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Fault management in wave energy systems: Diagnosis, prognosis, and fault-tolerant control
Get PDFWave energy converters (WECs) are a promising technology to contribute to the mix of renewable energies in
the pursuit of a cleaner energy future. However, the demanding environment in which WECs operate presents
a challenge from reliability and economic perspectives. There is a high likelihood of fault occurrence on WEC
components, especially in offshore locations. While the control technology field can enhance energy extraction
from WECs, any fault compromises the performance of the system and, in the worst case, can halt energy
production, directly impacting revenue generation. Dealing with unexpected faults leads to more frequent
maintenance operations, resulting in higher operational expenses. Similarly, strengthening WEC components
to withstand harsh conditions comes with increased capital costs. Thus, fault management becomes crucial,
whether it involves avoiding operation and maintenance (O&M) entirely or transitioning O&M to planned
activities through a fault management mechanism (condition monitoring, fault-tolerant control, etc.), whereby
the WEC maintains a certain level of system performance (or prevents emergency shutdown), eliminating
the necessity for immediate intervention while still generating energy. In this regard, this study explores
WEC components that are most likely to fail, also comprehensively covering WEC fault diagnosis, prognosis,
condition monitoring and fault-tolerant control methods covered in the literature. Additionally, unexplored
possibilities are pointed out, and future directions are suggested
Statistical analysis of high-dimensional spatio-temporal data
Get PDFTo realise biological function, cellular behaviour is a dynamic, involved processes that
encompass spatial arrangement, differentiation, division and death. Numerous in vivo
biological experiments have been designed to track cellular behaviour over different timeand
space-scale frames, generating a large amount of spatio-temporal data. However, traditional
statistical methods are not well adapted to draw meaningful insight from those
high-dimensional data. Motivated by primary data sources provided by collaborators, this
thesis presents a novel statistical analysis framework of high-dimensional spatio-temporal
data, addressing it at different time scales. To capture biological information at fixed time
points, a spatial statistical pipeline is developed to quantify the distribution of various
cell types and assess their spatial relationships. The analysis is extended to cover periods
of the order of one day, with a statistical framework designed to process spatio-temporal
data, combining a data cleaning process and investigating the relationship between cell
movement and differentiation. Over longer time periods, mathematical models and statistical
methods are developed to estimate the average number of divisions in vivo, offering
insights into long-term cell distribution. The advanced statistical analysis helps capture
the spatio-temporal relationships between different cell types, revealing the dynamic processes
of cellular behaviour
ERC PatentsInHumans: Year 2 Report
Get PDFBuilding upon work in year 1, a key part of the research in year 2 focused on
developing deeper understandings of the potential bioethical issues posed by
patents over technologies related to how we treat, use and modify the human
body. Research was conducted to develop a deeper understanding of scope of
the ‘bioethical’ implications which can arise in such contexts, and how
‘bioethics’ as a term is defined within the project. Relatedly, Prof McMahon
developed further her research refining the five-category taxonomy used within
the project of patentable ‘technologies’ related to how we treat, use or modify
the human body, namely: 1) patentable ‘technologies’ that are derived from the
body such as isolated human genes which are patentable in Europe; 2)
patentable ‘technologies’ which comprise of tools acting on the body, such as
tools used in diagnostic or surgical processes; 3) patentable ‘technologies’ that
are chemical substances created outside the body but which treat the body,
such as medicines; 4) patentable ‘technologies’ that are integrated with the
body, such as elements of medical devices; and 5) ‘technologies’ which are
intended to be used in ways that can enhance the human body, or alter the
creation of future human life. The research led to refining of category 5, as
although some technologies within categories 4 and 5 may overlap (such as
where technologies have dual uses), for the purposes of category 5 the project
is interested in the distinct bioethical implications posed by patents over
technologies which are intended to be used in ways which could enhance the
body in significant ways, or technologies that are intended to be used to
create/change human life, such as in the assisted human reproductive or gene
editing contexts
A Nickel Telluride Electrochemical Sensor for the Detection of the Antibiotic Ronidazole
Get PDFThe widespread use of nitroimidazole antibiotics such as
ronidazole (RON) in human and veterinary medicine raises concerns about
environmental persistence and antimicrobial resistance. Sensitive detection
of trace RON in water is therefore essential. Here, we report for the first
time, nickel telluride nanoparticles (NiTe NPs) as an electrochemical sensor
specifically designed for RON detection. NiTe, a transition metal
chalcogenide with high conductivity and electrocatalytic activity, was
synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method and characterized by X-ray
diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission
electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. When dropcast on a glassy carbon electrode, the NiTe NPs significantly enhanced
electron transfer and promoted efficient electrochemical reduction of RON.
The sensor achieved a detection limit of 1.5 nM, a wide linear range of
0.01−270 μM, and a sensitivity of 0.489 μA μM−1 cm−2
. It also displayed excellent selectivity against common interferents and
maintained stability and reproducibility during extended testing. Application to spiked tap and river water confirmed accurate
recovery. This work highlights NiTe as an underutilized telluride-based material and establishes its novel application in the
environmental monitoring of antibiotic contaminants, addressing a critical gap in electrochemical sensing research
How do I encourage reflective practice and student autonomy through Machnamh, a collaborative and creative approach to learning?
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to enhance my teaching and facilitation of Machnamh.
Machnamh, the Irish word for reflection, is a classroom practice I designed. It is a child-led
reflection session held every fortnight, in which students work in groups to revisit topics
learned previously in class. During Machnamh children reflect on their given topic and then
present and re-teach the topic to the whole class. This research took place in a mixed senior
national school in a large suburban town in Dublin. The chapters of this thesis outline the
pathway of my research journey, in which I aimed to enhance my practice and live closer to
my educational values; student autonomy, skill development and inclusion. Two interventions
were selected for this: co-creating success criteria and teaching skills for collaboration. Data
was collected using reflective journals, work samples, questionnaires and Photovoice. Key
Findings indicated that teacher’s praise, time management, the role of differentiation and
teaching skills for collaboration must be considered when facilitating Machnamh. Every
subject in the curriculum can be reflected on during Machnamh. It is also deeply embedded
within the Principles and Competencies in the Primary Curriculum Framework (NCCA,
2023) and The Future of Education and Skills 2030 (OCED, 2018). Instead of ‘making time’
in an already full schedule, Machnamh has the potential to facilitate integration, reflection,
skill development and creative assessment approaches not only in my classroom, but in all
classrooms. Challenges that emerged included time shortages when completing Machnamh
as well Machnamh being too little or too much of a challenge for learners. My practice
evolved as I aimed to overcome these challenges. I transitioned from being an instructor and
assessor of Machnamh to a facilitator that supports self-assessment, reflection and creativity.
Future research could include an exploration into further linking Machnamh to Universal
Design for Learning (UDL) as well as incorporating more choice into the process
Security through obscurity? A critical analysis of the Irish witness security programme through the lens of legitimacy
No full textSerious and organised crime is borderless and invasive, constantly seeking to identify and
exploit vulnerabilities in our societies, economies, and laws. Witness protection programmes are one of the most effective means of securing convictions against otherwise untouchable senior-ranking individuals involved in organised crime. Nonetheless, such schemes, intended
to circumvent the criminal code of omertà (silence), are inherently controversial, balancing a
broad range of often competing rights and interests and posing significant moral hazards for
the criminal justice system. Consequently, the contemporary witness protection model advocates the legitimisation of these types of schemes, underscoring the imperative to ensure accountability and transparency that conforms with the special security requirements of such
programmes.
This thesis represents the first study of its kind within this jurisdiction, providing a focused
critical analysis of the Irish Witness Security Programme through the lens of legitimacy. A dual normative-empirical model of legitimacy is adopted which incorporates indices pertaining to
accountability, transparency, democratic principles, and corruption. Moreover, within a case study research design, the methodology of this study incorporates three separate research
methods, comprising a documentary review of literature on the Irish programme; a crosscomparative assessment of selected international witness protection programmes; as well as a
review of the Irish programme as it operates in practice, facilitated through semi-structured
interviews with key stakeholders. The findings of this study submit that the current approach
to witness protection within this jurisdiction cannot be regarded as legitimate. The Irish
programme represents an outlier in terms of international best practice, operating in the absence
of a legislative framework. This research outlines the dangers of this perceived ‘security
through obscurity’ approach adopted here, providing compelling evidence of an increased risk
to the safety and well-being of witnesses, further emasculation of due process rights, as well as substantially increasing the risk of adverse practice and corruption. This thesis concludes that the current status of witness protection in Ireland emanates rather from an accepted security
mindset within the state, one which frequently advocates exceptionalism in the service of state security, irrespective of outstanding legitimacy concerns
Factors influencing patients to choose one obesity treatment over another: a qualitative study
Get PDFBackground
When deciding a treatment option for the disease of obesity, knowing what the patient’s preferences are and what factors have influenced them can support healthcare professionals (HCPs) in tailoring their management plan. Little is known about patient preferences for obesity treatment. The present study was designed to identify factors that may influence these preferences.
Objective
We aimed to identify factors affecting patient preferences and subsequent obesity treatment preferences among those seeking treatment for obesity-related disorders.
Methods
Using a participatory action research design, we conducted World Café focus groups as part of a triangulation process with previously collected individual interviews and photovoice. Using purposive sampling, 12 patients with obesity complications of chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease took part. Thematic analysis was conducted to review themes, determine their significance, and report the findings.
Results
Five themes emerged from the World Café on what influences patient treatment choice, which were 1) lack of resources, 2) healthcare professionals’ knowledge gaps, 3) lack of understanding, 4) emotional impact, and 5) support from family, friends, and HCPs. This data was then reviewed with the findings from the previous methodologies of one-to-one interviews and photovoice. Overall, four main themes were identified, which were 1) structural factors, 2) physical and emotional impact, 3) knowledge (of healthcare professionals and patients), and 4) support.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates the importance of ensuring access to all treatment options by developing effective treatment plans with clear information for patients
Real‐Time In Vivo Monitoring of Cholinergic Neurotransmission in the Mouse Brain Using a Microelectrochemical Choline Biosensor
Get PDFThe measurement of choline as a biomarker for in vivo cholinergic neurotransmission is a valuable tool in the study of a range of CNS pathologies. However, the continuous detection of cholinergic neurotransmission in selective brain regions in the mouse brain remains challenging and underexploited. Here, we have refined an established choline oxidase (ChOx) microelectrochemical biosensor and validated its use for long‐term recording in the freely moving mouse. Using a 75‐μm diameter polymer‐ChOx composite disc electrode, we have successfully monitored stable and reproducible chronic real‐time changes in choline‐induced amperometric currents in vivo. Local infusions of choline and acetylcholine resulted in an increase in biosensor current in the hippocampus, while the inhibition of endogenous acetylcholinesterase (with neostigmine) significantly attenuated the response to exogenous acetylcholine. Systemic administration of donepezil produced a pronounced decrease in current in both the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, with scopolamine and amphetamine resulting in signal increases that were not observed in animals with selective saporin lesioning (murine‐p75) of the cholinergic basal forebrain. Furthermore, continuous biosensor recording in both regions displayed diurnal oscillations across repetitive light–dark phases. All are consistent with successful monitoring of endogenous changes in cholinergic neurotransmission
USSGAN: Unsupervised Spectral and Spatial Attention-Based Generative Adversarial Network for Cholangiocarcinoma Detection
Get PDFCholangiocarcinoma, a form of liver bile duct cancer, is
challenging to detect due to its critically low 5-year survival rate.
Conventional imaging modalities, such as Computed Tomography (CT)
and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), are widely used, but recent
advancements in Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) offer a promising, noninvasive alternative for cancer diagnosis. However, supervised learning
methods often require large annotated datasets that can be difficult to
obtain. To alleviate this limitation, we propose an unsupervised learning
strategy using Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) for cholangiocarcinoma detection. This approach, named Unsupervised Spectral and
Spatial Attention-based GAN (USSGAN), employs an unsupervised
Spectral-Spatial attention-based GAN to classify and segment cancerous
regions without relying on labeled training data. The integration of an
adaptive step size into Tasmanian Devil Optimization (TDO) enhances the convergence speed and effectively captures diverse
cancerous features. Enhanced Tasmanian Devil Optimization (ETDO) further improves segmentation performance, making the
framework robust and computationally efficient. The proposed method was tested on a publicly available multidimensional
choledochal cholangiocarcinoma dataset, achieving superior performance compared with existing techniques in the literature.
USSGAN demonstrated high accuracy across key metrics such as overall accuracy (OA), average accuracy (AA), and Cohen’s
Kappa. Ablation studies confirmed the critical contributions of the proposed enhancements to the overall performance. With an
overall accuracy of 98.03%, the USSGAN closely aligns with the assessments of experienced pathologists while maintaining minimal
computational requirements. Its lightweight nature ensures real-time deployment, providing results within a minute, making it a
practical and effective solution for clinical applications
Evaluating student involvement in sea‐level data rescue
Get PDFThis study develops a framework to train and evaluate undergraduate students (non‐experts) in digitising tidal marigrams (graphs of sea‐level changes). Using data from Kilrush (County Clare) and Dún Laoghaire (County Dublin) in Ireland, it highlights best practices and challenges, especially misidentification, formatting errors and calibration issues. While most students performed well, the study highlights ways to identify those needing improvement. Focusing on error‐checking, the findings refine digitisation methods with quality assurance, preparing students and citizen scientists for climate research. Supported by visual materials, these techniques aid citizen science, enhance education and may support future machine learning development