Research@THEA (Technological Higher Education Association)
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Validation of a Digital Simulation Model for Maintenance in a High-Volume Automated Manufacturing Facility
Get PDFDigitalization in manufacturing is the conversion of information into digital format, the integration of this digital data and technologies into the manufacturing process and the use of those technologies (eg: simulation) to change a business model to provide new revenue and value-producing opportunities. Digitalization may be seen as the increased generation, analysis, and use of data to improve the efficiency of the overall manufacturing system. Simulation in manufacturing is often applied in situations where conducting experiments on a real system is impossible or very difficult due to cost or time to carry out the experiment is too long. A key input to the simulation model of automated equipment is the acquisition of valid data in relation to cycle time and reliability of various workstations on this line. As a consequence of being able to simulate equipment processes and interact with this validated simulation model, both the understanding of how the production system will perform under varying reliability and cycle time conditions is achieved. The simulation model then enables the experimentation of ‘what if scenarios’ that can be tested easily, while also providing a valuable tool to inform the maintenance personnel what station reliabilities they need to target in order to sustain a high performing manufacturing line. The author has adopted an open source simulation tool (JaamSim) to develop a digital model of an automated production line in a Johnson & Johnson Vision Care (JJVC) manufacturing facility. This research demonstrated how a digital model was validated for use. The validated digital model can then be used by the author/facility engineering teams to perform scenario testing during the design stage of the line. This simulation model can also be used as a subset of an optimization system to determine recommended optimum line parameters to maximize line performance, either during the line design or when line is in operation.ye
Bridging the gaps in information systems: a threshold concepts and troublesome knowledge perspective
Get PDFStudents entering third-level higher education undergo a transformational learning journey. Learning in this context is defined as the need to understand key concepts (threshold) to engage with the academic content of the course. This learning journey is moulded by their experiences not only within the context of the third-level institution but is also moulded by their experiences in work placement. Threshold concepts and the inherent troublesome knowledge associated with them represent significant barriers to transformational learning. This research uses a case study approach in the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology to explore final year business information systems (BIS) undergraduate students’ understanding of information systems (IS). This research objective was developed following a comprehensive review of the literature which determined that there was a research gap in understanding how BIS students encountered and overcame threshold concepts and troublesome knowledge when learning about IS. The research objective was investigated using several research questions which were explored using a mixed-method approach combining lecturer interviews, a student questionnaire and a student focus group. The study adopts a social constructivist research approach encompassing four theories of learning which act as theoretical lenses: threshold concepts, troublesome knowledge, socio-cultural development and communities of practice. The findings reveal that the students find the theory, and terminology associated with technical aspects, used within the discipline relating to learning about IS challenging. Specific threshold concepts and troublesome knowledge associated with these concepts are identified under several headings. Additionally, it emerged that the students use specific coping mechanisms to assist them in their transformational journey to understand IS which include peer learning, independent learning, practical application, lecturer support, experience and language, work placement mentor support and work-place-based learning. Finally, the results suggest that IS, as social systems, constitute a threshold concept whereby the students struggle with the following troublesome knowledge considerations in their communities of practice: communication, ethics and social system versus technical system differentiation. The study concludes by offering recommendations on how third-level education institutes can enhance awareness of threshold concepts and troublesome to limit their impact on students’ transformational learning experiences.ye
Investigating the development of employee behaviour and training towards cyber-security in the Irish Credit Union
Get PDFThe remarkable technology development along with the emergence of mobile applications
complexity has increased the number of cyber-attacks in several industries which resulted in
serious risks in today’s society and cyberspace. To safeguard sensitive data, organisations are
investing more than ever before in security systems such as information leak prevention,
password management, and computer security monitoring technologies. These tools provide
technical support to the cyber-security issue but are not enough to provide total security. One
of the primary factors that can either minimize or increase cyber-attacks is the human factor
within the organisation. Some employees are simply not aware of the seriousness of cyber
threats or decide not to comply with their organisation's information security policy. This
project will try to investigate the level of training that employees within the Irish Credit
Unions get when dealing with cyber-attacks and try to determine whether employees as well
as managers in the Irish Credit Unions are familiar with the technological infrastructures and
the risk assessment plan in the organisation. This research will determine the factors
affecting employees’ psychology towards information security policy compliance in the Irish
Credit Unions. This research will also identify areas of concern, ways to eliminate cyberattacks with view to producing an excellence in employee cyber-security training for the
staff of the Irish Credit Union
Peterman's productivity method for estimating dynamic reference points in changing ecosystems
Get PDFTarget and limit reference points are fundamental management components used to define sustainable harvest strategies. Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) and the precautionary principle underpin many reference points. Non-proxy reference points based on MSY in age-based single species assessments depend on the stock–recruitment (SR) relationship, which can display complex variability. Current reference points ignore persistent dynamic change by assuming that the SR relationship is stationary and with constant recruitment parameters over selected time periods. We highlight Peterman’s productivity method (PPM), which is capable of tracking temporal dynamics of recruitment productivity via time-varying SR parameters. We show how temporal variability in SR parameters affects fishing mortality and biomass MSY-based reference points. Implementation of PPM allows for integrated dynamic ecosystem influences in tactical management while avoiding overwrought and sometimes ephemeral mechanistic hypotheses tested on small and variable SR datasets. While some of these arguments have been made in individual papers, in our opinion the method has not yet garnered the attention that is due to it.ye
Age, growth, and sexual dimorphism of the Southern Hemisphere long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas edwardii)
Get PDFKnowledge of population biological parameters can contribute to assessing the resilience of a population in the face of increasing anthropogenic pressures. Southern Hemisphere long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas edwardii) are susceptible to high rates of live stranding-related mortality. However, the biological parameters of this population largely are unknown. In this study, age, growth, allometry, and sexual dimorphism are described using teeth and external body measurements obtained from 515 male, 776 female, and 229 individuals of unknown sex, stranded on the New Zealand coastline between 1948 and 2017. Maximum ages of 31 and 38 years were estimated for males (n = 163) and females (n = 239), respectively. Females ranged in length from 160 to 500 cm (modal size class 400–449 cm) and males from 165 to 622 cm (modal size class 500–549 cm). Length-at-birth for both sexes was estimated at 170 cm using a logistic regression model. Growth models for both sexes indicated a preliminary rapid growth phase followed by a second phase of slower growth. For males, a two-phase growth model also indicated a moderate growth spurt around the average age at attainment of sexual maturity (ca.12–13 years). Asymptotic lengths were estimated at 570 and 438 cm for males and females, respectively. We found strong evidence of sexual size dimorphism, with males significantly larger than females for 13 of 14 external measurements. We also found sexual dimorphism with respect to shape, with males having proportionally longer pectoral fins, wider tail flukes, and taller dorsal fins, than females. Estimates of length-at-birth, maximum ages, and sexual shape dimorphism for G. m. edwardii differed from those previously reported for the North Atlantic subspecies (G. m. melas), which may indicate subspecies or population-level differences in morphology, longevity, and sociality.ye
Synthesis, properties, and applications of polylactic acid-based polymers
Get PDFPolylactic acid (PLA) is known as one of the greatest promising bioabsorbable
and compostable polyesters with the capability of high molecular weight synthesis. Lactic acid condensation, azeotropic dehydration, and condensation
ring-open polymerize of lactide are three methods for PLA polymerization.
Comprehension of material properties is critical for choosing the right processing method and adjusting PLA characteristics. A variety of mechanical prop erties of this material, from soft and elastic to stiff and high strength makes
PLA suitable for a wide range of applications. Besides, PLA can be blended or
copolymerized with other polymeric or non-polymeric substances. Thus, this
polymer can achieve suitable chemical, mechanical, and rheological proper ties. Understanding the role of these properties and selecting a suitable processing technique is necessary for its intended consumer and various applications.
This study elaborated a general summary of the polymerization, processing,
and characteristics of PLA (i.e., structural diversities, rheological performances, mechanical properties, and permeability). Besides, this work presented some information regarding essential factors that can be used for
modifying PLA properties to address the requirements for various applications
such as biomedical, food packing, biocomposite, and additive manufacturing.ye
Lead-free thick-film ultrasound sensors for industrial process monitoring /
Get PDFThis publication has emanated from research conducted with the financial support of Science Foundation Ireland under Grant number 16/RC/3872. For the purpose of Open Access, the author has applied a CC BY public copyright licence to any Author Accepted Manuscript version arising from this submission.Sol-gel high-temperature ultrasound transducers (HTUT) have been developed to compensate for the limitations
present in many commercial ultrasound sensors, such as limited temperature durability and limited frequency ranges, etc. The
most common HTUTs are lead-based and more environmentally friendly options are desired. For industrial process
monitoring, ideally HTUTs can be fabricated directly onto machine tools, dies, vessels and moulds to create information-rich
but minimally invasive sensors. In this study, two lead-free sol-gel composites are compared with a common lead-based HTUT
material for the feasibility of spray-coating as a thick film on a steel substrate. The general procedure and key information for
the preparation of the precursors for each composite have been outlined. The firing and annealing procedures necessary for the
successful creation of films with good mechanical stability and surface adhesion are also outlined. The characterisation of the
film properties demonstrates reasonable adhesion and mechanical stability for each film.ye
Hallmarks of aging and immunosenescence: connecting the dots
Get PDFAging is a natural physiological process that features various and variable challenges, associated with loss of homeostasis within the organism, often leading to negative consequences for health. Cellular senescence occurs when cells exhaust the capacity to renew themselves and their tissue environment as the cell cycle comes to a halt. This process is influenced by genetics, metabolism and extrinsic factors. Immunosenescence, the aging of the immune system, is a result of the aging process, but can also in turn act as a secondary inducer of senescence within other tissues. This review aims to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding hallmarks of aging in relation to immunosenescence, with a focus on aging-related imbalances in the medullary environment, as well as the components of the innate and adaptive immune responses. Aging within the immune system alters its functionality, and has consequences for the person's ability to fight infections, as well as for susceptibility to chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. The senescence-associated secretory phenotype is described, as well as the involvement of this phenomenon in the paracrine induction of senescence in otherwise healthy cells. Inflammaging is discussed in detail, along with the comorbidities associated with this process. A knowledge of these processes is required in order to consider possible targets for the application of senotherapeutic agents - interventions with the potential to modulate the senescence process, thus prolonging the healthy lifespan of the immune system and minimizing the secondary effects of immunosenescence.ye
Language teaching and learning in Ireland: 2012–2021
Get PDFThe language teaching landscape in Ireland has changed considerably over the last 30 years as a result of substantial and sustained inward migration into the country during this period. These social and demographic developments have added to the country's already bilingual context and created a much more varied multilingual landscape than had existed in previous decades. They have also impacted various aspects of language teaching policy, provision and methods for both indigenous and foreign languages. This article reviews research on language teaching and learning in Ireland published during the period 2012–2021. We discuss relevant work disseminated primarily in peer-reviewed journals (national and international), as well as in books, commissioned reports and chapters in edited volumes. The research and policy documents presented concern the teaching and learning of Irish, English and Modern Foreign Languages as second and/or additional languages across all levels of education. They address language teacher training contexts as well. We believe that this review of research demonstrates the extent to which recent inquiries in these domains have advanced knowledge and practice in the Irish context, and have also informed the international research community more generally.ye
Client Consultancy: Team Assessment
Get PDFSummary of Teaching & Learning Context
This integrated assessment for Strategic Management
and Marketing Management modules in Year 4 of the BA in
Business Studies with Travel & Tourism Management and BA
in Business Studies with Event Management programmes was
initially designed with the following objectives:
• To incorporate a real-life component into final year of the
programmes (following a six-month industry placement
in Year 3).
• To minimise the stress reported by learners in the final
stage of the programmes caused by over-assessment
and multiple concurrent deadlines.
• To afford learners a unique opportunity to apply theory
by engaging with a client organisation in their industry
sector.
Engagement & Previous Participating Organisations
Since its inception in 2012, student consultancy teams
participating in this assessment have delivered over 120
Strategic Marketing Plans to 22 client organisations reflecting
the diversity of the tourism and event industry in the region.
Previous client organisations include: Kilbane Glamping,
Burren Slow Food Festival, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Cloncannon
BioFarm, Limerick Racecourse, Lough Gur Heritage Centre,
Curraghchase Caravan & Campsite, Aillwee Cave & Birds
of Prey Centre, Foynes Flying Boat Museum, Jamie Knox
Watersports, Terra Nova Fairy Garden, Elite Events, Ennis
Book Club Festival and Sharon McMeel Wedding Planner