Research@THEA (Technological Higher Education Association)
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Exploring Oat Husks as Aggregates in Limestone-Based Composites: Effects of Surface Treatments and Binder Selection on Mechanical Performance
Full text linkThe viability of incorporating agricultural by-products, such as oat husks, not yet explored in limestone-based composites, as more sustainable alternatives for use as novel aggregates may be improved through the adoption of well-known valorisation strategies applied to other plant-based resources. In this context, this work innovates by assessing how treatments on oat husk surfaces and the choice of limestone-based binders impact the mechanical performance of composites. The strategy adopted to achieve these objectives, in addition to carrying out the physical and geometric characterisation of the husks, consists of treating the husks’ surface using washing cycles in water, cement/pozzolan binder, and linseed oil. Furthermore, matrices combining cement, calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2, and microsilica (SiO2) were used. In conclusion, even though the effects of different binder combinations are inconsistent, coating oat husks—especially with linseed oil—works well in delaying particle degradation and improving mechanical strength compared to untreated particles. Furthermore, when aggregates are substituted with the longer and lamellar particles of oat husk, the impact of the water/cement ratio on mechanical performance and composite workability significantly decreases.ye
The Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation Short Form B (CORE SFB): Norms for an Irish Institute of Technology Student Sample
Full text linkA study of student mental health was conducted in an Irish university level college prior to the Covid-19
pandemic. The study had two principal objectives. The first was to provide a baseline examination of student mental health. The second was to explore the utility of several self-report mental health measures
that had not previously been administered in an Irish population. This paper examines student mental
health using one of these measures, the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation Short Form B (CORE
SFB). Results from the achieved sample of 763 students are explored. Females self-reported significantly
higher levels of mental distress on two of the CORE SFB subscales (the Wellbeing and Problems sub scales) as well as on the Mean Total Score (MTS). Males were significantly more likely to endorse an item
exploring threatening behaviour towards others. Final year students were also significantly more likely to
self-report higher levels of mental distress on the Wellbeing, Problems and Functioning subscales, as well
as on the MTS. Internal and test-retest reliability indicated support for the CORE SFB. Examination of the
CORE SFB alongside the Mental Health Index (MHI) and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI 18) indicated
convergent validity for this measure. Preliminary empirical percentile scores for the CORE SFB subscales
and the total score were develope
Zombies And Weapons: Examining Blog Responses To The Center For Disease Control & Prevention’s (CDC) ‘Preparedness 101: Zombie Pandemic’ Entertainment-Education Initiative
Full text linkIn 2011 the CDC developed an innovative pandemic preparedness initiative based on a zombie pandemic theme. Although of great interest, an unanticipated side-effect was a focus on weaponry & firearms. This research examines this phenomenon in the CDC Public Blog comments
Post-process considerations for photopolymer 3D-printed injection moulded insert tooling applications
Full text linkInjection moulding (IM) is a manufacturing technique used to produce intricately detailed
plastic components with various surface finishes, enabling the production of high-tolerance functional
parts at scale. Conversely, stereolithography (SLA) three-dimensional (3D) printing offers an
alternative method for fabricating moulds with shorter lead times and reduced costs compared to
conventional manufacturing. However, fabrication in a layer-by-layer fashion results in anisotropic
properties and noticeable layer lines, known as the stair-step effect. This study investigates postprocessing
techniques for plaques with contrasting stair-step effects fabricated from commercially
available SLA high-temperature resin, aiming to assess their suitability for IM applications. The
results reveal that annealing significantly enhances part hardness and heat deflection temperature
(HDT), albeit with a trade-off involving reduced flexural strength. Experimental findings indicate
that the optimal stage for abrasive surface treatment is after UV curing and before annealing. Plaques
exhibiting contrasting stair-step effects are characterized and evaluated for weight loss, dimensional
accuracy, and surface roughness. The results demonstrate that abrasive blasting effectively removes
the stair-step effect without compromising geometry while achieving polished surface finishes with
roughness average (RA) values of 0.1 μm through sanding. Overall, a combination of abrasive blasting
and sanding proves capable of precisely defining surface roughness without significant geometry
loss, offering a viable approach to achieving traditional IM finishes suitable for both functional and
aesthetic purposesye
Improving the door-to-door customer journey for a national public transport company
Full text link(1) Background: Public transport has a vital role to play in creating sustainable, accessible societies. Accessible and inclusive, door-to-door public transport systems with low barriers to use benefit everyone, increasing the mobility of citizens and improving independence. As the industry strives towards multi-modal and Mobility as a Service (MaaS) concepts, there is a need to delve deep into the needs and perceptions of transport user’s door-to-door journeys to find ways to improve. Accordingly, in order to increase the sustainability of MaaS, improving accessibility and understanding service user perceptions are of utmost importance. However, there is a scarcity of research within national transport services to determine unmet user needs to increase the accessibility and autonomy of door-to-door journeys. This research aims to investigate if it is possible to improve the door-to-door journey experience for public transport travellers, increasing the accessibility and the perception of autonomy via technology, and by doing so, providing a more sustainable alternative to road transport. It focuses on understanding service users of Ireland’s National Rail service, Irish Rail, to create key improvements in interactive systems. (2) Methods: The study applies a user-centred mixed-methods methodology using surveys (N = 316) and co-design workshops (four workshops N = 15). The research collected deep insights into the mindsets and needs of service users, showing the potential to improve this door-to-the-door customer journey. Key improvements for interactive systems were outlined. Experience maps were designed, leading to a Conceptual Design for a travel assistant to aid the service user throughout the door-to-door journey. (3) Results: Travellers’ autonomy and the sense of freedom they experience can be improved, mainly if their needs across the complete door-to-door customer journey are supported. Highlighted areas for action include information, accessibility, personal security, ticketing, comfort, facilities, and anxiety. (4) Conclusions: This research reiterates the need for national transport and MaaS providers to prioritise service users’ perspectives when developing sustainable services. Co-designing is recommended as a means of achieving this.ye
A spatial examination of alcohol availability and the level of disadvantage of schools in Ireland
Full text linkBackground: The availability of alcohol is a major factor in underage drinking and according to the alcohol harm
paradox, those living in more deprived communities are more susceptible to the negative consequences of alcohol
use, despite drinking the same or less than those from more affluent areas. Alcohol availability within the vicinity
of the home or school normalises alcohol for schoolchildren. For the first time in the Republic of Ireland, this study
examines the number of premises licensed to sell alcohol within 300 m of all schools in Ireland and differences in this
number between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged schools.
Methods: Using publicly available data from the Department of Education and Revenue, the addresses of all
schools (n=3,958) and all premises with at least one liquor licence (n=14,840) were geocoded and analysed using
the Geographic Information System software, Quantum GIS (QGIS). Schools were identified by their disadvantaged
classification using the HP Pobal Deprivation Index and the number of liquor licences within 300 m of each school
type was examined. To test for significant differences between schools’ level of disadvantage, a combination of Mann Whitney U tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests and Dunn-Bonferroni tests were used.
Results: There was a mean of two licenced premises within 300 m of all schools in Ireland, but when disadvantaged
schools were compared to non-disadvantaged schools, there was a significantly higher number of licenced premises
around disadvantaged schools (p<.001). Primary schools are further classified according to their level of disadvantage
and the results indicated that those schools classified as the most disadvantaged had a significantly greater number
of liquor licences within 300 meters (p<.001). There was no significant difference in density of licenced premises
when comparing disadvantaged secondary schools with non-disadvantaged secondary schools (p=.705).
Conclusion Ireland is considering increasing alcohol availability through the Sale of Alcohol Bill, 2022. However, this
analysis indicates already problematic numbers of licenced premises within close proximity of schools in Ireland. It is
essential that the harms associated with alcohol availability are considered, especially for those living and attending
school in disadvantaged communities, where higher numbers of licenced premises were identified.
Keywords Alcohol, Liquor licencing, Disadvantaged schoolye
Influence of Extrusion Screw Speed and CNT Concentration on the Mechanical and EMI Properties of PC/ABS Based Nanocomposites
Full text linkThis study investigates the effect of extrusion screw speed and carbon nanotube (CNT) concentration on the thermal, mechanical, and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) properties of Polycarbonate (PC)/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and its polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) by means of design of experiments (DoE) approach. A masterbatch method was employed to obtain the best dispersion of the CNTs throughout the polymer matrix. This study evaluates the thermo-mechanical characterisation of the polymers and PNCs at varying screw speeds to assess filler matrix bonding. The results highlight that CNT concentration has a significant effect on all mechanical properties, while screw speed only affects the Charpy impact strength and flexural properties of the samples. Compounding at 200 rpm has the best flexural and tensile strength, which is attributed to the best filler matrix bonding (highest storage modulus) of the PNCs. The best EMI SE results were obtained at 10 wt.% CNTs. This research contributes valuable insights into the effect of CNT concentration and extrusion screw speed on the mechanical, thermal and EMI SE properties of PC/ABS and its PNCs.ye
Charting new waters in higher education institutes: navigating the role of technological universities in Ireland and Europe
Full text linkThe higher education sector in Ireland is described. Changes in that sector during the period from 1960 to the current time are outlined and discussed. Particular focus is given to the period between 2010 and 2020, during which Irish government policy was to follow a strategy of regionalised access and delivery of tertiary vocational education. This was manifested through establishment of a new form of university, namely that of the “Technological University” (TU). The establishment of TUs in Ireland and their legislative underpinning are examined. The authors present the ongoing TU process in Ireland as a case study of how a sustainable, regionalised approach to third-level educational reform can be undertaken. The authors finish by presenting a comparative analysis of the RUN-EU Network mission and the legislative functions of the Irish TUs, thereby highlighting how both can jointly contribute to shaping firms, economies, and society in the 2020 decade.ye
Polar lipids modify Alzheimer’s Disease pathology by reducing astrocyte pro-inflammatory signaling through platelet-activating factor receptor (PTAFR) modulation
Full text linkBackground: Pro-inflammatory processes triggered by the accumulation of extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides are a well-described pathology in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Activated astrocytes surrounding Aβ plaques contribute to inflammation by secreting proinflammatory factors. While astrocytes may phagocytize Aβ and contribute to Aβ clearance, reactive astrocytes may also increase Aβ production. Therefore, identifying factors that can attenuate astrocyte activation and neuroinflammation and how these factors influence pro-inflammatory pathways is important for developing therapeutic and preventive strategies in AD. Here, we identify the platelet-activating factor receptor (PTAFR) pathway as a key mediator of astrocyte activation. Intriguingly, several polar lipids (PLs) have exhibited anti inflammatory protective properties outside the central nervous system through their inhibitory effect on the PTAFR pathway. Thus, we additionally investigated whether different PLs also exert inhibitory effects on the PAF pathway in astrocytes and whether their presence influences astrocytic pro-inflammatory signalling and known AD pathologies in vitro.
Methods: PLs from salmon and yogurt were extracted using novel food-grade techniques and their fatty acid profile was determined using LC/MS. The effect of PLs on parameters such as astrocyte activation and generation of oxygen species (ROS) was assessed. Additionally, effects of the secretome of astrocytes treated with these polar lipids on aged neurons was measured.
Results: We show that PLs obtained from salmon and yogurt lower astrocyte activation, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and extracellular Aβ accumulation. Cell health of neurons exposed to the secretome of astrocytes treated with salmon-derived PLs and Aβ was less affected than those treated with astrocytes exposed to Aβ only.
Conclusion: Our results highlight a novel underlying mechanism, why consuming PL-rich foods such as fish and dairy may reduce the risk of developing dementia and associated disorders.ye
Addressing the complexity of spatial teaching: a narrative review of barriers and enablers
Full text linkExtensive research has established that spatial ability is a crucial factor for
achieving success in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
However, challenges that educators encounter while teaching spatial skills
remain uncertain. The purpose of this study is to develop a research framework
that examines the interrelationships, barriers, and enablers amongst various
educational components, including schools, teachers, students, classrooms,
and training programs, that are encountered when teaching for spatial ability
development. A thorough examination of international research, in combination
with a detailed review of the primary Science and Mathematics curricula in
Ireland, Latvia, Sweden, and the Netherlands, is undertaken to acquire a more
concentrated comprehension of the incorporation of spatial components in the
curriculum. The review seeks to establish the fundamental factors that enable
or hinder teachers in terms of curriculum, pedagogy, pedagogical content
knowledge, and spatialized classroom practices.ye