1522 research outputs found
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Wavelength Selection for Satellite Quantum Key Distribution
Full text linkWhile the advancement of quantum computers threatens the security of current encryption
methods, the satellite Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) channel is expected to enable global
quantum communications. However, the availability of these systems is limited by background
noise due to solar radiation and strong attenuation caused by turbulence and other adverse
weather conditions. This work combines filtering techniques, adaptive optics, and optimal
wavelength selection to permit daytime QKD through realistic atmospheric conditions. The
secret key rate is determined using the decoy-state BB84-QKD protocol and used as a performance
metric to investigate the performance of wavelengths ranging from the visible and near-infrared
regions to the short-wave, mid-wave, and long-wave infrared regions of the electromagnetic
spectrum. The satellite downlink channel is modelled to determine the signal gain accounting for
diffraction-induced beam spread, extinction loss and turbulence-induced wavefront distortions
while the background probability is calculated as a function of spectral radiance. Secret key rate
optimization is a multivariate problem so a wavelength comparison cannot be done in isolation
but instead requires a number of other parameters to be varied simultaneously. To this end, the
secret key rate is determined for a range of wavelengths, receiver sizes and initial beam waists
to reveal what combination achieves the best performance through a variety of atmospheric
conditions. Additionally, satellite communications place physical limitations on transmitter and
receiver sizes so the optimal wavelengths and secret key rates are determined for a number of
incremental component size constraints
A novel approach to the manufacture of dissolving microneedles arrays using aerosol jet printing
Full text linkDespite much research over the last few decades, microneedle arrays for the transdermal delivery of drugs have failed to live up to their initial promise. This may be changing however as companies close in on the commercial delivery of vaccines via this technology. These breakthroughs will undoubtably increase the interest in the use of microneedles arrays for the delivery of biopharmaceuticals but will also drive research into the development of scalable manufacturing processes for their fabrication. While 3D printing is an exciting development in this field, conventional Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques are unsuitable for biopharmaceuticals due to the harsh processing conditions which can cause degradation of the active ingredient. In this paper we report the first use of Aerosol Jet Printing (AJP) as an AM technique for the fabrication of dissolving microneedle arrays. A formulation of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), trehalose and glycerol dissolved in water was prepared and characterised. The formulation was aerosolised using ultrasonication and deposited onto a silicon substrate. Critical process parameters such as Computer Aided Design (CAD) design, flow rate, temperature, print speed and focussing ratio were studied to determine their impact on the microneedle quality attributes. 4 × 4 microneedle arrays were printed, with needle heights > 500 µm achieved with print times of 30 mins or less. The resulting needles had sufficient strength and sharpness to penetrate porcine skin samples. Importantly, the microneedles can be fabricated under benign conditions which should be suitable for the processing and subsequent delivery of biopharmaceuticals across the skin
Development of DNA-Based Methodologies for the Identification of Mosquitoes and Insect Diversity in Ireland
No full textEcosystem services provided by insects include soil aeration, plant pollination and pest control. Insects also pose concern, particularly vectors for disease, such as some of the 3500 mosquitoes that occur worldwide. Across Europe, cases of mosquito borne diseases have been recorded and are associated with anthropogenic changes. Mosquito monitoring is vital to create informed mitigation measures in advance of potential disease outbreaks. Morphological identification of mosquito larvae and adults requires a high level of expertise and is susceptible to error. Here, we demonstrate the application of DNA technology to identify mosquitoes from larvae, adults and indirectly from the diet of bats using a combination of DNA-based techniques including Sanger sequencing, DNA metabarcoding and real-time PCR (qPCR). Sanger sequencing facilitated the identification of previously unrecorded mosquito species in Ireland (Culex torrentium and Culex quinquefasciatus). Using DNA metabarcoding on bat faecal pellets a highly diverse diet was revealed and allowed for the identification of four mosquito species, including Culex quinquefasciatus again. Finally, species-specific qPCR assays were designed and optimised and allowed for the rapid detection of mosquitoes from bat faecal DNA. The combination of these molecular techniques have facilitated the identification of mosquito species occurring in Ireland via direct and indirect approaches and have allowed for updates to the Irish mosquito and overall arthropod diversity checklists to be made
Promoting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion through Internationalisation at Home in Ireland
Full text linkThis poster on 'Promoting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion through Internationalisation at Home in Ireland' was presented at the South East Technological University Equitas - EDI in Higher Education Conference held on May 25-26, 2023. It focuses on Internationalisation at Home (IaH) and highlights the pathways in which Irish HEIs can embed IaH in third-level curricula addressing inequalities in internationalisation experiences. As student mobility remains limited to a privileged few, this poster showcases how IaH can provide inclusive international and intercultural learning opportunities for all students, irrespective of their participation in mobility programs. This research aligns with the United Nations #SDGs, emphasising our commitment to fostering global citizenship and advancing equitable education. Let's embrace diversity, promote equality, and prepare students for the global world of work, both abroad and at home in Ireland
Pushing Boundaries through Borderless Education- The Power of Internationalisation at Home : Preparing for the Changing Context of Higher Education in Ireland
Full text linkThis poster aims to captivate a broader audience and shed light on a ground-breaking research project focused on the untapped potential of Internationalisation at Home (IaH). It explores how this innovative approach pushes the boundaries of conventional learning methods. The poster effectively utilises an 'IaH funnel' as a compelling visual metaphor to depict the research project's journey and its intended outcomes. The funnel illustrates the transformative process of integrating internationalisation into the curriculum, thereby enriching the learning experience. The impact section of the poster showcases a cup with a globe depicted as a tea bag, symbolising the infusion of internationalisation into the Irish Higher Education system. This imagery effectively conveys the positive effects and benefits that arise from embracing IaH. By disseminating the significance of IaH through this thought-provoking poster, the research team endeavors to raise awareness about the potential of borderless education and inspire a wider audience to explore new horizons in education
Getting Ireland Walking: using systems approaches to strengthen local and national walking promotion in Ireland
Full text linkPhysical inactivity levels remain high relative to research effort and output. An oversimplification of the approaches taken to address the complex problem of physical inactivity has been suggested to play a part in this discrepancy. To this end, multidisciplinary approaches equipped with tools and methods underpinned by systems thinking, or systems approaches, have been called for in physical activity research and practice. However, more evidence is needed which highlights the utility (or lack thereof) of systems approaches for organisations working in real-world physical activity systems. This thesis contributes new knowledge to the field of physical activity research, by highlighting real-world examples of how systems approaches were used to augment the work of Ireland’s national walking promotion organisation.
In four research studies, this thesis presents how systems approaches were used to understand and enhance the work of Ireland’s national walking promotion organisation, Get Ireland Walking. In Chapter 3, a conceptual mapping exercise which investigates the multifaceted contributions of the work of Get Ireland Walking to national and global targets is presented. In Chapter 4, an evaluation of the multidisciplinary partnership network of Get Ireland Walking using a cross-sectional questionnaire and social network analysis methods is presented. Chapter 5 outlines how developing a systems map for walking was used to initiate a systems approach to walking in one local area in Ireland. Finally, in Chapter 6, a list of potential data sources and indicators which could be used to monitor the multifaceted impacts of a systems approach to walking in Ireland is presented. A case study of the use of a selection of identified data sources to describe walking behaviour is presented as part of this chapter. Accompanying each research study is a reflective account from the author, who was an embedded researcher within Get Ireland Walking throughout the course of this work.
For the intended purposes of this work, the application of systems approaches proved useful for the work of Get Ireland Walking. The work of this PhD thesis provides insight into the nexus of policies and organisations which are part of the walking system in Ireland. The work of this thesis also has led to a restructuring of the framework used to guide the work of Get Ireland Walking at local and national level, to one which places a systems approach at its core. Furthermore, an example of how systems approaches can be leveraged to initiate cross-sectoral collaboration for local level walking systems is also provided. However, systems approaches may not be a panacea to all problems in the field of physical activity promotion and research. They must be accompanied by regular adaptation to context, flexibility in research designs and funding mechanisms, and supported by human and financial resources
Envisioning a Dream University : from the Lens of Internationalisation at Home (IaH)
Full text linkIn Irish third-level education, less than four per cent of students have traditionally benefited from an international mobility experience as part of their studies through international exchanges, Erasmus programmes, etc. (HEA, 2023). Since most students are not able to access mobility opportunities, Internationalisation at Home (IaH) helps them build their global competencies at their home institution. IaH seeks to provide international and intercultural learning to the majority who cannot take advantage of the mobility opportunities due to socio-economic, physical, or personal circumstances or a lack of interest or awareness about IaH, defined as ‘the purposeful integration of international and intercultural dimensions into the formal and informal curriculum for all students within domestic learning environments’ (Beelen & Jones, 2015). As an Irish Research Council doctoral student researching IaH in the Irish higher education context at SETU, the author presents a poster using the imagery of the SETU building, symbolising it as a dream university. This visual metaphor is depicted from the prism of IaH and encompasses international experiences for its students at their home institution campus. IaH will prepare students as future leaders to tackle global challenges that may or may not necessarily be limited to societal, environmental, economic and technological problems. The author represents key aspects of IaH across four categories bringing the canvas to life- contribution to United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, emphasis on an inclusive campus, and formal and informal curricula. These will amplify the impact in shaping global citizens that prepare students to thrive in the 21st-century world where they live and work, contributing to ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakkam’ – the world is one family
Progress on Integrating Quantum Communications in Optical Systems Testbeds
Full text linkExperimental methods are being developed to enable quantum communication systems research in testbeds. We describe testbed architectures for emerging quantum technologies and how they can integrate with existing fibre optical testbeds, specifically OpenIreland