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Evaluating contrastive models for instance-based image retrieval
No full textIn this work, we evaluate contrastive models for the task of imageretrieval. We hypothesise that models that are learned to encodesemantic similarity among instances via discriminative learningshould perform well on the task of image retrieval, where rele-vancy is defined in terms of instances of the same object. Throughour extensive evaluation, we find that representations from mod-els trained using contrastive methods perform on-par with (andoutperforms) a pre-trained supervised baseline trained on the Ima-geNet labels in retrieval tasks under various configurations. This isremarkable given that the contrastive models require no explicitsupervision. Thus, we conclude that these models can be used tobootstrap base models to build more robust image retrieval engines
Building a data processing activities catalog: representing heterogeneous compliance-related information for GDPR using DCAT-AP and DPV
No full textThis paper describes a new semantic metadata-based approach to describing and integrating diverse data processing activity descriptions gathered from heterogeneous organisational sources such as departments, divisions, and external processors. This information must be collated to assess and document GDPR legal compliance, such as creating a Register of Processing Activities (ROPA). Most GDPR knowledge graph research to date has focused on developing detailed compliance graphs. However, many organisations already have diverse data collection tools for documenting data processing activities, and this heterogeneity is likely to grow in the future. We provide a new approach extending the well-known DCAT-AP standard utilising the data privacy vocabulary (DPV) to express the concepts necessary to complete a ROPA. This approach enables data catalog implementations to merge and federate the metadata for a ROPA without requiring full alignment or merging all the underlying data sources. To show our approach\u27s feasibility, we demonstrate a deployment use case and develop a prototype system based on diverse data processing records and a standard set of SPARQL queries for a Data Protection Officer preparing a ROPA to monitor compliance. Our catalog\u27s key benefits are that it is a lightweight, metadata-level integration point with a low cost of compliance information integration, capable of representing processing activities from heterogeneous sources
Innovative teacher education through personalised learning: designing teaching and learning scenarios
No full textThe growing diversity of the student population twinned with a shift towards more learner-centred education provides the impetus to develop innovative teaching approaches. Imagined as personalised learning (PL), this approach argues for greater flexibility for the learner and more opportunities to include students\u27 voice in the design and enactment of learning. This paper distils the learning from the members of the INTERPEARL project consortium including Lithuanian Universities Siauliai University (SU), Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), and Vilnius University (VU) together with their international partners University of Iceland (UI), and University College Cork, Ireland (UCC). The paper is based on the theoretical assumptions of social construction and takes mixed method approach to uncover the learning from implementing a personalised learning process to encourage greater learner agency and co-creation of learning. This paper will introduce the PL framework developed by the INTERPEARL consortium and two related concepts, namely Learning Scenarios and Learning Design. The learning from the implementation of the PL Framework in Iceland, Ireland, and Lithuanian is uncovered, with a methodology of self-study of teaching and teacher education practices (S-STEP), and student-teachers surveys providing a strong rationale for more PL approach
Synchrotron x-ray fluorescence analysis reveals diagenetic alteration of fossil melanosome trace metal chemistry
No full textA key feature of the pigment melanin is its high binding affinity for trace metal ions. In modern vertebrates trace metals associated with melanosomes, melanin-rich organelles, can show tissue-specific and taxon-specific distribution patterns. Such signals preserve in fossil melanosomes, informing on the anatomy and phylogenetic affinities of fossil vertebrates. Fossil and modern melanosomes, however, often differ in trace metal chemistry; in particular, melanosomes from fossil vertebrate eyes are depleted in Zn and enriched in Cu relative to their extant counterparts. Whether these chemical differences are biological or taphonomic in origin is unknown, limiting our ability to use melanosome trace metal chemistry to test palaeobiological hypotheses. Here, we use maturation experiments on eye melanosomes from extant vertebrates and synchrotron rapid scan-x-ray fluorescence analysis to show that thermal maturation can dramatically alter melanosome trace element chemistry. In particular, maturation of melanosomes in Cu-rich solutions results in significant depletion of Zn, probably due to low pH and competition effects with Cu. These results confirm fossil melanosome chemistry is susceptible to alteration due to variations in local chemical conditions during diagenesis. Maturation experiments can provide essential data on melanosome chemical taphonomy required for accurate interpretations of preserved chemical signatures in fossils
Bedrock target analysis for ROV rockdrill sampling and existing sample stratigraphic and mineralogical verification (BeTar_drill)
No full textThe dynamic seascapes found in continental margin settings generally host many vertical structures, such as fault escarpments and submarine canyon systems. This terrain is exemplified on the Irish Atlantic Margin (IAM) by the Porcupine Bank Canyon (PBC). Bedrock has been found here in the past, however, surveying in these areas continues to be a difficult task due to issues regarding access and sampling conditions. As a result, a lack of both knowledge and detail generally exists for offshore outcrop, which is in stark contrast to typical terrestrial geological data. Modern advances in marine robotics and seafloor imaging techniques has allowed for renewed offshore scientific expeditions in deep marine settings, being guided by high-resolution topographical data (gathered through multibeam echosounding) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). Here, updated high-resolution bathymetric data, coupled with bedrock samples that have been drilled in-situ and a series of video transects spread out across the PBC have been used to develop methods for offshore geological ‘fieldwork’, through marine bedrock mapping and sample characterisation, whilst also using footage to recreate the seafloor through Structur-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry, in order to produce accurately scaled, lifelike, geological outcrop models.
The steps presented within this thesis with regards to bedrock mapping tie in with marine geomorphometry and habitat suitability modelling techniques. This attempts to quantitatively describe the surface of the seafloor, and identify key terrain attributes for which bedrock has previously been encountered and proven to occur. Further terrain data can then be reclassified based on the interquartile ranges (IQRs) for these characteristic sections, identifying potential occurrence of outcrop in non-surveyed areas. This study applies these methods across more than 2000 km2 of canyon terrain,
and have yielded a 60% accuracy for bedrock predictions. These geological maps, coupled with high-definition video footage and physical rock samples, have allowed for a reappraisal of the bedrock encountered within the PBC. Bedrock samples indicate an underlying basement rock of lower greenschist facies metamorphosed igneous rocks.
17 detailed bedrock models have been constructed through the ROV footage also, and through this process, a robust method for applying SfM photogrammetry to offshore deep marine video imagery has been outlined. This has been successful across different surveys which were conducted in the PBC in recent years. The outputs from these models can further be used to record structural detail on bedrock exposed in these complex terrains, aid in distinguishing between lithologies, and also aid in planning future sampling opportunities (through rotary drilling or similar systems).
The methods outlined herein aim to enhance future geological studies in the Irish offshore, whilst also providing a potential tool for ecological studies which aim to target bedrock surrogates for investigation. Through large scale mapping programs, both in Ireland and abroad, public and institutional, a massive opportunity exists to build on from this PBC ‘proof of concept’ study, bridging the void which generally persists when it comes to knowledge on deep marine environments
Regulatory Law and Regulatory Friction as FinTech Disenablers: Calibrating an EU Policy Response to the Adaptive Regulatory Sandbox in Member States
No full textWith transformative evolution involving crypto-assets, machine learning applications and data-driven finance models, complex regulatory and policy issues are emerging. Inadequate frameworks in FinTech markets create regulatory friction and regulatory fragmentation. These limitations continue to feature when piecemeal regulatory transition occurs. The danger of EU Member States being left behind in the FinTech innovation race if the regulatory landscape is cumbersome or incomplete for new business models is real. Regulatory lag and regulatory friction also act as a ‘disenabler’ for ease of cross-border FinTech trade in the EU. This article critically engages with the manner in which the regulatory sandbox has rapidly gained critical mass in Member States as a valuable adaptive measure supporting a route to market for FinTech entrepreneurs. Against the backdrop of the European Commission’s Digital Finance Strategy, the article further advances scholarship on FinTech in the EU by probing the EU’s resulting regulatory dilemma, undertaking a systematic evaluation of the continuum of complex policy options available to the European Union in response to the spreading regulatory sandbox phenomenon
Irish pre-service mathematics teachers\u27 knowledge of curriculum-aligned content
No full texthis study critically examines the mathematics knowledge of pre-service post primary mathematics teachers (N = 85) on commencing their Professional
Master of Education (Level 9) initial teacher education (ITE) programme across
four institutions in Ireland. Given the nature of a consecutive approach to
mathematics teacher education, pre-service teachers enter their ITE programme
from a variety of undergraduate degree backgrounds and it is largely accepted
that their mathematical content knowledge does not change during their
teacher qualification programme. This study utilises a paper-and-pencil test to
assess participants’ cognitive and conceptual proficiency with curriculum aligned mathematical content. Between group comparisons in relation to
participants’ undergraduate studies and cognitive and conceptual proficiency
are also examined. The data suggest that pre-service teachers demonstrate a
strong proficiency with Junior Cycle curriculum-aligned content and poor
proficiency with Senior Cycle content, irrespective of the curriculum strand. In
addition, significant mean differences exist between participants who had
undertaken undergraduate degree studies in physics and mathematics in
comparison to other degree programmes. Such investigations are essential given
the increased focused on developing highly qualified teachers and policy
revisions on ITE programmes. This research alerts us to issues within ITE
programmes that may be addressed prior to mathematics teachers’ induction
into the profession.PUBLISHEDpeer-reviewe
A biological and pharmacological investigation of the unfolded protein response in models of breast cancer
No full textBreast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide. At the molecular level, breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease. For example, the claudin low subtype of breast cancer is characterised by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is a process by which epithelial cells lose cell-cell adhesion and their cell polarity, and gain migratory and invasive properties to become mesenchymal cells. The claudin-low subtype is also driven by specific oncogenes, such as MYC or KRAS. Both EMT and oncogene-driven tumorigenesis have been associated with the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR is a cellular stress response pathway which activates an adaptive mechanisms to overcome stress and restore endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis. The UPR comprises three signalling pathways which are activated by three transmembrane sensors of the ER: inositol requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1), protein kinase RNA‐activated (PKR)‐like ER kinase (PERK) and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6). In breast cancer, IRE1, PERK and ATF6 contribute to cancer cell proliferation, drug resistance and EMT. Chapter III shows that the pharmacological block of IRE1 has no effect on EMT in breast cancer. The knockout of XBP1 was also not sufficient to induce an epithelial phenotype in the MDA-MB-231 claudin low breast cancer cell line. However, Chapter IV shows that plakoglobin, a component of the cell cell contacts, was down regulated by IRE1 in MDA-MB-231 cell line thus affecting cell migration and adhesion in an EMT independent manner. In Chapter V, the relationship between UPR and oncogenes in the regulation of apoptosis was also investigated by overexpressing the oncogenes MYC and KRASG12V in the MCF10A non-tumorigenic mammary epithelial cell line. We observed that the UPR was not activated by MYC and KRASG12V although these oncoproteins decreased cell viability and induced the activation of caspase-3. Finally, in Chapter VI, a cell free drug screening for IRE1 identified compound NUIG10 as a promising inhibitor of IRE1. Altogether, this thesis has evaluated and broadened our knowledge of the role that the UPR and more specifically IRE1 plays in breast cancer.2024-12-1
Saving lives and saving the planet: The readiness of Ireland\u27s healthcare manufacturing sector for the circular economy
No full textHealthcare manufacturing is one of the leading creators of single-use products in Ireland and accounts for 11% of waste generated. Industry and businesses can play a significant role in tackling unsustainable production and consumption levels. Circular Economy (CE) practices could play a major role in the sustainability of health care and medical device manufacturing. This study aimed to develop an understanding of the current state of these company s readiness for the Circular Economy. An online survey was carried out with key employees in this industry to understand their perception of CE and what might drive more circular models. This study found that there was very little knowledge of CE within this industry. Despite this, some aspects of CE had been implemented, driven by cost saving initiatives. The barriers to implementation identified included a lack of prioritization and funding to develop more sustainable models of production. It was also found that financial assistance (e.g. grants) together with policy and legislation could unlock opportunities to develop a more circular model. This study adds to the limited empirical literature on CE barriers and opportunities to manufacturing organisations operating in Ireland.2021-09-1
Dating with a diagnosis: The lived experience of people with multiple sclerosis
No full textBackground: With an average age of onset of about 20-40 years,
MS usually manifests during early adulthood, which is considered
to be a critical period for the development and maintenance of relationships particularly dating and romantic relationships. People
with MS can experience sexual dysfunction, fatigue, pain, reduced
mood and bladder/bowel dysfunction. These difficulties can affect
a person s ability to participate in many meaningful activities,
including those that affect relationships dating, preparing meals,
engaging in sexual intercourse and others. Research in the area has
explored the experiences of people with MS in long-term relationships or in marriage. However, an increasing number of people are
not in long-term relationships in their 20 s, 30 s and beyond. It is
known that dating or entering romantic relationships has been
shown to be difficult for those with physical disabilities who face
stigma, negative societal attitudes and the fear of requiring care
from potential partners. The experience of those with a progressive,
complex condition like MS has not been explored in detail to date.
Objectives: To develop a rich understanding of the impact of MS
on romantic relationships and occupations related to dating. To
better understand how living with a progressive, early-onset condition such as MS, interacts with/influences developing romantic
relationships.
Methods: This study used a descriptive phenomenological design.
Data were collected through two online focus group. A purposive
sampling strategy was implemented to identify participants that
have relevant knowledge or experience to address the research
topic. Participants self-recruited by contacting the authors.
Participants were excluded if they (i) were co-habiting with a partner or married (ii) had a comorbid diagnosis of a neurological
disorder or (iii) were not able to provide informed consent. The
authors used Colaizzi s (1978) descriptive phenomenological
method to analyse the data.
Results: Six females and two males participated in the focus
groups. Participants were aged between 23-37 years and had a
diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Years since
MS diagnosis ranged from 4-16 years. Dating with a diagnosis of
MS is a highly personal phenomenon, characterised by many individual differences in values and experiences. Core to the phenomenon were the process of personal decision-making about
disclosure of the diagnosis, considerations about dating and couple-focused activities that were limited by pain or fatigue and
ongoing adaptation to the fluctuating nature of the condition with
partners in new/developing relationships. Planning for and engaging in dating was considered by some participants to be emotionally exhausting. Conclusions: There were a range of experiences of dating and
relationships across the participants in the study. Participants discussed the most salient issues specific to dating with MS including diagnosi