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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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Distinguishing the energy and non-energy actions in balancing energy markets
(Elsevier B.V., 2024-09-11) Haji Bashi, Mazaher; Gharibpour, Hassan; Carroll, David; Kerin, Martin J.; Lyons, Padraig
In the European context, balancing energy markets are established to optimise transmission system operator balancing actions closer to real-time. These actions aim to match total generation and consumption subject to a suite of security constraints (e.g., reserve requirements). However, there is no clear border between those actions that are taken due to the reserve requirements (non-energy actions) and those that are primarily taken to supply the demand mismatches (energy actions). To recognise the effect of non-energy actions, existing methods require comparing the results of counterfactual optimisation problems in which the non-energy-action-related constraints were deliberately omitted. This paper proposes a one-off solution enabling TSOs to distinguish energy actions from non-energy ones in the balancing market scheduling problem. By decomposition of the dual variables and clustering the constraints as proposed in this paper, there is no need to solve repetitive counterfactual optimisation problems. Case studies show that in addition to the non-energy actions caused by non-energy-based balancing requirements, the proposed method is able to recognise the energy actions that should be taken due to the non-energy root causes. This feature enables TSOs to efficiently retrace the effect of non-energy actions on the energy-based dispatch instructions issued according to the balancing market schedule.
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From early motor ability to global cognitive development 7 years after neonatal arterial ischemic stroke
(S. Karger AG, 2024) Giraud, Antoine; Garel, Pauline; Walsh, Brian; Chabrier, Stéphane; Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
The developmental condition of children after neonatal arterial ischemic stroke (NAIS) is characterized by cognitive and motor impairments. We hypothesized that independent walking age would be a predictor of later global cognitive functioning in this population. Sixty-one children with an available independent walking age and full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) score 7 years after NAIS were included in this study. Full-scale IQ was assessed using the fourth edition of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV). Independent walking age was negatively correlated with full-scale IQ score at 7 years of age (Pearson correlation coefficient of -0.27; 95% confidence interval from -0.48 to -0.01; p < 0.05). Early motor function is correlated with later global cognitive functioning in children after NAIS. Assessing and promoting early motor ability is essential in this population.
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A telephone assessment and advice service within an ED physiotherapy clinic: a single-site quality improvement cohort study
(AboutScience Srl, 2021) Kelly, Marie; Higgins, Anna; Murphy, Adrian; McCreesh, Karen
Background: In response to issues with timely access and high non-attendance rates for Emergency Department(ED) physiotherapy, a telephone assessment and advice service was evaluated as part of a quality improvementproject. This telehealth option requires minimal resources, with the added benefit of allowing the healthcareprofessional streamline care. A primary aim was to investigate whether this service model can reduce wait timesand non-attendance rates, compared to usual care. A secondary aim was to evaluate service user acceptability.Methods: This was a single-site quality improvement cohort study that compares data on wait time to firstphysiotherapy contact, non-attendance rates and participant satisfaction between patients that opted for a servicebased on initial telephone assessment and advice, versus routine face-to-face appointments. 116 patients werereferred for ED physiotherapy over the 3-month pilot at the ED and out-patient physiotherapy department, XMercyUniversity Hospital, Cork, Ireland. 91 patients (78%) opted for the telephone assessment and advice service, with40% (n=36) contacting the service. 25 patients (22%) opted for the face-to-face service. Data on wait time and non-attendance rates was gathered using the hospital data reporting system. Satisfaction data was collected ondischarge using a satisfaction survey adapted from the General Practice Assessment Questionnaire. Independent-samples t-test or Mann Whitney U Test was utilised depending on the distribution of the data. For categorical data,Chi-Square tests were performed. A level of significance ofp≤0.05 was set for this study.Results: Those that contacted the telephone assessment and advice service had a significantly reduced wait time(median 6 days; 3–8 days) compared to those that opted for usual care (median 35 days; 19–39 days) (p≤0.05).There was no significant between-group differences for non-attendance rates or satisfaction.Conclusion: A telephone assessment and advice service may be useful in minimising delays for advice for thosereferred to ED Physiotherapy for musculoskeleltal problems. This telehealth option appears to be broadlyacceptable and since it can be introduced rapidly, it may be helpful in triaging referrals and minimising face-to-faceconsultations, in line with COVID-19 recommendations. However, a large scale randomised controlled trial iswarranted to confirm these findings.
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JDoc: a serious game for medical learning
(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), 2008) Sliney, Aidan; Murphy, David
This paper presents initial research on a home based junior doctor medical simulator (JDoc) to improve the efficiency of junior doctor training within the restrictions imposed by the European working time directive (EWTD). Our goal is to make theoretical medical knowledge more accessible. We developed a high fidelity test framework JDoc. Our objective is to understand the potential for medical simulation in junior doctor training. The paper outlines the design process and the construction of the simulator as well as a small scale post-test usability study amongst junior doctors from which we can assess the benefits of JDoc.
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‘Wounded Healers’: a collaborative exploration of trauma exposure with the Kerry Travellers Health and Community Development Project
(Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork, 2024) Quilligan , Anne Marie; Kelleher, Sara; Civil Society Organization
This study, conducted in collaboration with the Kerry Travellers Health Community Development Project (KTHCDP), explores the trauma exposure among Irish Traveller staff within their professional roles, focusing on its impact on their personal and professional lives. Employing a phenomenological approach through Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR), the research involved conducting six semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth insights. The findings reveal significant exposure to both primary and secondary trauma among the participants, characterised by direct interactions with distressed individuals and emotional burdens from community-based crises, notably including high incidences of suicide. The study highlights a complex interplay of resilience and vicarious trauma within the community, illustrating how personal experiences with trauma influence professional engagements and advocacy efforts. The results underscore the need for tailored support systems for Traveller staff, emphasising professional recognition and the integration of trauma-informed care. Recommendations for enhancing organisational support and developing targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of trauma exposure are discussed, aiming to contribute to better mental health outcomes and sustained advocacy efforts within the Traveller community.