CORA
Cork Open Research Archive (CORA) is UCC’s Open Access institutional repository which enables UCC researchers to make their research outputs freely available and accessible.
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Recent Submissions
Modeling scattering matrix containing evanescent modes for wavefront shaping applications in disordered media
(2026-07-29) Raju, Michael; Jayet, Baptiste; Andersson-Engels, Stefan; Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland
We developed an open-source scalar wave transport model to estimate the generalized scattering matrix (S-matrix) of a disordered medium in the diffusion regime. The term generalized refers to the incorporation of evanescent wave field modes alongside propagating modes in the estimation of the S-matrix. To achieve this, we employed the scalar Kirchhoff-Helmholtz boundary integral formulation together with the Green’s function perturbation method, thereby extending the conventional Fisher-Lee relations to include evanescent modes. The estimated S-matrix, which satisfies the generalized unitarity and reciprocity relations, is modeled for a two-dimensional disordered waveguide. The generalized transmission matrix contained within the S-matrix is utilized to estimate the optimal phase-conjugate wavefront for focusing onto an evanescent mode. The phenomenon of a universal transmission value of 2/3 for such an optimal phase conjugate wavefront is demonstrated in the context of evanescent wave mode focusing through a diffusive disorder. The presented code framework may be of interest to wavefront shaping researchers for visualizing and estimating wave transport properties in general.
Multi-material inkjet-printed power dividers for antenna array feed networks
(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2026-08-11) Martin, Kevin; Psychogiou, Dimitra
This paper explores the potential of a two-material piezo drop-on-demand process for the realization of monolithic four-way power dividers. Integration concepts using grounded coplanar waveguide transmission lines with different geometrical profiles, i.e. solid- and dielectric-filled conductors, are examined to observe their suitability for the power divider realization. For proof-of-concept validation purposes a prototype of the four-way power divider was manufactured and tested at Ku-band. It demonstrated a reflection coefficient |S11| ≤-10 dB from 11 GHz to 14.9 GHz that corresponds to a fractional bandwidth of 30.46%. The proposed solution has an average insertion loss of 5.2 dB that includes the loss of the coaxial connectors.
Sources of IDL: Focus on subsidiary means for the determination of rules of international law
(2026-08-14) Cubie, Dug
Throughout 2024 the International Law Commission (ILC) continued its examination of the sources of international law set out in Article 38(1) of the Statute of the International Court of Justice. In particular, the Special Rapporteur on subsidiary means for the determination of rules of international law, Charles Chernor Jalloh, submitted his second report in January 2024, alongside the publication of a comprehensive Memorandum of practice on subsidiary means by the ILC Secretariat. Continuing our series on the Sources of IDL, the focus of this article is the ILC’s analysis of subsidiary means as a source of general international law and the role that judicial decisions and the teachings of publicists play in the development of international disaster law.
Developing a community of practice for work-integrated learning in UCC
(2026-06-19) McCarthy, Ruth; Kerr, Clodagh; Waterman, Aileen
Work-Integrated Learning: Introduced to UCC in 2020 following on from the Thematic review of placements by the Quality Enhancement Unit. Background: Communities of practice (CoP) refers to groups of people who share a concern or a passion for a topic, a craft, and/or a profession (Wenger 1998, 2006). A community of practice acts as a “living curriculum” that engages participants in a process of “collective learning” (Wenger 2006). Aim: To nurture and cultivate an institution-wide approach to work-integrated learning (WIL) in UCC by empowering a Community of Practice. Currently in developmental stage, driven by a cross-institutional steering committee. Method: Design a framework for WIL CoP to communicate with all staff involved in WIL university–wide. Inform staff involved in WIL activities on updates to WIL developments locally, nationally and international. Provision of digital staff resources via bespoke WIL SharePoint. Inaugural WIL CoP showcase May 2026. Results: University-wide WIL Discovery Survey & Results (Jan 2026) Guest Speaker on National WIL PhD programme. Digital Resource HUB for staff.
Evaluation of pharmacy mentorship programme for new pharmacy graduates
(2026-06-19) McCarthy, Ruth; O'Driscoll, Michelle; Feehan, Aoife
Background: Newly-registered pharmacists face immediate professional responsibilities while losing university and preceptor support. This can negatively impact confidence, stress levels and capability. Mentorship is widely utilised to support early transitions in healthcare professions, however evidence related to pharmacy is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate a three-month mentorship programme for newly registered Irish pharmacists, to support their transition into practice. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate a three-month mentorship programme for newly registered Irish pharmacists, to support their transition into practice. Method: MPharm students from University College Cork, School of Pharmacy were invited to participate in a pilot mentorship programme upon joining the professional register in October 2024. Mentees were assigned to an appropriately trained mentor and invited to meet monthly for three months. Online mentee surveys were administered pre-mentorship (T1), at programme conclusion (T2) and three months post-mentorship (T3). Mentors completed a T2 survey. Quantitative Likert-scale questions assessed emotional and practice-related challenges. Free-text responses captured participants’ reflections on their experiences. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were conducted. Results: Both groups (n=10 mentees, n=5 mentors) highlighted personal and professional development benefits post-mentorship. Mentee self-belief in relation to their professional practice increased (50% T1, n=10;100% T3, n=4). Mentors reported increased mentee confidence and improved mentee decision-making post-mentorship. Mentees reported high programme satisfaction; all T2 respondents would recommend mentorship to peers (n=5). Themes generated related to challenges in practice transition, programme structure and engagement and mentoring relationships and experiences. Conclusion: Mentorship represents a strategy to support newly-registered pharmacists by enhancing early emotional and professional development. To optimise future mentorship offerings, clearer role expectations, standardised programme design and sufficient duration of mentorship are recommended.