oral presentations and poster displays by dit …...1st annual dit postgraduate research symposium...

1st Annual DIT Postgraduate Research Symposium

Oral Presentations and Poster Displays by DIT Postgraduate Research Students

Gleeson Theatre, DIT Kevin Street

28.1.2011

8th Annual Graduate Research Symposium

www.dit.ie/phd

Oral Presentations and Poster Displays

by Graduate Research Students

Gleeson HallDIT Kevin Street11 December 2017

Environment, Energy and Health

New Materials and Devices

Information, Communications and

Media Technologies

Society, Culture and Enterprise

8th Annual Graduate Research Symposium 1

11.30-12.00

12.00-12.55

12.55-13.00

13.00-14.00

13.00-14.40

14.40 – 15.00

Registration

Poster Exhibition and Lunch

Welcome to the 8th Annual Graduate Research SymposiumProfessor Mary McNamara, Head of the Graduate Research School

Research Theme: Environment, Energy and Health

Chair: Professor Mary McNamara, Head of the Graduate Research School

Andrea Doyle, Dublin Institute of TechnologyGamification of Ultrasound Training for Prostate Brachytherapy using Physical Simulator Devices

Gianni Goretti, Dublin Institute of TechnologyEvaluation of Wind Energy Forecasts: the Overlooked Importance of Data Cleaning

Tadhg O’Leary, Dublin Institute of TechnologyDevelopment of Mechanism based Chemo-Sensitisation strategies to Enhance Anti-Cancer effects of Metal Based Drugs

Research Theme: Society, Culture & Enterprise

Chair: Professor Brian O’Neill, Director of Research, Enterprise and Innovation Services

Jade Kim, Dublin Institute of TechnologyThe Influence of Social Media on the Identity Construction Process in Cross-Domain Identity Transitions – Coming Out as Transgender on Social Media in Ireland

Cliodhna Pierce, Dublin Institute of TechnologyA discursive comparison on the models of surveillance in East Germany and Northern Ireland and examining their relevance to the contemporary securitisation of society.

Coffee Break

Event Programme

8th Annual Graduate Research Symposium2

15.00 – 16.00

16.00 – 17.00

17.00

Research Theme: Information, Communications and Media Technologies

Chair: Dr. Noel Fitzpatrick, Head of Research, College of Arts & Tourism

Robert Smith, IT BlanchardstownExploring the relationship between depicting verbs, constructed actions and non-manual features in Irish Sign Language

Carolina De Pasquale, Dublin Institute of TechnologyDepression Diagnosis and Treatment Through Speech (DDaTTS)

Hao Chen, Dublin Institute of TechnologyHarnessing the power of text mining for the detection of abusive content insocial media

Research Theme: New Materials & Devices

Chair: Dr. Marek Rebow, Head of Research, College of Engineering& Built Environment

Akash Sharma, Dublin Institute of TechnologyIn vitro comparative cytotoxicity study of Aminated Polystyrene, Zinc Oxide and Silver nanoparticles on cervical cancer cell line.

Emma Brennan, Dublin Institute of TechnologyMiniaturised solid state sensors containing ionic liquids for environmental analysis.

Emma MacHugh, Dublin Institute of TechnologyDevelopment of Hybrid Sol-Gel Microfluidic Devices for Medical Diagnostic Applications.

Prize Giving and Close by Professor Brian O’Neill, Director of Research, Enterprise and Innovation Services

Mince Pie Reception


Abstracts of Oral Presentations

Environment, Energy & Health


Andrea Doyle

Title: Gamification of Ultrasound Training for Prostate Brachytherapy using Physical Simulator Devices

Authors: Andrea Jane Doyle, Deirdre M King, Jacinta E Browne

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed invasive cancer in men in Ireland at 35.1%. Ultrasound-guided brachytherapy for prostate cancer was introduced in 2007 in Ireland and has since been accepted in a number of treatment centres throughout Ireland, largely due to its benefits for patient recovery, dose-localisation and conformity. The quality of an ultrasound image relies upon the user’s technical and clinical competency. The success of the procedure is based on the correct dose estimation and concise implantation of the radioactive seeds in the prostate.

Although ultrasound forms a critical component of prostate cancer planning and treatment, ultrasound training is not required as part of radiation oncology training programs, nor does any objective competency measure exist to independently assess clinical performance. Physical simulation training and objective competency testing can provide a structured approach to training but only if there are suitably challenging training devices available which replicate the complex anatomy of the male pelvis and prostate. The use of such training strategies allows trainees to track their performance over time, and relative to their peers; thereby, providing a structured and competitive approach to learning.

This study evaluates the specific requirements to develop such a high-quality training programme.


Gianni Goretti

Title: Evaluation of Wind Energy Forecasts: the Overlooked Importanceof Data Cleaning

Authors: Gianni Goretti

Abstract

In electricity markets with high wind energy penetration, wind energy forecasts are increasingly employed for unit commitment and energy trading purposes. The forecast accuracy is evaluated by comparing predicted values against actual observations, which for a wind farm are the measurements of the energy output.

The energy output, however, can be affected by factors that are outside the forecast model’s scope (e.g., events like grid curtailment or turbine outages are generally not predictable). For a consistent evaluation of the forecast, periods affected by such factors should be identified and excluded from the dataset during the data cleaning phase.

The literature offers limited guidance in this regard and studies in this field regularly fail to describe this preliminary yet fundamental phase. As a result, researchers perform the cleaning task based mainly on their knowledge and experience.

The present work shows how the selection of the evaluation dataset changes the analysis results; this, in turn, highlights that if data cleaning criteria are not defined thoroughly, the scientific rigour of the study can be compromised. Finally, this work aims at filling the gap in both literature and industry best practice by defining a data cleaning procedure for the evaluation of wind energy forecasts.


Tadhg O’Leary

Title: Development of Mechanism based Chemo-Sensitisation strategies to Enhance Anti-Cancer effects of Metal Based Drugs

Authors: Tadhg O’Leary, Steve Gray, Pauraic McCarron, Michael Devereux, Steve Meaney

Abstract

Recently Epigenetic Regulators (HDAC/DNMT inhibitors) have been investigated as potential chemo-sensitising agents of cancer cells towards anti-cancer drugs (e.g. Cisplatin). Novel metal-phenanthroline complexes (manganese, silver and copper based) are currently being developed as novel chemotherapeutics, and are thought to act in a similar manner to Cisplatin. This project aims to investigate chemo-sensitising potential of these regulators in isogenic cisplatin sensitive (CS) and resistant (CR) mesothelioma cell lines towards these novel manganese (i)[Mn2(oda)(phen)4(H2O)2][Mn2(oda)(phen)4(oda)2]4H2O, (ii)([Mn(3,6,9-tdda)(phen)2]3H2O, copper [Cu(3,6,9-tdda)(phen)2]3H2O and Silver [Ag2(phen)3(undecanedioic acid)]3H2O), complexes.

Positive control assays demonstrated modest reactivity of Cisplatin to HDACi valproic acid in CR cells but not CS cells. To date little to no reactivity has been observed in copper or manganese (i) compounds in either cell line, while cell specific reactivity has been observed in manganese (ii) and silver complexes with analogue HDACi Valproic acid and phenylbutyrate. Surprisingly, we noted that treatment with certain epigenetic regulators decreased the efficacy of some compounds in some cellular models. These results will be discussed in relation to both the potential therapeutic opportunities of epigenetic co-sensitisation for metal-based drugs and the possible mechanism underpinning the observed effects.


Jade Kim

Title: The Influence of Social Media on the Identity Construction Process in Cross-Domain Identity Transitions – Coming Out as Transgender on Social Media in Ireland

Authors: Jade Kim

Abstract

As gender is a social construct, individuals are expected to enact their gender role according to social conventions. It is a characteristic taken into account when constructing one’s identity. As transgender individuals experience identity asymmetries because their self-view regarding their gender assigned at birth did not coincide with their cultural self, overcoming these asymmetries happen through their Coming-Out process. To counter the risk of abandonment and isolation through rejection linked to this process, learning about oneself and one’s community is crucial. While the access to information has been eased by the internet as it has created a place where anonymity and disembodiment meet, individuals could transcend gender questions and construct their desired identity. However, the rise of social media has made the internet evolve into a “nonymous” environment by re-anchoring the online self and the offline self. The internet of social media is subject to peer evaluation.

Thus, how do transgender individuals manage their Coming-Out process on social media?

This study, through the use of in-depth interviews with transgender individuals in Ireland, aims to give light to how individuals use social media as a tool for identity claims and explorations, and how individuals manage their anchored social sphere online.


Cliodhna Pierce

Title: A discursive comparison on the models of surveillance in East Germany and Northern Ireland and examining their relevance to the contemporary securitisation of society.

Authors: Cliodhna Pierce

Abstract

With increasing awareness of the rise in the culture of surveillance resulting from the Snowden leaks and the subsequent revelations from Wikileaks, I believe the harms of this practice on the individual and the impact it has on the community has not been fully investigated.

The premise for this research project is to Compare the Community Surveillance state of Northern Ireland and the Governmental Surveillance State of East German Stasi and assess the influence and impact on the society as a whole. By looking at these two extremes through the eyes of both the victims of surveillance and the perpetrators we will get a better understanding of the harms this practice may have.

This research should influence the wider debate on the issue of unlawful surveillance. With the UK seeking to pass Investigatory Powers Bill, this legislation proposes to increase the surveilled powers of the police and intelligence services, and will be aimed at giving police and intelligence agencies the power to monitor online communications. Alongside the increasing terrorist threats many other European countries may follow suit. Looking at two of the most surveilled communities Northern Ireland and East Germany and using these comparisons to assess the harm this has on the wider community. As a result this research will investigate the impact of this breach on our civil liberties going forward.



Information, Communication andMedia Technologies


Robert Smith

Title: Exploring the relationship between depicting verbs, constructed actions and non-manual features in Irish Sign Language

Authors: Robert Smith

Abstract

Investigating the hypothesis: “Findings from linguistic analysis and categorisation of non-manual features will improve the performance and understandability of sign language generation systems.”, this work explores the form and function of non-manual features in Irish Sign Language (ISL). With a particular focus on how non-manuals correspond to the use of depicting verbs in the language.

An Initial, high level, statistical analysis identified depicting verbs as the most common grammatical class, in the corpus, to contain non-manual features. Work is currently underway to annotate grammatical class and constructed action in a demographically selected section of the signs of Ireland corpus (Leeson, 2006). The annotation stage is due for completion in January 2018. At which point, the dataset can be analysed based on the co-occurrence of various non-manual features with depicting verbs.

This talk presents a methodological approach and some intermediary findings of ongoing research. Its original contribution comes in the form of a novel linguistic analysis of Irish Sign Language based on contemporary theoretical approaches and a focus on the improvement of computer generated sign language performance quality. This work provides an additional, more practical contribution; in further developing the SOI corpus, such that, the resource is more comprehensively equipped for future research projects.


Carolina De Pasquale

Title: Depression Diagnosis and Treatment through Speech (DDaTTS)Authors: Caroline De Pasquale, Brian Vaughan

Authors: Caroline De Pasquale, Brian Vaughan

Abstract

The research investigates the phenomenon of prosodic coordination in clinical interviews with depressed patient. In particular, it focuses on the effect of depressive disorder on coordinative behaviour, and the modification of prosodic parameters on the part of the clinician, in response to the parameters of the patient. The dyads are recorded in live clinical settings during clinical interviews, and several prosodic variables are analysed. Findings indicate that there is clear adaptation on the part of the medical doctor, even going so far as to have a reduced vowel-space ratio mirroring a reduced vowel-space ratio in the depressed patients. This could be an indication of sympathetic speaking style, and could be a measure of therapeutic alliance. Accommodation scores can potentially help the diagnosis of depression, and be used to evaluate therapeutic sessions.

Hao Chen

Title: Harnessing the power of text mining for the detection of abusive content in social media

Authors: Hao Chen, Sarah Jane Delany, Susan McKeever

Abstract

Social media sites facilitate users in posting their own personal comments online. Most support free format user posting, with close to real-time publishing speeds. However, online posts generated by a public user audience carry the risk of containing inappropriate, potentially abusive content.

The aim of our project is to investigate both traditional and recent machine learning techniques for the automatic detection of abusive content across a range of social media sources include blogs, forums, media-sharing, Q&A and chat. Besides analysing the datasets from public recourses such as Twitter, YouTube, we presented our own labelled dataset. Based on these datasets, we carried out supervised classifiers and explored the various feature representations include bag of words, n-grams and newest approach – word embedding. We also performed feature engineering to extract useful syntactic and semantic feature in order to improve the detection accuracy.

The contributions of our work are proposing an aggregated mechanism for assessing different opinions from different labellers, and using machine learning to classifying abusive comments which would assist the moderators on social media sites to target abusive comments.



New Materials & Devices


Akash Sharma

Title: In vitro comparative cytotoxicity study of Aminated Polystyrene, Zinc Oxide and Silver nanoparticles on cervical cancer cell line.

Authors: Akash Sharma, Brian Gorey, Alan Casey

Abstract

Nanoparticles use in nano-biotechnology applications have increased significantly with Aminated polystyrene amine (AmPs NP), Zinc oxide (ZnO NP) and Silver (Ag NP) nanoparticles utilized in wide variety of consumer products. This has presented a number of concerns due to their increased exposure risks and associated toxicity on living systems. Changes in the structural and physicochemical properties of nanoparticles can lead to changes in biological activities. This study investigates, compares and contrasts the potential toxicity of AmPs, ZnO and Ag NPs on an in vitro model (HeLa cells) and assesses the associated mechanism for their corresponding cytotoxicity relative to the surface material. It was noted that NPs exposure attributed to the reduction in cell viability and high-level induction of oxidative stress. All three test particles were noted to induce ROS to varying degrees which is irrespective of the attached surface group. Cell cycle analysis indicated a G2/M phase cell arrest, with the corresponding reduction in G0/G1 and S phase cells resulting in caspase-mediated apoptotic cell death. These findings suggest that all three NPs resulted in the decrease in cell viability, increase intracellular ROS production, induce cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and finally result in cell death by caspase-mediated apoptosis, which is irrespective of their differences in physiochemical properties and attached surface groups.


Emma Brennan

Title: Miniaturised solid state sensors containing ionic liquids for environmental analysis

Authors: Emma Brennan, Prof. John Cassidy, Dr Benjamin Schazmann

Abstract

Our group proposes solid state potentiometric sensors for diclofenac quantification in water. Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prescribed globally as an analgesic and antipyretic. Prophylactic use of diclofenac in cattle herds in South Asia has led to the drug’s biomagnification in scavenging bird populations across the region, resulting in significant population declines for these animals. Diclofenac features on the EPA’s recent lists of Contaminants of Emerging Concern, and has been banned for veterinary use in India, Pakistan and Nepal.

These sensors are prepared on planar carbon based electrodes, which are cost effective and facile to prepare, and feature an ion-selective sensing membrane prepared with novel ionic liquids. The sensors exhibit a near Nernstian response to diclofenac, with a high degree of reversibility between analyte activities and minimal response to prominent interferent anions such as chloride. The solid state, “dry” format negates the requirement for an inner reference solution, yielding a compact and flexible electrode. This, coupled with the passive (potentiometric) mode of measurement, infers electrode suitability for field analysis and continuous monitoring applications.

Emma MacHugh

Title: Development of Hybrid Sol-Gel Microfluidic Devices for Medical Diagnostic Applications

Authors: Emma MacHugh, Brendan Duffy, Mohamed Oubaha

Abstract

Over the past decade, the development of point-of-care (POC) devices that can be used by unskilled operators has been investigated in order to reduce costs and diagnostic times.

Microfluidic devices are required in biosensors for the flowing of the analytes liquids (blood, saliva and urine) onto the sensor areas of the POC. To enable a rapid and efficient delivery of these analytes, the surface properties of the microchannels have to exhibit high surface energies.

In this study we propose to investigate the development of high surface energy hybrid sol-gel materials that can be simultaneously photoreactive for microstructuration of high resolution microchannels by standard photolithography processes. In order to achieve this, a series of hybrid sol-gel materials have been developed. These materials were deposited as thin films and the curing temperature of the coatings was investigated. The structure and the surface properties of the materials were characterised by DLS, DSC, FTIR and contact angle. It is shown that both the materials formulations and the curing temperature exhibit a significant effect on the condensation of the silicate network with a direct effect on the contact angle value. A correlation between the structure and the surface properties of the coatings is proposed.


Poster Displays


Poster Displays

RESEARCH THEME: Environment, Energy and Health

1. Comparison of LiDAR and UAV-based data for 3D modelling of a coastal dune by Chen Suo, PhD student, School of Surveying and Construction Management, Dublin Institute

of Technology.

2. Predictors of food fussiness in Irish children by Stephanie Rahill, PhD student, School of Biological Sciences, Dublin Institute of Technology.

3. Non-Thermal Plasma Systems for EnvironSafe by Sing Wei Ng, PhD Student, School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Dublin

Institute of Technology.

4. Optimizing retrofitted insulation for Irish residential buildings by Rakshit D. Muddu, PhD Student, School of Civil Engineering, Dublin Institute of Technology.

5. Micro – Nanoelectrodes: Fabrication, Characterization and Application in the Detection of Ag+ ions in Biological Buffer

by Prabhakar Sidambaram, PhD Student, School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences,

Dublin Institute of Technology.

6. Investigation of the chemical composition, antimicrobial properties and cytotoxic effects of plasma activated liquids

by Evanthia Tsoukou, PhD Student, School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Dublin


7. Three Phase Modelling and Validation of a CFD Model to Simulate an UASB Bioreactor Producing Biogas by Camila D’Bastiani, PhD Student, School of Mechanical and Design

Engineering, Dublin Institute of Technology.

8. Modelling the glottal flow in Parkinsonian speech by Patrick Corcoran, MEng student, School of Engineering & Informatics, Institute of Technology

Blanchardstown.

9. Automated detection of Parkinson’s disease from speech by Piotr Barycki, PhD Student, School of Informatics and Engineering, Institute of Technology

Blanchardstown.

10. Development of 3D in vitro tissue models for the analysis of solar radiation damage of skin by Ulises López González, PhD Student, School of Physics and Optometric and Clinical

Sciences, Dublin Institute of Technology.


11. ICT-enabled Change & Innovation in Healthcare Organisations: Examining Implementation Practice

by Selma Furtado, PhD Student, School of Management, Dublin Institute of Technology.

12. Synthesis and characterisation of novel propargylated coumarin compounds and trail reactions for optimal conditions for azide-alkyne click chemistry

by Keith Byrne, MSc (Res) Student, Chemistry, Institute of Technology Tallaght.

13. Simple and non-invasive method for identification of response-modifying gene polymorphisms of participants in dietary studies of food bioactives

by Alex Lloyd, PhD Student, School of Biological Sciences, Dublin Institute of Technology.

14. A Preliminary investigation of pattern languages for design of Smart environments by Aitor Arribas, PhD Student, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Dublin Institute of

Technology.

15. A systematic review and pooled analysis of global interventions aiding rural private well owners vulnerable to groundwater contamination

by Simon Mooney, PhD Student, School of Management, Dublin Institute of Technology.

16. Identification of unique features and exploration of leap motion controller for detecting hand hygiene stages

by Rashmi Bakshi, PhD Student, School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, Dublin Institute

of Technology.

17. Monitoring DNA Nuclease Activity of Bioinorganic Compounds using Electrochemical Biosensors by Anna Banasiak, PhD Student, School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dublin


18. Food preparation practices, Dietary knowledge and Health Implications Among Resident and Non-Resident KSA Citizens

by Wafa Alrashedi, PhD Student, School of Biological Sciences, Dublin Institute of Technology.

19. Antibacterial activity of metal complexes incorporating 1,10 Phenanthroline and dicarboxylate ligands: activity against problematic resistant strains and clinical isolates

by Meghan O’Shaughnessy, PhD Student, School of Biological Sciences, Dublin Institute of

Technology.


20. The Positive Feedback Cycle in the Electricity Market: Residential Solar PV Adoption, Electricity Demand and Prices

by Micheal Chesser, PhD Student, School of Accounting and Finance, Dublin Institute of

Technology.

21. GPCR - KNIME Automated Modelling Platform (GPCR_KAMP) by Ajay Pal, PhD Student, School of Food Science and Environmental Health,


RESEARCH THEME: Information, Communications and Media Technologies

22. Floor plan construction using WiFi signal strength by Shane Farrell, PhD Student, School of Computing, Dublin Institute of Technology.

23. A Study on Supporting the Deployment and Evaluation of Government Policy Objectives Through the Adoption of Building Information Modeling

by Shiyao Kuang, PhD Student, School of Surveying and Construction Management, Dublin


24. An Expert System for Music Information Retrieval based on a Predictive Model of Music Cognition

by Linda Adams, PhD Student, School of Media, Dublin Institute of Technology.

25. Examination of Driver distraction using Event-related and Visual Evoked Potentials

by Yongxiang Wang, PhD Student, School of Informatics and Engineering, Institute of Technology

Blanchardstown.

RESEARCH THEME: New Materials and Devices

26. Preparation and characterisation of prednisone and ciprofloxacin double layer-loaded chitosan nano-encapules for oral delivery

by Modan Wu, PhD Student, School of Physics and Optometric and Clinical Sciences, Dublin


RESEARCH THEME: Society, Culture and Enterprise

27. An analysis of the impact of the provision of emotional intelligence coaching to third level lecturers on perceived levels of work efficacy and work related stress

by Silvia Bertolini, PhD Student, Humanities Department, Institute of Technology Blanchardstown.


28. How to improve the accuracy and the speed of computation of ESOs pricing? by Qianru Shang, PhD Student, School of Accounting and Finance, Dublin Institute of

Technology.

29. The Academic Perspective: Teaching Professional Skills in Engineering Programmes by Una Beagon, PhD Student, School of Civil Engineering, Dublin Institute of Technology.

30. Pilgrim or Tourist - An Investigation of Hindu Sacred Sites and Festivals: with a focus on Kerala by Yadukrishna Radhakrishnan, MPhil Student, School of Hospitality Management and Tourism,


31. Design of a bioreactor capable of conditioning tissue engineered heart valves by Francisco Almeida González, PhD Student, School of Mechanical and Design Engineering,


32. Healthy Aging and How Attitude, Perception and Past Experiences Affect Sport and Active Leisure Participation

by Angie Hartnett, PhD Student, School of Hospitality Management and Tourism, Dublin Institute

of Technology.

33. Interest rate calibration for term structure models by Samyukta Venkataramanan, PhD Student, School of Mathematical Sciences, Dublin Institute

of Technology.

34. Examination of the Gender Differences in Spatial Visualisation Skills and their Impact on Success and Engagement in STEM Education

by Rachel Harding, PhD Student, School of Multidisciplinary Technologies, Dublin Institute of

Technology.

1st Annual DIT Postgraduate Research Symposium

Oral Presentations and Poster Displays by DIT Postgraduate Research Students

Gleeson Theatre, DIT Kevin Street

28.1.2011

8th Annual Graduate Research SymposiumOral Presentations and Poster Displays

www.dit.ie/phd

by Graduate Research Students

Gleeson HallDIT Kevin Street

11 December2017

Environment, Energy and Health

New Materials and Devices

Information, Communication and Media Technologies


oral presentations and poster displays by dit …...1st annual dit postgraduate research symposium...

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