Engineering Commons^™

An Experimental Study Of The Impact Of Using Multi-Radio In Wlan Mesh Networks, Chenzhe Zhang, Karol Kowalik, Mark Davis

Conference papers

Next-generation wireless mobile communications will be driven by converged networks that integrate disparate technologies and services. Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) are expected to be one of the next generation of wireless interconnection technologies, providing flexible high bandwidth wireless backhaul over large geographical areas. While single radio mesh nodes operating on a single channel suffer from capacity constraints, equipping mesh routers with multiple radios using multiple non-overlapping channels can significantly alleviate the capacity problem and increase the aggregate bandwidth available to the network. However, it is well known that multi-radio Mesh platforms face many limitations such as interference, radiation leakage, crosstalk …

An Electrooculogram-Based Binary Saccade Sequence Classification (Bssc) Technique For Augmentative Communication And Control, Johnalan Keegan, Ted Burke, James Condron

Conference Papers

In the field of assistive technology, the electroocu-logram (EOG) can be used as a channel of communication and the basis of a man-machine interface. For many people with severe motor disabilities, simple actions such as changing the TV channel require assistance. This paper describes a method of detecting saccadic eye movements and the use of a saccade sequence classification algorithm to facilitate communication and control. Saccades are fast eye movements that occurs when a person's gaze jumps from one fixation point to another. The classification is based on pre-defined sequences of saccades, guided by a static visual template (e.g. a …

Chemical-Free Iron Removal And Disinfection Unit Of Drinking Water For Single House Application, Michael O'Hehir

Masters

The supply of safe drinking water is a major worldwide problem. In the developed world the frequency of water related problems are increasing The shortage of fresh water supply is as a result of pollution from industrial, agricultural and natural disasters. To make water suitable for human consumption, it must first be treated. However, consumers do not always receive potable water even after public treatment. In some cases the consumer must treat the water being supplied to them, or have to source their own water from private wells and treat it prior to use. The purpose of this research was …

Defining A Framework For Knowledge Sharing In A Dynamic Sales Oriented Organisation, Joern Hussock

Dissertations

The analysts of Datamonitor describe the knowledge management and collaboration as 2009 trends to watch. Why is collaboration and KM so important? It can be managed for unstructured business processes through sharing knowledge, best practices and experience on the business process context, soliciting feedback on problem resolution, seeking support from colleagues or communicating with other partner and customer communities. The challenge for organisations, especially for sales oriented teams is finding a way of structured managing and supporting the combination of the benefits based on the exchange of information in already existing unstructured activities in collaborative environments. This research aims to …

Bs News

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

On-Line Realtime Water Quality Monitoring And Control For Swimming Pools, Paul Duffy, Gerard Woods, Sean O'Hogain, James Walsh, C. Caplier

Conference Papers

Effective swimming pool water quality monitoring and control systems are important to safeguard public health and for bather comfort. Most Irish swimming pool monitoring systems rely heavily on manual methods for sampling, testing and data recording of important parameters. Microbiological testing is infrequent and results can often take days. The goal of this research is to develop a water quality monitoring and control system with real time data logging, automatic data analysis, remote monitoring and control, microbiological sampling capabilities and online connectivity. National Instruments hardware and its software package LabView form the basis of the monitoring and control system. Several …

Directional Dual-Band Slot Antenna With Dual-Bandgap High-Impedance-Surface Reflector, Xiulong Bao, Giuseppe Ruvio, Max Ammann

Articles

A compact dual-band high-impedance-surface EBG structure is employed as a reflector for a dual-band annular-slot antenna. The reflector comprises an array of miniaturized EBG cells which utilizes square patches augmented by four S-shaped corrugated arms to reduce the resonant frequency of the proposed EBG structure. In order to broaden the bandwidth and adjust the frequency ratio for the dual-band EBG structure, a log-periodic spacing between the S-shaped strips is introduced. The combination of microstrip-fed annular slot and EBG reflector provides directional properties for both frequency bands with reduced size and low-profile.

Influence Of Solar Heating On The Performance Of Integrated Solar Cell Microstrip Patch Antennas, Maria Roo Ons, S. Shynu, M Seredynski, Max Ammann, Sarah Mccormack, Brian Norton

Articles

The integration of microstrip patch antennas with photovoltaics has been proposed for applications in autonomous wireless communication systems located on building façades. Full integration was achieved using polycrystalline silicon solar cells as both antenna ground plane and direct current power generation in the same device. An overview of the proposed photovoltaic antenna designs is provided and the variation characterised of the electromagnetic properties of the device with temperature and solar radiation. Measurements for both copper and solar antennas are reported on three different commercial laminates with contrasting values for thermal coefficient of the dielectric constant.

A Novel Approach To Predicting The Lifetime Of Elastomers Undergoing Stress Relaxation, Stephen Ronan

Doctoral

his work opens with a broad overview of several factors influencing the behaviour of elastomeric materials under constant deformation. Following this, an evaluation of the common difficulties surrounding industry-standard lifetime prediction methods is presented. Subsequently, a novel method for the lifetime prediction of stress relaxation in elastomeric materials under constant deformation is introduced. Experimental testing to determine the influence of filler type and content was conducted on several natural rubber materials. The effect of altering the vulcanising agent, crosslink density and mixing time was also examined. Chemiluminescence was used to determine the influence that oxidation has on the overall life …

Preliminary Modelling Results For An Otto Cycle/Stirling Cycle Hybrid-Engine-Based Power Generation System, Barry Cullen, Jim Mcgovern, Michel Feidt, Stoian Petrescu

Conference Papers

This paper presents preliminary data and results for a system mathematical model for a proposed Otto Cycle / Stirling Cycle hybrid-engine-based power generation system. The system is a combined cycle system with the Stirling cycle machine operating as a bottoming cycle on the Otto cycle exhaust. The application considered is that of a stationary power generation scenario wherein the Stirling cycle engine operates as a waste heat recovery device on the exhaust stream of the Otto cycle engine. This paper is primarily concerned with the development of a model for a suitable Stirling cycle engine capable of running on the …

Learning Without Default: A Study Of One-Class Classification And The Low-Default Portfolio Problem, Kenneth Kennedy, Brian Mac Namee, Sarah Jane Delany

Conference papers

This paper asks at what level of class imbalance one-class classifiers outperform two-class classifiers in credit scoring problems in which class imbalance, referred to as the low-default portfolio problem, is a serious issue. The question is answered by comparing the performance of a variety of one-class and two-class classifiers on a selection of credit scoring datasets as the class imbalance is manipulated. We also include random oversampling as this is one of the most common approaches to addressing class imbalance. This study analyses the suitability and performance of recognised two-class classifiers and one-class classifiers. Based on our study we conclude …

Development Of A Theoretical Decoupled Stirling Cycle Engine, Barry Cullen, Jim Mcgovern

Conference Papers

The Stirling cycle engine is gaining increasing attention in the current energy market as a clean, quiet and versatile prime mover for use in such situations as solar thermal generation, micro cogeneration and other micro distributed generation situations. A theoretical Stirling cycle engine model is developed. Using a theoretical decoupled engine configuration in which working space swept volume, volume variation, phase angle and dead space ratio are controlled via a black-box electronic controller, a model is developed that is to be used as a tool for analysis of the ideal Stirling cycle engine and the limits on its real world …

Pilot Rainwater Harvesting Study Ireland, Liam Mccarton, Sean O'Hogain, Anna Reid, Niamh Mcintyre, Jenny Pender

Conference papers

There are no National Water Quality Standards for Rainwater Harvesting supply in Ireland. The Development Technology Centre (DTC) at the Technological University Dublin was commissioned by the National Rural Water Monitoring Committee in 2005 to assess the feasibility of using rainwater harvesting to supplement treated mains water for non-potable uses. The project involved the design, installation, commissioning and monitoring of rainwater harvesting facilities for rural domestic and agricultural water supply. This paper will present the results from the domestic pilot rwh project. A dual water supply system was designed and installed to use rainwater collected from the roof surface to …

Moisture Movement In Concrete During Drying, Niall Holmes

Other resources

The prediction of moisture distribution within concrete slabs has considerable practical importance as it affects the time at which coverings can be safely applied. Moisture in concrete affects creep, shrinkage, strength development, durability and must be present in sufficient quantities for full hydration to occur and for workability on site. However, an excess of moisture in concrete at the point of covering particularly can lead to a number of problems such as delamination and blistering of vinyl, buckling of timber floors and rising of tiles. Moisture migrates in concrete slabs as a diffusion-type process during drying and is lost to …

The Very Basics Of Sustainability - An Alternative Viewpoint, Jim Mcgovern

Other resources

This paper examines the context and meaning of the term ‘sustainability’, the factors that determine and govern climate on Earth, the population of the Earth and its trends and influencers, the requirements for sustaining life and the options that are available to humankind. Some viewpoints are presented that are alternative to ‘conventional alternative’ thinking. The author advocates keeping an open mind on all available options, including the use of oil, gas, coal, tar sands, carbon capture and sequestration, nuclear power etc., as well as the technologies that are more widely considered ‘green’ and also argues that humankind needs to face …

The Very Basics Of Sustainability - An Alternative Viewpoint (Slides With Audio) (Large File! To Speed Up Download, Right-Click On "Download" Link To Save To Own Pc.), Jim Mcgovern

Other resources

This presentation sets out the very basics of ‘sustainability’, although a definition of sustainability is not attempted. Some of the very basics are the context in which the Earth and humankind exist in space and time, the Earth’s climate, the Earth’s population and humankind’s options and choices. The author advocates keeping an open mind on all available options, including the use of oil, gas, coal, tar sands, carbon capture and sequestration, nuclear power etc., as well as the technologies that are more widely considered ‘green’. The author also argues that, in addressing the challenges that humankind faces, globally concerted effort …

Computing For Knowledge Management: From Nonaka To Visualisation And Knowledge Maps, Helmut Huber

Dissertations

Management itself is not always clearly understood, however, the confusion can be sorted if the underlying theory is clearly distinguished from its implementations. There also may be a specific role for computing in Knowledge Management. It is suggested that Knowledge Management technologists seek a unique strategic position for Computing in Knowledge Management, for reasons of clarity and differentiation from Information Systems. The effective transfer of knowledge is one of the main themes or core competency in Knowledge Management. This is also one of the areas where Knowledge Management technologists may find the niche for a distinct and unique contribution the …

The Tromped, A Means Of Prophylaxis For Flight Related Deep Vein Thrombosis, Carolyn Collins

Doctoral

The process of blood flow in the leg, against gravity and towards the heart is instigated by compression of the veins in the foot. Contraction of the calf muscles results in an ejection volume (EV) of blood towards the heart, completing the process. Research studies have shown an association between flight travel and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Stasis of blood flow can lead to the development of thrombus formation. Deep Vein Thrombosis occurs in situations where people are immobile for long periods of time, whether this is a result of ill health or travel on land or in the air. …

Property Price Data Would Stop Values Based On Sentiment, Lorcan Sirr

Media

No abstract provided.

Small Antenna Options For Ultra-Wideband (Uwb) Applications, David Kearney

Masters

Ultra-Wideband (UWB) systems provide a means for short range high data rate wireless transmission between electronic devices. Portable devices and in particular, mobile handsets, have the potential to harness the unprecedented connectivity associated with UWB’s high speed, low power data transfer. Over the course of this work, a number of small antenna options for UWB mobile handset applications are presented. Two key subgroups of the 3.1 –10.6GHz UWB band are chosen and suitable antennas designed for both bands. At the upper end of the band, a ceramic planar inverted-F antenna is proposed to cover band groups 3 & 6 (6.3 …

Assessment Of The Embodied Co2eq In Buildings Towards A Sustainable Building Design And Construction, Adolf Acquaye, Aidan Duffy, Biswajit Basu

Conference Papers

Research studies have shown that the initial energy embodied in a building can be as much as 67% of the operational energy over a 25 year period. With growing global concerns over material and resource consumption and the emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere, the energy embodied in buildings constructed in town and cities becomes important and one of the key issues that needs to be tackled in the design stages in order to strive towards sustainable buildings design. In this paper, a hybrid embodied carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) methodology used to assess the CO2eq embodied in buildings is presented. …

An Investigation Of The Use Of A High Resolution Adc As A Digital Biopotential Amplifier, Damon Berry, Frank Duignan, Richard Hayes

Conference Papers

Sigma delta analogue to digital converters have been used in many signal processing applications including some commercially available systems for sampling of bio-signals Bio-potential amplifiers have traditionally utilised specialised highquality analogue components to amplify bio-signals.

The central aim of this work is to investigate the benefits of using high-resolution sigma delta conversion as a digital amplification stage in the signal path of a bio-potential amplifier. A number of system arrangements specific to bio-potential measurement are presented and discussed. These arrangements are designed to use the high resolution capacity of the sigma delta converter in different ways, providing different benefits. To …

A Reference Model For Ground Coupled Heat Transfer, Michael Crowley

Conference papers

A recently completed extension to IEA BESTEST includes further work on tests suitable for the validation of ground coupled heat transfer modules within building energy simulation software. The model described here forms part of this work. A finite difference model was prepared and applied to ground coupled heat transfer in the environs of a building for a range of geometries and boundary conditions. The model was verified by demonstrating close agreement with an analytical solution and with two independent models; it is therefore fit for purpose. A fundamental modelling limitation, applying to ground coupled heat transfer, emerged from the work.

Knowledge Transfer Within A Software Development Team, Geraldine Conway

Dissertations

Knowledge in a software company is the blood of the company, not surviving without

the valuable knowledge running through its veins. Knowledge is no longer seen as an

object of competitive advantage but is the core of how an organisation operates.

The transfer of tacit knowledge into a format that is usable and can be transmitted to

other individuals is a challenge in any organisation due to the nature of this

knowledge. Tacit knowledge is a challenge to convert into an explicit form as it is hard

to contextualise this knowledge in order for it to be reusable for others. …

Investigating The Viability Of Virtual Communities Of Practice In The Public Sector, Sue Bolger

Dissertations

Communication and collaboration are very important topics in the domain of

Knowledge Management. Knowledge, which exists within the employees of an

organisation, can be extracted and harnessed effectively to become an extremely

valuable asset to the ongoing business goals and objectives of the organisation. This

embedded knowledge must be released in an appropriate manner in order for it to be

usable and, it has been shown that dialogue and discussion through the use of an online

tool, enables this release and re-use of vital concepts and knowledge.

This research investigates the area of communication and knowledge sharing amongst

disparate Irish …

The Genesis And Emergence Of Web 3.0: A Study In The Integration Of Artificial Intelligence And The Semantic Web In Knowledge Creation, David Mulpeter

Dissertations

The web as we know it has evolved rapidly over the last decade. We have gone from a phase of rapid growth as seen with the dot.com boom where business was king to the current web 2.0 phase where social networking, Wiki’s, Blogs and other related tools flood the bandwidth of the world wide web. The empowerment of the web user with web 2.0 technologies has led to the exponential growth of data, information and knowledge on the web. With this rapid change, there is a need to logically categorise this information and knowledge so it can be fully utilised …

Bs News

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Radial Ebg Cell Layout For Gps Patch Antennas, Giuseppe Ruvio, Max Ammann, Xiulong Bao

Articles

A novel radial layout for mushroom-like electromagnetic-bandgap (EBG) cells surrounding a printed circularly-polarised patch antenna is proposed. Two radial EBG configurations surrounding a circular patch are compared to a reference patch on a conventional ground plane of the same dimension. The radial shape and displacement of the EBG cells around the patch offers improvements in terms of gain and axial-ratio compared to the reference antenna and is more suitable for circular geometries compared to conventional Cartesian layouts. In particular, the distance between the patch and the surrounding EBG cells is independent of the cell period, which can be arbitrarily chosen, …

International Study Abroad In Engineering/Industrial Technology: Through The Eyes Of Students, Michael Dyrenfurth, Robert Herrick, Donal Mchale, Richard Hayes, James Barnes

Conference papers

Faculty and programs in engineering/industrial technology often promote international exchange and study abroad as a desirable component of a university experience— particularly in this increasingly globalized world. But, what do students who have actually had such experiences perceive? How do they view such experiences, before, during and after the event? The following paper evolved from the experiences of four universities collaborating on an EU-FIPSE funded Atlantis project called DETECT that consist of the partnerships of four Engineering/Technology Educational institutions; Hochschule Darmstadt in Germany, Technological University Dublin in Ireland, and Pennsylvania State University & Purdue University from the USA.

Information Hiding By Stochastic Diffusion And Its Application To Printed Document Authentication, Jonathan Blackledge, Eugene Coyle

Conference papers

The use of image based information exchange has grown rapidly over the years in terms of both e-to-e image storage and transmission and in terms of maintaining paper documents in electronic form. Further, with the dramatic improvements in the quality of COTS (Commercial-Off-The-Shelf) printing and scanning devices, the ability to counterfeit electronic and printed documents has become a widespread problem. Consequently, there has been an increasing demand to develop digital watermarking, information hiding and covert encryption methods which can be applied to both electronic and printed images (and documents) for the purposes of authentication, prevent unauthorized copying and, in the …