NUI Maynooth Eprint Archive
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Investigating the effects of glyphosate on the bumblebee proteome and microbiota
No full textGlyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides globally. It acts by inhibiting an enzyme in an aromatic amino acid synthesis pathway specific to plants and microbes, leading to the view that it poses no risk to other organisms. However, there is growing concern that glyphosate is associated with health effects in humans and an ever-increasing body of evidence that suggests potential deleterious effects on other animals including pollinating insects such as bees. Although pesticides have long been considered a factor in the decline of wild bee populations, most research on bees has focussed on demonstrating and understanding the effects of insecticides. To assess whether glyphosate poses a risk to bees, we characterised changes in survival, behaviour, sucrose solution consumption, the digestive tract proteome, and the microbiota in the bumblebee Bombus terrestris after chronic exposure to field relevant doses of technical grade glyphosate or the glyphosate-based formulation, RoundUp Optima+®. Regardless of source, there were changes in response to glyphosate exposure in important cellular and physiological processes in the digestive tract of B. terrestris, with proteins associated with oxidative stress regulation, metabolism, cellular adhesion, the extracellular matrix, and various signalling pathways altered. Interestingly, proteins associated with endocytosis, oxidative phosphorylation, the TCA cycle, and carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism were differentially altered depending on whether the exposure source was glyphosate alone or RoundUp Optima+®. In addition, there were alterations to the digestive tract microbiota of bees depending on the glyphosate source No impacts on survival, behaviour, or food consumption were observed. Our research provides insights into the potential mode of action and consequences of glyphosate exposure at the molecular, cellular and organismal level in bumblebees and highlights issues with the current honeybee-centric risk assessment of pesticides and their formulations, where the impact of co-formulants on non-target organisms are generally overlooked
Mucosal associated invariant T cells are altered in patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa and contribute to the inflammatory milieu
No full textMucosal Associated Invariant T cells are a population of “innate” T cells, which express
the invariant T cell receptor (TCR) a chain Va7.2-Ja33 and are capable of robust rapid
cytokine secretion, producing a milieu of cytokines including IFN-g and IL-17. MAIT
cells have been reported in multiple human tissues including the gut, periphery and
skin. On-going research has highlighted their involvement in numerous inflammatory
diseases ranging from rheumatoid arthritis and obesity to psoriasis. Hidradenitis
Suppurativa (H.S) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the hair follicles, resulting in
painful lesions of apocrine-bearing skin. Several inflammatory cytokines have been
implicated in the pathogenesis of H.S including IL-17. The role of MAIT cells in H.S is
currently unknown. In this study we show for the first time, that MAIT cells are altered
in the peripheral blood of patients with H.S, with reduced frequencies and an IL-17
cytokine bias. We show that CCL20 expression is elevated in lesions of patients with
H.S, and MAIT cells can actively traffic towards lesions via CCL20. We show that MAIT
cells can accumulate in the lesionsfrom patients with H.S. when compared to adjacent
skin, with an IL-17 bias. We show that elevated IL-17, can be linked to the activation
of dermal fibroblasts, promoting the expression of chemotactic signals including
CCL20 and CXCL1. Finally, we show that targeting the IL-17A transcription factor RORyt
robustly reduces IL-17 production by MAIT cells from patients with H.S. Collectively
our data detailsIL-17 producing MAIT cells as a novel player in the pathogenesis of H.S
and highlights the potential of RORyt inhibition as a novel therapeutic strategy
What next for Universal Design for Learning? A systematic literature review of technology in UDL implementations at second level
No full textIn the last two decades, there has been a global movement towards pedagogies that create more inclusive school environments in order to meet the needs of diverse learners. One such approach is Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which foregrounds the design of flexible and accessible learning experiences for all, regardless of learner characteristics. Technology is a key enabler in this. To date, much of the research on UDL has focused on its impact in higher education, with less evidence available on the use of UDL within second-level education. This systematic literature review of n = 15 empirical studies selected from a wide-ranging search that returned an initial result of n = 1253 explores how the affordances of digital technology have been harnessed for UDL enactment at second level. The findings show that, to date, empirical research at second level has focused mostly on the easy wins within the UDL principle of Representation, where educators offer choice about how learners access content. However, there is a clear gap in UDL research on the use of technologies to support the Engagement and Action & Expression principles of UDL, supporting student self-regulation and self-assessment, and on technology-mediated communication and collaboration. The paper highlights the potential for future cross-pollination of research in educational technology with UDL. Practitioner Notes What is already known about this topic Universal Design for Learning has been extensively researched in higher education and special education contexts but much less so at K-12, in particular at second level. Technology offers many affordances that can provide choice and variation in the learning process, which can be harnessed in a UDL approach. The transformative potential of technology in educational contexts was not fully realised pre-COVID. The COVID pandemic saw an acceleration in technology adoption for learning, but it remains to be seen whether technology is being deployed to complement or transform existing practices. What this paper adds This paper clearly identifies which affordances of technology are commonly deployed in UDL implementations, particularly noting the provision of choice through multi-media options for Representation and expression. There is a clear gap in UDL research on the use of technologies to support self-regulation and self-assessment, (eg, peer, teacher and automated feedback tools) and on technology-mediated communication and collaboration. The UDL literature does not address the potential negative impacts of technology within the learning context or the short-lived nature of positive impacts (novelty effect). Implications for practice and/or policy While technology affords great opportunities for choice and Engagement, the design of the learning experience must take priority, availing of technology as needed. There are great opportunities for cross-pollination of research at the forefront of educational technology and universal design to address any gaps in technology use in UDL implementations
Hydrometric data rescue and extension of river flow records: Method development and application to catchments modified by arterial drainage
No full textExtended hydrometric (water level and flow) records are presented for eight Irish
catchments subject to arterial drainage. The procedures employed to collect and
process historical data, extend flow records and compile key metadata and information about each gauging station are described. Procedures are developed to
handle data quality issues related to hydrometric practices and equipment malfunction and to quality assure rescued data using quality codes that complement
modern hydrometric practices. The workflow developed will assist other hydrometric data rescue efforts and minimize subjectivity during the rescue process.
The newly extended records represent the longest continuous river flow series
available in Ireland, extending to the commencement of formal hydrometric
monitoring in the country in 1940. The resultant data sets add 150 years of daily
data across eight stations and will provide a key new resource for hydrological
studies into the impacts of arterial drainage and flow nonstationarity
Hybrid forecasting: blending climate predictions with AI models
No full textHybrid hydroclimatic forecasting systems employ data-driven (statistical or machine learning) methods to harness and integrate a broad variety of predictions from dynamical, physics-based models – such as numerical weather prediction, climate, land, hydrology, and Earth system models – into a final prediction product. They are recognized as a promising way of enhancing the prediction skill of meteorological and hydroclimatic variables and events, including rainfall, temperature, streamflow, floods, droughts, tropical cyclones, or atmospheric rivers. Hybrid forecasting methods are now receiving growing attention due to advances in weather and climate prediction systems at subseasonal to decadal scales, a better appreciation of the strengths of AI, and expanding access to computational resources and methods. Such systems are attractive because they may avoid the need to run a computationally expensive offline land model, can minimize the effect of biases that exist within dynamical outputs, benefit from the strengths of machine learning, and can learn from large datasets, while combining different sources of predictability with varying time horizons. Here we review recent developments in hybrid hydroclimatic forecasting and outline key challenges and opportunities for further research. These include obtaining physically explainable results, assimilating human influences from novel data sources, integrating new ensemble techniques to improve predictive skill, creating seamless prediction schemes that merge short to long lead times, incorporating initial land surface and ocean/ice conditions, acknowledging spatial variability in landscape and atmospheric forcing, and increasing the operational uptake of hybrid prediction schemes
Climatic impacts on an Arctic lake since 1300 AD: a multi-proxy lake sediment reconstruction from Prins Karls Forland, Svalbard
No full textOn the remote Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, there is increasing evidence of environmental impacts from climate change. The analysis of lake sedimentary records can be used to assess how strongly these recent changes have altered lake ecosystems. Sediments deposited during the last millennium from Lake Blokkvatnet, Prins Karls Forland, were analysed using a multiproxy approach, including stable isotope and X-ray fluorescence analysis. The results were interpreted as reflecting variability of (1) soil organic matter inwash, and potentially catchment and lake primary production, and (2) catchment weathering and erosion. Organic content began increasing after 1920 AD to the present, likely in response to warming. Earlier peaks of a similar magnitude occurred on three occasions since 1300 AD, with evidence indicating that these may have coincided with multidecadal-scale periods with higher temperatures, reduced sea ice and negative phases of the North Atlantic Oscillation. Catchment weathering and fluvial erosion began to increase around 1800 AD and peaked during the early twentieth century, potentially due to rising temperatures in autumn and winter causing increased liquid water availability. The records suggest that similar levels of erosion and weathering occurred between approximately 1300 and 1600 AD, spanning the transition from the Medieval Climate Anomaly to the Little Ice Age
Decentralisation of collective bargaining in the retail sector
No full textThis chapter shows that traditional industrial relations classif ications, based on national institutional features, have become sector-specif ic. Company case studies indicate that in retailing, which is characterised by generally poor working conditions, market structures and company characteristics tend to condition unions’ capacity to engage in collective bargaining. Only in Sweden, where the institutional framework continues to provide a signif icant degree of procedural security through coordinating mechanisms, have unions been able to retain control over the decentralisation process and to play an important role at the company level. Nevertheless, in large, often internationalised companies, unions that are proactive and willing to mobilise their organisational resources, as demonstrated by Irish and German cases, are still able to make a positive difference for workers
Studies in the Linguistic Foundations of Thought in Early Irish Tradition
No full textThe thesis investigates early Irish views on the concepts of thought and cognition through the lens of philosophy of language. It aims to establish how problems of linguistic expression relate to the understanding of mental activity in early Irish learned tradition (ca. 650–1100), particularly in such discourse-oriented disciplines as grammar and biblical exegesis. Irish contributions to this topic offer a unique perspective on the relationship between language and thought, not least due to the thriving bilingualism of Irish intellectual tradition. Therefore, this study brings together Latin and vernacular evidence and traces links between ideas expressed in both languages.
The study has a tripartite structure which moves from the views on the material aspects of language, towards Irish theories of meaning, and onwards to ideas that imagine thought itself as a special kind of language. The first part centres around Irish approaches to phonology, writing systems and criteria that define a word. It aims to explore the ways in which Irish grammarians considered the material aspects of language to establish basic mental mechanisms for the creation and processing of meaning. Part two surveys evidence for Irish theories of signification and investigates problems of the relationship between form, meaning and thought. The final part considers Irish language-philosophical theories which connect language and cognition, namely the techniques of non-literal exegesis and the concept of ‘mental speech’ – a metaphorical device which presents thought patterns in terms of language patterns.
Overall, the thesis offers the first comprehensive study of the intersection of philosophy of language and philosophy of mind in early Irish intellectual tradition
The global problem of image-based sexual abuse considered in the Irish context: An evaluation of existing legal responses with a focus on effective enforcement in the online environment
No full textThe recording and/or sharing of intimate images without consent – known as image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) – has received significant legislative attention in recent years. Various approaches to addressing the harm of IBSA have been adopted internationally and this thesis identifies a need to consider the Irish response to IBSA. Adopting a victim-centred approach, this thesis derives lessons from the Australian experience where an innovative system of redress and enforcement has been developed through the establishment of a regulatory structure supported by a statutory body, the Office of the eSafety Commissioner (OESC). The immediate importance of this research is clear. Remediating harm in the world of the internet where both identities and jurisdictional boundaries are blurred is challenging. This thesis investigates the effectiveness of the OESC in practice in order to better assess the Irish approach and the potential of the Irish Online Safety Commissioner to provide adequate redress for victims of IBSA in Ireland.
Through the use of doctrinal and comparative analysis and the conducting of interviews with key stakeholders in the area of online regulation, this thesis identifies the key needs of victims of IBSA and identifies numerous mechanisms designed to address those needs, at least in part. This victim-centred approach underlies the in-depth analysis of the Australian system and is used to inform the policy recommendations made in this thesis. Particular attention is afforded to whether the Irish approach should include an individual complaints mechanism. By drawing inferences between the Irish and Australian situations, a clearer picture is drawn as to the optimum remit, structure, functions, and powers of the Irish OSC in order to effectively address the harms of IBSA
Circularity and Sustainability Roadmap for the urban context | Deliverable D2.1
No full textThe present report analyses a set of renewable technologies, fuels, and strategies to enhance the uptake of renewable and sustainable solutions in cities. 33 items are preliminarily scrutinized along six dimensions, namely technical feasibility, economic feasibility, circularity, environmental impact, social acceptance, and gender issues. Out of the 33 items, 11 are analysed in detail in order to understand the potential to be readily applied in urban context.
Solar PV Panels. PV panels can now be considered as a standard technology with a substantial deployment in urban contexts. It can be said that the main driver for further development is the regulatory context which can evolve to further support the installations. From the economic point of view, PV panels reached grid parity in many cases and the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) sharply decreases. The main challenge is linked to the circularity and in the organization of the end-of-life phase for the recycling and reutilization of the materials and components.
Solar Thermal Collectors. Low temperature solar thermal collectors can be considered a mature technology diffused in many EU cities, especially where the solar radiation conditions are convenient (e.g., South Europe). They are mainly used to produce domestic hot water, but new applications are also developed for industrial processes (e.g., food processing). From the economic point of view the feasibility depends on the alternative fossil fuel supply, but with the rising natural gas prices their convenience is quite easy to achieve. CAPEX considerably decreased thus large-scale deployments can be achievable.
Green Walls/Roofs. Green Walls/Roofs are not a renewable energy solution, but they are an impactful solution for increasing sustainability in cities by mitigating, among others, the heat island effect. The concept is very easy and consists in integrating vegetation in buildings. Despite its simplicity, it is only implemented in a few buildings and infrastructures, most of which became iconic. From the economic point of view the feasibility of the solution depends on the cooling and heating cost since it can contribute to reduce them substantially.
Heat Pumps. Heat pump is a pivotal technology for supporting the energy transition. It is the fundamental technology for enabling the electrification of heat generation. Its role in cities is relevant because it allows to switch the building heating demand from the fossil fuels to the power market, thus it permits to exploit the increasing renewable power generation. Different options are available on the market and they are also cost-competitive. The main issue is linked to the environmental sustainability of the refrigerants. However, the environmental impact is only ascribed to refrigerant leakage, while there are no issues during the normal operation. More and more sustainable refrigerants are object of research worldwide.
Thermal Energy Storage Technologies. Thermal storages serve to decouple the thermal energy consumption from its generation to ensure the continuity of supply. The scale of thermal storage systems can be different depending on the application. Large scale high temperature solar plants need large storages whereas individual thermal storage systems for domestic applications can be simple and very small (e.g., water-based storage in well insulated tanks). Small thermal storage systems are already feasible from the economic point of view. New systems with increased performances (e.g., in terms of improved insulation for longer storage) are continuously delivered to the market in combination with low temperature solar collectors, in order to provide plug and play solutions. Furthermore, the environmental impact of the domestic solutions is very limited because only
standard materials are used. If they are properly recycled and reused (e.g., circulation pumps), a virtuous circle can be activated.
Biofuels. Biofuels gained a relevant importance in the last years because they can be easily integrated with the distribution of traditional fossil fuels (e.g., petrol, gasoil, fuel oil, etc.). In fact, blended fuels appeared on the market. 100% biofuel products are also available. On the other hand, biofuel posed a relevant environmental issue in terms of reduction of biodiversity and reduction of land devoted to the production of food products. The most interesting aspect of biofuels is their production starting from waste treatment, in particular organic wastes, such as exhausted vegetables oils. In such a case, a good example of circularity and industrial symbiosis (e.g., food industry and energy industry) would be implemented.
E-fuels. Electrofuels gained their popularity recently as possible substitute for conventional fossil fuels. They are produced by exploiting electricity from renewable sources in order to activate chemical reaction and make synthetic fuels (e.g., e-methanol, e-methane, e-ammonia, etc.). On the other hand, the combustion of such fuels determines the emissions of CO2, thus its success depends on the carbon capture storage to implement. Economic aspects are still uncertain since the technology is under development. However, there are economic advantages in the distribution of these fuels because the existing network can be largely exploited.
Hydrogen. Hydrogen can be also considered an e-fuel, because through the electrolysis process it can be generated starting from water and electricity. The main advantage of the hydrogen is that a clean combustion can be achieved without pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen would be a game changer in the transport sector, especially for heavy duty vehicles which have a relevant impact on city (e.g., in cities hosting large harbours for example or in large cities in general). On the other hand, there are still a lot of uncertainties on both technical (e.g., safety concerns, distribution network, storage, etc.) and economic side since the production cost via electrolysis is not yet competitive.
Green Financing. To support the energy transition and decarbonization, financial resources are necessary, but public finance is not enough, thus it is necessary to attract private capital for these investments. To this aim innovative forms of financing are to be introduced on the market. On-bill mechanisms are innovative source of financing through the energy bill. The energy utility provides the upfront capital for making sustainable investment and then the users repay the investment on the bill in a number of years. On-tax financing is a mechanism of energy efficiency financing linked to local taxes (e.g., PACE mechanism). Local administrations, e.g., municipalities, provide upfront cost for energy/environmental retrofitting. Users repay the investment cost through local taxes in a fixed number of instalments as given by the specific mechanism. Both on-bill and on-tax mechanisms can be also transferred to next users (e.g., next owner or tenant). Finally, green mortgages are mortgages with lower interest rates with respect to standard ones because they are conditioned to investments in sustainable buildings. Sources of financing for green mortgages are available for commercial banks on the secondary markets and made available by financial institutions such as World Bank, European Investment Bank, etc.
Roadmap for the Decarbonisation of Cities. Based on the analysed technologies, renewable fuels, and strategies a roadmap is defined. Main elements and motivation of the roadmap are highlighted, and it is concluded that buildings, transportation sector, and energy system integration are the main aspects to consider for cities decarbonisation