Digital Commons Network^™

Challenges In Adapting Fibre Optic Sensors For Biomedical Applications, Sahar Karimian, Muhammad Mahmood Ali, Marion Mcafee, Waqas Saleem, Dineshbabu Duraibabu, Sanober Farheen Memon, Elfed Lewis

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Fibre optic sensors (FOSs) have developed as a transformative technology in healthcare, often offering unparalleled accuracy and sensitivity in monitoring various physiological and biochemical parameters. Their applications range from tracking vital signs to guiding minimally invasive surgeries, enabling advancements in medical diagnostics and treatment. However, the integration of FOSs into biomedical applications faces numerous challenges. This article describes some challenges for adopting FOSs for biomedical purposes, exploring technical and practical obstacles, and examining innovative solutions. Significant challenges include biocompatibility, miniaturization, addressing signal processing complexities, and meeting regulatory standards. By outlining solutions to the stated challenges, it is intended that this …

Influence Of Gadolinium And Annealing Time In Dysprosium Doped Oxyfluoride Glasses For W-Led And Scintillating Photonic Device Applications, R. Rajaramakrishna, J. Kaewkhao, N.V. Nikonorov, E. Aleksandrova, S. Kothan, W. Busayaporn, Rahul Suresh, M.A. Gerasimova, E.A. Slyusareva

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

No abstract provided.

Imi—2025 Digest, Nina Tahhan, Mark A. Bullimore, Xiangui He, Lisa A. Ostrin, Timothy J. Gawne, Kate L. Gifford, Pauline Kang, Ian Morgan, Aude Couturier, Kyoko Ohno-Matsui, Nicola S. Logan, Ian Flitcroft

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

As myopia research expands in scope and complexity, the International Myopia Institute (IMI) continues to provide timely, evidence-based consensus guidance through its biennial white papers and digests. The IMI 2025 Digest delivers targeted updates in areas identified for revision since the previous digest: definitions and classification of myopia, clinical management guidelines, risk factors, accommodation and binocular vision, experimental models, and onset and progression in young adults. A major focus is the evolving concept of pre-myopia, including a refined understanding of hyperopic reserve as a predictive marker, population-specific thresholds, and the distinction between risk and predictive factors. Emerging evidence supports earlier …

Numerical Methodologies For The Analysis Of Horizontal-Axis Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (F-Hawts): A State-Of-The-Art Review, Naghmeh Akbari Zadeh, Peter Ryan, David M. Kennedy, Fergal O’Rourke

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

In recent decades, wind turbine installations have become a popular option to meet the world’s growing demand for energy. Both onshore and offshore wind turbines form pivotal components of the electricity sector. Onshore wind energy is now a mature technology, with significant experience gained by wind farm developers and operators over the last couple of decades. However, as a more recent enterprise, the offshore wind industry still requires significantly more development before the technologies and operations reach maturity. To date, floating platforms at sea have been utilised extensively for the oil and gas industry. While a lot of the expertise …

All-Ireland Evaluation Of Ultrasound Systems For Prostate Brachytherapy: Application Specific Quality Control Protocol And Quality Assurance Phantoms, Andrea J. Doyle, Deidre M. King, Dervil Cody, Aoife M. Ivory, Jacinta E. Browne

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Context: The goal of quality assurance (QA) for transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) prostate brachytherapy is to ensure optimum patient outcomes by providing a high-quality service using equipment that is operating at optimum performance levels. There are specific recommendations from professional organisations that outline the QA parameters that need to be considered specifically for ultrasound guided prostate brachytherapy. However, these recommendations are heavily based on the guidance made for the general application of ultrasound to all relevant clinical applications. Additionally, there is a lack of consensus on the optimum QA test device to conduct the schedule of testing for this specific application …

Can We Predict Which High Myopes Will Develop Pathological Myopia?, Quan V. Hoang, Ian Flitcroft, Nicola Rizzieri

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

No abstract provided.

Prevalence Of Clinically Significant Refractive Error In Children In Europe: Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Megan Doyle, Aoife O’Donnell, Síofra Harrington, Veronica O’Dwyer, Michael Moore

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Purpose This meta-analysis estimated clinically significant refractive error prevalence in European children and examined variations based on cycloplegic versus non-cycloplegic refraction, age and sex. Methods A systematic review (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PROSPERO ID: CRD42022322608) identified studies (January 2000 – June 2024) reporting myopia (≤−0.50D), hyperopia (≥+2.00D) and astigmatism (≥1.00 DC) prevalence in children aged 4–17 years in Europe. Twenty-six studies from 14 countries (n = 37,282) were included. Pooled prevalence estimates (EPP) were calculated using a random-effects model with Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformation. Results Estimated pooled prevalences were refractive error: 17.90% (95% CI: 13.67–22.56), myopia: 14.31% (95% CI: 8.89–20.74; 24 …

But For Borders: The Protection Gap For Internally Displaced Persons, Anita Sinha

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

Internal displacement, the phenomenon of people who are dislocated from their homes but remain within the border of their countries of origin, was once a forced migratory occurrence interchangeable with cross-border migration. This changed after the Second World War with the promulgation of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, which was premised on an insistence on drawing a legal line in the sand based on which side of a border displacement transpires upon. Internally displaced persons (IDPs)-both in recent history and in the projected future-far outnumber people displaced across borders. Both rhetorical maneuverings and traditional international legal …

Investigating Nutrition And Supportive Care Needs In Esophageal And Gastric Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Survey, Fatemeh Sadeghi, Juliette Hussey, Suzanne L. Doyle

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Background/Objectives: Advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment improved survivorship rates, but survivors’ long-term quality of life remains a critical concern. Survivors of esophageal and gastric cancer often undergo extensive curative surgery, which can have lasting impacts on nutritional status. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status, dietary challenges, and supportive care needs of this population of cancer survivors. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, adults diagnosed with esophageal or gastric cancer were invited to complete an anonymous survey to assess their nutritional status, quality of life, and psychological well-being. Results: A total of 114 responses were analyzed. Although over 70% …

What Makes A City Breastfeeding Friendly? A Qualitative Analysis Of Interviews With Breastfeeding Women From Europe And Asia, May Loong Tan, Elizabeth J. O’Sullivan, Jacqueline J. Ho, Amal Omer-Salim, Fionnuala M. Mcauliffe

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Background The warm chain of support is the continuous enabling environment from the mother’s first contact with healthcare professionals during early pregnancy, birth and immediate post-partum period, her transition from healthcare facility to home, through to work and the community at large. A breastfeeding-friendly city should be able to support a breastfeeding journey across the warm chain. Objective To determine breastfeeding women’s perspective of an ideal breastfeeding-friendly city. Methods Between September 2021 and January 2022, twenty-two women who were breastfeeding or had ever breastfed in the last 5 years from Ireland and Malaysia were interviewed. A set of selection criteria …

Prevalence Of Covid-19 Associated Xerostomia, Taste And Smelldisturbances Over 3 Years In An Egyptian Sample: A Cross-Sectional Study, Dalia Ghalwash, Ahmed Hamdy, Asmaa Abou-Bakr

Dentistry

Aim: Although xerostomia, smell, and taste dysfunctions are prominent signs of COVID-19 infection, long-term data regarding their prevalence and recovery rates is scarce. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the frequency and persistence of xerostomia, taste, and smell disturbances in COVID-19 survivors over 3 years in an Egyptian sample. Methods: This cross-sectional study used an online questionnaire to assess the oral symptoms ofxerostomia, which include altered taste and smell. Data was collected from 826 patients recovered from COVID-19. Results: Xerostomia was the most frequent finding affecting 73.6% of the studied sample, followed bysmell disturbances affecting 67.8%, and altered taste reported …

Cytocompatibility, Osteogenic Potential, Antibacterial And Antibiofilm Efficacy Of A Calcium‑Silicate‑Based Intracanal Medication, Shehabeldin Mohamed Saber Prof.Dr., Shereen Nader

Dentistry

This study assessed the biological and antimicrobial properties of a calcium silicate-based material and calcium hydroxide (CH) when used as intracanal medications. MTT assay, osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal stem cells (hPDLSCs), cell mineralization-assay, and determination of ALP activity were assessed to investigate the biological properties. While the agar well diffusion, crystal violet (CRV) assay and LIVE/DEAD staining of dentin slices infected with a mature E. faecalis biofilm were used to assess the antimicrobial properties. Normally distributed data were analyzed using one and two-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test, while for non-normally distributed data Kruskal Wallis and Dunn's tests …

Influence Of Different Finishing And Polishing Protocols Of Composite Cad Cam Blocks On Surface Roughness And Biological Response Of Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Hend Sayed Ahmed, Mohamed Fouad Haridy, Mohamed Shamel, Houda Fouda, Raghda Khalil, Ahmed Refaat

Dentistry

The surface quality of composite CAD/CAM restorations is vital in aesthetics, longevity, and the biological response of

surrounding gingival tissues. Yet, little is known about how different finishing and polishing techniques influence cellular

behavior at the tissue interface. This study aimed to evaluate how various finishing and polishing systems affect the surface

roughness of composite CAD/CAM blocks, and how these differences influence the attachment, viability, and inflammatory

response of gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs). Seventy-seven composite CAD/CAM specimens were prepared and

subjected to one-step, two-step, and multi-step finishing/polishing protocols, with or without polishing paste. Surface rough-

ness was measured using …

Epidemiology Of Recurrent Herpes Labialis Among Dentistry Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey In Egypt, Sara Abdelwahed, Dalia Ghalwash, Al Hassan Diab

Dentistry

Aim: Recurrent herpes labialis (RHL) is a common viral infection with significant psychosocial and clinical implications. Dental students are particularly vulnerable due to stress and frequent patient contact, yet data on their epidemiology in Egyptian cohorts are scarce. The study aimed to determine the prevalence, recurrence patterns, and associated risk factors of RHL among dentistry students in Egypt. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 559 dentistry students at the British University in Egypt. A structured, self-administered questionnaire captured sociodemographic data, history of RHL episodes, frequency, severity, and triggering factors. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square …

Effect Of Smoking And Finishing And Polishing Protocol On Color Stability And Surface Roughness Of Resin Composite, Fatma Makkeyah, Mohamed Samy Salama, Sara Adel Botros, Mohamed Shamel, Mahmoud Al Ankily

Dentistry

Purpose To investigate the influence of smoking and finishing and polishing protocol on color stability and surface roughness of resin composite. Materials and methods Seventy-two discs fabricated from supra-nanofilled composite were divided to 6 groups according to: Tobacco Product (Conventional Cigarette/CS and Heated Tobacco/HTP); and Finishing and Polishing Protocol (Control/C, Multi-step finishing system/FS, and Medium-grit abrasive bur + two-step polishing system/ PS). After finishing and polishing, specimens were exposed to a total of 600 cigarettes, divided into 20 each day, simulating 30 days of smoking. Color parameters were detected using a spectrophotometer. Surface roughness (Ra) was measured before and after …

Fracture Resistance Of Mutilated Maxillary Premolars, Hend Sayed Ahmed, Mohamed Fouad Haridy, Hanan Elsherbiny, Samar Swelam

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Resin Restorative Material Type And Layering Techniques On The Fracture Resistance Of Maxillary Premolars, Hend Sayed Ahmed, Mohamed Fouad Haridy, Radwa Nagy, Shimaa Elsayed Elhusseiny

Dentistry

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the fracture resistance of premolar teeth with standardized mesio-

occluso-distal (MOD) cavities, restored using various techniques (layering techniques and composite-resin

restorations)

Materials and Methods: Seventy intact maxillary premolars with standardized MOD cavities were randomly

divided into seven groups (n=10): G1 control intact teeth; G2: MOD cavities left unrestored; G3: restored using an

incremental technique with nanohybrid resin composite (Neo Spectra TM ST, Dentsply Sirona); G4: restored in

bulk using a flowable composite (SDR Flow+, Dentsply Sirona); G5: bulk-filled with a multihybrid composite

(Tetric N Ceram, Ivoclar); G6: restored using an incremental technique with …

Fracture Resistance Of Maxillary Premolars Restored With Different Dentin Replacement Protocols, Hend Sayed Ahmed, Shadwa Hatem Kabil, Maha Elbaz

Dentistry

Aim: The aim of this research was to investigate the fracture resistance of premolar teeth with standardized

mesioocclusodistal (MOD) cavities restored with different dentin replacement protocols.

Subjects and methods: Sixty sound maxillary premolar teeth with standardized MOD cavities were assigned

to six groups (n=10): G1: sound teeth (positive control); G2: unrestored premolars with MOD cavities

(negative control); G3: restored incrementally with nanohybrid resin composite; G4: restored by bulk fill

flowable followed by nanohybrid resin composite; G5: restored with packable fiber-reinforced composite

followed by nanohybrid resin composite and G6: restored with flowable fiber-reinforced composite followed

by nanohybrid resin composite. After being …

Evaluation Of Marginal And Internal Fit In Cad/Cam-Fabricated Indirect Restorations, Mohamed Salama, Sara Adel Botros, Hend Sayed Ahmed

Dentistry

Objectives: This study investigated the effect of marginal adaptation and internal fit of premolar teeth restored with indirect overlays, fabricated from different CAD/CAM materials (lithium-disilicate and composite blocks). Materials and Methods: Twenty-two intact premolars with standardized concave chamfer overlay preparation were divided into two groups (n= 18) Group (A): lithium disilicate blocks and Group (B): composite blocks. All groups cemented with dual cured resin cement. After 24h of storage at 37°C followed by thermocycling. Marginal gap evaluation evaluated using a stereomicroscope at x50 magnification at 4 points at each surface. Specimens were then sectioned mesiodistally to assess internal fit. Statistical …