Additional Accommodation Church of St George and St Thomas

A vibrant inner city parish needed space for meetings, language classes, children’s play and other support accommodation as well as a clearer link between the interior of the listed church and the space outside.

The project builds itself about the entrance to the church. The form is manipulated such that the intervention recedes from those entering the church, drawing them into the plan before becoming readable as an addition. The resultant poché between this entrance sequence and the fabric of the church is hollowed out to provide the required accommodation. These rooms are insulated and lined in cork to allow for their use separate to the main body of the church. With budget at a premium the construction methodology was developed from an analysis of traditional Irish boat building techniques, which allowed the use of the solid timber to act as the primary structure with no additional material support.

Constructed in solid walnut the intervention reads with the existing brick interior and yet is clearly identifiable as a contemporary addition.

Aims / Objectives Questions

1 To accommodate new space inside an existing protected structure.
2 To form a new threshold between interior and exterior.
3 To develop an affordable means of construction that would be durable and rapid to erect.
4 To make a contemporary addition in sympathy with the qualities of the existing protect structure, in line with best conservation practice and research.
5 Traditional forms of construction as a model for contemporary technologies.


Principal Investigator: Clancy Moore Architects –Colm Moore

Co-investigator(s): Andrew Clancy, Mathew O’Malley

Funding partner/ Client: Select Vestry of St George and St Thomas

Finance. €35’000

Date (start – finished) Start June 2008 – Completed December 2008

The Potential of a New Type of Carburettor to Assist SORE in Meeting EPA / CARB Phase 3 Legislation

Small off-road engines (SORE) have been recognised as a major source of air pollution. It is estimated that non handheld SORE annually produce over 1 million tonnes of HC+NOx and over 50 million tonnes of CO2. The fuel system design and its operating AFR are of key importance with regard to engine operation and engine out emissions. The conventional low-cost float carburettors used in these engines are relatively ineffective at atomising and preparing the fuel for combustion requiring a rich setting for acceptable functional performance. EPA and CARB have confirmed that Phase 3 limits are achievable for a “durable” engine fitted with a conventional well calibrated and manufactured “stock rich setting” float carburettor together with catalytic oxidation after-treatment and passive secondary air injection. The EPA and CARB strategy for meeting Phase 3 only considers the use of conventional float carburettors that operate at rich AFR’s over their entire engine operating range as no other cost effective alternative fuel system is yet available on the market. A cost effective alternative to the conventional carburettor that enabled leaner or optimised AFR operation with load and improved combustion performance would open the door to alternative strategies to meeting the phase 3 limits. This paper presents a completely new form of mechanical carburettor that gives AFR control with load, improved mixture preparation for improved combustion performance and has a lower production cost than conventional carburettors. The conventional and new fuel system designs and operation are discussed in detail and their technical merits demonstrated in the form of engine test data. The performance of different after-treatment systems is also simulated for different AFR profiles with load for a conventional or unmodified SORE engine. With optimised leaner operation and improved combustion characteristics, this new carburettor technology can provide significant engine out CO and HC+NOx reductions on the J1088 test cycle without loss of functional performance. Depending on the chosen emissions control strategy, minimum engine out emissions or optimum engine AFR for oxidation or three-way after-treatment or another, this new carburettor technology can be easily calibrated to provide the desired engine operating AFR profile on the J1088 cycle.

Double-breasting voice systems: an assessment of motives, arrangements and durability

This article explores employee voice within the specific institutional arrangement of double-breasting. Double-breasting is when multi-plant organizations recognize trade unions in some company sites, with non-union arrangements at other company plants, or where a unionized firm acquires a new site that it then operates on a non-union basis. We examine three research questions in four separate case study organizations that operate employee voice double-breasting arrangements across 16 workplace locations on the island of Ireland. These questions consider employer motives for double-breasting, the practices that characterize double-breasting employee voice, and the micro-political implications of double-breasting. The article contributes to knowledge on the emergence and impact of double-breasting and employee voice systems. We subsequently advance two theoretical propositions: the first theorizing employer motives for double-breasting, and the second explaining the extent to which the practice of double-breasting is durable over time.

Race, religion and identity in South Africa:A case study of a charismatic congregation

This article uses a case study of a Pentecostal/charismatic congregation to explore how inclusive, overarching identities are constructed in South Africa. It explores how the congregation's culture impacts on identity formation, contestation and change. It argues that the way people construct their identities correlates with their perceived level of empowerment. It concludes that for an overarching identity to become durable, it must be accompanied by structural changes that dismantle the power imbalances embedded in old racial categories.

Orthogonal targeting of EGFRvIII expressing glioblastomas through simultaneous EGFR and PLK1 inhibition

We identified a synthetic lethality between PLK1 silencing and the expression of an oncogenic Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, EGFRvIII. PLK1 promoted homologous recombination (HR), mitigating EGFRvIII induced oncogenic stress resulting from DNA damage accumulation. Accordingly, PLK1 inhibition enhanced the cytotoxic effects of the DNA damaging agent, temozolomide (TMZ). This effect was significantly more pronounced in an Ink4a/Arf(-/-) EGFRvIII glioblastoma model relative to an Ink4a/Arf(-/-) PDGF-β model. The tumoricidal and TMZ-sensitizing effects of BI2536 were uniformly observed across Ink4a/Arf(-/-) EGFRvIII glioblastoma clones that acquired independent resistance mechanisms to EGFR inhibitors, suggesting these resistant clones retain oncogenic stress that required PLK1 compensation. Although BI2536 significantly augmented the anti-neoplastic effect of EGFR inhibitors in the Ink4a/Arf(-/-) EGFRvIII model, durable response was not achieved until TMZ was added. Our results suggest that optimal therapeutic effect against glioblastomas requires a "multi-orthogonal" combination tailored to the molecular physiology associated with the target cancer genome.

Short Report:Engraftment of T-cell-depleted allogeneic haematopoietic stem cells using a reduced intensity conditioning regimen

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains a significant complication in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) using a reduced intensity conditioning regimen. Although T-cell depletion (TCD) reduces the risk of GVHD after a myeloablative conditioning regimen, it is associated with an increased risk of graft failure. We have therefore examined whether TCD compromises engraftment using a fludarabine-based conditioning regimen. Fifteen patients have been transplanted using such a regimen of whom 13 underwent ex vivo TCD. All but one patient demonstrated durable engraftment and no patient receiving a TCD product developed severe GVHD. Thus, TCD may play a role in GvHD prophylaxis using such regimens.

Rejection of the second allogeneic graft in a patient with severe aplastic anemia reversed by antilymphocyte globulin and donor lymphocyte infusions

Rejection after allogeneic BMT for aplastic anemia is a complication with a high risk of mortality. We describe a patient who, following a second episode of rejection after a second BMT entered a third durable remission subsequent to treatment with ALG, donor lymphocyte infusions, GM-CSF, and erythropoietin. Therapy was well tolerated. At 5 years after rejection treatment, his hematopoiesis is of complete donor origin as determined by analyses of short tandem repeats. Thus, donor lymphocyte infusions can be considered as a therapy option for marrow rejection after allogeneic BMT for aplastic anemia.

Oral rehabilitation for partially dentate elders: a qualitative analysis

Aims: This study aimed to gain insight into patient’s perceptions of natural tooth loss and explored their experiences of oral rehabilitation according to a functionally orientated approach (SDA) and Removable Partial Dentures (RPD).
Study Design: For this qualitative study, a purposive sample of 15 partially dentate older patients
were recruited from Cork Dental School and Hospital. These patients had previously participated in a randomised controlled clinical trial (RCT) where they were provided with either SDA treatment using adhesive bridgework or provided with Cobalt Chromium framework RPDs. In- depth interviews were undertaken and thematic analysis was utilised to interpret the data.
Results: The findings of this study indicated strong satisfaction with SDA treatment. Patients referred to the ease in which they adapted to the adhesive prostheses as they were “lightweight”, “neat” and “fixed”. Irrespective of treatment option, patients indicated that they felt
their new prostheses were durable and an improvement on previous treatments. Most patients indicated that, previous to the RCT, they had not attended a general dentist for a number of years and only then for acute issues. They had concerns that treatment which was provided to them as part of the RCT would not be available to them in primary care. Interestingly, although they do not want their condition to dis-improve, if their prostheses failed they stated that they would not seek alternative treatment but would revert back
to adopting previous coping mechanisms.
Conclusion: This study illustrates that partially dentate older patients were very satisfied with oral rehabilitation according to a functionally orientated approach. Unfortunately they did not believe that this treatment would currently be made available to them in a primary care setting.

Monitoring of a novel FlexiArchTM bridge system to investigate soil-structure interaction

Masonry arch bridges are one of the oldest forms of bridge construction and have been around for thousands of years. Brick and stone arch bridges have proven to be highly durable as most of them have remained serviceable after hundreds of years. In contrast, many bridges built of modern materials have required extensive repair and strengthening after being in service for a relatively short part of their design life. This paper describes the structural monitoring of a novel flexible concrete arch known as: FlexiArchTM. This is a bridge system that can be transported as a flat-pack system to form an arch in-situ by the use of a flexible polymeric membrane. The system has been developed under a Knowledge Transfer Partnership between Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and Macrete Ltd. Tievenameena Bridge in Northern Ireland was a replacement bridge for the Northern Ireland Roads Service and was monitored under different axle loadings using a range of sensors including discrete fiber optic Bragg gratings to measure the change in strain in the arch ring under live loading. This paper discusses the results of a laboratory model study carried out at QUB. A scaled arch system was loaded with a simulated moving axle. Various techniques were used to monitor the arch under the moving axle load with particular emphasis on the interaction of the arch ring and engineered backfill.

A rising e-channel tide lifts all boats? the impact of manufacturer multi-channel encroachment on traditional selling and leasing

Organizing and managing channels of distribution is an important marketing task. Due to the emergence of electronic commerce on the Internet, e-channel distribution systems have been adopted by many manufacturers. However, academic and anecdotal evidence both point to the pressures arising from this new e-channel manufacturing environment. Questions marks therefore remain on how the addition of this e-channel affects the traditional marketing strategies of leasing and selling. We set up several two-period dual-channel models in which a manufacturer sells a durable product through both a manufacturer-owned e-channel and an independent reseller (leaser) who adopts selling (leasing) to consumers. Our main results indicate that, direct selling cost aside, product durability plays an important role in shaping the strategies of all members. With either marketing strategy, the additional expansion of an e-channel territory may secure Pareto gains, in which all members benefit.

FlexiArch-stress ribbon combination for multi-span pedestrian bridges

The potential benefits of combining the elegance of the stress ribbon concept with the robustness and speed of construction of the FlexiArch is discussed. In combination, multi-span pedestrian/cycle bridges which are innovative, highly durable and have optimal full life cycle costs can be produced with lengths of over 100 m. As the stress ribbon system is well known, the main emphasis of this paper will be on the FlexiArch. Since 1900 few arch bridges have been built, but with the development of the innovative FlexiArch this trend can be reversed as they can be installed rapidly, are cost competitive, have all the attributes of masonry arches and are very sustainable. Thus the FlexiArch represents a very attractive alternative to heavily reinforced cast in situ arches currently used in combination with stress ribbon deck systems.

Revestimentos compatíveis para alvenarias antigas sujeitas a ação severa da água

Uma das maiores causas de degradação dos revestimentos é a presença de sais solúveis, tanto nas zonas costeiras como nas zonas continentais. Estes sais podem ter origens distintas, tais como: humidade ascensional, nevoeiro salino, inundações ou ainda estarem presentes nos próprios materiais, como é o caso da utilização de areias mal lavadas. O local onde os sais cristalizam é dependente do tipo de transporte entre a alvenaria e o revestimento, assim como da severidade da envolvente ambiental (temperatura e humidade relativa). Com esta tese pretende-se desenvolver revestimentos de substituição compatíveis, eficazes e duráveis para alvenarias antigas sujeitas à ação severa da água (humidade ascensional através das fundações com elevada concentração de NaCl); desenvolver ensaios de envelhecimento acelerado baseados em ciclos de dissolução e cristalização que permitam simular a ação severa da água; perceber a influência de revestimentos com caraterísticas extremas de permeabilidade ao vapor de água aplicados nas duas faces do mesmo suporte (argamassas de cimento e resina versus argamassas de cal), e sujeitos à ação severa da água; perceber a influência de vários fatores, tais como : rasgos verticais contínuos executados no emboço e a utilização de hidrófugo no reboco no desempenho dos vários sistemas de revestimento desenvolvidos, quando sujeitos à ação severa da água;; utilizar a remoção eletrocinética de sais, em provetes simulando a influência da alvenaria e dos revestimentos, com o objetivo de reduzir a sua concentração de NaCl, para que no futuro possa ser aplicado de forma eficaz em paredes de edifícios antigos, enquanto ação de manutenção, e desta forma aumentar a durabilidade dos revestimentos. Para atingir os objetivos descritos, foram considerados: i) o desenvolvimento de provetes que permitam considerar os sistemas de revestimento desenvolvidos nesta tese e o suporte, e que simulem uma alvenaria revestida em ambas as faces, e com os quais seja possível a simulação da ação severa da água em laboratório e, ii) o desenvolvimento ciclos de dissolução e cristalização numa parede de grandes dimensões existente em laboratório, que permitam simular a ação severa da água em condições tão reais quanto possível. O objetivo final deste estudo é o desenvolvimento de um revestimento de substituição denominado “emboço ventilado” para paredes de edifícios antigos com revestimentos degradados devido à presença de humidade ascensional e sais solúveis. Pretende-se que este sistema de revestimento, composto por duas camadas de revestimento (camada base e reboco), seja compatível, durável e eficaz, e que funcione como um sistema de acumulação no qual os sais cristalizem na camada base do sistema de revestimento (executada com rasgos verticais) e não na alvenaria ou na camada exterior.

Savoirs, affectivité et comportements : articulation de trois dimensions pour comprendre comment se construisent les apprentissages dans le contexte de l'éducation à la biodiversité. Le cas de l'étude d'arthropodes à l'école primaire en France

En France, l'éducation à la biodiversité est devenue une priorité au regard de la dégradation de la diversité biologique. À l'école primaire, elle est rattachée à la fois aux disciplines scientifiques et au développement durable. Les apprentissages attendus suivent essentiellement deux dimensions : les savoirs bioécologiques et les comportements escomptés reliés à ces savoirs. Cependant, de nombreuses recherches font apparaître l'importance de la dimension affective dans ces apprentissages notamment au regard du rapport émotionnel entretenu avec les objets d'étude. Dans ce contexte, cette thèse explore les dimensions cognitive, affective et comportementale des apprentissages en éducation à la biodiversité. Le champ de recherche est restreint à l'étude d'arthropodes à l'école primaire. Quels sont les apprentissages d'élèves du primaire en éducation à la biodiversité dans le cas de l'étude d'arthropodes, selon la description, l'analyse et l'articulation de trois dimensions : savoir, affectivité et comportements ? Pour répondre à cette question, le cadre conceptuel s'appuie sur l'analyse des savoirs, sur le modèle de la maturité affective vis-à-vis des objets étudiés et sur l'opérationnalisation des comportements par les prises de position et intentions d'agir. Quatre objectifs sont poursuivis pour répondre à cette question : a) décrire et analyser chacune des trois dimensions, b) dégager les corrélations éventuelles entre les trois dimensions, c) identifier des profils particuliers d'apprenants, d) vérifier les effets d'une étude des arthropodes sur les apprentissages selon ces trois dimensions. La méthodologie utilisée suit deux perspectives : quantitative par une analyse multivariée des réponses à un questionnaire et qualitative par une analyse de réponses à la suite d'entretiens semi-dirigés. Les résultats obtenus ont permis de clarifier les trois dimensions considérées et d'éclairer leur articulation. La mesure et l'analyse de chaque dimension ont montré des différences significatives en fonction du type d'enseignement reçu en classe. Entre les dimensions analysées il existe des corrélations remarquables entre les savoirs, la maturité affective et les comportements. Des profils particuliers d'apprenants interreliant savoirs et affectivité ont pu être identifiés, ainsi que des profils généraux impliquant les trois dimensions. Nous avons pu constater l'importance de la relation affective avec les objets d'apprentissage qui, loin de perturber l'appropriation des savoirs aurait au contraire tendance à les renforcer tout en contribuant à construire des comportements citoyens et responsables.