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
Role of deep eutectic solvents for the extraction of polysaccharides from seaweed for food applications
(Elsevier Ltd, 2026-09-15) Jerome, Rifna E.; Sivapragasam, Nilushni; Gupta, Vijai K.; Tiwari, Brijesh K.; Rajauria, Gaurav; Government of Ireland, PBA/SBEP/24/06; European Union, PBA/SBEP/24/06
The accelerating demand for green bioprocessing has positioned seaweed polysaccharides as expensive bioresources owing to their conformational diversity and varied bioactivities. Their relevance in functional foods and pharmaceuticals further emphasises the need for efficient and sustainable extraction strategies. The majority of existing extraction techniques frequently negotiate polysaccharide integrity, purity, and yield. In response, deep eutectic solvents (DES) have arisen as promising sustainable solvents, advancing tunable physicochemical characteristics and improved selectivity on polysaccharide functional groups. This review methodically assesses recent progress in the extraction of crucial seaweed polysaccharides, comprising alginate, fucoidan, laminarin, and carrageenan, employing DES/DES-assisted advanced technologies. The importance of Kamlet-Taft (KT) parameters is in-depth explored to understand DES-polysaccharide interactions and justify differences in solubilization and recovery proficiencies. Among the reviewed mixtures, choline chloride:glycerol and choline chloride:urea steadily displayed superior performance, with the former accomplishing advanced yields and the latter supporting careful solubilization. The relative insights presented emphasise that extraction results are affected by DES mixtures, seaweed species, and energy-assisted techniques such as microwave- and ultrasound-assisted extraction. Overall, this review highlights the possibility of DES-based green extraction approaches to attain competent and sustainable retrieval of seaweed polysaccharides, along with delivering a mechanistic knowledge for impending solvent design.
Romani in Ireland: A study of its use, importance, transmission, and speakers’ attitudes
(The Irish Association for Applied Linguistics, 2025) Plachetka, Martin
Migration has always been a phenomenon across nations worldwide. People moving from one area to another for economic and social reasons have influenced and caused many linguistic changes. Migrants acquire the dominant language of the given country, which can often lead to language attrition and loss with the upbringing of the next generations. The Romani language is an example of how a language can be either preserved or lost depending on the environmental settings, pressures, and perceived attitudes. Historically, as the Roma migrated from India to and across Europe, they acquired linguistic features and customs from local cultures. This study examines the Romani language use, transmission and importance amongst Roma living in Ireland. It explores the changes of language use and transmission of Romani onto the next generations brought up in Ireland. The research investigates the importance the language has amongst the Roma people and their attitudes towards it. The study involved fifty participants of the Roma ethnic background, originally from the Czech Republic and Slovakia who were aged eighteen to sixty-five and over. It employed a mixed method research approach based on questionnaires and qualitative open-ended questions and used convenient sampling. The findings were analysed using descriptive statistical methods and a thematic analysis approach. The research indicates that the use of Romani in Ireland is perceived positively, whereby people have no fear speaking the language in the presence of non-Roma members of the society. However, the language is losing its importance in daily life and is being taken over by the use of English.
How Seán Ó Riada helped forge a new path in Radio Éireann
(RTE Brainstorm, 2026-09-30) Mac Aodhgáin, Pádraig
Analysis: The artist's progress in broadcasting was bound up with Radio Éireann's development and changed how we think and talk about Irish traditional music.
An Evaluation of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s ‘TeamUp for Dementia Research’ Service
(2025) O'Mahony, Lauren; Fox, Siobhan; Timmons, Suzanne; O'Shea, Emma; Alzheimer Society of Ireland
TeamUp for Dementia Research is The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s pioneering service that connects people affected by dementia with safe, supported opportunities to take part in ethically approved research. Since its launch in 2021, TeamUp for Dementia Research (TUDR) has made a significant contribution to strengthening dementia research in Ireland. It has created a trusted bridge between researchers and the dementia community, ensuring that people living with dementia and their families can participate meaningfully in studies that will shape future care, treatment, and understanding. This evaluation strongly affirms the value and impact of the service. It also highlights where continued focus is needed to ensure TUDR remains effective and responsive as research demand increases. A personalised and supported approach is central to the success of TUDR, and maintaining this standard will require ongoing attention to resourcing so we can capitalise on opportunities for more inclusive, diverse, and impactful research.
Why Antonio Gramsci's work has never been more pertinent
(RTE Brainstorm, 2026-11-06) Bufacchi, Vittorio
Analysis: 90 years after his death, the Italian philosopher's lessons and ideas on fascism remain perpetually dangerous to any totalitarian regime today.