Engineering Commons^™

Attitudes Of Health Professionals To Electronic Data Sharing Within An Integrated Care Electronic Health Record (Icehr), Charyl O'Malley, Damon Berry, Mary Sharp

Conference Papers

It is estimated that 98,000 people die in hospitals yearly in the USA as a result of medical errors (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2009). Electronic Health Records (EHR) can offer improved patient safety. EHRs are being implemented by many countries, however, not all health professionals have welcomed them (MORI Social Research Institute, 2006). As outlined in the National Health Information Strategy (NHIS) document, Ireland has plans to introduce an EHR. Attitudes of health professionals are a significant factor for the successful implementation and adoption of a new clinical information system. This study aimed to gauge the attitude of …

A Quiet Success Story In The Laboratory: Survey Of 30 Implementations Of The Astm 1394 Standard For Analyser Interfaces, Brian Markey, Damon Berry

Conference Papers

In 1991 the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) introduced the first version of a standard called ASTM E1394-91 for communication between centralised clinical analysers and host systems. For nearly 20 years this low key standard has been used as the basis for analyser host communications. A minor revision of the standard (ASTM1394-97) was published in 1998. This work gives a brief summary of the development of lab messages that led to the introduction and continued use of the standard. The authors also present a review and preliminary analysis of 30 implementations of ASTM E1394. The authors investigated 30 …

Engineering Design And Development, David Kennedy

Conference Papers

Combining Industrial and Functional Design methodologies for the development of new products and systems requires a broad understanding of human behaviour and industrial activities. The requirements of international standards, protection of the environment and the ability to make a profit on sales requires a sound attitude and approach to succeed, especially in current economic conditions. This highlights the importance of good business and management strategy that must be dynamic to meet the changing needs of the market. Competitiveness depends largely upon advances in the fields of design and Innovation, cutting edge research and new advances over a broad range of …

Reducing Whole Body Vibration Levels In Off-Road, Heavy-Duty Vehicles: A Case Study With Computer Modelling, Shaun Mcfadden, Matthieu Morhan, Brian Hurley

Conference Papers

This paper describes a case study involving the dynamic ride performance of a 30-ton, articulated dumper vehicle. The vehicle in question was originally fitted with a front-end, solid axle with leading arm mechanism. After an engineering design program, the vehicle was custom-fitted with a Timoney Independent suspension system. Extensive testing and modelling activities using LMS Virtual.lab Motion® were undertaken to determine the productivity levels of each vehicle. It was demonstrated that the vehicle fitted with a Timoney suspension could achieve a productivity increase of up to 50%. A health analysis is also presented which shows the Timoney Independent suspension system …

A Life Cycle Cost Analysis Of Large-Scale Thermal Energy Storage Technologies For Buildings Using Combined Heat And Power, Kenneth Gaine, Aidan Duffy

Conference Papers

Buildings account for approximately 40% of energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in developed economies, of which approximately 55% of building energy is used for heating and cooling. The reduction of building-related GHG emissions is a high international policy priority. For this reason and because there are many technical solutions for this, these polices should involve significant improvements in the uptake of small-scale energy efficient (EE) systems. However the widespread deployment of many technologies, must overcome a number of barriers, one of which is a temporal (diurnal or seasonal) mismatch between supply and demand. Costeffective thermal storage solutions have …

The Generation Of Domestic Electricity Load Profiles Through Markov Chain Modelling, Aidan Duffy, Fintan Mcloughlin, Michael Conlon

Conference Papers

Micro-generation technologies such as photovoltaics and micro-wind power are becoming increasing popular among homeowners, mainly a result of policy support mechanisms helping to improve cost competiveness as compared to traditional fossil fuel generation. National government strategies to reduce electricity demand generated from fossil fuels and to meet European Union 20/20 targets is driving this change. However, the real performance of these technologies in a domestic setting is not often known as high time resolution models for domestic electricity load profiles are not readily available. As a result, projections in terms of reducing electricity demand and financial paybacks for these micro-generation …

Intelligibility Of Electrolarynx Speech Using A Novel Actuator, Brian Madden, Mark Nolan, Ted Burke, James Condron, Eugene Coyle

Conference Papers

During voiced speech, the larynx provides quasi-periodic acoustic excitation of the vocal tract. Following a laryngectomy, some people speak using an electrolarynx which replaces the excitatory function of the absent larynx. Drawbacks of conventional electrolarynx designs include the buzzing monotonic sound emitted, the need for a free hand to operate the device, and difficulty experienced by many laryngectomees in adapting to its use. Despite these shortcomings, it remains the preferred method of speech rehabilitation for a substantial minority of laryngectomees. In most electrolarynxes, mechanical vibrations are produced by a linear electromechanical actuator, the armature of which percusses against a metal …

Investigation Into The Possible Benefits Of A Refrigeration Based Intercooling System, Ronan Kierans, Jim Mcgovern

Conference Papers

This paper describes findings from analysis and simulation in relation to the possible benefits of applying refrigeration based intercooling to the engine of a modern passenger car or haulage vehicle. Initial theoretical analysis showed that, depending on the engine specifications and the boost pressure level of the turbo/supercharger, the power improvement could range from 15–30% and there would be a similar improvement in torque. This meant a smaller engine could be used to do the work of a larger engine. The power required to run the refrigeration system, the space required and the charge air pressure drop due to its …

Thermodynamic Optimisation Of The Otto / Stirling Combined Cycle, Barry Cullen, Michel Feidt, Jim Mcgovern, Stoian Petrescu

Conference Papers

Combined cycle systems are an established method for increasing primary energy efficiency of power generation systems. Some ongoing research is concerned with investigating the novel combined cycle system involving the Otto and Stirling thermodynamic cycles. The Otto cycle is to act as the topping cycle, with the Stirling cycle acting to recover heat from the exhaust for the purpose of additional power generation. The present work investigates the thermodynamic optimisation of the combined cycle system for the case of the engines operating under two imposed parametric constraints: 1) imposed heat addition to the Otto cycle, and 2) imposed maximum cycle …

A Novel Telescopic Boom Deployment System For Use In Upper Atmosphere Research, Mark Wylie, Paul Duffy, Dinesh Vather, Johnalan Keegan, Stephen Curran

Conference Papers

Typical measurement probe deployment systems on sounding rockets employ hinged booms which extend the probes away from the rocket. This configuration often has a significant mass and may require a considerable amount of the rocket’s valuable payload volume. In an effort to reduce both mass and volume, the DIT Space Research Group have designed a light weight carbon fibre telescopic boom system, compatible with measurement probes commonly used in upper atmosphere research. Our design has been selected to be tested on a suborbital space flight onboard the REXUS 9 sounding rocket in March 2011. The purpose of this test is …

Validation Of A Simulation Model For A Combined Otto And Stirling Cycle Power Plant, Jim Mcgovern, Barry Cullen, Michel Feidt, Stoian Petrescu

Conference Papers

A project has been underway at the Technological University Dublin (DIT) to investigate the feasibility of a combined Otto and Stirling cycle power plant in which a Stirling cycle engine would serve as a bottoming cycle for a stationary Otto cycle engine. This type of combined cycle plant is considered to have good potential for industrial use. This paper describes work by DIT and collaborators to validate a computer simulation model of the combined cycle plant. In investigating the feasibility of the type of combined cycle that is proposed there are a range of practical realities to be faced and …

Design Of A Single Alkaline Fuel Cell Test Bed, James Brunton, David Kennedy, Fergal O'Rourke, Eugene Coyle

Conference Papers

This Research focuses on the design and development of a single alkaline fuel cell test bed facility. The paper also makes reference to problems and solutions encountered during construction that resulted in a more effective fuel cell and operating system. As a sustainable and clean alternative energy option, fuel cell technology has the potential to provide electrical power for stationary and mobile applications. Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are a viable long term energy solution, but to-date has failed to make a major impact on the energy market. Fuel Cells offer a sustainable energy options that can be cost effective …

Healthcare Professional Roles: The Ontology Model For E-Learning, Lorraine Carmody, Elizabeth Sherry, John Cardiff

Conference Papers

The paper aims to present the MEDeLEARN project, an ontology-driven virtual learning environment for Medical Information System training. The current training environment for healthcare professionals in the use of essential medical information systems in a large urban training hospital is based on conventional instructor-led training sessions. Problems arise due to the demanding nature of the hospital working environment, causing training to be cancelled or curtailed. This mode of training delivery is deemed to be inefficient and ineffective, with the danger of serious errors occurring as a consequence.

The project investigates whether a virtual learning environment can address the competency gap …

Novel Techniques For The Integration Of Antennas And Photovoltaic Cells, Maria Roo Ons, S. Shynu, Max Ammann, Sarah Mccormack, Brian Norton

Conference Papers

Various novel approaches to the integration of antenna and photovoltaic technologies are proposed. These include the use of polycrystalline solar cells as groundplane for microstrip patch antennas as well as for reflectors of half-wave dipole antennas. Transparent materials were also evaluated as antenna radiating elements, allowing greater solar efficiency. A novel technique illustrating how emitter-wrap-through rear contact solar cells can be used as a folded-dipole antenna, which is located in the focal line of a parabolic solar concentrator, to provide high solar efficiency as well as high antenna gain, is presented.

Compact Spiral Loaded Printed Monopole Antenna, Xiulong Bao, Max Ammann

Conference Papers

A novel miniaturized printed monopole structure is proposed. The antenna comprises a printed monopole strip which is loaded by a spiral located on the rearside connected by a via. The inductive loading provided by the spiral enables considerable miniaturization of antenna. A parametric study of key dimensional parameters and groundplane are discussed.

A Pattern Reconfigurable Slot Antenna With Hybrid Feed, Matthias John, Max Ammann

Conference Papers

In this paper we investigate the design and operating principle of a pattern reconfigurable multi-mode slot antenna with a hybrid feed. The slot antenna is excited by an orthogonal arrangement of a co-planar waveguide (CPW) fed circular disc and a microstrip fed square patch. The design objective is to be able to change the direction of the main lobe by feeding the two orthogonal elements with different phases.

Online Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring And Control System, Paul Duffy, Gerard Woods, James Walsh, Michael Kane

Conference Papers

No abstract provided.

Building A Successful Transatlantic Collaboration In Engineering/Technological Education; Lessons From A Six Year Journey, Donal Mchale, Mark Mcgrath, John Lawlor

Conference Papers

This paper reflects on key learning’s from the first six-years (2004-2010) of the development of a collaborative journey of two trans-Atlantic higher-educational institutions. It describes the progress towards building a sustainable and innovative international educational partnership in Engineering/Technological education between the Technological University Dublin,DublinIrelandandPurdue University,Indiana,USA.

In particular, the paper provides insight into the iterative stages of development of this relationship. It reflects on some of the key challenges and it recognises the critical enablers of success. It focuses on challenges and solutions in the following six important areas

(i) The partnership initiation stage. Key considerations and important enablers of future …

A Multi-Variable Analysis Of Transient Near-Wall Haemodynamics In A Stented Coronary Artery, Jonathan Murphy, Fergal Boyle

Conference Papers

No abstract provided.

An Investigation Of Semantic Links To Archetypes In An External Clinical Terminology Through The Construction Of Terminological "Shadows", Sheng Yu, Damon Berry, Jesús Bisbal

Conference Papers

The two-level model based specifications for electronic health record communication EHRcom (ISO 13606) and openEHR both support the embedding of terminological references in Archetypes. This terminological binding can be created manually by a health terminology expert during Archetype design, and the binding is assessed during Archetype evaluation. There has also been some recent work on using lexical queries to generate term sets to represent concepts in Archetypes. This work created an information construct which we call a Terminological Shadow that links Archetype nodes to sets of candidate concepts from a terminology system. The coding scheme used for this work is …

Solar Cell Efficiency Enhancement Through Down-Shifting And Up-Converting Layers: The Ephocell Project: Luminescent Downshifting Quantum Yield Measurements, M. Kennedy, L. Aubouy, D. Gutiérrez-Tauste, A. Jorge, M. Faccini, G. Noriega, M. Di Lorenzo, M. Cocca, M. Avella, M. Errico, G. Gentile, John Doran, Brian Norton, S. Baluschev, J. Bistué Guardiola, A. Robles Molina, J. Puigdollers, C. Voz, S. Daren, F. Tsvetkov, A. Pashov

Conference Papers

Organic cells and dye-sensitized cells developed to-date have a narrow active absorption range, relative to the spectral range of the available solar resource. Their efficiency could be significantly enhanced through a process of down-shifting (DS) and up-conversion of non-absorbable photons converting them to photons better matching the spectral response of the particular solar cell. The DS molecules must exhibit a large Stokes shift and high luminescent quantum yield when incorporated in the downshifting polymer layer. In this paper, the QY of a downshifting Europium (III) complex in solution is determined using two distinct experimental techniques. The QY is measured for …

Development Of A Moodle Vle Plug-In To Support Simultaneous Visualisation Of A Collection Of Multi-Media Sign Language Objects, Brian Nolan

Conference Papers

Using Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) to support blended learning is very common in educational institutes. Delivering learning material in a flexible and semi-structured manner to the learner transforms such systems into powerful eLearning tools. However, the presentation and visualisation of individual or multiple learning objects is mostly dictated by the system and cannot be altered easily. This paper reports on a project between Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB) that aims to improve the simultaneous visualisation of multiple multimedia objects for deaf learners of ISL. The project was implemented using the Open Source VLE Moodle. …

Estimation Of 3d Shape In The Patellofemoral Joint Using Statistical Shape Models And 2d Data, Colm O'Kane

Conference Papers

Disorders of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) including PF osteoarthritis and PF pain disorder have been estimated to represent 25% of all patients presenting for knee joint treatment. The diagnosis and treatment of these disorders is curtailed by lack of understanding of the mechanical operation of the joint. A crucial aspect to be considered in understanding contact patterns and kinematics of the PFJ is the alignment of the patella in the trochlear groove. Investigation of patellar alignment necessitates accurate knowledge of the 3D articular surfaces of both patella and femur, along with underlying bone geometry. These 3D data are generally obtained …

A Study Of Demoulding Force Prediction Applied To Periodic Mould Surface Profiles, Kevin Delaney, Giuliano Bissacco, David Kennedy

Conference Papers

Demoulding components without damage to either the components or tool is critical to successful replication processes. Accurate demoulding force prediction prior to tool fabrication helps designers optimize replication tools to minimize the demoulding force and resultant stress on replicated parts. Various models have been proposed to predict demoulding forces. One such model, the stair-step model, was developed by Colton et al for stereolithographic moulding tools. This paper investigates applying the model to other periodic surfaces with validation using published experimental data. In addition validity of the model for application to micro mould surfaces produced by micro milling is discussed.

A Study Of Friction Testing Methods Applicable To Demoulding Force Prediction For Micro Replicated Parts, Kevin Delaney, David Kennedy, G. Bissacco

Conference Papers

For replication processes to be deemed successful it must be possible to remove the replicated parts from the tool after processing. With decreasing part and feature size the challenge of demoulding replicated parts increases since the resulting parts and replication tooling used are more delicate and can be easily damaged. Predictive demoulding force models can be used to optimise the part, tool and process parameters to maximise the likelihood of success. Developing accurate models for this process requires knowledge of the dominant interfacial contributions to friction and knowledge of the size scale at which the dominant contributions operate together with …

Pvd And Cvd Coatings For The Metal Forming Industry, Simon Montgomery, David Kennedy, Noel O'Dowd

Conference Papers

Metal forming applications are, by their very nature, taxing on the tools and machines used to achieve a finished component. Material degradation and wear is of critical importance in any such operation as a failing in the tool or machine has the potential to cause health hazards and/or significant monetary losses. The wear of material is due to the contact of two opposing surfaces and their subsequent motion relative to each other. It can take many forms some examples of which are: a two or three body abrasive type, a rolling fatigue type or an adhesion type.

Much research has …

Demoulding Force Prediction For Micro Polymer Replication: A Review Of Relevant Literature, Kevin Delaney, G. Bissacco ., David Kennedy

Conference Papers

Demoulding components without damage to either the components or tool is critical to successful replication processes. During tooling development designers strive to optimize replication tools to minimize demoulding force and resultant stress on replicated parts. A critical element of this process is an accurate demoulding force prediction model. Various models have been proposed to predict demoulding forces, each showing limitations in its applicability. This paper reviews existing demoulding force models and parameters affecting demoulding force for micro polymer replication.