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Upgrading of an automated micron level measurement system for submicron measurement
Get PDFThis thesis presents a systematic program of improvements to an automatic micron level precision ball bearing measurement instrument system to achieve submicron measurement performance. Progressing from relocation of instrumentation and its subsequent reinstallation and re-commissioning, it describes the upgrade work to achieve the targeted performance improvements and the subsequent testing and experimentation to identify the improvements achieved. A significant body of work aimed at improving the reliability of the overall system has also been completed.
The end result is a very significantly improved measurement system. Key factors leading to the targeted single micron performance level have been identified and tested and other factors affecting the final performance have been identified
Working Group on Information Literacy, a cross-sectoral approach towards a national IL strategy [poster presentation]
No full textThe Irish Working Group on Information Literacy (WGIL) – 2006-2009
A national project
In 2006, the Library Association of Ireland (LAI) Working Group on Information Literacy (WGIL) was established to examine the role of information skills in the Irish library & information sector. This was in recognition of the increasing importance and topicality of information literacy across library sectors. No national cohesive strategy for IL existed at the time.
The role of this group was inter alia to “ … adopt a standard for Information skills; lobby to ensure government is made aware of the need for and the value of Information skills; lobby government to recognise and affirm the role of Libraries in the delivery of maintenance of Information skills”.
Following this, a call went out to Library Association of Ireland members and a small group, consisting of practitioners from the main library sectors (academic, special, public, health, schools) was duly formed.
The agreed role of the group was to -“recommend strategies for the development of information skills education at both theoretical and practical level in the library and information services sector in Ireland”.
This paper outlines the work and activities of this small voluntary cross-sectoral group culminating in the completion of a final report and series of recommendations presented to the Executive Board of the LAI in 2009.
Cross-sectoral approach
Although little tradition in the Irish LIS sector, the work of the group was characterized by a cross-sectoral approach, recognizing the diversity of the different sectors but also the common goals of information literacy. The paper outlines the organizational structure and workings of the group, highlighting the agreed role, terms of reference and body of work carried out by the group over a 2-3 year period. This work has included reviewing definitions and standards, agreeing a framework and IL standard as well as the final report and recommendations.
The group has met approximately 12 times during its lifetime and has presented to a number of influential groups and conferences during the past three years. The group was formally endorsed by the association during 2006, and has been a firm advocate for information skills through various communication channels. A number of articles have also been published (see references). The paper will highlight the key outcomes of the group, including a sectoral-based report based on IL activity in Ireland of which the main points will be emphasised, practical recommendations and suggestions and an entreaty to move towards a national policy on IL (similar to the Scottish model). Some of the difficulties and practicalities of the cross-sectoral approach will be discussed. The main key points of the final report and recommendations will be outlined as well as strategies and suggestions for further development. Following the report, a review of the potential implementation / action phase of the group going forward will be discussed - TFIL – “Task Force on Information literacy”
RETHINKING INNOVATION POLICY IN IRELAND: A CRITICAL CRITIQUE
Get PDFPrior to the current economic recession, the Irish government has been championing an innovation agenda. However, national and European reports and metrics paint a mixed picture about Ireland’s engagement in and outputs derived from innovation activities. Therefore, a critique of Irish innovation policy is timely and relevant given the renewed emphasis and restricted budgetary support afforded to create new enterprises, markets, export opportunities and employment growth. In short, where innovation policy traditionally focused on funding future opportunities and capacities, micro and macroeconomic forces now requires innovation policy to be responsive to current enterprise difficulties. Through incorporating innovation policy priorities, funding streams and key policy stakeholders we find that there is an imbalance in Irish innovation policy with a legacy of prioritising and funding ‘hard’ science and technology based innovations while ignoring ‘softer’ aspects of innovation i.e. service products, business models and customer/delivery interfaces at a similar level which can be implemented at all enterprise levels, incur less costs and operationalised in a more timely manner. This policy disparity has serious consequences for our progressive innovation ambitions around entrepreneurship, scaling indigenous enterprises, creating and sustaining SME’s. The paper identifies that there is a paramount need to rethink innovation policy in order to reap the rewards of our previous and on-going investments towards achieving our national innovation goals and ambitions. To conclude we provide a roadmap for rethinking this policy around widening innovation concepts, improving SMEs capacity to innovative and addressing the academic-industry applied research and collaboration gaps
A Comparison of Different TCP/IP and DTN Protocols Over the D-Star Digital Data Mode
Get PDFThis paper examines the performance of the Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio - Digital Data mode with various IP and non-IP based protocols. A throughput comparison was performed between IPv4, IPv6, the DTN Convergence Layer and the NORM Convergence Layer. The experimental results show that the DTN NORM Convergence Layer exhibits better performance than TCP/IP, and appears to perform better over difficult radio links
An investigation into the role and use of Conflict Management processes in the Irish Construction Planning Application process
Get PDFDifferences in bone health and bone biomarkers between exercising male protein supplement users and non-users
Get PDFTitle: Differences in bone health and bone biomarkers between exercising male
protein supplement users, and non-users.
By R. Warner and L. Doyle, Department of Health, Sport and Exercise Science,
Waterford Institute of Technology
Background: Increasing protein intake through protein supplements is a growing practice amongst exercising individuals. However there are varying reports in terms of the detrimental(1) and beneficial(2) effects of protein on bone. The effect of high level protein supplementation on bone health in exercising individuals is relatively unexplored.
Aim: To investigate the effect of variations in protein intake on bone health and bone biomarkers in exercising males.
Subjects and Methods: 50 non-supplement users (25.9 ± 5.1y) and 52 supplement users (25.4 ± 4.9y) were recruited. The average length of time for supplement use was 33 months. All subjects completed a food diary for 3 days which was analyzed using Comp EatTM. Net endogenous acid production (NEAP) was calculated by the method described by Remer et al. (2003). Protein content of supplements consumed was obtained from product labels. Effect of exercise on bone health was calculated using osteogenic index (OI). Bone health (bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) and percent lean body mass (LBM) was measured using dual energy xray absorbtiometry (DEXA). Serum samples were analyzed for osetocalcin (S-OC) and crosslaps (S-CTx) using commercially available ELISA kits. Urine was measured for pH using a digital urine analyzer with urinary calcium (U-Ca) and creatinine (U-Cr) levels being measured spectrophotoemetrically. Independent samples t-test or Mann Whitney U test (depending on data normality) were used to test for any differences between supplement users and non-users.
Results: There were no significant differences in potential confounders of BMI, OI or percent LBM (P > 0.05) between users and non-users. Protein intake, NEAP and sulphur content of the diet was significantly greater in users than non-users. There were no significant differences in BMD, BMC, urine pH or calcium, serum osteocalcin or crosslaps between users and non-users. This study demonstrates protein supplementation of 33 months duration has no effect on bone health in exercising males.
(1)Abelow et al. (1992)
(2) Promislow et al. (2002
Investigating Adolescent Physical Activity Patterns including the Role played by Local Authorities with a Case study of three Irish Towns
Get PDFThis study examined adolescent physical activity patterns; physical activities and location. Also included was the role played by local authorities in providing facilities and funding. The role of the family in encouraging adolescents to be physically activity and whether adolescents are interested in physical activity participation were also included. A mixed method approach was selected in which three towns of similar size and population were chosen. Interviews were conducted with local authority officials and questionnaires and activity diaries were distributed to adolescent participants within these towns. Findings show that adolescent respondents expressed an interest to participate in physical activity. Participants also conveyed that they participate in an array of physical activities, in particular GAA. However, differences did occur, with boys appearing to be more physically active than girls. Other results show that active transportation, walking and cycling, were not popular as a means of transportation. Declining levels of physical activity were found as participants progressed in age and through education. Facilities and amenities are available for adolescents to engage in physical activity, in particular playing pitches which were the most popular location for physical activities. Local authorities although curtailed financially, do play a role in the provision of facilities but their role appears to be changing from direct provision to a facilitator of facilities. The overall conclusion of this study is that adolescents are interested and do participate in physical activities. The role played by the GAA in this study was important; with GAA activities the most popular and playing pitches the most likely location. Local authority involvement in adolescent physical activity is important, providing some facilities, funding to local organisations and through zoning land for recreation