Access to Research at National University of Ireland, Galway
Research at National University of Ireland, GalwayNot a member yet
15712 research outputs found
Sort by
Towards robust autonomous driving: out-of-distribution object detection in bird's eye view space
No full textIn autonomous driving, understanding the surroundings is crucial for safety. Since most object detection systems are designed to identify known objects, they may miss unknown or novel objects, which can be dangerous. This study addresses Out-Of-Distribution (OOD) detection for vehicle-like unknown objects within the Bird's Eye View (BeV) space, a top-down representation of the environment that provides a comprehensive spatial layout crucial for scene understanding. Enhancing the model's adaptability to unfamiliar objects, we present two novel methods for detecting unknown objects in BeV space. Specifically, we introduce random patches and OOD objects in the environment to help the model identify both known objects, such as vehicles, and OOD objects. We also introduce a new dataset, NuScenesOOD, derived from the NuScenes dataset, which augments vehicles with patterns and shapes to challenge the model. Additionally, we address challenges such as patch size inconsistency and occlusion from moving frames in BeV space. Our method targets vehicle-shaped anomalies in the planar driving space, maintaining high accuracy for known and enhancing detection of unknown objects. This research contributes to making future autonomous vehicles safer by improving their ability to detect diverse vehicle like OOD objects in their environment.This research is conducted with the financial support of Research Ireland Centre for Research Training in Artificial In telligence under Grant number 18/CRT/6223, partnered with Valeo. The support of the Insight Research Ireland Centre for Data Analytics under Grant Number 12/RC/2289_P2 is also acknowledged.peer-reviewe
Macromolecular crowding in animal component-free and/or xeno-free media for human mesenchymal stromal cell cultures: In vitro and preliminary in vivo studies
No full textMesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) present great potential for therapeutic and reparative use in tissue engineering due to their self-renewal, multi-lineage differentiation and immunomodulatory properties. In the last twenty years, different strategies to expand the therapeutic potential of MSCs have been developed, however manufacturing and handling of these cells for their use as advanced therapy medicinal products remains insufficiently studied and available data are mainly related to non-industrial processes. Cell culture media containing undefined animal-derived components and prolonged in vitro culture periods in the absence of native extracellular matrix result in phenotypic drift of MSCs. Another limiting factor in the development of tissue engineered medicines is the prolonged in vitro expansion times required to reach the high cell numbers needed for therapeutic effects which is associated with loss of phenotype and immunomodulatory capability. Herein, we assessed whether animal component-free (ACF) or xeno-free (XF) media formulations maintain human bone marrow MSC (hBM-MSC) phenotypic characteristics more effectively than foetal bovine serum (FBS)-based media. In addition, we assessed whether tissue-specific extracellular matrix, induced via macromolecular crowding (MMC) during expansion and / or differentiation, can more tightly control hBMSC fate. Then, the effect of carrageenan in a xeno-free media on human umbilical cord derived MSCs (hUC-MSCs) was studied and in vitro and in vivo assessment of a non-animal sourced chitosan scaffold loaded with xeno-free umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells cultured under macromolecular crowding conditions was conducted. hBM-MSCs expanded in animal component-free media showed overall the highest phenotype maintenance, as judged by cluster of differentiation expression analysis. Contrary to FBS media, ACF and XF media increased cellularity over time in culture, as measured by total DNA concentration. While MMC with Ficoll™ increased collagen deposition of cells in FBS media, FBS media induced significantly lower collagen synthesis and/or deposition than the ACF and XF media. Cells expanded in FBS media showed higher adipogenic differentiation than ACF and XF media, which was augmented by MMC with Ficoll™ during expansion. Similarly, Ficoll™ crowding also increased chondrogenic differentiation. Of note, donor-to-donor variability was observed for collagen type I deposition and trilineage differentiation capacity of hBM-MSCs. Collectively, our data indicate that appropriate screening of donors, media and supplements, in this case MMC agent, should be conducted for the development of clinically relevant MSC medicines. Following appropriate in vitro experimentation, a splinted nude mouse wound healing model was used to assess wound closure and epidermal thickness of non-treated control, non-animal sourced chitosan scaffold, non-animal sourced chitosan scaffold loaded with xeno-free human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells and non-animal sourced chitosan scaffold loaded with xeno-free human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells cultured under macromolecular crowding conditions groups. Across all three donors, carrageenan supplementation significantly increased collagen deposition at day 5, day 8 and day 11 without affecting cell morphology, viability, DNA concentration and metabolic activity. Through freeze drying, a non-animal sourced chitosan sponge was developed with appropriate structural and mechanical properties for wound healing applications. In vitro biological analysis made apparent that neither the scaffold nor macromolecular crowding negatively impacted xeno-free human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cell metabolic activity and proliferation. In vivo biological analysis revealed no significant differences between the groups in wound closure and epidermal thickness, raising question about the suitability of the model. In any case, this work sets the foundations for the development of completely xeno-free tissue engineered medicines
A comparative study of energy sources, docking stations and wireless charging technologies for certain quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles
No full textThis paper presents an overview of drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) docking stations, wireless charging systems and power sources. The investigation of power sources for quadrotor UAVs includes conventional batteries, fuel cells, and hybrid systems, with a thorough analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each, considering factors such as energy density, endurance, weight, and safety. Additionally, this study examines the concept of quadrotor UAV docking stations, offering an automated and efficient method for recharging, and swapping the batteries during missions. It also encompasses the design factors, advantages, and difficulties of various docking station types, such as ground-based and aerial docking stations. Furthermore, the paper explores the emerging field of quadrotor UAV wireless charging systems such as inductive, capacitive, and hybrid inductive-capacitive systems are investigated for their suitability in powering quadrotor UAVs. These systems often exhibit nonlinear behaviors due to resonant coupling, mutual impedance variation, and misalignment sensitivity, which significantly affect charging efficiency and system stability. A summary of the most significant findings is provided highlighting the nonlinear challenges, present state of technology, current difficulties, and potential future research directions in the areas of wireless charging systems for quadrotor UAVs. This comprehensive overview serves as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers and company executives engaged in the development and utilization of quadrotor UAVs across different applications.peer-reviewe
Public communication of climate and justice: A scoping review
No full textThe intersection of public communication, climate change, and justice constitutes a nascent but growing interdisciplinary field of vital importance as climate change, driven largely by consumption patterns in high-income counties, disproportionately affects communities with limited adaptive capacity, raising profound justice concerns. This scoping review delves into the emerging domain of public communication regarding climate and justice and seeks to provide a comprehensive overview that may help guide future research. It maps the landscape of existing peer-reviewed journal scholarship, identifying trends and gaps across disciplines such as communication, energy politics, and urban planning. Following a birds-eye quantitative analysis of English peer-reviewed journal articles in the field (N = 250 studies), six thematic areas are scrutinized in-depth: (1) activism and protest, (2) journalism and news media, (3) international negotiations, national policy, and local engagement, (4) art and cultural production, (5) climate obstruction and delay, and (6) communication effects on attitudes and behaviors. The review reveals, inter alia, a predominance of research originating from, and case studies focused on high-income countries, a strong reliance on qualitative methods, and a tendency to conceive of justice in terms of distributive rather than procedural or representational questions. In the authors' view, the review indicates a need for comparative research, quantitative studies, and a broader inclusion of perspectives from regions disproportionately affected by climate change—particularly from low- and middle-income countries. The authors call for a concerted effort to bridge the gap between activism and communication by emphasizing the critical role of justice-oriented communication in fostering a fair and rapid transition to a sustainable future.Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.peer-reviewe
Deep-sea ecosystems of the North Atlantic Ocean: discovery, status, function and future challenges
No full textThe North Atlantic is an ocean basin with a diversity of deep-sea ecosystems. Here we provide a summary of the topography and oceanography of the North Atlantic including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, provide a brief overview of the history of scientific research therein, and review the current status of knowledge of each of 18 pelagic and benthic deep-sea ecosystems, with a particular focus on knowledge gaps. We analyse biodiversity data records across the North Atlantic and highlight spatial data gaps that could provide important foci for future expeditions. We note particular data gaps in EEZs of nations within and bordering the Caribbean Sea. Our data provide a baseline against which progress can be tracked into the future. We review human impacts caused by fishing, shipping, mineral extraction, introduction of substances, and climate change, and provide an overview of international, regional and national measures to protect ecosystems. We recommend that scientific research in the deep sea should focus on increasing knowledge of the distribution and the connectivity of key species and habitats, and increasing our understanding of the processes leading to the delivery of ecosystem services. These three pillars - distribution, connectivity, ecosystem function - will provide the knowledge required to implement conservation and management measures to ensure that any deep-sea development in the future is sustainable. Infrastructure and capacity are unevenly distributed and implementation of strategies that will lead to more equitable deep-sea science is required to ensure that essential science can be delivered.Financial support to researchers was provided to: A-NL by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Grant/Award LO2543/1-1; AB by PTJ (German Ministry for Science and Education), Grant 03G0227A; NZ by the Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation; AP by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland, Grant GOIPG/2022/765; EE-B by CIC and ICML UNAM, Grants ICML-410-UNAM and ICML-SS-2024-12/35–565; AC by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) through national funds via CEEC contract CEECIND/00101/2021 (https://doi.org/10.54499/2021.00101.CEECIND/CP1669/CT0001) and FCT, I.P., under the project UIDB/05634/2025 and UIDP/05634/2025; DC by OP AZORES 2020 (01-0145-FEDER-000140 MarAZ Researchers: Consolidate a body of researchers in Marine Sciences in the Azores), FCT 2023.07867.CEECIND and funds attributed to Okeanos-UAç (UIDB/05634/2020, UIDP/05634/2020 and M1.1.A/REEQ.CIENTIFICOUI&D/2021/010); AH, CFR & PE, by financial support to CESAM by FCT/MCTES (UIDP/50017/2020, UIDB/50017/2020, LA/P/0094/2020) through national funds; NCM by FCT, Grants CEECIND005262017, CIMA UI/MAR/00350/2020, and LA/P/0069/2020; RS by FCT, Grant 2021.02789.CEECIND/CP1669/CT0002; SPR by FCT/MCTES through national funds in the scope of the CEEC contract (CEECIND/00758/2017) and funds attributed to CESAM (UIDP/50017/2020, UIDB/50017/2020 and LA/P/0094/2020); JRX by the European Union Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Framework Programme in scope of the TwinDEEPS project (GA 101160298) and Portuguese national funds through FCT Foundation for Science and Technology within the scope of UIDB/04423/2020, UIDP/04423/2020, and LA/P/0101/2020, as well as 2023.08132.CEECIND/CP2848/CT0008; TA by FCT via the CEEC contract (CEECIND/00830/2018/CP1559/CT0002) and funds attributed to CESAM (UIDP/50017/2020, UIDB/50017/2020 and LA/P/0094/2020); TM by the FCT-IP Program Stimulus of Scientific Employment (CCCIND/03345/2020), the H2020 programme MERCES (689518) and iAtlantic (818123), the HEurope programme MarinePlan (101059407), and the Azores Government under Contract number 18/DRPM/2022 and ACORES-14-62G4-FEDER-000001; TNM by Minobrnauki of RF, Theme No. FMWE-2024-0022; JMD, TH & ARG by the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), as part of AtlantiS - Atlantic Climate and Environment Strategic Science (Grant Number NE/Y005589/1); DOBJ by NERC, as part of the Climate Linked Atlantic Section Science (CLASS) program (Grant Number NE/R015953/1)and Autonomous Techniques for anthropogenic Structure Ecological Assessment (AT-SEA) Project (NE/T010649/1); KLH & AEHB by the UKRI GCRF funded One Ocean Hub, Grant NE/S008950/1; DJA byUC Santa Barbara's Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory; FEMK by the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON: NASA grant 80NSSC22K1779 and NOAA IOOS grant NA19NOS0120199); AKS by NOAA, Award NA21OAR4320190 to the Northern Gulf Institute; RM and TTS by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's RESTORE Science Program under award NA19NOS4510193 to Nova Southeastern University; SJ by the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskaprsrådet) and FORMAS
Discrimination of ischemic versus hemorrhagic stroke type by presenting symptoms or signs: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textBackground
Valid discrimination of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke relies exclusively on neuroimaging. Novel biomarkers in acute stroke present an opportunity to reconsider combination diagnostic approaches with standardized clinical assessment. Our systematic review evaluates diagnostic properties of acute clinical features in determining primary stroke etiology.
Methods
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines. PubMed and EMBASE were searched from inception to 6th March 2025. Eligibility criteria included cohort, cross-sectional, case-control, or randomised controlled trial; consecutive adults with an acute stroke confirmed by neuroimaging; and one or more acute stroke symptom(s) or sign(s) recorded by stroke subtype. A random-effects model was used to pool odds ratios.
Results
A total of 60 studies, (n = 12,879,006; ischemic stroke = 10,814,474; hemorrhagic stroke = 2,064,532), were eligible. Mean age was 70.45 ± 14.36 years and 51.9 % were women. Clinical presenting symptoms/signs associated with significantly higher odds of hemorrhagic stroke (compared to ischemic stroke) included coma (odds ratio 8.81 [95 % confidence interval, 5.02–15.45]), neck stiffness (5.21 [2.22–12.21]), Glasgow Coma Scale ≤8 (4.37 [2.35–8.16]), vomiting (3.86 [2.71–5.49]), altered consciousness (3.55 [2.55–4.95]), headache (3.49 [2.63–4.64]), syncope (2.74 [1.96–3.83]), seizure (2.67 [1.72–4.15]), abnormal plantar response (1.94 [1.24–3.04]) and vertigo/dizziness (1.32 [1.04–1.68]). Clinical symptoms/signs associated with significantly lower odds of hemorrhagic stroke included morning onset (0.41 [0.32–0.54]), facial weakness (0.66 [0.46–0.94]), hemiplegia (0.68 [0.50–0.91]), and ataxia (0.73 [0.61–0.86]).
Conclusion
Our review reports substantive differences in prevalence of stroke symptoms and signs between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke subtypes.C.M McDermott was funded by the Health Research Board (ICAT-2022-001) and the ICAT Programme, which is supported by the Health Service Executive, National Doctors Training and Planning, the Health and Social Care, Research and Development Division, the Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland.peer-reviewe
Circumventing radical generation on Fe–V atomic pair catalyst for robust oxygen reduction and zinc–air batteries
No full textIron–nitrogen–carbon (Fe–N–C) catalysts are considered the most active platinum-free alternative for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), yet the generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) from general mechanistic pathway rapidly impair the ORR activity and stability of Fe–N–C. Herein, we establish and report an ORR pathway-switching strategy to circumvent ROS generation and fundamentally improve the activity and stability of Fe–N–C via DFT guided catalyst design. The constructed Fe–V atomic pair catalyst (Fe1V1-NC) with N2Fe-N2-VN2 configuration enables side-on adsorption of O2 and subsequent direct-breaking of the O═O bond to form O*, thereby avoiding the formation of ROS radicals. Importantly, there is intersite electron interaction between FeN4 and VN4, which further boosts the ORR activity. Consequently, Fe1V1-NC exhibits outstanding ORR activity with onset and half-wave (E1/2) potentials at 1.02 and 0.89 V versus RHE, respectively, in 0.1 M KOH. Record-high stability is achieved on Fe1V1-NC with a minimal decay in E1/2 by 16 mV over 50000 cycles, surpassing Fe–N–C counterpart and most of the catalysts reported to date. The Fe1V1-NC-based zinc-air battery reported here demonstrates exceptional durability up to 400 h at 10 mA·cm−2. This work identifies the intrinsic correlation between ORR pathway, activity, and stability, advancing development of stable catalytic systems.This study was financially supported by Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 22172195, 22308387, 22238013, 22002189, and U1932148), Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (Nos. 2023A1515011935), Shanghai Advanced Research Institute (Grant No. E55G211ZZ1), Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. E52G431401), Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of Central South University. W.T. and P.F. acknowledge the sup port from ENEPORTS project (EAPA_0016/2022) funded by Interreg Atlantic Area and the European Union
Negotiating Nollywood: Women, violence, and postfeminist sensibilities in the Nigerian film industry
No full textNollywood, the Nigerian film industry, is the second largest globally in terms of the number of films produced annually. Women, through roles as actresses and, more recently, as producers and directors, have gained avenues to grow their careers and social status within both the industry and broader Nigerian society. However, despite this visibility, research reveals that women are often confined to stereotypical roles and subjected to public vitriol for their personal and professional choices. Although existing studies have examined female representation on screen, few have engaged directly with women working within Nollywood to explore their lived experiences. This paper analyses ten in-depth interviews with female filmmakers to explore the complex realities they navigate. Our findings show that although progress is being made, with more women occupying leadership positions, many continue to face systemic challenges such as sexual harassment, exploitation, gender stereotyping, and symbolic violence. Crucially, the analysis draws on postfeminist sensibilities to understand the “psychic work” these women perform: the internal negotiation of agency, ambition, and vulnerability in a male-dominated industry. This includes the self-regulation of emotions, the pressure to present their struggles as individual choices or triumphs, and the balancing act between personal empowerment and structural constraint. This study thus provides a unique contribution by foregrounding the affective and cognitive labor required of women in Nollywood, situating their experiences within broader postfeminist logics of individualism, resilience, and self-discipline under neoliberal gender regimes. It contributes toward a transnational understanding of the operation of postfeminist sensibilities that undermine women's equality and rights within the film industry
Exploring the implementation of the Stages2Engage model to support collaborative relationships with families: interprofessional views
No full textPurpose
Implementation of evidence-based practices is important. This study explored how an evidence informed model to support integrated working with children with disabilities could be used in interprofessional practice.
Method
Fifty-one professionals completed a survey during interprofessional training focused on understanding and exploring relationship building between professionals and families. Analysis involved descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis.
Results
The professionals shared how they expect families to demonstrate participation in intervention and what the theoretical model means in their local context. The model could provide a framework for engagement and collaborative working with families and be used to reflect on relationships.
Discussion
This research indicates that the exploration stage of implementation research is fundamental to understand the perspectives of the people who will use the model.. However, further exploration is required to guide the implementation of the model, and to learn from the team after time to reflect on the training
Geopolitical tensions: risks and challenges for internationally scaling businesses
No full textPurpose
This article aims to explore the implications of geopolitical tensions for internationally scaling businesses. It is suggested that internationally scaling firms may have a disproportionate exposure to the risks arising from geopolitical tensions and phenomena like techno-nationalism and trade protectionism due to their lack of resources and resilience compared to matured multinational enterprises. This article also examines the conditions under which scaling businesses may emerge as relevant political actors, either as agents or as instruments of the state.
Design/methodology/approach
This article draws on international relations theory, especially the logics of cooperation and conflict, which provide complementary insights into how geopolitical disruptions may influence cross-border scaling. It highlights how geopolitical tensions impact critical aspects of international scaling, including the ability to replicate business models, manage the speed and scope of their rapid growth, secure critical inputs, and leverage digitalization.
Findings
Both cooperation and conflict logics in international relations underscore the adverse effects of geopolitical disruptions on international scaling. Geopolitical tensions introduce significant risks and uncertainties that affect the unique dynamics of international scaling, leading to heightened vulnerabilities. The authors identify key mechanisms through which these tensions impact cross-border scaling. They also examine how scaling businesses engage with geopolitics in two distinct roles, acting as agents shaping the geopolitical environment and as instruments advancing state-driven objectives.
Originality/value
International business scholarship pays increasing attention to how firms can navigate rising geopolitical tensions and manage associate risks. This paper offers a context-sensitive view by examining internationally scaling firms and suggests areas for future research