Digital Commons Network^™

Towards An Ontology For Soft Robots: What Is Soft?, Kevin Chubb, Damon Berry, Ted Burke

Articles

The advent of soft robotics represents a profound change in the forms robots will take in the future. However, this revolutionary change has already yielded such a diverse collection of robots that attempts at defining this group do not reflect many existing ‘soft’ robots. This paper aims to address this issue by scrutinising a number of descriptions of soft robots arising from a literature review with the intention of determining a coherent meaning for soft. We also present a classification of existing soft robots to initiate the development of a soft robotic ontology. Finally, discrepancies in prescribed ranges of Young’s …

Qoe Enhancement In Next Generation Wireless Ecosystems: A Machine Learning Approach, Eva Ibarrola, Mark Davis, Camille Voisin, Ciara Close, Leire Cristobo

Articles

Next-generation wireless ecosystems are expected to comprise heterogeneous technologies and diverse deployment scenarios. Ensuring quality of service (QoS) will be one of the major challenges on account of a variety of factors that are beyond the control of network and service providers in these environments. In this context, ITU-T is working on defining new Recommendations related to QoS and users' quality of experience (QoE) for the 5G era. Considering the new ITU-T QoS framework, we propose a methodology to develop a global QoS management model for next generation wireless ecosystems taking advantage of big data and machine learning (ML). The …

A Review Of Co2 Emission Reductions Due To Wind Turbines Using Energy Benchmarks: A Focus On The Irish Electrical Energy Market, Tony Kealy

Articles

The installed capacity of wind turbines in Ireland increased from a value of 2,250 MW in 2014 to 3,318 MW in 2017, a 43% increase in the four years, supported through climate mitigation policies. The main aim of this study is to determine if the increase in wind turbine installed capacity is impacting on efforts to reduce CO2 emissions. The study utilises a review methodology. The findings show that the steady rise in wind turbine installed capacity year-on-year is not reflected in the Irish CO2 g/kWh energy benchmark. The benchmark value was 457 g CO2/kWh in 2014 and 437 g …

A Modified Langevin-Debye Model For Investigating The Electro-Optic Behaviour Of De Vries Smectic Liquid Crystals, Vigneshwaran Swaminathan, Vitaly Petrovich Panov, Sithara Pavithran Sreenilayam, Yuri Panarin, J. K. Vij

Articles

An external electric field applied across a planar-aligned cell in Smectic A* phase of de Vries smectic liquid crystal induces director redistribution over a cone, resulting in a substantial increase in the birefringence and the apparent optical tilt angle. Such an electro-optic response is modelled by Shen et al. [Y. Shen et al., Phys. Rev. E 88, 062504 (2013)], who modified their previous hollow cone with a diffuse cone model by introducing the molecular distribution function limited over a range of tilt angles, that lie in between θmin and θmax. The limits in these two tilt …

Role Of Reactive Power (Statcom) In The Planning Of Distribution Network With Higher Ev Charging Level, Arsalan Hussain Zaidi, Keith Sunderland, Michael Conlon

Articles

In recent years, new trends in electrification of the transport sector have been a major concern for distribution grid operators. New types of flexible, uncontrollable loads, such as EV, influence the reliability of distribution networks. This work is related to the distribution system planning framework, with a particular focus on uncoordinated flexible EV loads. The main focus is the enhancement of the hosting capacity of EVs on distribution networks, while maintaining power quality (especially voltage magnitude and voltage unbalance), which is ultimately a pre-requisite for increasing prosumer engagement. Several EV charging scenarios, in the context of UK/Irish distribution networks with …

Measuring The Impact Of Oesophagectomy On Physical Functioning And Physical Activity Participation: A Prospective Study, E.M. Guinan, A.E. Bennett, Suzanne Doyle, Luke O'Neill, J. Gannon, G. Foley, J.A. Elliott, J. O'Sullivan, J.V. Reynolds, J. Hussey

Articles

Background: Oesophagectomy remains the only curative intervention for oesophageal cancer, with defined nutritional and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) consequences. It follows therefore that there is a significant risk of decline in physical wellbeing with oesophagectomy however this has been inadequately quantified. This study prospectively examines change in physical functioning and habitual physical activity participation, from presurgery through 6-months post-oesophagectomy. Methods: Patients scheduled for oesophagectomy with curative intent were recruited. Key domains of physical functioning including exercise tolerance (six-minute walk test (6MWT)) and muscle strength (hand-grip strength), and habitual physical activity participation, including sedentary behaviour (accelerometry) were measured presurgery (T0) …

A Web-Based Dietary Intervention In Early Pregnancy And Neonatal Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Rachel Ak Kennedy, C.M.E. Reynolds, Shona Cawley, E. O'Malley, D.M. Mccartney, M.J. Turner

Articles

Background Maternal nutrition is a determinant of pregnancy outcomes. Few studies have evaluated the potential of online nutrition resources to modify behaviour. This randomized controlled trial aimed to determine whether access to a customized evidence-based nutrition website in pregnancy improved neonatal outcomes.

Methods Women < 18 weeks gestation were recruited at their convenience. The control group received standard care. In addition to standard care, the intervention group received access to an evidence-based nutrition website, customized to the preferences of pregnant women.

Results Of the 250 women, there were no differences in characteristics between the two groups. Of the women, 91.0% reported they make a conscious effort currently to eat a healthy diet. However, only 19.6% met dietary requirements for calcium, 13.2% for iron, 2.7% for folate and 2.3% for iodine. The most popular website section was pregnancy …

Development Of A Novel Periconceptual Nutrition Score (Pens) To Examine The Relationship Between Maternal Dietary Quality And Fetal Growth, Rachel Ak Kennedy, Michael J. Turner

Articles

Background Maternal nutrition may influence intrauterine fetal development. To date, the relationship between contemporary European dietary guidelines and fetal growth has not been examined.

Aims To develop a novel Periconceptual Nutrition Score (PENS) to assess maternal dietary quality in early pregnancy and examine its relationship with fetal growth.

Study design Women were recruited conveniently at their first clinic visit and completed a supervised four day retrospective diet history. The PENS was developed using European Food Safety Authority recommended dietary intakes for pregnancy. The relationship between PENS and fetal growth was examined.

Subjects Women with a singleton pregnancy.

Outcome measures Birthweight, …

Heterogeneity Of Disease-Causing Variants In The Swedish Galactosemia Population: Identification Of 16 Novel Galt Variants, Annika Ohlsson, Mary Hunt, Anna Wedell, Ulrika Von Döbeln

Articles

The aim was to determine disease-causing variants in the GALT gene which codes for the enzyme galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase. Loss of activity of this enzyme causes classical galactosemia-a life threatening, treatable disorder, included in the Swedish newborn screening program since 1967. A total of 66 patients with the disease are known in Sweden and 56 index patients were investigated. An additional two patients with Duarte galactosemia were included. The disease-causing variants were identified in all patients. As reported from other countries only a few variants frequently recur in severe disease. The two variants p.(Gln188Arg) (c.563A>G) and p.(Met142Lys) (c.425T>A) are …

Nanomole Silver Detection In Chloride-Free Phosphate Buffer Using Platinum And Gold Micro- And Nanoelectrodes, Prabhakar Sidambaram, John Colleran

Articles

The electrochemical determination of ultra-low concentrations of silver requires reliable, reproducible measurements using sensitive analytical techniques. To date, the electrochemical determination of silver in biological buffers and pH neutral media has not been successful in terms of reproducibility. In this work, we report on the determination of ultra-low concentrations of silver in chloride-free phosphate buffer solution (PB, pH 7.4). Detection was conducted at gold and platinum micro and nanoelectrodes using anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). The micro and nanoelectrodes were fabricated using a Sutter P-2000 laser puller, with physical and electrochemical characterization revealing flat disk-shaped working surfaces of 10–15 μm (microelectrode) …

Comparison Of Amblyopia In Schoolchildren In Ireland And Northern Ireland: A Population-Based Observational Cross-Sectional Analysis Of A Treatable Childhood Visual Deficit, Síofra Harrington, Karen Breslin, Veronica O'Dwyer, Kathryn Saunders

Articles

Objectives This study reports the prevalence of persistent amblyopia (post-traditional treatment age) in schoolchildren in the Republic of Ireland (henceforth Ireland) and Northern Ireland (NI), UK; populations with broadly similar refractive and genetic profiles but different eye-care systems. Design This is a population-based observational study of amblyopia and refractive error. Setting Recruitment and testing in primary and postprimary schools in Ireland and NI. Participants Two groups identified through random cluster sampling to represent the underlying population; Ireland 898 participants (12–13 years old) and NI 723 participants (295 aged 9–10 years old, 428 aged 15– 16 years old). Main outcome measures …

We Can’T Afford To Turn A Blind Eye To Myopia, Christine Marie Bourke, James Loughman, Daniel Ian Flitcroft, Ekaterina Loskutova, Colm O’Brien

Articles

Background

Myopia is becoming increasingly prevalent throughout the world. It is an overlooked but leading cause of blindness, particularly among the working aged population. Myopia is often considered benign because it is easily corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. Traditionally myopia has been classified into physiological and pathological subtypes based on the degree of myopia present. Higher levels of myopia are associated with increased risk of pathological complications but it is important to note that there is no safe level of myopia. Even low levels of myopia increase the risk of retinal detachment and other ocular comorbidities which …

Comparison Of Amblyopia In Schoolchildren In Ireland And Northern Ireland: A Population-Based Observational Cross-Sectional Analysis Of A Treatable Childhood Visual Deficit, Síofra Harrington, Karen Breslin, Veronica O'Dwyer, Kathryn Saunders

Articles

Objectives This study reports the prevalence of persistent amblyopia (post-traditional treatment age) in schoolchildren in the Republic of Ireland (henceforth Ireland) and Northern Ireland (NI), UK; populations with broadly similar refractive and genetic profiles but different eye-care systems.

Design This is a population-based observational study of amblyopia and refractive error.

Setting Recruitment and testing in primary and post-primary schools in Ireland and NI.

Participants Two groups identified through random cluster sampling to represent the underlying population; Ireland 898 participants (12–13 years old) and NI 723 participants (295 aged 9–10 years old, 428 aged 15–16 years old).

Main outcome measures Monocular …

Ocular Biometry, Refraction And Time Spent Outdoors During Daylight In Irish Schoolchildren, Síofra Harrington, Veronica O'Dwyer

Articles

Background: Previous studies have investigated the relationship between ocular biometry and spherical equivalent refraction in children. This is the first such study in Ireland. The effect of time spent outdoors was also investigated.

Methods: Examination included cycloplegic autorefraction and non-contact ocular biometric measures of axial length, corneal radius and anterior chamber depth from 1,626 children in two age groups: six to seven years and 12 to 13 years, from 37 schools. Parents/guardians completed a participant questionnaire detailing time spent outdoors during daylight in summer and winter.

Results: Ocular biometric data were correlated with spherical equivalent refraction (axial …

Risk Factors Associated With Myopia In Schoolchildren In Ireland, Síofra Harrington, Jim Stack, Veronica O'Dwyer

Articles

Aim To examine the demographic and social factors associated with myopia in schoolchildren in Ireland.

Methods Thirty-seven schools participated, representing a mix of urban and rural schools and schools in socioeconomically disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged areas in Ireland. Examination included cyclopleged autorefraction (1% cyclopentolate hydrochloride). Height and weight of participants were measured. Parents filled in a participant’s lifestyle questionnaire, including questions on daily screen time use and daylight exposure. Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent ≤−0.50 D.

Results Data from 1626 participants (881 boys, 745 girls) in two age groups, 6–7 years (728) and 12–13 years (898), were examined. Myopia prevalence …

Refractive Error And Visual Impairment In Ireland Schoolchildren, Síofra Harrington, Jim Stack, Kathryn Saunders, Veronica O'Dwyer

Articles

Aim To report refractive error prevalence and visual impairment in Republic of Ireland (henceforth 'Ireland') schoolchildren.

Methods The Ireland Eye Study examined 1626 participants (881 boys, 745 girls) in two age groups, 6–7 years (728) and 12–13 years (898), in Ireland between June 2016 and January 2018. Participating schools were selected by stratified random sampling, representing a mix of school type (primary/postprimary), location (urban/rural) and socioeconomic status (disadvantaged/advantaged). Examination included monocular logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) presenting visual acuity (with spectacles if worn) and cycloplegic autorefraction (1% Cyclopentolate Hydrochloride). Parents completed a questionnaire to ascertain participants’ lifestyle. …

Caring For The Care‐Giver: Debriefing Following Intra‐Operative Death, Roy Soto, Julie Kado, Bryan Kerner, Paul O’Leary, Gerald Rosen

Articles

Introduction: Intraoperative death affects a team of individuals, each with different levels of training and experience. Although briefings, time-outs, and debriefings have been well described, it is unclear how often they occur following intraoperative catastrophic events. We utilized an electronic survey to assess the frequency and potential utility of a formal debriefing process following the intraoperative death of a patient, and discuss our findings in light of the mental well-being of perioperative medical personnel. Methods:A 19 question electronic survey was distributed to primary operating room staff in two hospital systems. The survey was designed to identify which OR staff members …

Predicting Quality Attributes And Waste Of Strawberry Packed Under Modified Atmosphere Throughout The Cold Chain, Kompal Johsi, Brijesh Tiwari, Patrick J. Cullen, Jesus Maria Frias

Articles

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is used commercially to extend the shelf life of strawberries. The attainment of desired gas (O2, CO2) concentrations inside MAP relies on the product respiration and the mass transfer through packaging and will affect the quality. The objective of this work is to build a mathematical model for strawberries to assess the effect of the uncertainties on headspace gas concentration and quality: 1) cold chain related temperature and relative humidity variations and 2) variability associated to product respiration and quality based on literature. Weight loss was more influenced by the cold chain storage conditions (temperature and …

Nuclear Frames In The Irish Media: Implications For Conversations On Nuclear Power Generation In The Age Of Climate Change, Catherine Devitt, Finbarr Brereton, Simon Mooney, David Conway, Eoin O'Neill

Articles

Keeping within the temperature limits set by the Paris Agreement on climate action will be a significant challenge. Nuclear power generation may contribute to achieving these targets, however, there are significant environmental, economic and health risks attached. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, this paper explores how nuclear power generation is framed in the Irish print media, and discusses the implications of these frames for how nuclear power is perceived within the context of climate change mitigation in Ireland. Two Irish broadsheet papers, the Irish Times and the Irish Independent were selected for data collection, focusing on Chernobyl and Fukushima incidents. …

Harnessing Smart Technology For Private Well Risk Assessment And Communication, Tanner Hoffman, Paul Hynds, Corinne Schuster-Wallace, Sarah Dickson-Anderson, Anna Majury

Articles

Unregulated, privately owned water supplies, including groundwater wells, are relied upon extensively, particularly in rural and remote regions. While adequate stewardship behaviors (water testing, treatment, and maintenance) have been shown to decrease the incidence and frequency of faecal indicator organism (FIO) presence and, by extension, the risk of pathogenic ingress, contaminated private water supplies continue to constitute a significant public health risk. Recognizing that innovative approaches are needed to bolster well stewardship, this paper identifies and assesses 35 tools (smartphone and web-based applications) to better understand components, functionality, strengths, and weaknesses. Applications for both data collection and risk communication were …

Assessment Of Physicochemical Characteristics, Thermal Stability And Release Profile Of Ascorbic Acid Microcapsules Obtained By Complex Coacervation, Michele Cristina Rodrigues Da Cruz, João Luiz Andreotti Dagostin, Camila Augusto Perussello, Maria Lúcia Masson

Articles

The aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical characteristics, thermal stability and release profile of ascorbic acid (AA) microcapsules obtained by complex coacervation. Gelatin and gum arabic were used as wall materials in concentrations of 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 g% (w/v). The coacervate microcapsules were freeze-dried and assessed for physicochemical characteristics, thermal behavior and stability during 60 days of storage. The release profile was evaluated at different pH values (1.1, 2.2, 5.4, 7.4, 9.6 and 12). The encapsulation efficiency ranged from 27.3 to 93.8%. The microcapsules of AA presented good characteristics for application in food matrices, such as …

Rapid Fabrication Of Silver Nanoparticle/Polydopamine Functionalized Polyester Fibers, Yanfen Zhou, Liang Jiang, Ya Guo, Zhenhua Sun, Zhiqing Jiang, Shaojuan Chen, Jianwei Ma, Stephen Jerrams

Articles

In this paper, silver nanoparticles functionalized poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers with antimicrobial activity, electrical conductivity and good coating stability are reported. Firstly, silver plated PET fibers were fabricated by rapid polydopamine (PDA) modification followed by electroless plating. Secondly, the surface morphologies and compositions of PDA modified and silver coated PET fibers were characterized by employing scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectrometry. Finally, the antimicrobial properties and electrical conductivity of the silver plated PET fibers were investigated. The results showed that the silver coated PET fibers exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity to both Escherichia coli and …

Spirit Checklist, Myopia Outcome Study Of Atropine In Children (Mosaic): Design And Methodology, Saoirse Mccrann, Daniel Ian Flitcroft, John S. Butler, James Loughman

Articles

Purpose

The Myopia Outcome Study of Atropine in Children (MOSAIC) aims to explore the efficacy, safety, acceptability and mechanisms of action of 0.01% atropine for myopia control in a European population.

Methods

MOSAIC is an investigator-led, double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial (RCT) investigating the efficacy, safety and mechanisms of action of 0.01% atropine in myopia progression management. During Phase 1 of the trial, 250 children aged 6-16 years with progressive myopia apply eye drops once nightly in both eyes from randomisation to month 24. No treatment is given during Phase 2 from month 24 to 36 (washout period) for those …

Un(Der)Employed Youth: From Precariousness To Resilience, Alia Weston, Miguel Imas, Jennifer Manning, Paul Donnelly, Kudzayi Ngwerume

Articles

In this paper, we explore the experiences of Irish and Zimbabwean youth who live and work in precarious economic conditions. We study these youths’ experiences in a manner that traverses contexts under the question: How do un(der)employed youth in the Global South and Global North enact resilience and agency while navigating economic precarity? The paper builds on youth literature from both the Global North and Global South, emphasizing socio-economic precarity, youth agency, and resilience. We collected our data from interviews conducted in Ireland and Zimbabwe. Methodologically, the paper follows a postcolonial narrative approach to study these experiences. Our findings show …

Re-Assessing The Place Of The “Silent Period” In The Development Of English As An Additional Language Among Children In Early Years Settings, Ruth Harris

Articles

This paper explores the acceptance of a “silent period” as a stage in second language development for children acquiring English as an Additional Language in Early Years settings. Current views suggest that it is normal for children to very quickly stop using their mother tongue and enter a period of silence. A positive perspective on this is that children may be using this time to observe and grow in understanding of the second language. However, there may also be negative effects, as children may become withdrawn and miss out on opportunities to develop relationships and language. It is the argument …

Men And The Drug Buzz: Masculinity And Men’S Motivations For Illicit Recreational Drug Use, Clay Darcy

Articles

The purpose of this article is to explore the motivations behind some men’s recreational use of illicit drugs from a gender standpoint. The rationale for this analysis stems from men’s predominance as illicit drug users and their likelihood of experiencing problem drug use and becoming a part of an over-represented population in drug treatment services. Explanations for men’s problematic/addicted patterns of drug use often point to marginalisation, disadvantage, and/or men’s tendency towards problematic health behaviours. This article argues that men’s illicit recreational drug use is often glossed over as a gendered activity and receives less scrutiny than problematic/addicted patterns of …

Applying The Practice–Based Method In Teaching Entrepreneurship: The Case Of The Msc In Business & Entrepreneurship At Tu Dublin, Anthony Paul Buckley

Articles

‘Since we live in an age of innovation, a practical education must prepare a [wo]man for work that does not yet exist and cannot yet be clearly defined’ - Peter Drucker Following reviews of the relevant IEET (Innovation, Entrepreneurship Education & Training) literature and after assessing current thinking and practice in the domain, it was concluded that, in the absence of empirical evidence in favour of a particular pedagogical approach, that a portfolio of coordinated practice-based methods is an appropriate approach for developing value-based learning outcomes at this time (2019). These pedagogical approaches focus on students’ attempts to discover, create …

Emerging Food Processing Technologies And Factors Impacting Their Industrial Adoption, Anushree Priyadarshini, Gaurav Rajauria, Colm. P. O'Donnell, Brijesh K. Tiwari

Articles

Innovative food processing technologies have been widely investigated in food processing research in recent years. These technologies offer key advantages for advancing the preservation and quality of conventional foods, for combatting the growing challenges posed by globalization, increased competitive pressures and diverse consumer demands. However, there is a need to increase the level of adoption of novel technologies to ensure the potential benefits of these technologies are exploited more by the food industry. This review outlines emerging thermal and non-thermal food processing technologies with regard to their mechanisms, applications and commercial aspects. The level of adoption of novel food processing …

Cooking A Corporation Tax Controversy: Apple, Ireland And The Eu., Ciara Graham, Brendan O'Rourke

Articles

Given the centrality of corporations in distribution of income and wealth studies, discursive constructions of corporate taxation are essential to understanding the production of inequality. The focus of this study is an interview with Apple’s Chief Executive Tim Cook on the Irish state broadcaster, Raidió Teilifís Éireann’s (RTÉ) flagship news programme, Morning Ireland, following the ruling by the European Commission (EC) on the corporation tax arrangements between Apple Inc. and Ireland. Drawing on a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) approach, a frame analysis is provided. The significance and extent of the EC’s ruling has potential implications for corporation taxation policy, within …

The Battle For Commercial Hearts And Minds And The Internal Brand Within A Charity Shop Network In Ireland, Edmund O'Callaghan

Articles

Charities are increasingly adopting commercial branding strategies to capture consumer hearts and minds for competitive gain, with little attention on the internal organisational battle for hearts and minds within a not-for-profit context. This paper explores the internal brand of a charity that currently operates 227 charity shops on the island of Ireland, using Hankinson’s 2004 framework that focuses on functional, symbolic, behavioural and experiential components. An exploratory case study was developed based on a survey of organisational members (n = 138), interviews with six regional shopmanagers, observation in retail stores and supplemented by organisation documentation. Findings indicate a clarity of …