Dublin City University

About: Dublin City University is a education organization based out in Dublin, Ireland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Context (language use) & Machine translation. The organization has 5904 authors who have published 17178 publications receiving 389376 citations. The organization is also known as: National Institute for Higher Education, Dublin & DCU.

Using Parliamentary Questions to Measure Constituency Focus: An Application to the Irish Case:

Abstract: Individual legislators differ in the degree to which they work to cultivate personal votes. While conventional wisdom declares that the electoral system typically motivates the choice of legislativ...

Silver nanoparticles and their orthopaedic applications

Abstract: Implant-associated infection is a major source of morbidity in orthopaedic surgery. There has been extensive research into the development of materials that prevent biofilm formation, and hence, reduce the risk of infection. Silver nanoparticle technology is receiving much interest in the field of orthopaedics for its antimicrobial properties, and the results of studies to date are encouraging. Antimicrobial effects have been seen when silver nanoparticles are used in trauma implants, tumour prostheses, bone cement, and also when combined with hydroxyapatite coatings. Although there are promising results with in vitro and in vivo studies, the number of clinical studies remains small. Future studies will be required to explore further the possible side effects associated with silver nanoparticles, to ensure their use in an effective and biocompatible manner. Here we present a review of the current literature relating to the production of nanosilver for medical use, and its orthopaedic applications.

Nanofunctionalized Superhydrophobic Antifouling Coatings for Environmental Sensor Applications—Advancing Deployment with Answers from Nature

Abstract: In this work, a novel preparation for superhydrophobic nanofunctionalized silver and gold, copper-coated substrates as potential antifouling coatings for environmental monitoring devices are fabricated. The superhydrophobic coating is topographically similar to the design of the Lotus leaf (Nelumbo necifera) and was synthesized by creating an electroless galvanic reaction between copper and the metal salt. In doing so, a nano- and micro-topographical structure was created on the surface of a copper substrate which can be rendered superhydrophobic through the addition of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of CF3(CF2)7CH2CH2SH. The work investigates whether the hydrophobicity of such materials affects micro-organism attachment and subsequent biofouling. The materials are deployed in a marine environment in Dublin, Ireland for a 6 week study to determine the overall antifouling capacity. The materials are analyzed for biomass, slime (glycocalyx) production and more specifically protein and carbohydrate adsorption all of which are attributed to the inherent makeup of biofilm and exopolymeric substances (EPS) which are secreted by micro-organisms during the biofouling process. This work highlights the dominance of combinational antifouling approaches rather than single tactics for such a complex problem and one that plagues multiple research areas. This novel approach in developing a new antifouling material for sensors, and indeed, any aquatic platform has shown excellent results throughout. © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.