Research@THEA (Technological Higher Education Association)
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Compendium of Embedding Education for Sustainable Development in Teaching, Learning and Assessment.
No full textThe Technological University of the Shannon (TUS)
Compendium of Embedding Education for Sustainable
Development in Teaching, Learning and Assessment
exemplifies the university’s commitment to embedding
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) across
teaching and learning. It showcases how TUS integrates
research-informed practices into programme design,
teaching, and assessment, equipping students to
tackle global sustainability challenges. Specifically, the
compendium highlights innovative approaches aligned
with the ESD for 2030 Priority Action Areas, focusing on
policy advancement, learning environment transformation,
educator capacity building, youth empowerment, and local-level action.ye
Studies on disease prevention and control, decontamination and sterilization, microbial adaptive responses and survival, alternative therapies, and sustainability
No full textThis thesis describes my independent research studies starting in 1996 on five related areas that have
advanced disease prevention and control including sustainable technologies to meet significant
societal challenges. There are ever increasing demands for specialist foods and sophisticated devices
to meet complexities of modern society including serving vulnerable groups. Whilst there is an
expanding volume of published literature on developing food production, and to a much lesser degree
medical devices, there is a need to understand why traditional and emerging decontamination and
sterilization modalities work and what conditions or circumstances operating at the interface between
microbial destruction and maintaining a desired product functionality could support microbial
survivors and potentially foodborne or iatrogenic-mediated infection. There is also a dearth in
knowledge surrounding the real-time detection of viable fastidious pathogenic microorganisms (such
as complex parasites or drug-resistant fungi) post selection of appropriate technologies to safely treat
foods and to decontaminate complex reusable medical devices. There is also a dearth of published
information on appropriate cellular and molecular indicators to inform critical mechanistic
information underpinning testing, verification and validation of new decontamination technologies.
Elucidating holistically, the key parameters governing reliable and effective decontamination, provides
evidence-based data to inform next-generation products from design thinking to automation in order
to meet emerging societal needs.ye
An Investigation into the Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Points in Health Service Executive Properties in Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon to Meet Sustainability Drivers.
No full textThe driver for this research is the health service executive commitment to achieving net-zero emissions no later than 2050. As Ireland’s largest public body, the Health Service Executive is focussed on decarbonising its fleet, including emergency and community service vehicles, to facilitate the transition to best practice sustainable transport requirements. This transition necessitates upgrading existing infrastructure to support the installation of electric vehicle charging in healthcare settings. This research investigates the electric vehicle charging point installation requirements for existing Health Service Executive West and North West properties to meet the short to medium term requirements as case study research. Currently absent is a best practice evaluation auditing tool to expedite this in existing buildings and estates and therefore this formed a central to the aim and objectives of this research. Literature insights from peer reviewed journal articles on electric vehicles chargers, infrastructure, and installation in the context of sustainability. Insights reveal that such installations could include circular economy requirements. Empirical data collection was conducted using two electronic questionnaire surveys to staff and management, semi-structured interviews, a review of five case studies, and by conducting three live case studies in North West Health Service Executive estates. Data analysis was triangulated when combined with mixed-mode analysis. Findings revealed that in the Health Service Executive West and North West estates, electric vehicle charging points were viable in terms of staff requirements and commuting distance. However, a lack of existing infrastructure to support electric vehicle charging points was a barrier for the procurement of electric vehicles by staff and for the fleet requirements. An evaluation auditing tool has been developed for use by regional and national estates offices in line with international best practice resulting from this research. One key contribution to the literature is to demonstrate a case study retrofit of electric vehicle charging points in healthcare settings.n
TUS Sensory Awareness Guide
No full textSensory processing challenges are a common experience for many people. It can
impact how individuals perceive and process sensory information from their
environment. This can include sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, tastes, or smells.
For some, sensory processing challenges can be so overwhelming that they interfere
with daily functioning, including academic performance. There are two types of sensory
processing challenges: over-sensitivity (hypersensitivity) and under-sensitivity
(hyposensitivity). Hypersensitivity leads to sensory avoidance, where a person avoids
sensory input because it feels too overwhelming. In contrast, hyposensitivity causes a
person to seek extra sensory input or be slow to register it.
It is important to recognise that sensory processing challenges are not simply a
matter of being too sensitive or picky. It can be a neurobiological difference that
affects how the brain interprets and responds to sensory information. For individuals
with sensory processing challenges, everyday sensory experiences can be intense and
overwhelming, leading to feelings of discomfort, anxiety, or even pain. We play a vital
role in identifying and accommodating the unique needs of students with sensory
processing challenges, such as those with Autism, ADHD, or sensory processing
disorder.ye
AN IRISH LANGUAGE AND TG4 CASE STUDY
No full textThis study examined the role of digital media in minority language broadcasting. The focus was on TG4 and the Irish language. The development of TG4 and its use of digital media were analysed from its inception to the present. The complex intricacies of the definition of a minority language are discussed. The definition of a minority language used for this study refers to a language spoken by a minority of the population within a particular region or country. A case study methodology was utilised, incorporating content analysis on existing TG4 posts on X and TikTok and thematic analysis on three semi-structured interviews with TG4 employees. A discussion of the findings follows, which the researcher aligns with the literature review. The study places TG4 within the broader context of minority language broadcasting, highlighting the interplay between digital innovation and cultural preservation. The researcher highlights critical changes in the digital era in light of the rapid acceleration of growth in the industry. The study explores the research questions below: 1. How has digital media impacted minority language broadcasting? 2. What key challenges are encountered by minority language broadcasters in the digital age, if any? 3. What opportunities has the role of digital media created in minority language broadcasting, if any? The findings reveal the dual role of TG4 in navigating the demands of cultural integrity and market dynamics through digital media. A list of recommendations for TG4 and on an industry level is provided.n
A critical evaluation of ventilation, indoor air quality, and radon mitigation requirements for health, safety and wellbeing of Irish dwellings occupants from handover to occupancy.
No full textThis study aimed to evaluate literature on ventilation, indoor air quality, and radon mitigation in residential settings, focusing on the handover-to-occupation period. Objectives included reviewing Ireland’s regulations, gathering stakeholder views, and conducting a case study on residential properties to assess the success of meeting these requirements. This research investigates residential radon, in combination with Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and ventilation requirements, noting that 170,000 Irish dwellings are located in high-radon areas. Literature insights from peer reviewed journals articles outline IAQ, airtightness, volatile organic compounds, lung cancer, radon exposure, impact of radon on human health, together with examining ventilation standards, legislative and regulatory requirements for ventilation, including building regulations. Literature insights reveal that mechanical ventilation improves IAQ, but occupant behaviour and a strong regulatory framework are key to dwelling radon mitigation and regulation compliance. Six live case studies were examined, and five semi-structured interviews with industry
professionals. An online research survey questionnaire complied 34 persons namely Building Control Officers, M&E Consultants / Designers, NSAI Ventilations Validators, Assigned/Design Certifiers, and Government Departments. Data analysis was conducted using mixed-mode and the findings were triangulated. One key finding suggested that the integration of mandatory radon testing by independent third-party competent persons be included with validation paperwork, Certificate of Compliance on Completion. Furthermore, the case studies demonstrated that while regulatory frameworks provide a baseline, the real-world implementation and ongoing performance assessment are critical to ensuring that occupants' health and safety are maintained over time. This was evidenced from the case studies which highlighted gaps in either the initial radon protective measures installed at construction stage or in post-occupancy ventilation practices. The recorded CO2 concentrations levels regularly exceeded recommended levels
in the bedrooms, particularly at night, indicating insufficient air exchange occurred. One key contribution to the literature made by this research demonstrated a critical gap in awareness of radon legislation both industry professionals and owners/occupiers, which inhibits the effective implementation and correct operation of ventilation and radon mitigation strategies in Irish housing. While industry professionals are responsible for the appropriate design, specification, and installation, owners/occupiers are equally responsible for engaging with handover documentation, understanding system functionality, and ensuring correct operation and maintenance post-occupancy.n
Draíocht: Sparking Creativity. Proceedings of the 2024 International Graphic Medicine Conference
Full text linkThe Graphic Medicine Community is Global. Conferences are a significant way to bring colleagues together to share art, writing, research, new ideas, and projects. It also provides a venue for networking, enhancing, and developing new collaborations, but most importantly to gather community members who all share an interest in Graphic Medicine based on the primary philosophy that Graphic Medicine is inclusive and gives voice to those who are often not heard.
The 15th International Graphic Medicine Conference took place at the Technological University of the Shannon in Athlone, Ireland from July 16th- 18th 2024. The three-day conference kicked off with specialist workshops, based in TUS (Athlone) and in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
The pre-conference workshop entitled Graphic Medicine for Health Care Professionals led by Dr. Williams was awarded Irish College of General Practioners CPD credits and the Developing a Graphic Medicine Collection workshop led by Matthew Noe was awarded CPD Credits by the Library Association of Ireland.ye
Impact of free-stream disturbances on blunt body aerothermodynamics in hypersonic flow
Full text linkThe study investigates the effects of freestream disturbances
(acoustic, vortical and entropy) on wall pressure and wall heat
flux in front of double cone geometry in hypersonic flow.
The two double cone geometries with small cone angle and
high cone angles are simulated at hypersonic Mach 6 by using
2D-axisymmetric Navier Stokes Laminar flow solver, exhibit ing steady and oscillatory flow behaviour with constant inlet
boundary, respectively. The acoustic (fast and slow wave),
vortical and entropy disturbances with single frequency of 20
kHz and amplitude upto 1% are modelled as time-dependent
inlet boundary and are introduced after achieving solutions for
both cases of double-cone geometries after 5ms. The impact
of these freestream disturbances was estimated by analyzing
the wall pressure and wall heat flux fluctuations and it was
found that rms of wall pressure fluctuation increases approxi mately 10 time and wall heat flux fluctuation increases 6 times
for high angled double cone geometry, when compared to
small angle double cone geometry subjected to same level of
freestream disturbances.ye
An Examination of Line Manager’s Actions on Mitigating Employee Isolation and Fostering Social Connections in Remote Work
No full textThe post-pandemic transition to remote work has provided a huge issue for organisations: reducing employee isolation and building social interaction. This study fills that gap by looking into the effect of line managers' activities on reducing employee isolation and fostering social cohesion among virtual teams in the technology sector. The study seeks to uncover successful
leadership styles, communication approaches, and engagement techniques for improving social interactions, employee happiness, and team cohesion in a virtual setting. The study used a qualitative methodology, an interpretivist mindset, and an
inductive technique to better understand the subjective experiences of remote employees. Data was gathered through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with employees and management. This approach produced a wealth of factual data, which was then analysed thematically to discover key patterns and insights. The findings show that, while digital communication tools are functionally necessary, they frequently create a "social dichotomy" by failing to duplicate spontaneous, non-task-related interactions that are essential for social bonding. The study emphasises the importance of a manager's sincerity and
trust in fostering psychological safety, which serves as a key counterpoint to the impersonal character of digital channels. A noteworthy conclusion is the huge gap between proactive, individual managerial initiatives and a perceived lack of formalised organisational support. Finally, this study shows that effective remote leadership is driven not only by technological means, but also by a manager's ability to display genuine concern and create trust. The report offers practical, research-based advice
for organisations and emphasises the importance of structural support to empower line managers, ensuring that social connection is a basic component of remote work culture rather than an ad hoc effort.n