Tag: #science

The Science Of Air Conditioning: How Technology Is Used To Cool And Purify Indoor Air

Nowadays, air conditioning is an absolute necessity in many parts of the world. Without it, hot climates would be unbearable. But what exactly goes into cooling our homes? In this post, we will explore the science behind air conditioning and show you how modern technology helps us cool our homes and purify indoor air.

1. Heating, Ventilating, And Air Conditioning (HVAC)

This comprehensive system is made up of several key components that ensure the proper flow of air inside buildings. HVAC units include an evaporator coil for cooling and a condenser coil for heat transfer. An outdoor compressor pumps refrigerant through copper pipes which allow cooled or heated air to be circulated inside the building.

Regular maintenance of your air conditioning system is important in order to ensure it is running as efficiently as possible. This includes changing air filters, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring all components are working properly. If you need professional help with any of these AC services, an experienced technician can provide expert advice on how to best maintain and repair the system for optimal performance.

2. Air Filters

Air filters are an essential part of any air conditioning system, as they help to trap particles like dust, pollen and other contaminants in order to purify indoor air quality. It is important to regularly change or clean these filters in order to maintain the effectiveness of the system, as they can become clogged over time with dirt and debris which hinders their performance. 

Changing these filters on a regular basis helps promote better air quality while also making sure the system runs efficiently.  By taking this extra step, you can ensure your air conditioning system works at its optimal level for years to come.

3. Thermostat

The thermostat is a key component of an air conditioning system as it helps regulate the temperature levels inside a building by turning the system on and off when needed. It also allows users to customize their desired temperature, either via manual or programmable settings.

4. Humidifiers

Humidifiers are used in air conditioning systems to adjust humidity levels in order to prevent dryness and maintain a comfortable environment. This is especially important in hot and humid climates where the air tends to be more damp.

5. Air Purifiers

Air purifiers use filters, activated carbon or ultraviolet light to remove contaminants from indoor air, such as bacteria, mold spores, dust mites and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 

These systems are often seen as beneficial for people with allergies or asthma as they can help reduce symptoms by removing irritants from the air, another option to look out for in case you need it is aircon repair. 

6. Refrigerants

Refrigerants are the key component in air conditioning systems used to transfer heat. They are used to cool down the air so it can be circulated indoors, by absorbing and releasing heat as they pass through a series of coils. 

7. Insulation

Proper insulation is necessary for maintaining comfortable temperatures inside buildings, especially during extreme weather changes. 

It helps reduce energy costs and keeps conditioned air from escaping outside, while also preventing outdoor hot or cold temperatures from entering the building. 

8. Zoning Systems

Zoning systems divide a single HVAC system into multiple areas which can be individually controlled with thermostats, allowing different rooms to have different temperature settings based on user preference. This also helps to reduce energy costs by only cooling or heating areas that are being used.

In Conclusion

Air conditioning systems are an effective way to maintain comfortable temperatures at home or in the office. From HVAC units to thermostats and humidifiers, modern technology has come a long way to make these systems more efficient than ever before. It is important to regularly maintain your system by changing filters and other components as needed, not only for optimal performance but also to ensure you benefit from clean and pure indoor air quality. 

 

Thousands of primary school children to descend on RDS for ESB Science Blast from tomorrow

Thousands of primary school children will head to the RDS in Dublin over the coming days for ESB Science Blast. ESB Science Blast, delivered by the RDS, is a STEM-focused education programme involving whole classes investigating the science behind a simple question, such as “how will climate change affect baby sharks?”.

ESB Science Blast will take place in Dublin in RDS Simmonscourt for four days, starting tomorrow, Monday 27th February, finishing with a lá speisialta do Ghaelscoileanna agus do scoileanna Ghaeltachta taking place on 2ú Márta, 2023. Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, will be at the event at 12.30pm Tuesday, 28th February.

The event starts at 8.30am each day.

Pupils from each class participating will showcase their experiment and discuss their investigation with a STEM expert (Judge/Moltóir). The judging is non-competitive and aimed at growing pupils’ interest and passion for STEM. Now in its fifth year, over 35,000 children have participated in ESB Science Blast to date, making it the largest primary school programme on the island of Ireland.

Gilead Sciences Opens New Global Paediatric Drug Development Centre of Excellence in Dublin’s North Dock

Gilead Sciences, a global biotechnology company, today announced the formal opening of its Dublin city centre office focused on developing new paediatric formulations for its portfolio of medicines. Development, clinical operations, legal / IP, medical affairs and regulatory teams will work together to create the company’s only Global Paediatric Centre of Excellence, based in the North Dock area of the city centre.

“Gilead’s therapies address some of the world’s most challenging viral diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis and COVID-19. Our Dublin teams play a critical role in adapting these therapies to treat children. In addition, as Gilead expands its work in oncology, our Irish teams could help to address the urgent challenge of childhood cancers,” said Daniel O’Day, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Gilead Sciences. “Ireland has long been a global hub for life sciences and Gilead is proud to have been part of that since 1999. The new Dublin facility is a further investment in our long-term presence.”

An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin said: “I am delighted to join with Gilead Sciences to mark the opening of their new Centre of Excellence for Paediatric Drug Development in the Dublin Docklands and the creation of 33 new jobs – a very welcome and positive announcement for the city. Gilead Sciences is a great example of a business delivering on the global stage, supported by our accomplished and skilled workforce. After over 20 years here in Ireland, this will be Gilead’s fourth facility here, further underlining the leading role this country plays in the company’s operations in Europe. Gilead’s drive and commitment to innovation, and to the highest standards of pharmaceutical technology, is clear to see, and will, I’m sure, continue to bring the company considerable further success in the years ahead.”

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Leo Varadkar, said: “I’m really pleased Gilead Sciences has chosen Dublin as the location for its new Global Paediatric Drug Development Centre of Excellence, creating 33 new jobs. This announcement reinforces the importance of Ireland globally in the manufacturing of medicines and in particular, the development of paediatric medicines. Our highly skilled workforce continues to attract world renowned companies such as Gilead Sciences to grow their businesses here. After more than 20 years in our country, this new facility is another exciting expansion for Gilead, and I wish the team the very best with this new initiative.”

The Dublin Development office is responsible for coordinating paediatric clinical trials for seven products across 18 countries, with current trials investigating paediatric treatments for HIV, hepatitis B and COVID-19. The company plans to expand the responsibilities of the Dublin operations further, including supporting work on adult studies across its portfolio of approved and investigational medicines. Additionally, a new team to be recruited in the Dublin office will form a core part of a new Artificial Intelligence Centre within the Gilead Development organization.

Reggie Kelly, Vice President, Development, Gilead Sciences, and Dublin site lead said: “Development is a critical stage in the life cycle of a medicine and Ireland is a global life science hub. With the clinical, academic and regulatory expertise available – in addition to industry talent – Dublin was the obvious location. We chose this office carefully, for its location and it’s sustainability credentials, and I’m thrilled to be able to open it to our team and our external partners.”

IDA Ireland CEO Martin Shanahan said: “IDA Ireland welcomes Gilead’s expansion of its Irish operations, establishing in Dublin this global biotechnology company’s first Global Centre of Excellence for Paediatric Clinical Trials outside of the US. It’s a strong vote of confidence in Ireland for investment of this kind and will be a welcome addition to the growing biotech ecosystem here.”

Gilead has been in Ireland for over two decades. Its Cork manufacturing facilities produce 22 different products and its Dublin distribution centre, separate from North Dock, is critical in its global supply chain. In total, Gilead has over 500 employees in the State, its largest operation in the European Union (EU).

Thermo Fisher Scientific launches 2022 Apprenticeship Programme

Global life sciences company Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced the launch of its 2022 Apprenticeship Programme. Seeking applicants from across the country, the four-year salaried programme at the contract pharmaceutical manufacturing facility at Currabinny, Carrigaline, Cork, is for anyone interested in an Electrical and Instrumentation Apprenticeship or Mechanical Apprenticeship where they can earn while they learn. Delivered in partnership with further education and training agency SOLAS,  applications are open from March 1 to March 18, and a virtual open day for teachers and pupils will be held on March 2. Information on the open day and applications is available at https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/ireland-apprentice-programme.

Speaking on the launch of the exciting 2022 Apprenticeship Programme, Lead Craftsperson and Apprentice Programme Coordinator at Thermo Fisher Scientific, Declan Carroll said: “This programme is the perfect opportunity for people who want to kickstart a practical career in a dynamic industry. We are so aware that people take different directions in learning, and different options need to be available to them to access the life sciences industry. This programme will suit anyone interested in STEM subjects in school, is doing engineering, science and machinery subjects and is naturally curious.  

“Our Electrical and Instrumentation Apprentices and Mechanical Apprentices are a vital part of our team maintaining the facilities and helping to design, install and test new equipment that keeps our site going. When they finish, they are fully qualified craftspeople ready to work in a growing industry that’s full of opportunity and, because they become such an integral part of our team, many of our apprentices stay with us after they qualify.” 

Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Cork facility is part of the company’s Pharma Services business and manufactures and supplies Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) to customers for use in clinical trials and approved medicines for commercial supply. This includes medicines to treat cancer, Parkinson’s disease, depression, HIV, congestive heart failure, diabetes and respiratory diseases, along with raw material for consumer healthcare products. 

The apprentices’ time will be divided between the Cork site where they will complete on-the-job training and at training centres and third level institutes where they will complete the SOLAS curriculum modules. Successful apprentices will be awarded an internationally recognised apprenticeship (Level 6 Advanced Certificate) at the end of the programme and be eligible for consideration for entry into a related Level 7 and 8 Degree programmes provided by the Institutes of Technology.

Shane Brosnan, who is currently in the Electrical & Instrumentation apprenticeship programme, said: “I applied to Thermo Fisher Scientific’s apprenticeship programme because I wanted a practical start to my career where I could learn and earn at the same time. 

“I’ve always loved problem-solving and understanding how things work and, as an apprentice, I get to see engineering in action every day. We are not only taught the theory, we get to put it straight into practice.” 

Header image by Darragh Kane

The Best Colleges to Earn a Master of Data Science Degree in Ireland

In organizations that leverage big data and the use of data analytics tools is an everyday occurrence, qualifications in data science can open doors to lucrative job positions. If you are considering taking a master’s degree in Ireland, it is important to note that most colleges accept students with technical backgrounds such as engineering, mathematics, and computer science.

Also, some colleges may offer a Master of Data Science degree with Data Analytics or Computing Science to allow students to explore data scientist and data analyst roles. Whether you are a local or international student, finding the best college for your postgraduate education is key to securing the foundation of your career. Below are the best colleges to consider if you are looking for an institution to earn your Master of Data Science degree in Ireland.

1. Trinity College

Founded in 1592, Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland. It offers a Master of Computer Science program, and allows students to specialize in Data Science. The specialization focuses on three main areas: storage data management, data analysis, and computation.

You can expect to complete the program in 3 semesters that takes 12 months. During your study, you have the option of taking optional courses like text analytics and urban computing in the first two semesters, in addition to the mandatory courses like data visualization and machine learning. The tuition cost for Trinity College is €22,575. To qualify for the program, you need to have ELTS/TOEFL/PTE, Bachelors with 75% or 7.5 CGPA

2. University College Cork

Situated in Ireland’s second-biggest city, University College Cork (UCC) positions itself as a research-oriented institution. Founded in 1845, it has a Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics program that runs for one year offered by the Science, Engineering, and Food Science College.

The master’s program is divided into Part 1, consisting of 60 credits, and Part 2, consisting of 30 credits. The program equips you with crucial skills in data programming, data management, and modeling and interpretation of data. The tuition fee for EU citizens is €7000, while non-EU citizens can expect to pay €18000. You also need to have a CGPA of 6.5 to qualify for the program in addition to ELTS/TOEFL/PTE.

3. University College Dublin

University College Dublin is a public university established in 1854. It is among the best colleges in Ireland, given its ranking among the 1% of best universities globally. The college offers an MSC in Data and Computational Science and an MSC in Data Analysis.

The master’s program is ideal for students with quantitative discipline backgrounds in statistics, physics, math, and engineering. It will take you one year to complete the program on a full-time basis, and two years on a part-time basis. You can expect to pay a tuition cost of €19200.  To qualify for the program, you need to have at least a Bachelor’s degree with a second class honors upper division and ELTS/ TOEFL/PTE.

4. Maynooth University

Maynooth University is among the newest colleges in Ireland. It was established in 1997 and is located in the town of Maynooth. The college introduced the Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics degree program in 2017, making the institution one of the best places to earn a Master of Data Science degree in Ireland. The college offers the program in the Nation Center of Geocomputation under the university’s departments of Mathematics and Statistics and Computer Science.

The master’s program takes one year to complete if you study full-time and two years when studying part-time. Under the program, you will learn the fundamentals of data science as well as statistical machine learning. You will also need to submit a thesis before graduating. To qualify for the program, you need Bachelors with 65% or a CGPA of 6.5 in addition to ELTS/TOEFL/PTE exams. The tuition cost for the Masters of Science in Data Science and Analytics is €17,500.

5. Letterkenny Institute of Technology

Established in 1972, Letterkenny Institute of Technology is located in Letterkenny and offers a Master of Science in Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. The duration of the program is one year for full-time students and two years for part-time students. During the study, students learn the processes of examining and interpreting large data sets to uncover insights. You also learn to enable computer systems to come up with independent decisions.

The tuition cost for the program is €10,000. Additionally, you need ELTS/TOEFL/PTE, as well as a 6.0 CGPA to qualify for the program. A Higher Diploma in Computing also makes you eligible to apply. If you wish to pursue the program without an honors degree but have relevant experience in the field, you can apply through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). One-week bridging courses are also available.

A Masters of Data Science degree in Ireland gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and propels you towards career excellence in data science and related fields. With the above information, you can choose the best college for your postgraduate education and begin your journey towards career advancement.