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.

Simulation benchmarks for low-pressure plasmas: Capacitive discharges

Abstract: Benchmarking is generally accepted as an important element in demonstrating the correctness of computer simulations. In the modern sense, a benchmark is a computer simulation result that has evidence of correctness, is accompanied by estimates of relevant errors, and which can thus be used as a basis for judging the accuracy and efficiency of other codes. In this paper, we present four benchmark cases related to capacitively coupled discharges. These benchmarks prescribe all relevant physical and numerical parameters. We have simulated the benchmark conditions using five independently developed particle-in-cell codes. We show that the results of these simulations are statistically indistinguishable, within bounds of uncertainty that we define. We, therefore, claim that the results of these simulations represent strong benchmarks, which can be used as a basis for evaluating the accuracy of other codes. These other codes could include other approaches than particle-in-cell simulations, where benchmarking could examine not just implementation accuracy and efficiency, but also the fidelity of different physical models, such as moment or hybrid models. We discuss an example of this kind in the Appendix. Of course, the methodology that we have developed can also be readily extended to a suite of benchmarks with coverage of a wider range of physical and chemical phenomena.

The structure and mode of action of different botulinum toxins.

Abstract: The seven serotypes (A-G) of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) are proteins produced by Clostridium botulinum and have multifunctional abilities: (i) they target cholinergic nerve endings via binding to ecto-acceptors (ii) they undergo endocytosis/translocation and (iii) their light chains act intraneuronally to block acetylcholine release. The fundamental process of quantal transmitter release occurs by Ca2+-regulated exocytosis involving sensitive factor attachment protein-25 (SNAP-25), syntaxin and synaptobrevin. Proteolytic cleavage by BoNT-A of nine amino acids from the C-terminal of SNAP-25 disables its function, causing prolonged muscle weakness. This unique combination of activities underlies the effectiveness of BoNT-A haemagglutinin complex in treating human conditions resulting from hyperactivity at peripheral cholinergic nerve endings. In vivo imaging and immunomicroscopy of murine muscles injected with type A toxin revealed that the extended duration of action results from the longevity of its protease, persistence of the cleaved SNAP-25 and a protracted time course for the remodelling of treated nerve-muscle synapses. In addition, an application in pain management has been indicated by the ability of BoNT to inhibit neuropeptide release from nociceptors, thereby blocking central and peripheral pain sensitization processes. The widespread cellular distribution of SNAP-25 and the diversity of the toxin's neuronal acceptors are being exploited for other therapeutic applications.

Extreme-ultraviolet pump–probe studies of one-femtosecond-scale electron dynamics

Abstract: Pump–probe measurements are now an essential tool for investigating ultrafast dynamics in atoms and molecules. A lack of sources producing high-intensity attosecond pulses of extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) light has, however, hindered progress. Now, a technique that induces nonlinear processes with EUV light is demonstrated that could circumvent this problem.

Bio-sensing textile based patch with integrated optical detection system for sweat monitoring

Abstract: Sensors, which can be integrated into clothing and used to measure biochemical changes in body fluids, such as sweat, constitute a major advancement in the area of wearable sensors. Initial applications for such technology exist in personal health and sports performance monitoring. However, sample collection is a complicated matter as analysis must be done in real-time in order to obtain a useful examination of its composition. This work outlines the development of a textile-based fluid handling platform which uses a passive pump to gather sweat and move it through a pre-defined channel for analysis. The system is tested both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, a pH sensor, which depends on the use of a pH sensitive dye and paired emitter-detector LEDs to measure colour changes, has been developed. In vitro and on-body trials have shown that the sensor has the potential to record real-time variations in sweat during exercise.

HR practices and commitment to change: an employee-level analysis

Abstract: This article explores the relationship between HR practices and commitment to change in three health service organisations in Ireland. The research focuses on employee views of HR practices and resulting employee-level consequences including commitment to change, perceptions of the industrial relations climate and the psychological contract, and work–life balance. The findings indicate that the HR practices valued by employees, and which are related to a range of employee-related consequences, are very different from the lists of sophisticated HR practices that appear in the high performance literature. The research suggests that organisations need to ensure that attention is still paid to the basics of the employment relationship and that these are not lost in the rush to introduce more sophisticated approaches to managing employees.