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Age-associated deficits in social behaviour are microbiota-dependent
(Elsevier, 2023) Cruz-Pereira, Joana S.; Moloney, Gerard M.; Bastiaanssen, Thomaz F. S.; Boscaini, Serena; Fitzgerald, Patrick; Clarke, Gerard; Cryan, John F.; Science Foundation Ireland; Saks-Kavanaugh Foundation; Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung
Aging is associated with remodelling of immune and central nervous system responses resulting in behavioural impairments including social deficits. Growing evidence suggests that the gut microbiome is also impacted by aging, and we propose that strategies to reshape the aged gut microbiome may ameliorate some age-related effects on host physiology. Thus, we assessed the impact of gut microbiota depletion, using an antibiotic cocktail, on aging and its impact on social behavior and the immune system. Indeed, microbiota depletion in aged mice eliminated the age-dependent deficits in social recognition. We further demonstrate that although age and gut microbiota depletion differently shape the peripheral immune response, aging induces an accumulation of T cells in the choroid plexus, that is partially blunted following microbiota depletion. Moreover, an untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed age-dependent alterations of cecal metabolites that are reshaped by gut microbiota depletion. Together, our results suggest that the aged gut microbiota can be specifically targeted to affect social deficits. These studies propel the need for future investigations of other non-antibiotic microbiota targeted interventions on age-related social deficits both in animal models and humans.
Agency and ageing in place in rural Ireland
(University College Cork and Age Action, 2022-04) O'Sullivan, Siobhán; Buckley, Margaret; Desmond, Elaine; Bantry-White, Eleanor; Cassarino, Marica; Irish Research Council
This report explores the experiences and preferences of older adults on ageing in place in rural Ireland. This exploration is undertaken through a participatory mixed-methods approach that seeks to foreground the voices of older adults themselves. The research study involved two phases. Phase one entailed a nationwide online and postal survey co-constructed with Age Action’s Glór advocacy group and University of the Third Age (U3A) membership and distributed to Age Action members living in rural areas across Ireland. 218 people aged 55 and older who live in rural areas took part in the survey and every county was represented, with 45% of respondents from Munster, 36% from Leinster, 12% from Connaught, and 7% from Ulster. Phase two involved a series of four focus groups in which 19 people took part. The focus groups explored the survey themes in more depth. The research highlights the diversity of experience of home and community among the older adults in rural Ireland who took part. Most participants expressed a strong desire to remain in their homes and communities as they age. The sense of attachment to home and place had, for many, strengthened since the pandemic. Some participants, however, highlighted the tenuous nature of their living arrangements and their sense of alienation from place. This was particularly the case for the participants who were renting, who had recently moved locations to be closer to children, or who found the limited facilities and social opportunities in their rural environments restrictive. Whether they were settled in their homes and communities or not, all participants highlighted the uncertainty of their positions and their fears for being able to have their preference for remaining in place realised as they aged. This was related to unpredictable factors such as their future health needs and availability of home care, their ongoing ability to drive, or their capacity to afford to live independently given the ambiguity surrounding future pension provision and the escalating costs associated with utilities, healthcare, home maintenance and expenses related to rural living, such as security, water, and sewerage costs. The general decline of towns and villages was highlighted by participants, as was the poor coverage of public transport in rural areas. These aspects not only heightened the sense of isolation of participants in terms of access to services and social activities; they also served to heighten their sense of marginalisation and perceived loss of agency in terms of policy formation and political representation. Participants also noted the limited options available to them should they consider moving from their rural locations, something that would be particularly challenging for most given their emotional connection to their homes and communities. The lack of affordable and suitable housing for older adults was a particular concern. Most participants were strongly opposed to nursing homes, a view which the experience of the pandemic had often reinforced. While a small number saw their benefit in cases of critical care, most were dissatisfied with the current ‘Fair Deal’ Scheme for funding nursing home care. They argued that, instead of focussing resources on a nursing home option not favoured by older adults, the government should develop an alternative statutory home care scheme that would support older adults to remain in their homes as they age. The supports which were noted as important in relation to allowing adults to age in their homes included a more accessible and fit-for-purpose grant system to fund modifications to the home – the most popular of these being an emergency response system, bathroom modifications, and improved heating. The need for a properly paid and resourced home help service, as well as a home and garden maintenance service, was emphasised. This was especially the case given the changing reality of ageing in Irish society and the fact that many older adults cannot rely on the availability or ability of family members to care for them in their homes. Access to broadband in rural areas was also noted as crucial, not only given the fact that more aspects of daily services are being conducted online but also given the importance of a reliable broadband connection in facilitating isolated rural older adults to connect to others. Participants highlighted their enjoyment of meeting each other and realising their difficulties were shared despite their diverse locations as benefits of the research process in the current study. They argued for the need for training in technology which could be a significant enabler to their remaining in place, as opposed to presenting a barrier to their doing so. They also argued that there was a need to tackle the covert ageism which was seen as endemic in institutions and everyday interactions, and which served to marginalise older adults further. Participants noted their preferences were they to need additional supports which could not be provided in their homes in the future. In this case, their favoured options would be co-operative or sheltered housing and retirement villages. These options were available for very few participants locally, however, meaning that they would be required to move from their communities, as well as their homes. The research, while small in scale resonates with global research on the theme,1 and highlights that the ability of older adults to age in place requires coordination among several different policy areas, not least housing, transport, technology, and healthcare. There is a need to adjust the funding focus from moving people who need help out of their homes to ensuring that the help they need is available to them in their homes for as long as possible. There is also a need to develop housing options, other than nursing homes, to address people’s preferences should staying at home be no longer a feasible option. Finally, and most importantly, there is a requirement to listen to older people in rural areas about where and how they wish to age in ways that support their sense of agency and challenge flawed assumptions about ageing. This research seeks to contribute to that aim both through its focus and its process.
The Aghadown bronze axes, Paddock Td., Co. Cork
(Cork Historical and Archaeological Society, 1978) McCarthy, J. P.
A brief account of the two axes to be described and illustrated here was published by Power in 1926. He states that they were discovered at Aghadown near Baltimore, in a souterrain locally known as Poll-a-Talmhain
An approach to evaluating the user experience of serious games
(Elsevier Ltd., 2019-04-09) Moizer, Jonathan; Lean, Jonathan; Dell'Aquila, Elena; Walsh, Paul; Keary, Alphonsus; O'Byrne, Déirdre; Di Ferdinando, Andrea; Miglino, Orazio; Friedrich, Ralf; Asperges, Roberta; Sica, Luigia Simona; European Commission
The use of serious games to support learning continues to expand across a range of educational and training settings. Hence, a need exists to understand more fully how users experience such games. This study seeks to describe and assess an approach to the evaluation of user-experience applied within the context of a specific serious game developed to address the training needs of people working in social enterprises. Drawing on an extensive literature review, the development of a survey instrument to capture the multi-dimensional nature of user-experience is explained as is the evaluation process employed. Findings from surveys of individuals working in social enterprises are analysed and discussed. The results demonstrate the value of the proposed method of user-experience evaluation. Recommendations for practice and further research are outlined, identifying in particular the importance of qualitative insights in the evaluation process and the need for greater understanding of the inter-relationships between the various dimensions and attributes of user-experience in serious games.
Bacterial toxins: Offensive, defensive, or something else altogether?
(Public Library of Science, 2017-09-21) Rudkin, Justine K.; McLoughlin, Rachel M.; Preston, Andrew; Massey, Ruth C.
The secretion of proteins that damage host tissue is well established as integral to the infectious processes of many bacterial pathogens. However, recent advances in our understanding of the activity of toxins suggest that the attributes we have assigned to them from early in vitro experimentation have misled us into thinking of them as merely destructive tools. Here, we will discuss the multifarious ways in which toxins contribute to the lifestyle of bacteria and, by considering their activity from an evolutionary perspective, demonstrate how this extends far beyond their ability to destroy host tissue.
Ballineaspigmore and Bishopstown House
(Bishopstown Community Association, 1981) McCarthy, J. P.
Ballineaspig, anglicised Bishopstown, consists of two townlands which are Ballineaspigmore and Ballineaspigbeg. Taken together, both townlands occupy an area identifiable in modern day terms as lying approximately between the old Glasheen National School on the east side and what was, until recently, the University Farm Curraheen Road on the west. A townland is the smallest administrative land division in Ireland. Historians and other scholars are as yet inconclusive about the origins of these divisions. They are certainly as old as the seventeenth century. The townland with which this booklet is concerned is known as Ballineaspigmore. It extends west from the new Regional Hospital at Wilton and includes modern housing estates such as Uam-Var, Benvoirlich and Firgrove. The simplest translation of the townland name is the large land division of the bishop. To clarify a popular misconception, Bishopstown does not derive its name from the fact that in the early eighteenth century a bishop of Cork built his country residence there. The name is much older and can be found in sources dating back to the sixteenth century.
Barriers and waste in the research grant application process in higher education through a lean six sigma lens
(Polska Akademia Nauk, 2020-09) Dempsey, Mary; Brennan, Attracta; McAvoy, John
Higher education institutions (HEIs) typically generate income from two main sources; student fees and research income. In contrast, the predominant waste streams in HEIs tend to include; (1) assignment/examination mark submission process, (2) photocopying process and (3) the funding application process. Unintended internal process complexities and barriers typically aggravate the challenges already inherent, in the research grant application process. Although Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has been adopted by a number of HEIs in Ireland, very few have adopted an integrated LSS approach for waste reduction in the research grant application process. To identify barriers and waste in the research grant application process within an Irish HEI in an EU environment, the authors used an online survey deployed to 240 academics and researchers. The survey response rate was 13%. The participating HEI in this pilot study generated an annual income (including student fees and research income) exceeding (sic)240 million for the academic year 2017/2018. Using an LSS lens, this paper identified the primary waste in the research grant application process from an academic and researcher perspective to be; editing and revising applications, liaising and communicating with collaborators and waiting for information. Organised thematically, the main barriers were strategic thinking, collaborator identification and co-Ordination, eligibility, process, time and support & mentoring. The results from this study can be used to inform the next stage of the research where empirical studies will be carried out in other HEIs to develop a practical roadmap for the implementation of LSS as an operational excellence improvement methodology in the research grant application process.
Being creative in making your (special) collections available through innovative tools and technology
(2023-04) Chen, Stephanie
This talk will highlight four ways University College Cork Library have creatively and innovatively used emerging technology and new digital tools and platforms to provide and enhance access to rare and unique items in the Library’s Special Collections. Items in Special Collections are normally restricted for use in the physical Special Collections and Archives’ spaces and during opening hours. Having alternative ways of viewing and interacting with material means anyone is able to access it from anywhere at any time. UCC Library staff and students collaborated to create (1) a virtual tour of Cork city based on historical newspaper advertisements, (2) various 3D models of objects including parchment fragments, (3) a colouring book published online, and (4) a digital exhibit on historical recipes with different visualisations. While the above projects use items from Special Collections, they serve as an example of what is possible. The technology and digital tools and platforms used are not limited to unique and distinctive collections but can be applied to all types of collections and material. The presentation will outline the benefits of trying new technology and tools, some of the challenges experienced, and provide recommendations on how all types of libraries can utilize technology and digital tools and platforms for outreach, engagement, and access. By engaging with emerging technologies and innovative digital tools and platforms, staff are inspired to develop their own skills, experiment, and be creative.
Beyond Wikipedia and Google: Web-based literacies and student learning
(NAIRTL, 2010-10) Cronin, James G. R.; Higgs, Bettie; Kilcommins, Shane; Ryan, Tony
The Educause Horizon Report (http://wp.nmc.org/horizon2009/) argues that while web-based tools are rapidly becoming standard in education and in the workplace and technologically mediated communication is the norm, fluency in information, visual, and technological literacy is not formally taught to most students. In the light of this we need new and expanded definitions and paradigms of academic digital literacy that are based on mastering underlying concepts of critical thinking and enhancing these paradigms within the digital environment. This chapter attempts to test the assumption that entrants to the humanities (in this case art history) are information or data literate. This is an assumption often made yet it largely goes unchallenged. This study reflects on the strengths and weaknesses of a series of information literacy workshops currently being delivered in History of Art, University College Cork (http://eimagespace.blogspot.com/). The use of dynamic web tools, like audio and video podcasts, has given dyslexic students attending the workshops alternative entry points to learning.
Book review: Progressive Business: An Intellectual History of the Role of Business in American Society, by Christian Olaf Christiansen, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2015, 275 pp. ISBN: 978-0198701033
(2018-10) Kaucz, Błażej
Book Review: When America Liked Ike: How Moderates Won the 1952 Presidential Election and Reshaped American Politics. By Gary Donaldson. Rowman and Littlefield. 2016. vii + 137pp. $38.00
(Wiley, 2018-03-28) Thelen, Sarah J.
Broad purpose vector for site-directed insertional mutagenesis in Bifidobacterium breve
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2021-03) Hoedt, Emily C.; Bottacini, Francesca; Cash, Nora; Bongers, Roger S.; van Limpt, Kees; Ben Amor, Kaouther; Knol, Jan; MacSharry, John; van Sinderen, Douwe; Nutricia Research Foundation; Science Foundation Ireland; Federation of European Microbiological Societies
Members of the genus Bifidobacterium are notoriously recalcitrant to genetic manipulation due to their extensive and variable repertoire of Restriction-Modification (R-M) systems. Non-replicating plasmids are currently employed to achieve insertional mutagenesis in Bifidobacterium. One of the limitations of using such insertion vectors is the presence within their sequence of various restriction sites, making them sensitive to the activity of endogenous restriction endonucleases encoded by the target strain. For this reason, vectors have been developed with the aim of methylating and protecting the vector using a methylase-positive Escherichia coli strain, in some cases containing a cloned bifidobacterial methylase. Here, we present a mutagenesis approach based on a modified and synthetically produced version of the suicide vector pORI28 (named pFREM28), where all known restriction sites targeted by Bifidobacterium breve R-M systems were removed by base substitution (thus preserving the codon usage). After validating the integrity of the erythromycin marker, the vector was successfully employed to target an alpha-galactosidase gene responsible for raffinose metabolism, an alcohol dehydrogenase gene responsible for mannitol utilization and a gene encoding a priming glycosyltransferase responsible for exopolysaccharides (EPS) production in B. breve. The advantage of using this modified approach is the reduction of the amount of time, effort and resources required to generate site-directed mutants in B. breve and a similar approach may be employed to target other (bifido)bacterial species.
Broadcasting the library - Shush! Sounds from University College Cork Library
(Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals: Multimedia Information and Technology Group, 2018-05) O'Connor, Martin; Madden, Ronan
Shush! Sounds from UCC Library is a weekly radio show, hosted by two UCC Librarians: Ronan Madden and Martin O’Connor. As well as featuring a rather eclectic selection of (in the main) left field rock music, the show features UCC Library news, interviews with UCC Library staff and visiting librarians, in addition to regular features on UCC Library resources and issues relevant to librarianship in general.
The Cantwell collection
(Open Book Publishers in association with the Institute of English Studies School of Advanced Study, 2016-12) Ó Doibhlin, Crónán; Gould, Warwick
The Cantwell collection (with the agreement of Dr Eamonn Cantwell) is an open collection within the Boole Library, University College Cork, and the Library has added a small number of significant titles to the collection since the original gift in 2006. The Collection was first exhibited at the Boole Library, UCC, 24 June-30 July 2003, and it complements other Boole Library collections such as the Cuala Press Collection, and the Dolmen Press Collection of the Yeats scholar and distinguished publisher, Liam Miller. The accompanying catalogue, W. B. Yeats: A Collector's Gift was compiled by Olivia Fitzpatrick and a team of assistants and was available at the exhibition, which opened with the inaugural lecture of the series: see above p. 3. Catalogue details not pertaining to provenance and to be found more generally in Wade, have not been repeated here. A few details of provenance for some items have been added to this list. The provenance of each title was not specifically recorded prior to 2006 unless noted in the UCC Library catalogue record. Errors in A Collector's Gift have been silently corrected.
Children's voices in housing estate regeneration
(Government Publications, Dublin, 2015) O'Connell, Cathal; O'Sullivan, Siobhán; Byrne, Lorcan; Irish Research Council; Department of Children and Youth Affairs; Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Ireland; University College Cork
Background: The theme of this research is children’s participation in housing estate regeneration. Estate regeneration can affect children’s lives in terms of their living conditions and environmental surroundings, and their sense of safety, belonging, place, identity and community. However, children’s voices are seldom heard in regeneration programmes. This research represents a first step in hearing the voices of children and young people and presents their views in relation to a major regeneration programme currently underway in the Knocknaheeny Housing Estate on the Northside of Cork City. Methods: The research methodology used was a rights-based approach entailing a range of qualitative and creative methods, including focus group activities and discussions, rap, photography and art. These methods ascertained children and young people’s views and experiences on what they like and do not like about their area, what they think is good and bad, and what they think should be changed. Ten focus groups involving 78 children and young people were held over the spring and summer of 2013. Key findings: Children and young people would like regeneration to achieve renewal of their area, a safer neighbourhood, a cleaner environment, a better reputation for the estate, and improved life chances and opportunities by: Enhancing community and personal safety through more effective community policing and housing management, addressing problems such as: anti-social behaviour and disruptive tenants; public drinking; drug dealing; violence and intimidation. Improving existing amenities and the local environment through: new and better quality houses; providing effective refuse collection and litter removal; maintaining green areas and open spaces; improving recreation, sports and leisure amenities; considering the impact on young people when lanes are closed in response to residents’ petitions; managing through-traffic and road safety; providing new amenities to reflect their current interests; improving bus services to the area and connectivity with the wider city. Providing educational and employment opportunities through: training, apprenticeships and employment in the regeneration programme; promoting commercial and retail investment in the local economy. They also highlight some of the disruptive impacts of regeneration in terms of: losing their homes due to demolition; re-location of families and friends to addresses outside of the estate; the associated impact on their social networks, friendships and family connections. All of the participants want to be involved in the decision-making around regeneration. The older groups, however, are more cynical about having an influence and are critical of the omission of children and young people’s voices. Conclusions and Recommendations: The research highlights the importance of actively listening to the voices of children and young people and enabling their capacity as agents to influence change. There are three main sets of recommendations arising from this research relating to: regeneration guidelines; estate management; capacity-building.
Collaborating with students: Reflections on UCC Library co-creating learning experiences
(2022-11-17) Chen, Stephanie
UCC Library launched its Library Learning Resources course on Canvas (the University’s VLE) at the start of the 2020 academic year. The course consists of seven, self-directed interdisciplinary modules which offer teaching to all students on information searching and Library resources. This talk outlines the key learnings from a 2021 summer project funded by the University’s Office of the Vice-President for Learning & Teaching. The project involved Library staff collaborating with a diverse and inclusive group of students: to obtain feedback on the Library’s modules; implement improvements based on feedback; develop interactive assessments and content, allowing for the co-creation of learning experiences. The outcome of the project was a refined Library course which was more appealing and engaging. Library staff and students used H5P to co-create new interactive learning objects which help cement knowledge and allow for self-evaluation. An interactive, app-based scavenger hunt was also developed to provide an impactful first experience of UCC Library buildings for new students. Key learning outcomes for attendees: Recognize importance of partnering with students in projects; Determine best application of technology in enhancing learning; Summarize challenges experienced and what worked and didn’t work
Collaborating with students: Reflections on University College Cork Library co-creating learning experiences
(2023-04) Chen, Stephanie
University College Cork Library launched its Library Learning Resources course on Canvas (the University’s VLE) at the start of the 2020 academic year. The course consists of seven, self-directed interdisciplinary modules which offer teaching to all students on information searching and Library resources. The Library’s online course allows for access to knowledge, skills and resources at anytime from anywhere. This poster outlines the key learnings from a 2021 summer project funded by the University’s Office of the Vice-President for Learning & Teaching. The project involved Library staff collaborating with a diverse and inclusive group of students to: obtain feedback on the Library’s modules; implement improvements based on feedback; develop interactive learning objects and content, allowing for the co-creation of learning experiences. The outcome of the project was a refined Library course which was more appealing and engaging. Library staff and students used H5P to co-create new interactive learning objects which help cement knowledge and allow for self-evaluation. An interactive, app-based scavenger hunt was also developed to provide an impactful first experience of UCC Library buildings for new students. The co-creation of interactive learning objects and a scavenger hunt shows how technology can be used to enhance and support learning. The poster will outline the importance of partnering with students in projects, suggest ways in which technology can be used in enhancing and supporting learning, and summarize the challenges experienced as well as what worked and what didn’t work.
A compliant-mechanism-based lockable prismatic joint for high-load morphing structures
(Elsevier Ltd., 2022-09-12) Zhao, Yinjun; Hao, Guangbo; Chai, Luguang; Tian, Yingzhong; Xi, Fengfeng; China Scholarship Council
Lockable joints are widely used in robotic systems and adaptive structures for energy management and/or topology reconfiguration. However, it is still challenging to design a joint with desired properties, including high locking load, infinite locking positions, short switching time, energy-efficient control, and a compact and lightweight structure. This paper aims at this open problem by presenting a novel piezoelectric (PZT) actuated lockable prismatic joint. This joint is a compliant mechanism (CM) consisting of a compound bridge-type compliant mechanism (CBCM) and a pair of compound multibeam parallelogram mechanisms (CMPMs). It can produce the required input/output stiffness to transmit large forces for high-load locking. It can also provide a desired input/output motion range for PZT actuation-based unlocking and for facilitating preloading adjustment. An analytical model is presented based on a compliance matrix method and the nonlinear model of the CMPM to predict the joint's static characteristics under various input/output conditions. A two-step optimization framework is proposed for locking applications. The theoretical study and nonlinear FEA/experimental verification confirm the feasibility of the design and the accuracy of the proposed model.
Conference Review: A New Era – Exploring the Possibilities and Expanding the Boundaries BOBCATSSS 2023
(Library Association of Ireland, 2023) Harrington, Elaine
BOBCATSSS is an independent European non-governmental and non-profit association with LIS lecturers, students and professionals as members. Since 1993 BOBCATSSS has held an annual conference based in a city with an i-School. Each conference is organised by European students and aims to promote academic and intercultural communication, facilitate the exchange of best practices, support the development of innovative forms of university education and inspire future LIS professionals. The 2023 conference was held in Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet), Norway, 25-27 January 2023. The theme of BOBCATSSS 2023 was to explore the possibilities for services and programming and the expansion of physical and virtual boundaries in this new era for libraries, archives, and information services.
Constans II, Cherson or Bosporus, and the reform of the copper coinage under Constantine IV
(Royal Numismatic Society, 2019-12) Woods, David
It is argued that an unusually heavy copper type of Constans II which has traditionally been dated to about 658/9 and attributed to either Cherson or Bosporus was probably a halffollis struck in Constantinople just before the accession of Constantine IV in 668 and his reform of the copper coinage.

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