenzyme A Homeostasis., Sarah-Jayne Reilly, Veronica Tillander, Rob Ofman, Stefan Alexson, Mary Hunt

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Coenzyme A (CoASH) is an obligate cofactor for lipids undergoing β-oxidation in peroxisomes. Although the peroxisomal membrane appears to be impermeable to CoASH, peroxisomes contain their own pool of CoASH. It is believed that CoASH enters peroxisomes as acyl-CoAs, but it is not known how this pool is regulated. The mouse nudix hydrolase 7 (NUDT7α) was previously identified in peroxisomes as a CoAdiphosphatase, and therefore suggested to be involved in regulation of peroxisomal CoASH levels. Here we show that mouse NUDT7α mainly acts as an acyl-CoA diphosphatase, with highest activity towards medium chain acyl-CoAs, and much lower activity with CoASH. …

An All-Fiber Temperature Sensor Based On A Macro-Bend Singlemode Fiber Loop, Ginu Rajan, Yuliya Semenova, Gerald Farrell

Articles

An all-fibre temperature sensor is proposed based on a macro-bend singlemode fibre loop using a ratiometric power measurement scheme. The sensor has a linear characteristic with temperature at a fixed wavelength and bend radius. A direct linear relationship between the bend loss of the singlemode fibre and temperature is reported for the first time. By measuring the change in bend loss of the system a change in temperature can be measured assuming the system is calibrated. The proposed sensor has a higher temperature resolution than other conventional fibre-optic sensors and also benefits from simplicity.

Investigation On Singlemode-Multimode-Singlemode Fiber Structure, Qian Wang, Gerald Farrell, W. Yan

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This paper presents an investigation on a single-mode-multimode-single-mode fiber structure. A one-way guided-mode propagation analysis for the circular symmetry waveguide is employed to model the light propagation and the approximated formulations are derived and evaluated concerning the accuracy. Phase conjunction of the multimode interference within the fiber structure is revealed. A simple way to predict and analyze the spectral response of the structure is presented through the space to wavelength mapping with the derived approximated formulations. The prediction of spectral response is verified numerically and experimentally.

Reduction Of Ground-Plane-Dependent Effects On Microstrip-Fed Printed Rectangular Monopoles, Matthias John, Jonathan Evans, Max Ammann, J. C. Modro, Z. N. Chen

Articles

Methods to mitigate the strong dependence of impedance bandwidth on the ground- plane size for a rectangular printed planar monopole is described. It is shown that the bandwidth limitation may be overcome by introducing feed-line asymmetry, which alters the purity and the Q of the higher frequency modes and by ground-plane augmentation, which effects the lower frequency modes. A method of extending the ground plane without increasing the overall antenna size is shown to improve both the bandwidth and gain and also to enable the use of significantly smaller ground planes. The effects of these techniques on radiation pattern are …

Temperature Dependence Of Macrobending Loss In All-Fiber Bend Loss Edge Filter, Pengfei Wang, Yuliya Semenova, Gerald Farrell

Articles

A theoretical model for macrobending-induced temperature dependent loss (TDL) for a standard singlemode fiber (SMF28) with dual coating layers is presented, with good agreement demonstrated between theoretical calculations and experimental results. The impact of temperature on two examples of an all-fiber based edge filter is also investigated theoretically and experimentally and using the developed model, it is shown that it is possible to predict the impact of temperature variations on an all-fiber based edge filter.

Effect Of Carbon Black On The Mechanical Performances Of Magnetorheological Elastomers, Lin Chen

Articles

Several magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) samples, with different weight percentages of carbon black, were fabricated under a constant magnetic field. Their microstructures were observed by using an environmental scanning electron microscope (SEM), and their mechanical performance including magnetorheological (MR) effect, damping ratio and tensile strength were measured with a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) system and an electronic tensile machine. The experimental results demonstrate that carbon black plays a significant role in improving the mechanical performance of MR elastomers. Besides the merits of high MR effect and good tensile strength, the damping ratio of such materials is much reduced. This is expected …

Fabrication Of Switchable Liquid Crystal Devices Using Surface Relief Gratings In Photopolymer, Pavani Kotakonda, Izabela Naydenova, Robert Howard, Suzanne Martin, Vincent Toal

Articles

Holographically recorded surface relief gratings in dry, self-developing acrylamide based photopolymer were used to fabricate two types of switchable liquid crystal (LC) device. One is an electrically switchable LC diffraction grating and the other is an electrically switchable polarization rotator. The electrically switchable diffraction grating was characterized by measuring the dependence of the intensity in the first diffracted order on the applied electric field. The polarization rotator was characterized by studying the influence of the applied electric field on the twist angle and the variation of intensity in the zero and the first orders of diffraction.

Volatility Spillovers Between Equity And Currency Markets: Evidence From Major Latin American Countries, Lucia Morales

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This paper investigates the nature of volatility spillovers between stock returns and a number of exchange rates in six Latin American countries and one European economy in the 1998-2006 period. We divide our sample into sub periods, prior to and after the introduction of the Euro and we apply the EGARCH methodology to model volatility. Our results show that the volatility of stock returns affects the volatility of exchange rates; however, we do not find evidence of volatility transmission in the opposite direction.

Quarter-Wave Metal Plate Solar Antenna, S. Shynu, Max Ammann, Brian Norton

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A novel design of a quarter-wave shorted trapezoidal metal plate solar antenna using high efficiency polycrystalline silicon solar cells is presented. Using the DC conductive parts of the cell as RF antenna elements as well as choosing the radiating element to be a small base trapezoid, better coupling between the feed and shorting plates is ensured and 40.3% size reduction compared to a conventional shorted quarter-wave patch is obtained. The trapezoidal radiating element covers merely 2.7% of the total available illumination area of the solar cell, leaving its efficiency essentially unaffected. The proposed design strategy has been verified by an …

Understanding The Heat - Mentoring: A Model For Nurturing Culinary Talent, Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire

Articles

Should time be invested in nurturing the next generation of Culinarians in order to improve the profession? Is fear and intimidation acceptable in a professional kitchen? Can we identify the reasons behind the high levels of staff turnover? In this paper I hope to address these questions, and to discuss mentoring as a model for nurturing culinary talent.

Optimisation Of Steamer Jet-Injection To Extend The Shelf Life Of Fresh-Cut Lettuce, Daniel Rico, Ana Belen Martin-Diana, Catherine Barry-Ryan, Gary Henehan, J. Barat, Jesus Maria Frias

Articles

Optimisation of short time blanching (steaming) was investigated using response surface methodology by analysing quality and microbial and nutritional markers over the shelflife of packaged fresh-cut lettuce. Steamer treatment time (5–10 s) and storage (1–10 days) were used as independent factors in order to optimise the process. Longer treatments (>10 s) were not feasible because of extensive damage caused to lettuce tissue. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher values of luminosity (L*), greenness (−a*) and sensory panel scores (fresh appearance, general acceptability and absence of browning) were obtained with samples treated for longer times with the steamer. Activity of browning-related enzymes present in photosynthetic tissue decreased in all the cases, however, longer treatment time (7.5–10 s) was needed with vascular tissues to reduce to similar activity values. These differences could be explained by the variation in tissue thickness. The longest steam treatment (10 s) reduced and maintained significantly (p < 0.05) lower mesophilic load than shorter treatments (5–8.5 s). However, significant (p < 0.05) decreases in vitamin C and carotenoids were observed in samples treated with longer treatments. Steamer treatment of 10 s could be considered the optimum time for maintaining the shelflife (mainly texture and browning) of fresh-cut lettuce for 7–10 days in optimum conditions.

Use Of Neutral Electrolysed Water (Ew) For Quality Maintenance And Shelf-Life Extension Of Minimally Processed Lettuce, Daniel Rico, Ana Belen Martin-Diana, Catherine Barry-Ryan, Jesus Maria Frias, Gary Henehan, José Barat

Articles

Experiments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of different treatments based on the use of neutral electrolysed water (EW) on fresh-cut lettuce. EW was diluted to obtain different free chlorine concentrations (120, 60 and 12 ppm) and compared with standard washing treatment of 120 ppm chlorine solution. Shelf-life quality and safety markers were studied at the beginning and at the end of the 7-day storage at 4 ºC. The use of EW decreased the respiration rate of the samples which might be related with the observed reduction in microbial spoilage. The use of EW also increased the activity of a …

Antioxidant Activity Of Spice Extracts And Phenolics In Comparison To Synthetic Antioxidants, M. Hossain, N. Brunton, Catherine Barry-Ryan, Ana Belen Martin-Diana, M. Wilkinson

Articles

The antioxidant capacity of 30 spices used frequently in ready meals and a selection of key compounds from spices were investigated in the current study using ferric reducing antioxidant properties (FRAP), 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylebenzothiaziline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) and microsomal lipid peroxidation (MLP) assays. Antioxidant capacities of the spice extracts were compared to 5 popular synthetic antioxidants [buylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), tert-butylated hydroquinone (TBHQ), propyl gallate (PG) and octyl gallate (OG)]. Results showed that clove extracts had the highest antioxidant capacity as measured by FRAP, ABTS and MLP assays. Extracts from garlic powder were the lowest ranked of all the spices examined. Synthetic …

Antibiotic Resistance In Foodborne Pathogens- A Cause For Concern?, Ciara Walsh, Seamus Fanning

Articles

The widespread use of antibiotics in food animal production systems has resulted in the emergence of antibiotic resistant zoonotic bacteria that can be transmitted to humans through the food chain. Infection with antibiotic resistant bacteria negatively impacts on public health, due to an increased incidence of treatment failure and severity of disease. Development of resistant bacteria in food animals can result from chromosomal mutations but is more commonly associated with the horizontal transfer of resistance determinants borne on mobile genetic elements. Food may represent a dynamic environment for the continuing transfer of antibiotic resistance determinants between bacteria. Current food preservation …

Searching For Chefs, Waiters And Restaurateurs In Edwardian Dublin: A Culinary Historian's Experience Of The 1911 Dublin Census Online, Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire

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No abstract provided.

Extending The Reach Of The State Into The Post-Sentence Period: Section 26 Of The Criminal Justice Act 2007, Mary Rogan

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The Criminal Justice Act 2007 heralded a plethora of changes to Irish criminal law and procedure. The law on sentencing was also affected by its provisions. The focus of this article is on section 26 of that Act which introduces a general power on a court to make an order while passing sentence which will take effect on the expiration of a sentence of imprisonment. Under section 26 a court can impose two such orders, the “monitoring” order and the “protection of persons” order. The author assesses the background to the introduction of these dispositions and the potential application and …

The Concept Of The General Will In The Writings Of Rousseau, Sièyes, And Robespierre, Stephen Carruthers

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This paper outlines the views on the General Will of Rousseau, as set out in The Social Contract, and compares them to the views developed by Sieyès in Qu'est-ce que le Tiers état? and by Robespierre, most notably in his speeches delivered during the ‘Reign of Terror’ from the establishment of the Committee of Public Safety on 6 April 1793 to his death on 28 July 1794

Digital Radio Policy In Canada: From Analog Replacement To Multimedia Convergence, Brian O'Neill

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Digital radio policy in Canada has moved from a position of seeking to migrate all radio broadcasting onto a single digital transmission system (Eureka-147) to a multi-platform, cross-media and multimedia approach. The most recent digital radio policy of 2006 suggests a range of new possibilities for radio broadcasting, including multimedia broadcasting, but as a result has compromised the early adoption of the Eureka-147 standard. This paper contrasts the different policy contexts of 1995 and 2006 and argues that the competing technological options for digital audio delivery now pose significant dilemmas for broadcasters and policy makers.

Tax Treatment Encourages Residential Investment, Thomas Power

Articles

The economic survey on Ireland by the OECD (issue 5 2008) proposed phasing out policies that distort the housing market, which in turn could help to dampen future housing cycles and maintain competitiveness in the economy.

Specifically it suggests that tax breaks favouring owner occupation contributes to making housing expensive and that these effects could be reduced either by “limiting mortgage tax relief… or by implementing a property tax”.

Child Sexual Abuse And Hiv Transmission In Sub-Saharan Africa, Kevin Lalor

Articles

The purpose of this paper is to examine the risks of HIV transmission to children through sexual abuse and exploitation in sub-Saharan Africa. The paper is based on a review of pertinent literature. Child sexual abuse in this region must be defined broadly enough to encompass widespread coercion or violence in early sexual relations in some regions, the practice of ‘transactional sex’ and constructions of masculinity, emphasising multiple sexual partners and power over women and girls. The high HIV prevalence in SSA is briefly described. Research evidence showing the link between child sexual abuse and HIV transmission is reviewed, although …

Control And The Protean Career: A Critical Perspective From The Multinational’S International Assignees, Marian Crowley-Henry, David Weir

Articles

Mainstream management literature and research regarding the international career has long focused on the traditional expatriate experience. In this discourse the tendency has been to outline the benefits and issues to be considered for organizations and individuals embarking on international assignments. In contrast this chapter focuses on a special group whose positioning in the structures of employment and organization is in some ways exemplary of developing trends in the global labor force. They are the highly educated permanent expatriates who remain in the host country indefinitely (that is without a pre-determined organizational option of repatriation to their initial home country). …

Entrepreneurs With Disabilities: Profile Of A Forgotten Minority., Thomas Cooney

Articles

The hosting of the Special Olympics in Ireland in 2003 compellingly brought to the forefront of public consciousness the capacity of people with disabilities to significantly contribute economically and socially to the nation. However, a body of research now exists highlighting that people with disabilities are less likely to be gainfully employed and will have lower earnings than non-disabled people. These differentials are caused by a variety of factors, including perceived and actual discrimination. An alternative career option for people with disabilities is to become self-employed, which has the benefits of the freedom, flexibility, and independence associated with self-employment, as …

Celtic Tiger Found In Education Jungle, Thomas Cooney

Articles

It would not cause too much debate to suggest that Ireland in the late 1950s was a depressing country. It had suffered greatly from decades of poor economic performance and the constant haemorrhaging of its population through emigration. Overcrowded classrooms and poor physical school structures meant that only 10,000 students took their Leaving Certificate in 1957 (Ferriter, 2004). Meanwhile, third-level education remained the preserve of the elite and a total of just 8,653 students were present in all of Ireland’s third-level institutions by the end of the 1950s (Ferriter, 2004).

Beyond Economics: A Behavioural Approach To Energy Efficiency In Domestic Buildings, Marius Claudy, Aidan O'Driscoll

Articles

This paper argues that the moderate success of policies aiming to stimulate the uptake of Sustainable Energy Systems (SES) in the domestic sector is grounded in a poor understanding of the ‘consumer’. The predominant economic approach behind most policies assumes that improving the cost-benefit ratio of technologies via grants and subsidies and providing sufficient information will automatically incentivise householders’ to invest into SES. Yet, policymakers often neglect behavioural determinants such as attitudes, social norms or personal capabilities. Drawing on key findings from the economics, technology and behavioural literature, this paper proposes an integrated model to identify behavioural and contextual influences …

Evaluation Of In Vitro Virulence Characteristics Of The Genus Pandoraea In Lung Epithelial Cells, Emma M. Caraher, Jonathan Collins, Jonathan Collins,, Gillian Herbert, Philip G. Murphy Philip G. Murphy, Charles G. Gallagher, Mary J. Crowe, Máire Callaghan, Siobhan Mcclean

Articles

Pandoraea species are emerging opportunistic pathogens capable of causing chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. This study examined the interactions of 17 Pandoraea isolates from the five identified species (Pandoraea apista, Pandoraea norimbergensis, Pandoraea pulmonicula, Pandoraea sputorum and Pandoraea pnomenusa) plus two Pandoraea genomospecies isolates with lung epithelial cells and their ability to form biofilms in vitro. Only three isolates showed an ability to invade A549 lung epithelial cells, and only one isolate was able to form biofilms. In contrast, all isolates triggered a pronounced pro-inflammatory response, with elevation of both interleukin (IL)-6 (two- to 19-fold) and IL-8 (10- …

Structural Equation Modelling: Guidelines For Determining Model Fit, Daire Hooper, Joseph Coughlan, Michael Mullen

Articles

The following paper presents current thinking and research on fit indices for structural equation modelling. The paper presents a selection of fit indices that are widely regarded as the most informative indices available to researchers. As well as outlining each of these indices, guidelines are presented on their use. The paper also provides reporting strategies of these indices and concludes with a discussion on the future of fit indices.

Relevance For Food Safety Of Applications Of Nanotechnology In The Food And Feed Industry, Iona Pratt, Catherine Adley, Gordon Chambers, Wayne Anderson

Articles

The application of nanotechnology in the food and feed industry offers many potential benefits for both consumers and manufacturers.The ultrafine dimensions of nanoparticles, and consequently their very large surface area, enable them to function more effectively than conventional macro-scale structures in many applications. Nanotechnology is however a relatively new area of science and the benefits and risks associated with its use in the food and feed industry are not fully understood at this time.This brings with it new challenges in ensuring the safety of food and feed that has been produced with the aid of nanotechnology. This report provides an …

Temperature Dependence Of A Macrobending Edge Filter Based On A High-Bend Loss Fiber, Pengfei Wang, Ginu Rajan, Yuliya Semenova, Gerald Farrell

Articles

The temperature dependence of a macrobending bare fiber based edge filter is investigated both theoretically and experimentally. The fiber used is a high bend loss fiber, type 1060XP. The experimental results show a good agreement with the proposed theoretical model over a temperature range from 0 to 80oC. It is shown that the strong temperature dependence of a high-bend loss fiber has a significant influence on the performance of a fiber edge filter used in a wavelength measurement application. However it is also concluded that such a temperature dependent performance can be beneficially utilized in a fiber temperature sensing application.

The Acs Fornax Cluster Survey. Ii. The Central Brightness Profiles Of Early-Type Galaxies: A Characteristic Radius On Nuclear Scales And The Transition From Central Luminosity Deficit To Excess, Patrick Côté, Laura Ferrarese, Andrés Jordán, David Merritt, Et Al.

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We analyse brightness profiles for 143 early-type galaxies in the Virgo and Fornax Clusters, observed with the Advanced Camera for Surveys on the Hubble Space Telescope. S´ersic models are found to provide accurate representations of the global profiles with a notable exception: the observed profiles deviate systematically inside a characteristic “break” radius of Rb ≈ 0.02+0.025 −0.01 Re, where Re is the effective radius of the galaxy. The sense of the deviation is such that bright galaxies (MB . −20) typically show central light deficits with respect to the inward extrapolation of the S´ersic model, while the great majority of …