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Why the playworker’s mind-set is ideal for research with children: Child researchers investigate education rights in Nicaragua
No full textThis chapter draws on my experience as a PhD researcher investigating children’s perceptions of human rights in school in Nicaragua’s coffee-growing zone to claim that, for a researcher such as myself coming from a playwork background, the ability to hold on to a playworker mind-set offers a distinct advantage when it comes to doing research in partnership with children. To develop this argument, I return to my playwork roots in England in the 1970s, and recount how from those roots grew the Article 31 Children’s Consultancy Scheme in the late 1990s, then how in 2001 I took these ideas with me to Nicaragua, where they gradually developed into the research methodology now known as “Transformative Research by Children and Adolescents” (TRCA). The TRCA approach is introduced, showing how its epistemology, values and methods reflect its playwork-inspired origins, and how it has subsequently developed through practice. I used TRCA as the main research methodology in my 2012-15 doctoral research project, where I obtained striking (and unexpected) findings on children’s perceptions about their right to play. The chapter concludes with a reflection on how my ability to hold on to a deeply-rooted playworker mind-set was a factor in making such findings possible. It also explores how this playworker mind-set may be advantageous for other researchers seeking to cut through the preconceptions and prescriptions of the adult professional world to engage more fully with children’s ways of thinking, and so get closer to a real understanding of children’s own experiences, perceptions and agendas
Scope for spherical Bi2WO6 quazi-perovskites in the artificial photosynthesis reaction – the effects of surface modification with amine groups
No full textThe synthesis, characterisation, modification (with n-propyl amine groups) of Bi2WO6 particles and the scope for its application in artificial photosynthesis reactions is described. The synthesis involves microwave activation of spherical Bi2O3 precursors followed by a hydrothermal treatment in the presence of Na2WO4. These are characterised using electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), BET, XRD, FTIR, FT-Raman and UV-Visible spectroscopies and CO2 TPD. Subsequently this material is modified through the condensation of propyl amine groups to surface hydroxyl groups, and the composites prepared are characterised using FTIR and D-FTIR following exposure to CO2. Both the spherical particles and the amine-modified analogues are applied in the artificial photosynthesis reaction under batch conditions. O2, CO and CH4 are the observed gaseous products during the reaction and there is FTIR evidence for the formation of adsorbed alcohols and carbonylated products. Although the modification with amine groups decreased the overall photocatalytic reactivity, it also altered the product selectivity with respect to the CH4/CO ratio. The catalyst tends to improve the oxygen production ability after about 20h of operation, with a decline in CH4 and CO production, indicating that other condensates are probably generated. This opens up new possibilities and scope for this catalyst and further research is required to understand the observations.Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES
Feasibility analysis of community-based PV systems for residential districts: A comparison of on-site centralized and distributed PV installations
No full textPhotovoltaic systems are one of the most promising renewable energy technologies for on-site generation. Most of the techno-economic studies consider distributed standalone photovoltaic generation with little consideration of community-based standalone photovoltaic systems. Location-based case studies are required to provide economic and reliable photovoltaic systems to meet the peak loads of residential neighbourhoods in an optimized manner. This paper devises an integrated evaluation methodology; a combination of white-box energy modelling and black box photovoltaic design optimization. This research uses optimization methods to develop a quantitative optimized model for analysing the opportunities of centralized systems to adequately meet the demands of a residential neighbourhood and support the grid. This analysis includes three metrics including the level of the energy production, reliability of system for peak power and finally the capital cost of implementation in residential districts. Results indicate that the size of a centralized photovoltaic installation is less when compared to distributed installations to support a similar single peak load. The required converter size is reduced for the centralized system owing to the reduced system size. Centralized installations require fewer batteries to store surplus energy produced due to increased interaction of energy flows. Centralized installations are economically more viable than distributed ones.Science Foundation IrelandUniversity College DublinESIPP UC
#Openteach: professional development for open online educators
No full textIn this book we aim to share the knowledge, resources and research generated by the #Openteach project. The aim of the project was to create an evidence-based and open professional learning approach to support educators to teach online. Teaching online is different, in this book we explore this difference with the aim of supporting educators to develop their online teaching practice and knowledge of online pedagogy.
The Covid-19 Pandemic has been a game changer for online education, impacting 1.5 billion students worldwide and thrusting the majority of schooling and higher education online (Bozkurt and et al. 2020). Additionally, the pandemic has thrust most higher education staff into teaching online, the majority without previous experience of this mode of education (Bozkart et. al., 2020; Farrell, 2020) However, teaching online requires different pedagogical approaches to traditional lecturing, therefore institutions need to support educators transitioning into online teaching to ensure quality (Gurley, 2019). Effective online teaching supports student engagement and success, this is key as online students are more vulnerable to attrition (Coker, 2018; Woodley & Simpson 2014).
This book aims to address this need for professional learning opportunities for educators to upskill in the area of online teaching practice and pedagogy. The intended audience for the book is any educator interested in learning more about effective practice for teaching online and online pedagogy
The bile pigments and genetics of ballan wrasse morphotypes
No full textAll fish have the pigment bilirubin in their blood which results from the breakdown of haemoglobin, however, some Labridae and other species also have an alternative pigment known as biliverdin which results in blue-green coloured plasma. The functional role of alternative forms of blood pigment is still unclear. Labrus bergylta is a protogynous hermaphrodite, distinguished for its various morphotypes based on diverse colours and patterns. The current study has distinguished four different morphotypes sampled from two locations in Galway Ireland (n=57 from Carna 2015, n=21 from Carna 2016, n=37 from Spiddal 2015 and n=34 Spiddal 2016), which were classified as: ‘plain’, ‘spotted’, ‘merle’ and ‘intermediate’. A series of hypotheses were tested, the first one being an association between the presence of biliverdin in blood plasma and the hermaphroditic reproductive mode. To determine presence of bili-pigments, blood plasma from several coastal fish species with either hermaphrodite or gonochoristic life histories were examined using colorimetry readings (L* a* b* scores) and scanning UV spectrophotometry to examine absorbance spectra. L* a* b* scores and peaks in absorbance spectra for gonochoristic fish species showed a range of plasma colourations: pinkish, blue-green and yellow/green, hence they did not support the hypothesis of a link between the hermaphroditic reproductive mode and plasma colouration. For L. bergylta only, the plasma pigments were extracted and confirmed to be biliverdin and bilirubin using Mass Spectrometry. The next set of experiments examined links between biliverdin/bilirubin concentration in blood plasma (determined using a pigment extraction procedure known as the spectrometric method) and the four observed morphotypes in L. bergylta, along with possible connections to body size and a series of basic haematology variables (including packed cell volume (haematocrit), haemoglobin, blood cells count and blood indices). Overall, there were differences between the morphotypes in three variables: body size, biliverdin and total bilirubin concentrations (plasma), which when combined, were predictive of morphotype(s). Merle was the shortest and the lightest morph, while the spotted and intermediate morphotypes were the largest and the heaviest. In plain morphotypes, total bilirubin in the plasma was higher, while the other morphs overlapped in this variable. Plasma biliverdin concentration, on the other hand, was the highest for both plain and intermediate individuals and the lowest in merle. Despite these gross patterns, comparing pigment concentrations in the plasma between locations and years showed high variability: the bilirubin concentration in both locations and years was higher than biliverdin except for Carna 2015. The next aim was to speculate as to the role of pigments in camouflage, to establish connections (or not) between morphotype and accumulation of biliverdin in external tissues (skin and scales) on the dorsal and ventral body surfaces. To do this, colorimetric readings (L* a* b* scores) were taken, both from external tissue surfaces and in extracts made from these tissues. In addition, biliverdin was extracted from external tissues and its concentration measured using the spectrometric method. Correlations (if any) between biliverdin concentrations in external tissue extracts and concentrations in plasma for the same individuals were then examined. Overall (both locations combined), biliverdin concentrations in external tissues (skin and scales) and plasma of L. bergylta were positively correlated. In both locations, biliverdin concentrations extracted from skin was also positively correlated with biliverdin extracted from scales. Finally, comparison of biliverdin concentrations in external tissues between the morphotypes in Carna revealed variations in the skin and scales (in 2015 only), where the smaller morph (merle) had lowest concentrations, but larger morphs (spotted and intermediate) had highest biliverdin concentrations. The latter was a similar pattern to what was observed overall in plasma concentrations, however, this pattern did not apply to other years/locations. In the final research chapter, the four different morphotypes were analysed using two genetic markers, i.e. the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and mitochondrial DNA control region (CR) sequences to investigate i) whether all morphotypes present can be identified genetically as L. bergylta species and also ii) to examine genetic variability of morphotypes. Genetic population structure was sampled at both Carna and Spiddal (2015 and 2016) and CR sequences were also compared with unknown morphs of L. bergylta from ten locations after accessing sequence data from Genbank. The latter were divided into 3 regions based on latitude (‘Britain and Ireland’, ‘Azores’ and ‘Norway’). No genetic differences between the morphotypes was observed in haplotype networks (COI/CR genes) and AMOVA (CR). Ignoring morphotype and placing samples from this study within the broader geographic regional context (i.e. Ireland/UK, Norway and Azores) using the CR gene showed that Irish populations were separated from the Azores but were not completely separated from Norway populations. Since biliverdin/bilirubin concentration in plasma is related to morphotypes and body size and since plasma biliverdin is somewhat linked to its concentration in external tissues, it is proposed that one of the roles of biliverdin may be in signalling of some sort to conspecifics. Alternatively, because concentrations were also quite variable across locations/years (varying from site to site), biliverdin may function in camouflage, or because it is a strong antioxidant, may perform as a photoprotector or some other adaptation to life in shallow water. Further research is needed to understand the physiological role of biliverdin in certain morphs, years and locations. As the results do not indicate genetic isolation between the morphotypes, additional investigations are required to determine the reasons behind the morphotype variations in the life history of L. bergylta
Extracellular polymeric substances in antarctic environments: A review of their ecological roles and impact on glacier biogeochemical cycles.
No full textAntarctic continent comprises diverse ecosystems like snow, glacier ice, sea ice, melt pools, glacial soils, supraglacial and subglacial lakes that accommodate numerous microbial and algal communities. These biotic groups secrete matrices of biomacromolecules called Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPSs), which enhance their ability to withstand extreme environmental conditions. EPSs are mainly composed of exopolysaccharides, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, and exhibit assorted activities due to diverse functionalities of matrix like spatial conformation, molecular weight, rheology, charge, size and affinity. Several protective and ecological functions such as cryoprotection, anti-desiccation, buffering against high salinity and pH, trace metal uptake and binding, sequestration of dissolved organic matter and nutrients, aggregate formation and biofilm production have been attributed to microbial EPSs. They also contribute to production of dissolved and particulate organic matter and hence can influence biogeochemical cycling of elements, especially carbon and iron. Further, they aid in aggregation of dust particles on the glacier surface, substantially reducing the albedo of the ice and thereby accelerate melting of glaciers. This study provides an overview of role of EPSs in Antarctic ecosystems, its ecological significance and chemical functionalities, and discusses the approach for a better understanding of relevance of EPSs in biogeochemistry of Antarctic environments
Stakeholder perceptions of non-regulatory bovine health issues in Ireland: past and future perspectives
No full textIn recent years, there have been multiple (political, environmental, cultural) drivers of change in Irish agriculture, including the establishment of Animal Health Ireland (AHI) in 2009, to provide leadership of non-regulatory livestock health issues (diseases and conditions of livestock that are endemic in Ireland but which are not currently subject to international legislation). In this study, we describe the opinion of stakeholders (farmers, veterinary practitioners and agricultural industry professional service providers), elicited by means of a survey, on their perceptions of changes in selected non-regulatory bovine health issues over the last 10 years and priority issues relevant to non-regulatory bovine health to be tackled over the next 10 years. Results: A total of 673 individuals participated in the online questionnaire. For the majority of the non-regulatory bovine health issues, most participants felt there had been improvements over the last 10 years. However, professional service providers were generally more conservative in their response to improvements on-farm compared to farmers. Several issues, particularly BVD and udder health/milk quality, were viewed more positively by all relevant respondents. There was reasonable agreement between responses from different respondent types and sectors regarding the top three priorities relevant to non-regulatory bovine animal health for the next 10 years in Ireland, which included antimicrobial resistance (highlighting measures to reduce both on-farm usage and resistance), anthelmintic resistance, greenhouse emissions and calf welfare. Conclusions: The results are encouraging, demonstrating a perception of improvement in a number of non-regulatory bovine health issues in Ireland over the last ten years. With respect to the next 10 years, stakeholders prioritised antimicrobial and anthelmintic resistance, greenhouse gas emissions and calf welfare, which aligns closely with broader societal concerns. This information is useful to AHI, particularly with respect to future priorities. However, these concerns are broad in scope and will require further considerations, including collaborations, between AHI and partnering organisations. Given that there were differences between farmers and professional service providers in responses, it is useful to consider how the aims and the benefits of future AHI programmes are framed and communicated to all stakeholders.Animal Health Irelan
The influence of audio on video memorability with an audio gestalt regulated video memorability system
No full textMemories are the tethering threads that tie us to the world, and memorability is the measure of their tensile strength. The threads of memory are spun from fibres of many modalities, obscuring the contribution of a single fibre to a thread\u27s overall tensile strength. Unfurling these fibres is the key to understanding the nature of their interaction, and how we can ultimately create more meaningful media content. In this paper, we examine the influence of audio on video recognition memorability, finding evidence to suggest that it can facilitate overall video recognition memorability rich in high-level (gestalt) audio features. We introduce a novel multimodal deep learning-based late-fusion system that uses audio gestalt to estimate the influence of a given video\u27s audio on its overall short-term recognition memorability, and selectively leverages audio features to make a prediction accordingly. We benchmark our audio gestalt based system on the Memento10k short-term video memorability dataset, achieving top-2 state-of-the-art results
Finding answers in the experience of young people organising with CESESMA in Nicaragua
No full text"Empowerment" has been claimed as one of the important benefits of children’s participation (Kellett, 2010; White and Choudhury, 2010). This is an attractive and plausible idea, but there is no consensus among those working in this field on what the term means, and currently no way to validate such claims
5th Workshop on Technology and Consumer Protection (ConPro) - co-located with IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy (IEEE S&P)
No full textConsent is meant to empower users by giving them a choice regarding the use of their personal data. Thus, organisations have the incentive to provide benefits, whether directly or indirectly, in return for consent. However, recent research has demonstrated the scale and scope of malpractices regarding consent on the web, where users are misled and coerced into giving away their personal data and privacy. In light of this, we call for investigating what benefits, if any, are specified in the context of consent; who benefits from it; and whether they can be observed in reality. We hope our work outlines the need to formally investigate the claims made when requesting consent and empowers users through greater transparency regarding benefits to make better-informed choices