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An analysis of how Irish higher education institutions interpret, implement and evaluate the concept of engagement with community, enterprise and region
No full textIrish higher education institutions (HEI) have always been involved in engagement, but it was only recently that it was formally specified as a core role in Irish legislation. HEI engagement is a contested concept with many definitions and is defined using a wide range of terminology. This study investigated how a small group of Irish HEI were implementing and undertaking community, enterprise and regional engagement from a social constructionism standpoint. Ernest Boyer’s views on scholarship and engagement were adopted as the theoretical framework. The study used a mixed methods approach that utilised a national HEI survey of executive staff and case studies from two HEI with three accompanying projects. Eleven interviews were held with HEI management, central services, academic staff and community representatives. The interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis theoretical approach informed by the literature review with findings at the institution and project level. The case study findings were combined into a multi-case report highlighting the overall findings. The report used Stake’s epistemological approach that allowed the reader to make their own judgements relative to their situation. The study found that HEI had engagement in their mission, vision and strategic plans but that a lack of funding sources for implementing engagement into the HEI infrastructure, capabilities and processes was the major issue. Engagement activities were being undertaken across HEI but were delivered in isolation, which meant HEI had no complete picture of their overall engagement activities. Non-academic sources funded the three engagement projects studied. Relationships with funders and relationships between the project partners during project implementation were examined. The study proposed a new engagement project model that intertwined activity and agency theories. It would be used to evaluate current project operations or design proposed engagement projects' structures and operations.</p
Impact of β-defensin 103 (DEFB103) copy number variation on bull sperm parameters and post-insemination uterine gene expression
No full textPregnancy rates for elite bulls used in artificial insemination (AI) can vary significantly and therefore the identification of molecular markers for fertility and targets to improve bull selection is important. β-defensin peptides have diverse regulatory roles in sperm function across multiple species but the role of copy number variation (CNV) on fertility parameters has not been previously evaluated. In this study, Holstein-Friesian bulls were screened based on reliable field fertility data to identify two groups (High and Low fertility (HF and LF, respectively)) of n = 10 bulls/group which were genotyped for β-defensin 103 (DEFB103) gene CNV by droplet digital PCR. Overall, low DEFB103 copy number (CN) was associated with increased sperm motility across all bulls (n = 20, p < 0.05). As genetic diversity of DEFB103 CN was only apparent in the LF group, three bulls per CNV class (low, intermediate and high CN) were chosen for more detailed comparative functional analysis. Sperm from low CN bulls exhibited higher binding to the oviductal epithelium, while high CN increased sperm membrane fluidity in vitro (p < 0.05). To investigate the functional effect of DEFB103 CNV on the uterine response in vivo, 18 heifers were inseminated with sperm from bulls with low, intermediate and high CN. Transcriptomic analysis on uterine tissue harvested 12h post-insemination showed differential expression of 58 genes (FDR < 0.1) involved in sperm migration, immune signalling and chemotaxis. Although field fertility results from a complex number of interactive factors, these novel results suggest a contributory role for DEFB103 CN in both sperm function and the uterine response to bull sperm, thereby potentially contributing to pregnancy outcomes in cattle. Further analysis of the role of CNV in additional β-defensin genes in bull fertility is now warranted.</p
Investigating the use of Kahoot! as an alternative to traditional homework methods used in Algerian middle school EFL classrooms
No full textDaily homework is essential in language learning and is widely regarded by teachers as a crucial part of the teaching process. While many aspects of homework, such as frequency and amount, have been well-studied, the delivery format has not been explored as extensively. Recently, increased investment in educational technology has led to changes in how homework is assigned, including the use of online platform and mobile apps. The use of mobile learning technologies in teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) is still in its early stages worldwide. Successful adoption of these technologies requires considering factors like teachers’ readiness and acceptance. This study seeks to investigate the perception and attitudes of Algerian middle school teachers towards the use of Kahoot! as an innovative homework tool. To comprehensively analyse the potential of integrating Kahoot! into EFL homework practices, this research employs a mixed methods approach, combining a survey, pre- and post-interviews, and a case study that includes a Kahoot! online teacher training and a Kahoot! homework implementation phase. The findings reveal significant challenges associated with traditional homework, including delayed feedback and low student engagement, often worsen by teachers’ heavy workloads. Kahoot! offers a promising alternative, providing immediate feedback and enhancing student motivation through interactive and competitive elements. However, the study also identifies barriers to technology integration, such as limited internet access, insufficient availability of devices, and teachers’ technical skills.This study concludes that while integrating digital tools like Kahoot! have the potential to transform EFL homework practices, successful implementation requires addressing infrastructural challenges and providing adequate teacher training. These findings underscore the need for educational policymakers to invest in technological infrastructure and training programs to facilitate the effective integration of digital tools in Algerian education. This study provides recommendations for enhancing technological accessibility, improving teacher training, and adapting curriculum frameworks to support digital learning.</p
Mutual promotion on the mechanical and tribological properties of the nacre-like self-lubricant film designed for demanding green tribological applications
No full textThe inverse relationship between the tribological and mechanical properties of environmentally friendly self-lubricant films, induced by the addition of soft lubricant agents that can diffuse quickly at elevated temperatures, has hindered the widespread use of these materials in industrial applications. This paper took this challenge to break through the above established relationship by developing novel nacre-like multilayered Mo2N–SiNx /Ag–SiNx self-lubricant films via an radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering system for real applications where harsh conditions at elevated temperatures exist. The multilayered films, deposited by alternating deposition of Mo2N–SiNx and Ag–SiNx modulation layers, exhibited three phases of face-centered cubic (fcc) Mo2N, fcc Ag and SiNx , where SiNx encapsulated the nano-crystalline Mo2N and Ag phases in each layer to successfully induce a “brick and mortar” nacre-like microstructure (in the area without the coherent structure). The epitaxy growth of the Ag–SiNx layers with thickness below 6 nm on the Mo2N template resulted in an extraordinary increase in both the hardness and elastic modulus, which was able to prevent severe degradation of the mechanical properties caused by the addition of Ag. The room-temperature anti-friction property could be enhanced by increasing the Ag–SiNx layer thickness due to the excellent lubricant nature of Ag, which acts in synergy with Mo2N, while the wear rate below 4×10−8 mm3 /(N·mm) was due to the high mechanical strength. The tribological properties at 600 °C also benefited from the interlocked multilayered architecture, which allowed an extreme low friction coefficient of ~0.12 and a negligible wear rate (WR). This behavior was attributed to the synergism between the lubricant action of Ag and Mo2N and the tribo-phase transformation from Ag2Mo4O13 to Ag2MoO4 .</p
A protocol for a scoping review on understandings of inclusion in Higher Education Institutions in the Republic of Ireland
No full textThis paper describes the protocol for a scoping review to map understandings of inclusion in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Republic of Ireland. </p
Communicating physical activity messages with adolescents: what works? A scoping review with stakeholder consultation
No full textBackground Global levels of adolescents’ physical inactivity are cause for concern, despite the well-documented health benefits of physical activity (PA). Addressing the messaging of PA is one approach to improve PA knowledge. While increased knowledge does not necessarily lead to behavior change, physically active students have better knowledge of the health benefits of PA. Recently, researchers have highlighted the need for an effective communication strategy for PA messages. This review aimed to summarize the state of the available evidence about the operationalization of communicating PA messages, the evaluation, and effectiveness of PA messages. Methods The Levac six steps and Joanna Briggs Institute methodological guidance for scoping reviews were followed. Five databases were searched up until April 8th 2024. Both title and abstract and full-text screening were piloted whereby 10% of the total articles were double-screened and the remainder were completed by CG. Data were extracted and a data-based convergent synthesis design was used following qualitative synthesis methods. Finally, a consultation with key stakeholders was held to confirm the findings concerning practical relevance. Results A total of 19,412 articles were identified from searches, 94 full texts were included in the final analysis, corresponding to 80 individual studies. The evidence confirms that there are many factors to consider when communicating PA messages and evaluating their effectiveness. Inconsistencies exist regarding the timing and frequency of message delivery and the evaluation of effective communication. When communicating PA with adolescents, messages commonly focus on the benefits of PA and strategies to overcome barriers and are commonly delivered in the school setting by researchers or school stakeholders i.e. teachers, peers. Messages should be concise, positively framed, support adolescent autonomy, and utilize different messaging platforms and techniques to avoid staleness. Conclusions There is a lack of a standardized approach to communicating PA messages with adolescents making evaluation and comparison challenging. Future research should focus on developing guidance to facilitate the effective communication of PA messages with adolescents</p
Deep learning enabled computer vision in remanufacturing and refurbishment applications: defect detection and grading for smart phones
No full textThis work demonstrates the use of Deep Learning-based Computer Vision for Remanufacturing end-of-life consumer electronics products, considering smartphones as the use-case. We implemented automated detection of screen defects such as scratches and cracks. In turn, this could lead to increased reuse of smartphones in a secondary market alongside new ones to meet consumer demand. The refurbishment of smartphone devices is a growing industry heavily dependent on manual labor, making decisions subjective, especially in grading the severity of damage. A critical analysis of defect detection and smartphone grading from a remanufacturing perspective is conducted. This analysis is significant in a remanufacturing sector that deals with dynamically varying input of cores (used products for remanufacturing), characteristics, timing, and number of returns. The solution we propose here is novel in its own right, requiring data analysis and collection, data curing, defect parameterization, and dataset building to enable model-based training and detection experiments. We collected and annotated a dataset to detect and grade the various defects based on their severity. A range of deep learning models was trained on the dataset to obtain baseline results for the state-of-the-art deep learning detection models, including YOLOv7, YOLOv8, YOLO11 variants, and Mask R-CNN. Our experiments also showed improved precision values when the pre-trained models were pre-fine-tuned using a road crack segmentation dataset before training on our phone defect dataset. The inference time for the YOLOv8x model is 8ms. This reduced inference time with a high precision of 70.4% indicates that a consistent, fast, and accurate grading is achieved here, ensuring a high throughput rate in the remanufacturing process and ensuring sustainability</p
Effects of Conjugation with basil seed gum on physicochemical, functional, foaming, and emulsifying properties of albumin, whey protein isolate and soy protein isolate
No full textProtein conjugation with the Maillard reaction has received considerable attention in the past decades in terms of improving functional properties. This study evaluated the changes in the techno-functional properties of whey protein isolate (WPI), soy protein isolate (SPI), and albumin (Alb) after conjugation with basil seed gum (BSG). The conjugates were developed via the Maillard reaction. Various analyses including FT-IR, XRD, SEM, SDS-PAGE, DSC, RVA, rheology, zeta potential, emulsion, and foaming ability were used for evaluating conjugation products. Conjugation between proteins (WPI, SPI, Alb) and BSG was validated by FT-IR spectroscopy. XRD results revealed a decrease in the peak of BSG after conjugation with proteins. SDS-PAGE demonstrated the conjugation of WPI, SPI, and Alb with BSG. DSC results showed that conjugation with BSG reduced the Tg of WPI, SPI, and Alb from 210.21, 207.21, and 210.90 ◦C to 190.30, 192.91, and 196.66 ◦C, respectively. The emulsion activity and emulsion stability of protein/BSG conjugates were increased significantly. The droplet size of emulsion samples ranged from 112.1 to 239.3 nm on day 3. Nanoemulsions stabilized by Alb/BSG conjugate had the smallest droplet sizes (112.1 and 143.3 nm after 3 and 17 days, respectively). The foaming capacity of WPI (78.57%), SPI (61.91%), and Alb (71.43%) in their mixtures with BSG increased to 107.14%, 85.71%, and 85.71%, respectively, after making conjugates with BSG. The foam stability of WPI (39.34%), SPI (61.57%), and Alb (53.37%) in their mixtures with BSG (non-conjugated condition) increased to 77.86%, 77.91%, and 72.32%, respectively, after formation of conjugates with BSG. Conjugation of BSG to proteins can improve the BSG applications as a multifunctional stabilizer in pharmaceutical and food industries.</p
Breast health knowledge and awareness among stakeholders in women’s rugby
No full textThis study interviewed stakeholders involved with women’s Rugby in Ireland consisting of male and female coaches (n= 5), physiotherapists (n =3), strength and conditioning coaches (n =3) and female players (n =3) on their knowledge and awareness of breast health issues. The findings indicate overall limited breast health knowledge and awareness amongst interviewees. Breast health issues can have potential future health complications such as fat necrosis or tissue scaring. The primary barrier to reporting breast health issues ascertained was due to the sensitive nature of the topic. The results further highlighted a lack of reporting pathways and treatment options for breast health problems among support staff overall. Additionally, this study indicates that current breast protective measures were not evidence-based, requiring further research. The findings underscored the need for targeted education, preferably by a female educator, on breast health issues for female players, coaches, and support staff, and tailored to stakeholder preferences to improve efficacy</p
“I felt like I was missing ‘me’": Long-term experiences of intrapersonal loss, grief, and change in adults with an acquired brain injury
No full textExperiences of loss and change following acquired brain injury (ABI) are frequent and multi-contextual, yet the long-term experiences of people with ABI are not well understood. This study explored the experiences of intrapersonal loss, grief and change in people with ABI, a decade after their injury. Twelve adults with ABI were interviewed 10–13 years post-injury. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, we identified four overarching themes: a dawning realization of the impact of injury; loss of personhood; loss and liminality; and learning to live with loss and grief. Our findings indicate that in the decade following ABI, people continue to develop awareness of the impact of their injury and experience oscillating acceptance towards enforced changes. Participants reported a diminished sense of agency and autonomy in how they were perceived by and interacted with following injury. Additionally, identity may be lost, suspended, and renegotiated. Findings suggest dynamic, active, and flexible coping strategies that continue to be present over the long term. Considering the persistent nature of the injury and the evolving needs of the individual, a longer term view of rehabilitation outcomes may be required, contextualised by relational and intrapersonal challenges that may present over the longer term.</p