1522 research outputs found
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Flexible Transient Protection Technologies for Low Voltage Microelectronic Switching Applications
No full textSupplemental restraint systems (SRS) developed for modern automotive vehicles rely heavily upon microelectronic control circuits; that act within fractions of a second, to coordinate and synchronize the activation, firing and subsequent deployment of airbag safety devices. However, within these vehicles, the relatively harsh electrical environment that exists can often contain multiple sources of transient electrical phenomena, which can give rise to false and potentially fatal activation of the aforementioned safety devices. The need for effective and reliable yet inexpensive built-in microelectronic based transient protection against such occurrences therefore remains key. Historically, automotive microelectronic based transient protection schemes have largely been based upon a technique known as „level-triggered transient protection‟ (LTTP). More recently, the work of Cahill et al. has managed to improve upon the aforementioned approach through use of a technique known as „level-triggered timed shut-off transient protection‟ (LTSOTP). However, from an industrial perspective, all of the advancements reported have remained somewhat unattractive; predominately due to manufacturing complexity, reliability and cost associated issues. In this work, a novel BiCMOS based monolithic HTSOTP device design is proposed that combines the advantages LTTP and LTSOTP, while capable of being „programmed‟ at manufacture to afford transient protection across the entire range of automotive system and sub-system voltage specifications currently in use. Finite element static and dynamic solid-state simulations were used to develop theory of operation for the HTSOTP design proposed and a discrete prototype was assembled and tested to further demonstrate proof of concept. Process simulations were then employed to investigate the constraints and potential issues associated with the realisation of a single monolithic implementation of the aforementioned design. In conclusion, significant advancements in the field of ‘flexible transient protection technologies for low voltage microelectronic switching applications’ have been reported
An Investigation into the Mechanisms of Heavy Metal Binding by selected Seaweed Species
Get PDFThe Irish Marine Institute has identified the potential of marine natural resources to be exploited as high value-added products. Marine biotechnology is at an early stage of development, and therefore, more of the potential global market is open for development by Ireland than is the case for other sectors. A key area of growth, both in Ireland and Europe is the use of seaweeds for various applications including bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated waters.
This thesis has demonstrated a method for identifying the most promising seaweeds for metal biosorption through the use of multiple analytical techniques. A comprehensive study of dead biomass of six locally derived seaweeds (Fucus vesiculosus, Fucus spiralis, Ulva lactuca, Ulva spp., Palmaria palmata and Polysiphonia lanosa) and three regionally significant metals (Cu (II), Cr (III) and Cr (VI)) was carried out. Fundamental investigations into metal binding were undertaken in order to determine the potential binding capacity of the seaweeds, the factors influencing binding and their potential mechanisms of binding. This work has adapted a number of analytical techniques previously used for seaweed analysis and modified them so that binding information supplementary to that found in the literature could be obtained.
Studies indicated that seaweed is polyfunctional in nature with groups of varying affinities for metal ions. The quantity and distribution of these groups varied between species. Variations in experimental parameters were shown to influence the quantity of metal bound to the seaweeds, with optimum conditions dependent on the metal under investigation. Isotherm modelling revealed that Fucus vesiculosus and Polysiphonia lanosa were most effective in removing cations and anions respectively from solutions containing high residual metal concentrations while Palmaria palmata was superior for both cation and anion removal at low residual concentrations. Therefore, this implied that the most suitable seaweed biosorbent was ultimately dependent upon its final application. Changes in seaweed functional groups after metal binding were monitored using FTIR analysis with novel information on the timescale of Cu (II) binding presented.
Ion-exchange and complexation mechanisms were shown to occur for cation binding while a surface reduction mechanism was also apparent during anion binding. The use of multiple chemical modification techniques confirmed binding mechanisms and identified a methodology for capacity enhancement of the seaweeds. Important changes in surface morphology and binding mechanism were established using surface analysis techniques such as SEM/EDX and XPS while a novel methodology for seaweed surface analysis using SFM was also demonstrated
Working with Fathers: Messages from research into good practice
Get PDFIt is now wiely accepted that the exclusion of fathers from child and family work is problematic and needs to change. Our research into 24 'vulnerable' fathers and families who were known to social care agencies in Ireland confirms that for many there is a real problem here(Ferguson and Hogan, 2004)
Institutional Racism in Ireland: Ethnic Religous Minorities in Criminal Justice and Social Care Provision Systems
Get PDFInstitutional racism is a topic untouched by Irish academic research to date. This article will attempt to begin the process of examining theoretical material relating to Institutional racism
Critical Episodes in a Long Term Relationship of a Food Manufacturer and its Packaging Technology Partner in the Early Stages of a New Product Development Project (RIKON Group)
Get PDFThis paper deals with collaborative user involvement in the early stages of the new product development (NPD) process. The purpose of this paper is to describe the critical interaction episodes that occurred in a long-term relationship between a food manufacturer and its packaging technology partner in the development of a plastic film during the early stages of the NPD process. Utilizing an interpretative case study approach, the empirical evidence is based upon interviews, reflective practices, observation and documents. The paper will detail eight interaction episodes written in narrative and should provide valuable insight into the dynamics that occurs in close collaborative relationships. The findings showed that the cooperative interaction between the two companies went through alternating cycles of divergence and convergence to maintain and re-negotiate an already established belief structure of expected and accepted behaviour
The effects of earthworm functional group diversity on earthworm community structure
Get PDFA comprehensive understanding of how species/functional group interactions determine population dynamics, community composition and their effect on ecosystem functioning is important. This paper presents data from a mesocosm experiment, based on the simplex design, to examine the effect of interactions between earthworm functional groups, food supply and initial overall biomass on community structure. All communities containing anéciques moved towards domination by anéciques. The survival of anéciques remained constant irrespective of initial conditions, with no effect of initial community structure, food supply or initial biomass. The proportional biomass of epigées increased when they were placed in communities dominated by anéciques. Initial overall biomass had a significant effect on the survival of endogées, with increased survival at low biomass. Juvenile production was significantly increased in communities that contained a higher initial abundance of epigées. The anéciques had significantly increased production of juveniles at lower levels of initial biomass. Overall, earthworm functional group diversity had an idiosyncratic effect on earthworm assemblage structure
Mass sporting and physical activity events--are they "bread and circuses" or public health interventions to increase population levels of physical activity?
No full textBACKGROUND: Large-scale, one-off sporting or physical activity (PA) events are often thought to impact population PA levels. This article reviews the evidence and explores the nature of the effect. METHODS: A search of the published and grey literature was conducted to July 2005 using relevant databases, web sources, and personal contacts. Impacts are described at the individual, societal and community, and environmental levels. RESULTS: Few quality evaluations have been conducted. While mass sporting events appear to influence PA-related infrastructure, there is scant evidence of impact on individual participation at the population level. There is some evidence that events promoting active transport can positively affect PA. CONCLUSIONS: The public health potential of major sporting and PA events is often cited, but evidence for public health benefit is lacking. An evaluation framework is proposed
Analysis of the effects of fibre surface modification of aramid fibres in a thermoplastic matrix
Get PDFCareer Counselling Across the Lifespan
Get PDFThe concept of a ‘career for life’ no longer exists in a world of rapid economic and social changes. In today’s society a person’s career path may not be as clearly defined as previous generations and will have different meanings for different clients. Whilst stage theorists view career decision making as a developmental process (Super, 1953, 1990, Erikson, 1959, Levinson et al, 1978, Gottfredson, 1996) they may not fully address the fundamental aspects of career counselling clients who have to manage complex life roles, unemployment, redundancy, ill-health, rehabilitation and retirement.
This paper will discuss current qualitative research through client case studies that highlight some of the complex issues experienced by adults. The role of the career guidance counsellor, in supporting clients through career transitions and periods of emotional crisis, will also be explored. Finally, new paradigms that propose constructivist approaches in current career guidance practice will be examined (Savickas, McMahon & Patton, 2006)