1522 research outputs found
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Synthetic Digital Circuits Using Neuronal Molecular Communications
Get PDFNeuron-based synthetic biology systems have been proposed in the past couple of decades as potential candidates for more precise treatment of neurodegeneration and, as building
blocks of a platform for the design and development of novel therapeutics. Advances in the synthetic engineering of cells in parallel with the solid paradigm of communication
engineering gave birth to a new interdisciplinary field known as Molecular Communications.
Since its birth, researchers have been focusing on characterising the existing biological
communication channels and developing theoretical models to pave the way for experimentalists
to study, test and refine models of biological cells without the need for specialised equipment. Molecular Communications aims to facilitate the implementation of complex
synthetic circuits capable of operating autonomously during short- and long-term periods with higher levels of compatibility with the biological environment and increased accuracy for minimising side effects. The focus of this PhD thesis is to develop artificial synthetically engineered neuron-based circuits able to perform bio-computational tasks and, promptly act on specific malfunctioning
processes inside the human nervous system. A model and analysis of neuron-based logic gates and circuits are proposed. This mathematical framework, from the perspective of information and communication theory, provides a way of analysing the highly stochastic processes of neuronal communications and, integrates well-known communication metrics and techniques (e.g. queue theory and information capacity). This thesis also presents a modelling approach
for the analysis of demyelination, either induced by a viral infection or locally with specific drugs, that shines a light on the effects of demyelination and remyelination processes concerning the signal propagation in a single neuron and, also, within synaptic connections.
Creating artificial bio-compatible circuits able to interface with natural cells can potentially
lead to new forms of tackling neurological disorders and cognitive enhancements limitations that play a major role on the Internet of Bio-NanoThings
Improving the efficacy of herbicides for the control of Rumex obtusifolius L. in Irish grassland using aspects of Integrated Weed Management
Get PDFDocks are a troublesome weed of conventional grassland and can reduce grass dry matter (DM) production by up to 50%. Conventional farmers largely rely on herbicides to manage docks but often report disappointing results. With imminent EU legislation likely to restrict future herbicide use, there is an impetus to develop new dock management strategies. Three dock management experiments were conducted on a conventionally managed grassland farm (52°21N, 7°18W). Experiment I compared herbicides licensed for use in new leys (NLH) with herbicides licensed for use in established grassland (EGH). Experiment II examined the role of soil test Potassium (K) concentrations (Morgan’s solution; Na acetate + acetic acid, pH 4.8; STK) on competitiveness of docks in grassland. Experiment III combined data from the two field studies to develop control thresholds of seedling docks in new leys. Dock numbers were measured over seven years (2010–2015) and herbage production over five years (2012–2016).
There was a 3.4-fold increase (due to clonal propagation) and strong correlation (R2=0.9; P-0.776; P1.0 docks m-2 in new leys
Writing from the margins: Re-framing Teresa Deevy’s archive and her correspondence with James Cheasty c.1952–1962
Get PDFThis essay explores a unique set of documents, comprising letters and postcards, sent by Teresa Deevy to her friend and fellow Waterford playwright, James Cheasty. To date, Deevy’s correspondence has not been considered separately from her dramatic texts, nor has Cheasty’s work received scholarly attention. Taking a feminist theatre historiographic approach, the essay theorizes the challenges of working with women’s archives, Deevy’s in particular, and conceptualizes the Deevy-Cheasty correspondence as high status research documents that raise Deevy’s archival profile. The thematic analysis of the material focuses on Deevy‘s role as Cheasty’s mentor and illuminates her engagement with Irish theatre practice of the 1950s and 60s. The essay reveals previously unknown aspects of her personal and professional life and contributes new insights relevant to scholars, practitioners, archivists, and students that redirect prevailing narratives concerning Deevy’s ambitions as a playwright and her involvement with Irish theatre practice post 1940
An exploration of FET Teacher Engagement, Career Progression and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in the Further Education Sector in the South-West of Ireland
Get PDFThe Further Education and Training (FET) sector is key to the economic growth and recovery of Ireland. Historically provision was often ad hoc, informal, and responding to local, and individual needs (VECs), or the skills needs of industry (FÁS). However, since 2013, SOLAS has been tasked with amalgamating provision existing under a single entity with significant structural and organisational changes. These have caused shifts in identity, ethos and objectives. To achieve the strategic aim of building a world-class integrated system of FET the sector requires engaged, enthusiastic, and committed teachers.
This research set out to explore FET teacher engagement, Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and career progression in the South-West of Ireland in order to add to the limited knowledge on FET teachers’ lives, their understanding, experiences and ambitions for their continuous professional development and career progression.
This qualitative study takes an interpretivist phenomenological approach, based on the understanding that contexts are complex, subjective and dynamic and open to personal interpretation Twenty-four participants took part in this study comprised of one pilot study (3); two focus groups (9); and semi-structured interviews (12). The target population was FET teachers working in QQI programmes (Level 1 -6) from different contexts, with a span of age, experience and duties. The data collected was analysed using the constant comparative method to allow themes and patterns to emerge.
Findings from the study include:
i) Role engagement at work was high with a particular emphasis on students and the teaching-learning environment. Personal role engagement did not lead to organisational commitment due at least in part to a perceived lack of psychological safety.
ii) CPD was understood in its broadest sense to include a broad range of both structured and unstructured professional learning and development. A dichotomy exists between what FET teachers understand and value as CPD and what the ETB organisation and local management provides and values as CPD activities.
iii) Career progression is perceived by the FET teachers as i) teaching and a ‘flat’ career; and ii) managing/administration and a vertical career. Those who chose teaching found themselves simultaneously in different career stages (Fessler & Christensen, (198). Career opportunities and advancement were limited to administrative/managerial positions.
iv) FET teacher role engagement strongly influenced their views of the value of the provision of CPD by their organisation, and their perception of an FET teacher pathway to career progression
Financing European SMEs: The Case of Family Firms
Get PDFGlobally more than 95% of firms are classified as SMEs (Beck, 2013), while in Europe SMEs account for 99.8% of all enterprises and approximately 70% of all employment (European Commission, 2015; Ferrando et al., 2017). However, the largest subset of SMEs is family-owned firms. Yet few studies to date examine their financing apart from Chu (2009), Mazzi (2011), Carney et al. (2015). Whilst financial life cycle theory and trade-off theory have been found to offer a great deal of insight into the capital structure of SMEs, it is agency concerns and the pecking order hypothesis which have greater relevance to the financing decisions of family-owned firms.
This research examines the sources of finance used by European family-owned SMEs in contrast to all other SMEs (notably solely owned firms and professionally owned SMEs) and assesses whether or not family firms are credit rationed. Using the ECBs SAFE survey from 2014 to 2017 the sample consists of circa 56,000 firm responses across twelve European countries. The study covers a unique period in the aftermath of the sovereign debt crisis and includes the five European countries who experienced the most profound effects of this crisis. A probit maximum-likelihood methodology is used to test hypotheses for source usage, applications for credit, the presence of borrower discouragement, and for different forms of credit rationing.
Our findings suggest that family-owned SMEs are more likely to use retained earnings, grants and subsidised bank loans as well as bank credit lines, bank loans and trade credit. Conversely, the results indicate that family firms do not favour using other loans, equity capital, leasing and hire purchase and other sources of finance. The assertion is that their preference is for more traditional sources of finance which do not involve any loss in control. Family-owned firms appear more likely to apply for bank credit with no evidence of them being discouraged borrowers or experiencing any form of credit rationing. The study confirms the applicability of pecking order, agency theory, financial lifecycle theory and trade-off theory.
The study is timely in a period of relative economic stability intersecting the European sovereign debt crisis and the recovery support policies across Europe culminating in the formation of the Capital Markets Union (CMU) plan (European Commission, 2019). The study also contributes to the policy literature
An investigation of the current body composition and bone density status of professional jockeys and the development and evaluation of industry specific nutrition education strategies
Get PDFBackground: Horse racing is a unique and demanding weight-restricted sport which imposes considerable lifestyle challenges on jockeys. The difficulty achieving the low stipulated racing weights and the previously reported associated impact on compromised physiological function and health is a growing concern for the horse racing industry. The thesis aim was to investigate the body composition and bone density of jockeys, and to develop and evaluate industry specific nutrition education strategies . Methods: The primary aim was achieved through the completion of three related studies. Study One conducted a large-scale evaluation of the current bone mineral density (BMD) status and associated physical and lifestyles factors of professional jockeys (flat n=39; national hunt (NH) n=46) in Ireland using a cross-sectional design with DXA scan, 24-hour food recall and lifestyle and injury history questionnaire. Study Two established body composition normative data for professional jockeys using DXA and skinfolds measurements and developed novel jockey-specific skinfold prediction equations for estimating body fat % (BF%). Study Three developed an online nutrition education (ONE) programme and compared this to the current nutrition education (CNE) practices in a 6-week dietary intervention trial with pre and post measures on body composition, dietary intake, nutrition knowledge and self-efficacy. Results: Study One confirms Irish jockeys have a high prevalence of low BMD (Z score of < - 1.0) at the lumber spine (LS) (44%), femoral neck (15%) and total hip (29%). Analysis indicated riding experience and timing of weight reduction in NH jockeys, and the practice of weight cutting in flat jockeys were seen to negatively influence BMD. The use of dietary supplements was positively associated with the LS in flat jockeys. In Study Two, results showed flat jockeys are heavier and taller than the data reported in earlier studies, with increasing BF% evident in both flat (15%) and NH (15.3%) jockeys. Jockey-specific skinfold equations developed using the available anthropometric variables showed a high predictive ability relative to DXA (R2 = .84 and .83, flat and NH, respectively). Study Three revealed ONE significantly improved nutrition knowledge and self-efficacy compared to CNE. Body composition was found to be comparable between the groups, despite a greater percentage of the ONE group showing improvements in fat mass (FM) loss and lean mass (LM) gain compared to the CNE group. Conclusion: The present thesis reinforces and extends previous research, which suggests worrying trends of sub-optimal BMD and poor body composition in professional jockeys. The results identify for the first time modifiable risk factors that practitioners and the horse racing industry can use to improve the health, safety and well-being of jockeys. The thesis also offers a practical contribution to industry practitioners with body composition normative data, novel jockey-specific skinfold prediction equations and a bespoke nutrition knowledge questionnaire for jockeys. Moreover, ONE could be used to save time and resources by helping to replace or complement CNE. Further research beyond nutrition education is required to explore the range of factors that influence dietary behaviour in jockeys, including food availability, food costs and sport-specific factors like food provision at race tracks and weight cycling practices
The War on Cash: The Digitization and Privatization of Cash and a Critical Need for Regulation
No full textMany financial services professionals, central bankers, technologists, academics, and consumers across the world believe that we are at the dawn of a truly cashless society. In several countries, a defacto cashless society already exists. During the ongoing Covid19 pandemic, we have seen a further acceleration of the decline, and indeed refusal, of cash transactions globally. Numerous studies focus on the benefits of cashless transactions and in many instances peer reviewed papers unquestionably extol the virtues of such. The researcher contends that consumers are being nudged towards a positive evaluation of a cashless society, because despite varied sources of information, financial, technology, and government sectors are predominantly reporting its positive connotations. However, there are many downsides to cashless payments and an impending cashless society, many of which have significant and life changing consequences for consumers and economies, yet this remains very much under researched. The researcher contends that as a society, we cannot do nothing; we cannot allow cash to be digitized and privatized by stealth. We must turn our attention to the consequences of a cashless society so we may identify solutions or mitigations and open a regulatory path towards a mediated transition
A Service-based Joint Model Used for Distributed Learning: Application for Smart Agriculture
Get PDFDistributed analytics facilitate to make the data-driven services smarter for a wider range of applications in many domains, including agriculture. The key to producing services at such level is timely analysis for deriving insights from reliable data. Centralized data analytic services are becoming infeasible due to limitations in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) infrastructure, timeliness of the information, and data ownership. Distributed Machine Learning (DML) platforms facilitate efficient data analysis and overcome such limitations effectively. Federated Learning (FL) is a DML methodology, which enables optimizing resource consumption while performing privacy-preserved timely analytics. In order to create such services through FL, there need to be innovative machine learning (ML) models as data complexity as well as application requirements limit the applicability of existing ML models. Even though NN-based models are highly advantageous, use of NN in FL settings is limited with thin clients (with less computational capabilities) and high-dimensional data (with a large number of model parameters). Therefore, in this paper, we propose a novel Neural Network (NN)- and Partial Least Square (PLS) regression-based joint FL model (FL-NNPLS). Its predictive performance is evaluated under sequentially and parallel-updating based FL algorithms in a smart farming context for milk quality analysis. Smart farming is a fast-growing industrial sector which requires effective analytics platforms to enable sustainable farming practices. However, the use of advanced ML techniques is still at an early stage for improving the effectiveness of farming practices. Our FL-NNPLS approach performs and compares well with a centralized approach and demonstrates state-of-the-art performance
Aspects of grassland management for pasture-based dairy farms with wet soils and fragmented farm area
Get PDFA long grazing season improves the profitability of pasture-based dairy farms. However, an increasing proportion of Irish milk is produced on farms where achieving a long grazing season is difficult. This study investigated how grassland management on farms with wet soils and fragmented farm area can be adapted to establish systems that maximise farm productivity and profitability. An experiment with four grazing systems evaluated if soil moisture measurements can be an effective decision support to assess the risk of treading damage, impact on pasture productivity and dairy cow performance during wet soil conditions. The effect of grazing platform stocking rate (GPSR) on the productivity and profitability of fragmented pasture-based farms was evaluated in a second experiment with four grazing systems where a higher GPSR was supplemented with silage produced on non-GP parcels of the farm. Finally, it was investigated if accumulating herbage mass during autumn can lengthen the grazing season on pasture-based dairy farms. Less time spent at pasture during wet soil conditions lowered treading damage but had no effect on annual herbage production. Milk solids production and profitability were higher when cows spent more time at pasture despite also incurring higher treading damage. Measuring soil moisture was a useful decision support for assessing the risk of treading damage when turning cows out to pasture. GPSR did not affect herbage production or milk production per cow albeit with a lower proportion of grazed herbage in the diet with higher GPSR. A greater extent of farm fragmentation lowered the profitability of pasture-based dairy production. The profitability of increasing GPSR was mainly determined by external factors. Higher milk prices, shorter distances and lower land rental price increased the optimum GPSR of fragmented systems. Accumulating herbage mass during autumn facilitated a longer grazing season while not impacting on milk production
What do consumers understand sustainable food to be? A systematic literature review
Get PDFPurpose: To provide a synthesis and an extended discussion of the literature relating to consumers’ understanding of what constitutes sustainable food. Design/methodology/approach: It presents a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of the academic literature providing insights into the specific issue. A search of major research databases with multiple keywords was performed to identify 236 relevant peer-reviewed articles dated between 2010-2020. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo. Findings: Five themes were identified: 1) Consumers’ majority associate sustainable food to be environmentally friendly 2) Consumers perceive specific diets to be sustainable 3) Consumers’ do not fully understand sustainable food labels 4) Consumers understand organic food to be sustainable food and 5) Consumers understand local food to be sustainable food. Research implications: This study contributes to the current body of knowledge on consumer understandings of sustainable food. The analysis of the different issues addressed by the literature could build the foundation for future research. Originality/value: This study presents a comprehensive review of the literature on consumers’ understanding of sustainable food. It can serve as a roadmap of literature for both academics and practitioners and help stimulate further interest