National University of Ireland, Maynooth
Maynooth University ePrints and eTheses ArchiveNot a member yet
18158 research outputs found
Sort by
The role of teacher agency in using GIS to teach sustainability: an evaluation of a lower secondary school story mapping GIS initiative in Ireland
No full textThis paper investigates the role of teacher agency for those who were trained in using an innovative Geographic Information Systems (GIS) approach and incorporated GIS into their teaching. While national curricula increasingly emphasise STEM and sustain-ability approaches, there has been limited analysis of how teachers can bring new software, including GIS, and new approaches into the classroom. Through an evaluation of a teaching initiative “5*S: Space, Surveyors and Students – STEM and the Sustainable Development Goals” designed to bring GIS technology, satellite data, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into class-rooms as activities and resources for teachers and students in Ireland, we examine how teachers can introduce new teaching strategies and platforms into their classrooms. In interviews and a focus group, teachers expressed eagerness for GIS teaching resources for the classroom and identified effective ways they were able to draw on their own teaching philosophy in introducing new concepts around sustainability and STEM education in the classroom. We argue that teacher agency and autonomy play an important role in the ability and development of teachers, depart-ments, and schools to bring new approaches and GIS into the classroom, and we identify key learnings from teachers who were able to utilise the 5*S resources
Can ‘restorative circles’ build relationships on master’s degrees? Exploring students’ and lecturers’ experiences and perceptions of impact
No full textResearch suggests a connection between student relationships with other students and lecturers, and their outcomes and experiences of higher education. Yet, master’s students are overlooked in this area of practice and research, with few studies investigating relationship building at the postgraduate level. To date, moreover, no studies have used restorative circles – a methodology for designing and structuring dialogue processes that aims to build relationships among a group – on master’s pro-grammes. This article outlines the key findings from a study of a novel project, the ‘MA Dialogue’, on an Irish master’s degree. Using restorative circles, this brought students and lecturers together for regular conversations to build their relationships. The dataset consists of 35 interviews with students (26/51) and lecturers (9/10) who participated in ‘MA Dialogue’ sessions over two academic years, considering their experiences and perceptions of its impact. The findings indicate that the project was experienced as a unique opportunity for relationship building, reportedly perceived to humanise lecturers, facilitate students’ transitions to master’s study, and support teaching and learning. If relationship building isa pedagogical strategy that transcends geographical and disciplinary boundaries, then quantitative research is warranted to investigate the effectiveness of restorative circles for relationship-building in higher education
Proteomic profiling of the mdx-4cv mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
No full textDuchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive neuromuscular disorder of early childhood. Genetic abnormalities in the DMD gene result in a lack of the crucial cytolinker protein named dystrophin. In skeletal muscles, the full-length dystrophin isoform Dp427-M is expressed in the membrane cytoskeleton. Without this membrane stabilising protein, cellular damage occurs, resulting in muscle weakness, severe myonecrosis, chronic inflammation and reactive myofibrosis. Mass spectrometry allows for accurate identification of proteins present in a tissue or biofluid sample. The proteome of a dystrophin-deficient muscle can be compared to that of a healthy control. If a protein shows significant changes in its abundance in dystrophinopathy, then it may be considered a novel biomarker candidate for this disease. This thesis has focused on the description of mass spectrometry-based proteomics with special reference to dystrophic skeletal muscle and biofluids from an established murine animal model. The proteomic profiling was mostly concerned with the chemically induced mdx-4cv mutant mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Studies have included (i) the detailed description of sample preparation for proteomics and mass spectrometry for bottom-up proteomics, (ii) sample preparation and protein determination for top-down proteomics, (iii) the proteomic identification of markers of membrane repair, regeneration and fibrosis in the aged and dystrophic mdx-4cv mouse diaphragm, (iv) the mass spectrometric profiling of extraocular muscle and proteomic adaptations in the mdx-4cv mouse, and (v) the identification of biofluid marker proteins of muscular dystrophy in the urine proteome from the mdx-4cv mouse. The newly identified proteomic biomarker candidates can now be evaluated for their suitability as indicators of disease initiation and progression. Future studies could potentially establish new protein markers for improved diagnostic and prognostic methods, as well as therapeutic monitoring
New opportunities for discourse studies: combining Discourse Theory, Critical Discourse Studies and Corpus Linguistics
No full textThis paper proposes a methodological framework that integrates poststructuralist Discourse Theory (DT), Critical Discourse Studies (CDS) and Corpus Linguistics (CL). While previous research has discussed potential compatibility between combinations of these approaches, there have been few attempts to bring them all together into a cohesive research programme. Fostering dialogue between diverse methodological perspectives can facilitate multi-level analysis to capture the complex dynamics of sociopolitical issues. In this vein, the article presents the methodological tree, an analogy used to illustrate how these traditions may come together to complement one another. This foundation lays the groundwork for practical application in discursive analysis, with a flexible analytical structure proposed and examples provided to illustrate its implementation. It is hoped that the article can stimulate further discussion around how DT, CDS and CL can be brought together to harness their strengths
From beginning to mature: investigating the development of teacher community through Lesson Study
No full textThis research investigates the potential of Lesson Study to develop teachers’
professional community. Situated in two case study schools, Doone and Crannog
(both pseudonyms), where mathematics teachers participated in multiple, successive
cycles of Lesson Study over the course of one academic year, the research details
the development of teacher community through teachers’ conversations and
reflections. Data was generated through audio recordings of teachers’ Lesson Study
meetings and individual interviews with participating teachers. Analysis is based on
a framework of professional teacher community which describes discrete phases
of development from beginning to mature. Findings from the research suggest
that groups of teachers may begin their Lesson Study work at different stages of
evolution of teacher community and that Lesson Study has the potential to strength
and develop such community over successive cycles. The research demonstrates
that teachers’ participation in Lesson Study can provide them with opportunities to
recognize and express communal responsibility for individual growth of colleagues,
a key feature in the formation of teacher community. The research also highlights
the importance of navigating fault lines or differences in ideas and opinions during
the Lesson Study work. Findings may offer guidance to facilitators of Lesson Study
on elements of teachers’ collaborative work which may benefit from additional
focus, such as productively engaging with conflict within a group. This research
contributes to the literature on Lesson Study in outlining how this model of
professional development may provide a powerful structure within which teacher
community can be developed
Ireland’s Climate Change Assessment 2023. Volume 1: Climate Science-Ireland in a changing World. Summary of Policymakers
No full textIreland’s Climate Change Assessment (ICCA) delivers a comprehensive, Ireland-focused, state of scientific knowledge report on our understanding of climate change, its impacts on Ireland, the options to respond to the challenges it poses,and the opportunities from transitions and transformations to a climate-neutral, climate-resilient and sustainable economyand society. This serves to complement and localise the global assessments undertaken by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports (see www.ipcc.ch). The findings presented build upon these global assessments and add important local and national context.
Volume 1 focuses on the state of knowledge of the physical science basis of climate change, both globally and nationally. The volume contains information published from the IPCC AR6 WGI report, as well as material from the relevant Special Reports from the IPCC and various state agencies including EPA Ireland, Met Éireann and the Marine Institute. The volume updates and extends the analysis provided in the National State of Knowledge Reports on climate change (2012, 2017), and consolidates the current and ongoing research into climate change in Ireland, the observed changes in the climate system as well as future climate projections for Ireland
‘Post-fascism’, or how the far right talks about itself: the 2022 Italian election campaign as a case study
No full textWhile the mainstreaming of the far right is attracting growing scholarly interest based on its contemporary relevance, the role that far-right self-representation strategies play in this process has seen limited engagement. In this article, we argue that far-right actors employ a post-fascist logic to bring their ideas closer to the mainstream. This logic rests on a dual message, whereby they attempt to outwardly distance themselves from fascism while at the same time recontextualising fascist ideas. To explore these dynamics, we use a mixed-methods approach to discourse analysis to examine far-right social media posts during the 2022 Italian general election. Taking all Facebook, Instagram and Twitter posts during the official campaigning period from the party and leader accounts of Lega per Salvini Premier and Fratelli d’Italia, we explored articulations of the post-fascist dyad within this context. Our findings underscore how both far-right parties ridiculed accusations of fascism and depicted themselves as ‘centre-right’, yet they commonly used fascist dog-whistles and violent anti-immigration discourse to construct a broader conspiracy narrative and portray themselves as Italy's saviour. While Italy proves a paradigmatic case, this research has wider implications for the need to explore the relationship between self-representation and mainstreaming
Selection of patient-reported outcome measures in pulmonary arterial hypertension clinical trials: a systematic review, meta-analysis and health-related quality of life framework
No full textHealth-related quality of life (HRQoL) in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is valued
as an outcome measure by patients, clinicians and regulators. The selection of patient-reported outcome
measures (PROMs) for measurement of HRQoL in PAH clinical trials lacks systematic evaluation of their
suitability, accuracy and reliability.
Methods We report a systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024484021) following Preferred Reporting
Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines of PROMs selected in PAH clinical
trials. PROM measurement properties were then evaluated according to the 10-step COnsensus-based Standards
for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist and graded by recommendation for
use. Finally, HRQoL was modelled into a conceptual framework using patient interviews and surveys.
Results Screening of 896 records identified 90 randomised controlled trials. 43 trials selected PROMs, of
which 20 were sufficiently validated to detect meaningful change. Of these, eight trials were adequately
powered, using either EuroQol-five dimensions-five levels (EQ-5D-5L), Short-Form-36 (SF-36) or the
Living with Pulmonary Hypertension Questionnaire (LPHQ). The COSMIN evaluation recommended
EmPHasis-10 and the LPHQ for use (grade A); whereas, SF-36 and EQ-5D-5L require further study
(grade B). A conceptual framework of HRQoL was developed from literature comprising 8045 patients.
This framework can be used to visualise the different HRQoL concepts measured by different PROMs.
Conclusion To improve patient-centred research, greater consistency in PROM selection is required. Three
of 90 randomised controlled trials have selected COSMIN-recommended PROMs. Whilst the PROMs
evaluated require development across the 10 areas of psychometric property measurement, EmPHasis-10
and the LPHQ can be recommended for use. The ratified conceptual framework can further support PROM
selection by identifying the HRQoL concepts they are likely to capture
BioBeo Blended Intensive Programme Schedule
No full textMaynooth University Leads Horizon Europe Funded BioBeo Education Programme
Maynooth, Ireland
The BioBeo Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), an integral component of the Horizon Europe funded BioBeo Education Programme led by Maynooth University (MU), is set to revolutionise circular bioeconomy education across Europe. The initiative strategically introduces circular bioeconomy curricula in primary, secondary schools, and university settings, with a primary focus on fostering youth and citizen engagement in bioeconomy policymaking. The BioBeo Education Programme, funded by Horizon Europe and led by Maynooth University, is at the forefront of promoting circular bioeconomy education. Through strategic partnerships and innovative approaches, the programme aims to inspire and empower individuals to actively participate in shaping the future of bioeconomy policy and living as community members in a society transformed through a bioeconomy. Geared towards future educators, the BIP equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach bioeconomy concepts in diverse educational settings. The programme will be hosted at Maynooth University from the 1st to the 8th of March 2024, providing an immersive experience for all attendees and facilitated by the Environmental Sustainable Development Education and Bioeconomy Research Unit (ESDEB) of MU.
Collaborating on this groundbreaking project are Maynooth University and University College Dublin - Ireland, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences -The Netherlands, and Odisee University of Applied Sciences - Belgium. Dr Máire Nic an Bhaird and Dr Laoise Ní Chléirigh are looking forward to welcoming BIP scholars to Maynooth University in the first week of March 2024. During the BIP, the MU/UCD BioBeo bioeconomy comic ‘Back to the Future with Beo and Raja: A Tale from the Early Bioeconomy’ will be launched by Minister of State for EU Affairs and Defence Peter Burke at the medieval roundhouse in the grounds of UCD, along with planting native Irish trees with the BIP participants and invited guests.
It is anticipated the programme will serve as a catalyst for advancing circular bioeconomy education and empowering the next generation of leaders in this critical field. The BIP offers a unique opportunity to enhance their understanding of bioeconomy and contribute to knowledge dissemination. This eight-day ERASMUS and Horizon Europe funded programme combines in-person and online components, culminating in the highly anticipated European BioBeo Festival on the 15th of March 2024
Power system stability in the Era of energy Transition: Importance, Opportunities, Challenges, and future directions
No full textUtilities are struggling to fulfil increased energy demand from domestic and industrial expansion. Conventional
energy sources are insufficient to satisfy this burgeoning global energy demand, and the substantial emissions of
pollutants associated with these sources are concerns. The energy transition is becoming more inevitable than
ever for mitigating this situation. However, this transition threatens the power system stability by introducing
intermittent and low inertia energy resources to the grid. In terms of the energy transition, there is abundant
research about design purposes, but those considering the power system stability are still inadequate. The significance, opportunities, challenges, and future directions of the energy transition related to power system stability are covered thoroughly in this article. The IEEE 14-bus system is selected as a case study for renewable
energy sources (RES) integration as it includes various voltage levels (132, 33, and 0.4) kV. Various scenarios of
RES integration, fault, sudden change of generation and load are simulated using DIgSILENT /MATLAB software.
The case study clarifies how power system stability is affected by the energy transition and how the energy
storage system improves stability. It also discusses the future direction as a baseline for scholars and industries to
accelerate the smooth energy transitio