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.

A preliminary study on the potential use of the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) to predict advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) implementation

Abstract: The implementation of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) requires not only substantial investment in the technology, but also changes in the culture and organizational structure of the organization. It requires careful planning at all levels of the organization to ensure that the implementation will achieve the intended goals. It is a complex process with many factors to be considered before the full benefits of AMT can be realized. A preliminary study on the potential use of the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) has been proposed to help the organizations in planning the AMT implementation process. The AHP method has the ability to structure complex, multi-person, multi-attribute, and multi-period problem hierarchically. Pairwise comparisons of the element (usually, alternatives and attributes) can be established using a scale indicating the strength with which one element dominates another with respect to a higher-level element. This scaling process can then be translated into priority weights (scores). The AMT implementation process has been divided into stages or modules, and each module is independent of the other. Four main modules have been identified—the institutionalization, acceptance, routinization and infusion modules. The factors/elements in each module were identified from the literature and the relative importance for each element established by priority weights. Once the priority weights of the elements/determinants of the module have been calculated, the presence of the corresponding element in the companies will be evaluated. An evaluation rating of these elements multiplied by the established priority weights will determine the prediction weight for the elements and the module. The application of this procedure is described for the institutionalization module, and can be similarly extended to the other AMT implementation modules. By establishing the prediction weight for each module, the companies will be able to evaluate the strength of the corresponding factors present before embarking on the AMT, identify and create awareness of the essential elements in the AMT implementation process and identify the actions necessary before implementing AMT. The AHP can be a useful guide in the decision making process of AMT implementation, especially for small and medium scale industries.

Fabrication of Polyaniline-Based Gas Sensors Using Piezoelectric Inkjet and Screen Printing for the Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide

Abstract: This work describes a fully printable polyaniline-copper (II) chloride sensor for the detection of hydrogen sulfide gas. The sensing device is composed of screen printed silver interdigitated electrode (IDE) on a flexible PET substrate with inkjet printed layers of polyaniline and copper (II) chloride. The sensor is employed as a chemiresistor with changes in measured current being correlated with concentration. On exposure to hydrogen sulfide, 2.5 ppmv (parts per million by volume) is clearly detectable with a linear relationship between measured current and concentration over the 10-100 ppmv region. The detection mechanism is discussed with respect to the hydrogen sulfide response, the choice of electrode materials in addition to UV-vis and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) characterization.

Optically addressable single-use microfluidic valves by laser printer lithography

Abstract: We report the design, fabrication, and characterization of practical microfluidic valves fabricated using laser printer lithography. These optofluidic valves are opened by directing optical energy from a solid-state laser, with similar power characteristics to those used in CD/DVD drives, to a spot of printed toner where localized heating melts an orifice in the polymer layer in as little as 500 ms, connecting previously isolated fluidic components or compartments. Valve functionality, response time, and laser input energy dependence of orifice size are reported for cyclo-olefin polymer (COP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films. Implementation of these optofluidic valves is demonstrated on pressure-driven and centrifugal microfluidic platforms. In addition, these “one-shot” valves comprise a continuous polymer film that hermetically isolates on-chip fluid volumes within fluidic devices using low-vapor-permeability materials; we confirmed this for a period of one month. The fabrication and integration of optofluidic valves are compatible with a range of polymer microfabrication technologies and should facilitate the development of fully integrated, reconfigurable, and automated lab-on-a-chip systems, particularly when reagents must be stored on chip for extended periods, e.g. for medical diagnostic devices, lab-on-a-chip synthetic systems, or hazardous biochemical analysis platforms.

State of the art of biofuels from pure plant oil

Abstract: The pollution caused by fuel combustion either for mechanical or electrical energy generation purposes is nowadays one of the most important environmental issues. It has been proven that combustion emissions, particularly those from cars and trucks, are linked with severe damages to the environment and human health. Along with the environmental problems, is necessary to consider that fossil resources are declining and their exploitation is getting more and more expensive. Bioenergy represent a sustainable solution for energy generation. Bioenergy is renewable energy made from plant-derived organic matter, collectively termed “biomass”. Biomass-based energy sources are potentially carbon dioxide neutral and recycle the same carbon atoms. Life cycle assessments are reported to evaluate the net environmental impacts of biofuels. The term biofuel refers to liquid or gaseous fuels for the internal combustion engines that are predominantly produced from biomass. Biofuel policy might capitalize on the production of biofuels supporting rural economic development and sustainable agriculture. Amongst biofuels pure plant oil (PPO) has been investigated. This paper sets out to review the state of the art for PPO use as fuel in diesel engines, based on a wide literature review.