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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Human-wildlife conflicts in Polish cities: An analysis of official reports and public perceptions
(2026-08-05) Basak, Sayantani M.; Strączyński, Michał; Basak, Arpan Kumar; Piech, Karolina; Wierzbowska, Izabela A.; National Science Centre
Due to rapid urbanisation, interactions with humans and wildlife are an increasing phenomenon in cities, leading to both beneficial and adverse (called human-wildlife conflicts: HWC) encounters. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these interactions is crucial for successful urban wildlife management. This study aimed at understanding urban HWC across multiple species in two Polish cities (Krakow and Gdansk) over two years (2022 and 2023), drawing insights from official municipal reports and public perceptions. Official reports from Krakow and Gdansk over two years provided quantitative data on property damage, animal-vehicle collisions, allowing identification of wildlife conflict hot spots. Additionally, questionnaire responses from 100 respondents in both cities highlighted perceptions of urban wildlife among residents. The conflict reports revealed species-specific interactions within the urban landscape. Wild boar (Sus scrofa) conflict reports were the most frequent, followed by roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Property intrusion was the most common conflict category in both cities. Conflicts varied seasonally, with spring recording the highest incidents. Spatial analysis revealed concentrated wild boar conflicts in specific regions of both cities. However, Krakow uniquely reported conflicts involving red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), hedgehog (Erinaceus spp.) and bat (Chiroptera spp.), while Gdansk noted conflicts with moose (Alces Alces). Furthermore, residents’ attitudes toward urban wildlife differed between cities, with Gdansk residents perceiving wildlife as more problematic compared to Krakow. Thus, the study highlights the importance of context-specific and the need for tailored approaches for conflict management strategies instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.
Epidemiological profile of repeated self-harm presentations to healthcare services in a Brazilian urban centre (Vitoria, ES)
(Hogrefe Publishing Group, 2026-07-01) Kavalidou, Katerina; Predo, Renata Martins; de Oliveira, Vítor Fabri; Iglesias, Alexandra; Dimenstein, Magda Diniz; Costa, Raísa Catherinne Cagliari; Zortea, Tiago C.
Abstract: Background: In Brazil, national surveillance indicates a rise in self-harm, but little is known about patterns of repeated presentations to healthcare services or changes in self-harm methods over time. Aims: To examine sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with two or more (repeated) presentations to healthcare services for self-harm, and to explore method switching among individuals presenting to healthcare services in Vitória, Brazil. Method: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using administrative data from the Brazilian Unified Health System in Vitoria City (Espírito Santo; 2012–2022). Records from the Notifiable Diseases Information System and e-SUS National Health Surveillance System were used to identify individuals with self-harm presentations. Modified Poisson Regression was employed to examine associations between repeated self-harm episodes and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics between 2018 and 2022. Results: Among 2,152 self-harm notifications, 69% involved repeated presentations. The results revealed that female sex [RR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06–1.23], presence of disorder [RR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.27–1.57], and use of sharp objects [RR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.12–1.32] were positively associated with repetition, whereas Black [RR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.79–0.95], multiracial ethnicity [RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87–0.98], and poisoning [RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.85–1.00] were negatively associated. Among those with multiple episodes, half re-presented within 77 days and three-quarters within 260 days. Method switching was common: 42% changed methods between their first and second episodes, with cutting most frequently transitioning to self-poisoning. Limitations: Findings rely on routine notification data, which vary in completeness. Some clinical information was based on collateral reports rather than diagnosis. Conclusion: Repeated self-harm presentations often occur within short intervals. High levels of method switching underscore the need for person-centered assessments.
A qualitative literature review of how hearing codas navigate deafness stigma
(2026-08-07) O'Connell, Noel; Napier, Jemina
The theoretical contexts of stigma have rarely been applied to a study of the experiences of hearing children of deaf adults (Codas), nor to the ways they respond to parental stigmatization and the efforts they take to protect their parents from these stressors. The wellbeing of Coda children, young people and adults is known to be challenged by discrimination and social exclusion arising from deaf-related stigmatization. It is therefore imperative that these are addressed appropriately to enable Codas to reach their potential and to recognize the agency that Codas have in supporting their deaf parents. This narrative review aims to specifically explore Codas’ experiences of courtesy stigma, indirect stigma or stigma-by-association. The databases Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and reference lists of publications were searched; 61 peer-reviewed articles and 2 books were screened; 22 articles featuring qualitative studies and 2 books were included. The researchers found that Codas experienced courtesy stigma due to their association with deaf parents but also exhibit a sense of resilience and agency. Understanding and valuing Codas’ lived experience of courtesy stigma help to make more appropriate recommendations for future research and social interventions.
Minifundismo and rundale: Similar complexes with similar origins?
(University College Dublin Press, 2012-01-01) O'Flanagan, Patrick
Introduction
(Cork University Press, 1987-01-01) O'Flanagan, Patrick; O'Flanagan, Patrick; Ferguson, Paul; Whelan, Kevin