13027 research outputs found
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Optimising Farm area allocations based on soil moisture thresholds: A Comparative study of two dairy farms with distinct soil and topographic features
No full textOn intensive dairy farms, good decision making regarding application of fertilisers and irrigation requires an understanding of soil moisture conditions. Targeted fertiliser application not only contributes to high nutrient use efficiency but reduces the potential for leaching of nutrients and controls emissions from farms. This calls for the development of an improved farm management decision support system focussed on precision agriculture solutions for sustainable agriculture. Knowledge of soil moisture at high resolution at the farm scale can help develop such solutions while at the same time reducing the risk of soil compaction by machinery and/or animals, especially under wet conditions. The objective of this study is to examine and compare two intensive dairy farms, with similar average annual rainfall but contrasting soil (but similar drainage) and topographic characteristics, for their resilience towards extreme conditions (e.g., saturation or drought). Soil moisture thresholds for optimal conditions and corresponding farm area proportions were calculated, identifying areas for targeted farm management. This study addresses the knowledge gap of including high-resolution satellite derived soil moisture as a variable in designing farm management systems targeted towards precision agriculture. Farm 1 was situated in a drumlin belt, whereas Farm 2 had lowland terrain, representing major land cover categories in Ireland. The results showed that Farm 2 was more resilient towards extreme conditions and that the variable topography and soil heterogeneity act as a buffer in regulating moisture regimes on the farm, preventing movement towards the extremes. Across the years, Farm 1 showed less variability in optimal farm area proportions and could be managed better than Farm 2 in terms of overall productivity and resilience towards extreme weather conditions such as droughts, even in a drought year. This study showed that along with variations in soil type, topographic features also dictate water movement and therefore soil moisture regimes on farms.</p
The effect of conservative non-pharmacological interventions on the management of urinary incontinence in older adults living with frailty: Systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textBackground Urinary incontinence (UI) is highly prevalent among older adults with frailty, impacting function, quality of life and risk of long-term care admission. Objective To systematically review and synthesise the results of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of conservative non-pharmacological interventions on the management of UI in older adults aged≥65 years living with frailty. Methods Five databases (Cochrane Library, Medline (EBSCO), CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase (OVID), PsycINFO (EBSCO)) were searched from inception to April 2024 for RCTs that evaluated conservative non-pharmacological interventions for UI in older adults living with frailty. Two independent reviewers screened records, assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB 2.0) Tool and Level of Evidence was summarised using GRADE guidelines. A meta-analysis using a random-effects model or narrative synthesis were performed as appropriate. Results Twelve RCTs, including 1,580 participants, with medium to high risk of bias were included. Conservative non-pharmacological interventions (categorised as single component or multicomponent interventions) resulted in a non-statistically significant reduction of objective measures of UI (6 RCTs, g=-0.39, p=0.090; pooled effect size, with CI=-0.39 [-0.832, 0.060], I 2=85.26%, with very low certainty of evidence). Improvements in functional ability were not found to be statistically significant (5 RCTs, g=0.20, p=0.39, pooled effect size, with CI=0.20 [- 0.251, 0.642], I 2=85.87%, and very low certainty of evidence). The interventions did not result in adverse events. Studies did not evaluate caregiver quality of life. Conclusions Very low-quality evidence found that conservative non-pharmacological interventions had beneficial but not statistically significant effects on objective UI and functional ability. Due to the high incidence of intervening illnesses and mortality in older adults living with frailty, it is recommended that future studies assess the effect of implementing tailored interventions addressing modifiable risk factors using more appropriate study design and outcome measures.</p
Coding with Context How Clinical Partnership Makes AI Work
No full textPresentation delivered at Mid West Annual Healthcare Audi Conference 2025 outlining the need for increased collaboration between computer science and medical experts to enable transformative digital technologies. </p
<i>Identifying key facilitators, barriers, and content in the development of policy capacity</i>
No full textProject name: Identifying key facilitators, barriers, and content in the development of policy capacityData collection and analysis: In this research we asked: What are the key facilitators, barriers, and content in the development of physical education professionals’ policy capacity (i.e. policy interest, understanding, and involvement/action/ initiative)? A two-round interview and survey Delphi investigation with 16 international physical education professionals with experience in policy research and/or practical initiatives was conducted. Participants were asked about key barriers, facilitators, and content in the development of their own and others’ policy capacity. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted. For detailed procedures, see publication linked below.Overview of format and file type of data: 7 page Microsoft word document. Contains three tables, one pertaining to each of the following: barriers, facilitators, and content in the development of physical education stakeholders' policy capacity. The left side of each table is the anonymized, aggregated round one interview data, reduced and synthesize and the right side of each table is the round two survey data, indicating how many participants, agreed, disagreed or were neutral in response to each round one comment.Publication arising from this data: Lorusso, J. R., MacPhail, A., & Viczko, M. (2025). Understanding the development of physical education professionals’ policy capacity. Sport, Education and Society, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/13573322.2025.2495818</p
Sustainable reinforcement: Mechanical and tribological performance of gel-cast fused silica composites
No full textThe present study investigates the mechanical performance of gel-cast fused silica composites doped with biowaste-derived natural silica. Natural silica was extracted from rice husk, and ceramic composites were fabricated using gel casting. The tribological performance of the composites was evaluated in terms of wear rate and coefficient of friction, and mechanical performance was assessed in terms of hardness and compressive strength. Results revealed that silica doping at 10 wt% significantly enhanced wear resistance and increased the hardness from 486 HV to 569 HV and compressive strength from 0.79 GPa to 2.17 GPa. However, at 15 wt% doping, wear resistance deteriorated due to structural inconsistencies, reducing hardness to 535 HV and compressive strength to 1.43 GPa. Further insights were gained through Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, which confirmed silica presence with characteristic absorption peaks at 805 cm− 1 and 1100 cm− 1 . Additionally, ANOVA and regression analysis established that material composition and applied load were the most influential factors, accounting for 97.57 % of wear rate variation. This study provides a foundational benchmark for optimizing silica-doped ceramics in wear-resistant applications.</p
Tryptophan metabolism through the kynurenine pathway in glial cells
No full textThe central nervous system (CNS) relies on complex and dynamic interactions between neurons and glial cells. Among glial cells, astrocytes regulate the chemical environment surrounding neurons and supply essential nutrients for brain metabolism whereas microglia, the resident macrophages of the CNS, play critical roles in homeostasis, defense, and responses to injury. Both microglia and astrocytes contribute to the regulation of excitotoxicity and inflammation mediated by the metabolism of tryptophan (Trp) via the kynurenine pathway. Trp metabolism generates several bioactive metabolites, including quinolinic acid (QUIN) and kynurenic acid (KYNA), which have opposing effects. QUIN, produced by activated microglia, acts as an agonist for NMDA receptors; excessive stimulation of these receptors can lead to excitotoxicity and neuronal death. Conversely, KYNA, primarily produced by astrocytes via kynurenine 2,3-aminotransferases (KAT), acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist, conferring neuroprotection by mitigating excitotoxicity. Dysregulation of the Trp metabolism is implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as in various neuropsychiatric disorders. This review examines the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying Trp metabolism in glial cells, highlighting the unique contributions of each glial phenotype, the implications for CNS pathologies, and the potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for restoring homeostasis and preventing disease progression.</p
Evidence on the effectiveness of public policies for physical activity promotion in the early childcare education and care setting: A Systematic review
No full textBackground: Early childhood education and care (ECEC) is crucial for shaping physical activity (PA) behaviours due to the significant time children spend in this setting. In addition, research has shown that public policies can be an important means to create a healthy environment. This systematic review explores the effectiveness of public policies promoting PA in ECEC. Methods: Nine online databases (Scopus, Pubmed, Web of Science, SportDiscus, Cinahl, IBSS, ERIC, APA PsychINFO and Cochrane library) were searched in August 2023 for studies that examined public policies impacting children's PA behaviour or environments in ECEC. Data were extracted, and a quality assessment was performed using the Downs and Black checklist, and a narrative synthesis was applied. Results: A total of 11 articles met the inclusion criteria. The studies from the United States, Canada and Australia involved either the implementation of legally binding policies (n=6) or voluntary accreditation standards (n=5). Studies reported on the adher?ence of ECEC centres to policies, the effects on children's PA behaviour or changes in the environment using both device-based (e.g., accelerometer) and self-report (e.g., questionnaires and interviews) measures as well as observation. Reported adherence rates of childcare centres to new regulations ranged from 74% to 94%. Studies on policies that implemented PA into the curriculum required a mandatory PA time of at least 60min per day or implemented revised accreditation standards reported positive effects on the ECEC centres PA environment. Effects on the PA behaviour of children remained inconclusive, with studies reporting on both increased and decreased PA levels. Conclusion: Public policies have the potential to change the environment and positively influence PA behaviour in preschool children. However, due to the heterogenous methodological approaches in the identified studies, the findings of this review have certain limitations. Future research needs to further investigate the effectiveness of policy approaches to promote PA in early childhood settings.</p
Assessing readiness for change: A Baseline situational analysis of breastfeeding support within acute and community healthcare settings in the republic of Ireland
No full textBreastfeeding is a critical component of maternal and child health, but breastfeeding rates vary widely, with Ireland's rates lowest in Europe. This paper, the first stage of the Practice Enhancement for Exclusive Breastfeeding (PEEB) study, describes the methodology and key findings from a multi‐component baseline situational analysis of breastfeeding support conducted in acute and community healthcare settings in Ireland. Guided by the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARIHS) framework, a survey of healthcare professionals (n = 85) examined breastfeeding training, competency and attitude towards practice change. Additionally, a workplace environment and policy assessment were conducted. A gap between current practices and evidence‐based guidelines was demonstrated and the need for cultural shifts within healthcare settings towards better breastfeeding support. The study also uncovered notable variations in breastfeeding training, perceived barriers to effective breastfeeding support, including staff shortages and communication challenges, which impede successful implementation of breastfeeding initiatives. Despite high levels of staff motivation, there was a lack of empowerment and confidence to implement change. Findings revealed significant differences between community and acute staff across certain factors like community staff being less likely to agree that their teammates considered implementation of changes as futile, acute staff were less likely to disagree that changes would be subject to audit. The PARIHS framework provided a structured approach to understanding the evidence and contextual factors relevant to implementing evidence‐based practices in breastfeeding support. Future work will focus on the design and implementation of strategies to optimise breastfeeding support across acute and community settings.</p
Corticosteroid injections for frozen shoulder: A global online survey of health professionals' current practice and opinion
No full textIntroduction: Frozen shoulder is a disabling condition characterised by severe pain and loss of shoulder movement. Corticosteroid injections are targeted at reducing pain in the earlier painful phase. There are multiple studies on the effectiveness of injections for frozen shoulder, but none were identified to assess if this guidance has been translated into clinical practice. The aim of this survey was to investigate the current practice and opinion of musculoskeletal health professionals regarding corticosteroid injections for frozen shoulder. Design and Methods: The online survey was disseminated via the social media platform ‘X’ (at the time of the survey known as Twitter) over a 5‐week period. Recruitment was by the ‘snowball’ effect. Responses to multiple choice survey questions were analysed with descriptive data. Free text questions were analysed using content analysis. Results: The number of respondents to the survey was 235. Respondents felt injections have an important role in the management of frozen shoulder (155/235, 66%) and the best time to inject is during the pain predominant phase (191/233; 82%). The glenohumeral joint was the preferred anatomical site to inject (136/235; 58%) with triamcinolone as the preferred steroid (66/ 155; 43%). A steroid dose of 40 mg/mL was favoured by 55% (83/151) of respondents. Conclusion: Corticosteroid injections play an important role in the management of frozen shoulder. There was consensus for the type and dose of corticosteroid and anaesthetic; however, the range of preparations used indicated that many decisions may be based on personal preference or local guidelines.</p
Prevalence of postoperative neurocognitive disorders in older non-cardiac surgical patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textThe growing number of older persons undergoing surgery are at a higher risk of neurocognitive disorder due to multimorbidity and age-related changes. Previous reviews estimated postoperative neurocognitive disorder or cognitive dysfunction (POCD) prevalence without accounting for the sample size or study quality. The prevalence of POCD in this population requires further investigation. This systematic review and meta-analysis applies systematic weighting to estimate the pooled prevalence of POCD in older non-cardiac surgical patients.</p