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
History of COVID-19 infection is associated with disrupted cardiovascular stress response habituation in physically active people
No full textObjective
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by multiple effects on cardiovascular and autonomic functioning. As moment-to-moment cardiovascular function is highly susceptible to mental stress, this has spurred concerns regarding the potential long-term consequences of COVID-19 on sufferers' resilience to psychological stress and stress-related cardiovascular complications. However, the long-term after-effects of COVID-19 on cardiovascular stress reactivity profiles remain relatively unexplored. To address this gap, we investigated dynamic changes in cardiovascular function during and after successive stress exposures as a function of participants' COVID-19 histories.
Method
Our sample comprised 60 adult members of running clubs (mean age ± SD = 44.85 ± 9.64 yrs; 50 % male; 50 % female), who were classified into one of three groups based on self-reported history of COVID-19 (never had COVID-19; had COVID-19 once; had COVID-19 multiple times). Participants underwent a laboratory-based stress-induction protocol, during which a mental arithmetic challenge was presented twice. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured before and during both stress exposures, which facilitated an assessment of habituation of cardiovascular stress responses.
Results
History of COVID-19 was associated with disrupted cardiovascular stress response habituation. Specifically, persons classified as having never been infected with COVID-19 exhibited lower DBP responses to the second stress exposure compared to the first, indicative of ordinary habituation as observed in previous research. Furthermore, history of COVID-19 was associated with significantly elevated average HR throughout the procedure.
Conclusions
Response habituation is an ordinary mechanism that protects an organism from the rigors of recurring daily stress. If COVID-19 disrupts habituation of cardiovascular system responses, then individuals who have experienced COVID-19 in the past may be left with lingering effects that increase their susceptibility to future stress-related cardiovascular ill-health. Given the substantial number of people worldwide who have been affected by COVID-19, this potential long-lasting impact merits comprehensive investigation.peer-reviewe
WebShield 5.0: Harnessing AI and NLP to combat web threats in Industry 5.0
No full textIndustry 5.0 characterized by the integration of human intelligence and advanced technologies is inherently more connected and interdependent than previous industrial paradigms. This increased connectivity exposes to various web-based attacks and calls for strong security controls. To address the challenges and enhance attack detection, this paper introduces Ingress Manager (IM), a novel approach that amalgamates Natural Language Processing (NLP) with Machine Learning (ML) to mitigate web-based threats. By combining multimodal data and utilizing the Mayfly optimization algorithm for feature selection, IM carries out a thorough analysis for efficient web-based attack detection. Mayfly Optimization is considered to be a variation of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), combining the benefits of Firefly Algorithm, Genetic Algorithm (GA), and PSO. Experiments on the HTTP CSIC-2010 dataset show that this integration is effective, as evidenced by the notable gains in accuracy, precision, and F-score above baseline models. Notable performance metrics such as accuracy of 98.5753% along with thorough component analysis (ablation study) add deeper understanding to the proposed approach. The paper’s contributions lie in its utilization of Industry 5.0 principles, the incorporation of Mayfly optimization for feature selection, and the innovative combination of NLP and ML for robust web-based attack detection.Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland under grant numbers 12/RC/2289_P2 (Insight) and 22/NCF/DR/11165 (Cyber-Shock)peer-reviewe
Composite upcycling: An experimental study on mechanical behaviour of injection moulded parts prepared from recycled material extrusion printed parts, previously prepared using glass fibre polypropylene composite industry waste
No full textUpcycling pre-existing material extrusion (MEX) fabricated products is nascent as the industry's broader adaptation of MEX printers can be observed. This manuscript elucidates the post-process injection moulding manufacturing technique applied to MEX-printed thermoplastic composite waste materials composed of industrial glass fibre-reinforced polypropylene (GFRPP) composite. It evaluates the impact of glass fibre weight fractions (15 %, 30 %, and 40 %) on the injection moulded specimens' flexural and ultimate tensile strength. The mechanical performance of the injection moulded parts was compared with MEX additive manufactured parts derived from identical material. Homogeneous glass fibre distribution within the thermoplastic matrix was discerned in the injection moulded components utilising an optical light microscope. The mean ultimate tensile strength of the injection moulded parts was 29 MPa for the samples exhibiting a 40 % fibre weight fraction. It was demonstrated that the increase in glass fibre content from 15 % to 40 % improved the tensile strength, flexural strength, and elastic modulus of injection moulded specimens by 52 %, 135 %, and 52 %, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the fracture surface of the injection moulded specimens revealed that the glass fibres predominantly displayed fibre pull-out rather than fibre breakage. Subsequent SEM imaging indicated that in contrast to the MEX printing manufacturing technique, the injection moulding fabrication process of GFRPP generally reduced porosity and minimised internal defects. The findings indicated that injection moulding post-process manufacturing possesses superior mechanical attributes compared to specimens fabricated through MEX printing. The results have substantiated the successful transformation of waste industrial GFRPP material into standardised specimens through the injection moulding fabrication technique. This study shows the potential of upcycling printed engineering-grade components via injection moulding, thereby converting them into functional composites within a circular economy framework.This research was funded by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and administered by Enterprise Ireland under the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, MI-DRONE Project (Contract Ref: DT 2020 0221). The authors would like to acknowledge the support provided by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland, formerly Science Foundation Ireland under grant number 22/IRDIFB/10946, 16/RC/3872, 21/RC/10295-P2, and 12/RC/2302_2. This publication has also emanated in part from research conducted with the financial support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 847402.peer-reviewe
Young people’s perspectives on school support for cyberbullying victims: A qualitative study
No full textBackground: To date, research shows that multiple barriers exist in post-primary schools preventing cyberbullying victims from accessing support. Studies reveal that school personnel’s limited understanding of cyberbullying and a deficit in youth-centred support systems hinder victims from coming forward for support. There continues to be a dearth of qualitative research on cyberbullying from adolescents’ perspectives and scarce studies looking at how forms of school support can be improved for young adolescent victims. As such, this study aimed to investigate young people’s (aged 13-15) perspectives on school support for cyberbullying victims, focusing on the Irish post-primary school context.
Methods: Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with 51 post-primary school students (16 girls, 34 boys, and 1 student who preferred not to label their gender) in Galway County, Ireland who were between the ages of 13 and 15. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling (i.e. school PPI research contacts). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results: Two main themes were found: (1) Trusting relationships and trustworthy systems of school support, and (2) Peer support. Being able to trust educators and support services for victims is key to helping young people feel comfortable reaching out for help. Building a trusting relationship with students involves adults showing their care for them. It also requires staff to possess appropriate knowledge and skills to help stop cyberbullying. Systems of support at school also need to be tailored to young people’s needs and recognise their agency. Moreover, peers’ demonstrating empathy for victims can help individuals recover and reconnect with classmates. Victims can cultivate better resilience by making new friends and strengthening their social connections at school. Lastly, schools can support students in building healthy rapport and friendships by hosting group social activities and workshops to help young people connect with one another.
Conclusion: Good relationships with educators and peers are the most valuable form of support for cyberbullying victims at school. Emotional support from both groups helps victims recover psychologically and socially. Furthermore, support systems need to change to meet victims’ privacy and emotional needs better. Schools need to also support staff in building trusting relationships with students and should also prioritise teaching youth how to support victims after an incident
A systematic review of strategies and interventions to promote the inclusion of autistic adolescents
No full textThe need for inclusive education for autistic adolescents has been acknowledged by international policies, leading to increased research. This systematic review aimed to analyse strategies and interventions to promote the inclusion of autistic adolescents. Booth and Ainscow’s (2011) inclusion framework was used to evaluate strategies concerning their promotion of presence, participation, and achievement. Inclusive strategies varied across studies, predominantly focusing on skill acquisition rather than psychoeducational strategies or environmental adaptations. Presence and participation were more frequently promoted than academic achievement. Studies rarely included feedback from autistic adolescents regarding their input into strategy development or their experiences. Additionally, there is no consensus on the definition of inclusion in this area. Implications and future research directions will be discussed.peer-reviewe
Developing the evidence-base for a digital intervention to address weight stigma in general practice: A patient and practitioner- informed approach to obesity education and training
No full textBackground: Obesity is a significant global health challenge, with profound implications for individuals' physical and mental well-being, as well as healthcare systems. It is linked to numerous comorbidities and is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, physiological, behavioural, and environmental factors. Weight stigma, a pervasive form of discrimination and prejudice against individuals with obesity, can exacerbate its health consequences and hinder effective management. This thesis is grounded in the recognition that addressing weight stigma, especially within patient-provider interactions in general practice, is critical. General practice settings often serve as the initial point of contact for healthcare, and general practitioners’ attitudes and behaviours can significantly impact patients' experiences and outcomes. The rationale for delivering the intervention digitally using virtual human technology was to capitalise on their unique abilities to provide personalised, engaging, and standardised learning experiences. This approach aims to enhance general practitioners' self-efficacy and clinical skills in managing obesity through the delivery of obesity education and training that supports the reduction of weight stigma in this setting. Aims: This thesis aimed to advance our understanding of weight stigma in patient-provider interactions. This evidence was used within the thesis to inform the systematic development of a virtual human-based digital intervention designed to reduce weight stigma in patient-provider interactions. Methodology: The research employed a multiple-methods approach, integrating the Medical Research Council's framework for complex interventions and the principles of Intervention Mapping. The studies conducted in this thesis followed steps 1- 4 of the intervention mapping protocol to establish the evidence-base and inform the development of the digital intervention. Four interconnected studies were completed. Study 1: a qualitative evidence synthesis was conducted exploring weight stigma experienced by patients with obesity across healthcare settings to establish a comprehensive understanding of the problem and to identify the target population for intervention. Study 2: a reflexive thematic analysis was used to contextualise patients experiences of weight stigma to general practice settings. Study 3 used an abductive thematic analysis underpinned by the Theoretical Domains Framework to explore GP perspectives on obesity management in general practice settings. The Behaviour Change Wheel was used to guide the translation of the findings into intervention options to support GPs to deliver non-stigmatising obesity care to patients with obesity. Study 4 describes the process of organising and translating the evidence-base into a prototype for testing the initial version of the virtual-human-based digital intervention following the structured guidelines of the Intervention Mapping protocol. Findings: The qualitative evidence synthesis findings revealed that weight stigma in healthcare settings was predominantly experienced within interpersonal interactions. This highlighted the need for targeted interventions to address these interactions. The reflexive thematic analysis provided deeper insights into how weight stigma was perceived by patient in general practice, indicating that weight-based conversations within the context of weight management in general practice settings required specific attention. The qualitative interview study exploring the influences on GPs obesity-related clinical practices indicated a deficit in obesity-related knowledge and skills among general practitioners, emphasising the need for training on initiating weight-based conversations and guiding person-centred clinical decision- making. Studies 1,2,3 established the evidence-base by exploring patient experiences and examining factors influencing clinical practices in weight management. These findings informed the development of a virtual human-driven digital intervention in Study 4, which followed the Intervention Mapping protocol to develop a digital intervention to address weight stigma in general practice. In collaboration with a planning group, the study identified core theoretical components necessary for the intervention. These components were then translated into practical applications within the virtual human digital intervention to address weight stigma through obesity education and training. Conclusion: In conclusion, this research represents a significant step forward in the development of weight stigma reduction interventions in general practice. This thesis offers a comprehensive approach to addressing this complex issue by integrating empirical insights, theoretical frameworks, and practical applications that can be adapted for other healthcare contexts. Future research should build upon these foundations to further refine and evaluate the acceptability, usability, and impact of the virtual human-based digital intervention, ensuring its sustainability in general practice settings.This work was conducted with the financial support of the Science Foundation Ireland Centre for Research Training in Digitally-Enhanced Reality (d-real) under Grant No.18/CRT/62 2
Advanced structural testing and modelling of a novel full-scale helical shape tidal turbine foil
No full textThe utilisation of tidal energy holds significant promise for sustainable power generation, particularly in regions with tidal resources. In this context, tidal energy sector is targeting to develop innovative tidal energy systems for tidal potential sites and rivers to enhance the green power generation and achieve United Nation’s sustainable development goals. However, ensuring the structural integrity of tidal turbine components, particularly the blades, is key for their effective operation, as blades play a pivotal role in determining the system's performance, lifetime, reliability, and efficiency. Therefore, the research aims to assess the structural integrity of a 5 m long crossflow helical tidal turbine foil, featuring a 1.8 m rotor and three foils designed to generate 40 kW, through structural testing and numerical modelling. The testing procedures adhere to DNVGL-ST-0164 and IEC DTS 62600–3:2020 standards, encompassing dynamic, static, fatigue, and residual strength assessments. A unique testing set up and testing protocol were followed to undertake the structural testing program for this innovative tidal foil compared to the commonly used horizontal axis tidal turbine blades. During the testing programme, the foil underwent 1,300,000 fatigue cycles, which is the highest number of fatigue cycles recorded on a tidal turbine blade in dry laboratory conditions, and, in the final static testing stage, the foil sustained damage at 110 % of the idealised full loading condition. A numerical model, based on the finite element method, of the foil has been initially developed using material properties from test coupons and datasheets. This model was then improved by using the mechanical properties obtained from coupons extracted from the foil after testing, however only a slight difference in the two models was observed. A comprehensive assessment of all the test results and selected numerical studies validated the novel design of the tidal foil, while developing a knowledge base to accelerate the structural testing programs of tidal turbine blades, has been presented. This paper also highlights the utilisation of modern tools and adaptations in testing methodologies to accommodate diverse design variations, thus mitigating industry risks for potential low tide and river deployments in the future.Grateful acknowledgment is extended for the financial support received for this work, encompassing funding from the European Commission under the H2020 CRIMSON project (Grant Agreement no.: 971209) and the TIDAL-GES project of the University of Galway Global Challenges Programme. Furthermore, gratitude is expressed for the financing by the MaREI Research Ireland Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine, which is funded by Taighde Éireann–Research Ireland, formerly Science Foundation Ireland, (Grant no. 12/RC/2302_2), the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (Grant no. 22/RDD/783 and 23/RDD/917) and the Marine Institute, funded under the Marine Research Programme by the Government of Ireland (PDOC/21/03/01). Moreover, it is essential to convey appreciation for the invaluable support extended by the industry partners, ORPC and ÉireComposites.peer-reviewe
Against unreality: A literary ethics of attention to suffering with Simone Weil, Iris Murdoch, and Elsa Morante
No full textThis thesis positions literature as a privileged space for attending to suffering, examining the moral value of attention as theorised by Simone Weil and expanded by Iris Murdoch. I explore the relationship between attention and literature, establishing what I define as a ‘literary ethics of attention’. From this, I develop a framework I term ‘mystical realism’, which proposes that literature can bear ‘attentive’ witness to suffering. A case study of Elsa Morante’s novel La Storia, viewed through the lens of Murdochian philosophy of literature, serves to illustrate this idea, as the text is rooted in Weil’s concept of attention to le malheur. Through this analysis, the thesis suggests that La Storia is an example of ‘mystical’ attention to the darkest and most invisible aspects of reality, and thus a literary endeavour to restore the integrity of the real
Motives for pornography use and women's sexual wellbeing: Insights from a 42-country study
No full textBackground and aims
Despite a growing body of research on pornography use among women, there is a lack of understanding of the problematic versus non-problematic nature. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between women's motivations for pornography use and sexual wellbeing using a cross-sectional, self-report survey design among participants from 42 countries.
Methods
The total sample included 82,243 participants, of whom 46,874 (57.0%) identified as women and were analyzed. The participants' age averaged at M = 29.67 years, with a standard deviation of SD = 10.11. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire assessing their motivations for pornography use, as well as measures of sexual functioning, sexual desire, and sexual satisfaction.
Results
Study results suggest that across cultures, women's motivations for pornography use are associated with their sexual wellbeing. Specifically, when women reported using pornography for their own pleasure or sexual curiosity, it was associated with fewer sexual functioning problems and higher sexual desire. Conversely, when women reported using pornography due to a lack of sexual satisfaction in their relationships, it was associated with more sexual functioning problems.
Discussion and conclusions
These findings highlight the need to consider the multifaceted nature of pornography use among women, including the usage motives, to fully understand associations with sexual wellbeing. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of conducting further research utilizing longitudinal designs, to establish the directionality between pornography use motivations and sexual wellbeing among women.SB was supported by a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair. MK and LN were supported by the ÚNKP-22-3 New National Excellence Program of the Ministry for Culture and Innovation from the source of the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund. SWK was supported by the Kindbridge Research Institute. ZD was supported by the Hungarian National Research, Development, and Innovation Office (Grant number: KKP126835, K131635). BB was supported by a postdoctoral fellowship from the SCOUP Team – Sexuality and Couples – Fonds de recherche du Québec, Société et Culture and the by the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, SSHRC).peer-reviewe