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Highlights • ePIRLS 2016 is a new assessment of online reading skills of primary school pupils. • Spending time on the internet is positively associated with ePIRLS achievement. • Higher achievers in reading use computers less frequently for schoolwork at home. • Better online readers also use computers less frequently for schoolwork at school. • Owning a smart-phone is negatively associated with paper-based reading. Abstract Online reading necessitates the use of both similar and different skills to traditional paper-based reading. Therefore, some overlap is likely in the background and attitudinal factors associated with reading in the two modes. This study uses a multilevel framework and data from the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS, 2016) to explore the characteristics associated with online and paper-based reading in Ireland. Of independent variables examined, pupil reading confidence has the largest effect size for both PIRLS and ePIRLS. Home background variables have similar effect sizes for the two outcomes. Differences between the models emerge regarding time spent browsing the internet, the frequency of using a computer at school, pupil enjoyment of reading, and pupil ownership of a smartphone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A hybrid method of ecological habitat survey and mapping is presented, bridging paper-based methods and mobile electronic procedures. The hybrid approach uses a hand-held PDA with real-time dGPS to map habitats and record habitat attributes. It retains paper field maps to facilitate ecological decisions and to overcome the need for field surveyors to operate a fully functional mobile GIS system. The transition from paper records to a full GIS implementation is bridged by secondary digitisation in which a GIS specialist, trained in field survey procedures, interacts routinely with the field surveyors, throughout the field season to assure data quality standards. The methodology is practical and affordable, particularly if there are multiple field surveyors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper describes the development of a general-purpose geospatial model for assessing the economic viability of hydrogen production from offshore wind power. A key feature of the model is that it uses the offshore project's location characteristics (distance to port, water depth, distance to gas grid injection point). Learning rates are used to predict the cost of the wind farm's components and electrolyser stack replacement. The notional wind farm used in the paper has a capacity of 510 MW. The model is implemented in a geographic information system which is used to create maps of levelised cost of hydrogen from offshore wind in Irish waters. LCOH values in 2030 spatially vary by over 50% depending on location. The geographically distributed LCOH results are summarised in a multivariate production function which is a simple and rapid tool for generating preliminary LCOH estimates based on simple site input variables. [Display omitted] • A geospatial model for estimating levelised cost of hydrogen (LCOH) production from offshore wind energy is described. • The model is easy to use and versatile as the inputs are project variables such as water depth and wind statistics. • LCOH from offshore wind is mapped for Ireland's offshore waters, and the results show significant spatial variability. • A simple production function for rapid estimation of LCOH from a small number project variables is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intertrochanteric hip fractures are significant and costly injuries and there remains controversy within the orthopaedic literature over the best method of fixation. The Irish Hip Fracture Database (IHFD) was established in 2012 to drive improvements in clinical outcomes and the quality of hip fracture care. This paper will review the outcomes of dynamic hip screw (DHS) versus intra-medullary nailing (IMN) in the treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures in Ireland. Eligible cases for this study include patients >60 years of age with trochanteric hip fractures treated by DHS or IMN between January 2016 and December 2020. Outcomes recorded and compared include length of stay, inpatient mortality, mobilisation on post-operative day 1 (POD 1), and discharge destination. 5668 hip fractures treated with DHS or IMN were identified. There was no significant difference between inpatient mortality, re-operation rate or length of stay between the two groups. Females and patients with a high ASA grade (IV and V) were more likely to receive IMN. Patients receiving DHS were more likely to be mobilised day 1 post-operatively and be discharged directly home. It was noted that the use of IMN increased from 42% of cases in 2016 to 70% in 2020. IMN use for intertrochanteric fractures continues to increase. However, patients treated with DHS were more likely to mobilise early post-operatively and to go directly home. Notwithstanding the limitations of national registry data research, the dramatic rise in the use of IMN for these fractures appears unsupported by the evidence. • Controversy remains over the best method of fixation for trochanteric fractures. • Intramedullary nail fixation is increasingly popular. • Nails are not superior to DHS in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medication use is the main therapeutic intervention in people with intellectual disabilities (PWID). The limited evidence available in the literature suggests that pharmacists can make positive interventions in relation to the quality of the medication use process, in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, carers and PWID. The public health role of the pharmacist is yet to be clearly defined, broadly recognized and sufficiently promoted by public health agencies, pharmacy educators or other health care professionals. Baseline audit of medication and public health communications provided by a pharmacist in a residential centre for PWID in Ireland. Collation of pharmacy electronic and paper based information communication records. Survey of carers – electronic and paper based. Pharmacist's communication about health/ medicines is perceived important by carers. Proactive information is communicated without a query in advance for the benefit of staff and residents. "I value pharmacist's interest in making information available to all those who are interested". The pharmacist communicates information using finite resources (one pharmacy staff member) to support maximisation of outcomes and minimisation of medication risks and health risks. Impact of pharmacist's interventions in this setting cannot be accurately measured. With the right communication, health systems can reduce the likelihood of certain conditions or improve the quality of life for PWID who already have these conditions. Specialist pharmacists can engage PWID and their carers with targeted communication. All types of health care provider should consider how to include pharmacy staffing into the overall skill mix for their service. Pharmacists have a role in optimising medication use, promoting health for PWID, preventing and delaying disease, and ensuring continuity of care. The pharmacist's role has expanded beyond the traditional product-oriented functions of dispensing. Pharmacists must learn how to communicate with PWID and their carers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While unemployment benefits constitute a significant share of welfare transfers in developed countries, the computable general equilibrium (CGE) literature ignores the impact of unemployment rate changes on these transfers. This paper investigates the impacts of alternative welfare transfer determination rules by using a dynamic CGE model for Ireland. We find that indexing the nominal welfare transfer budget to the consumer price index (CPI) and the aggregate unemployment rate is superior to the CPI alone. Although both specifications generate similar macroeconomic outcomes, our novel specification improves household welfare as well as income distribution across households. We argue that it is more in line with the behaviour of governments and that the literature ignores the progressivity elements embedded in the welfare system, which will reduce the welfare cost of carbon taxation. The results can be generalised in analysing the impacts of tax reform in countries where unemployment benefits are essential elements of welfare transfers. • We developed a multi-sectoral, multi-household intertemporal CGE model. • We analysed the Irish carbon tax with different welfare transfer budget (WTB) rules. • CGE literature updates the fixed WTB in real terms by the consumer price index (CPI). • We argue that the WTB should be responsive both to the CPI and the unemployment rate. • Considering unemployment benefits in the WTB lowers the carbon tax's regressivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many parts of the Global North, the imagined (and often illusionary) "whiteness" of rural societies has been both exposed and contested by the transnational movements of racialised migrant workers, refugees, asylum seekers and other immigrants. Such dynamics have prompted a renegotiation of ideas of race and rurality, with both reactionary responses of white populism and more progressive responses that assert a "rural cosmopolitanism" that evokes associations with hospitality, solidarity and community in rural culture. To explore these themes, this paper discusses evidence from three rural towns in Ireland and Wales with recent settlement of refugees or asylum seekers. The paper examines the articulation of a discourse of cosmopolitanism in the towns, the roles that are scripted within these discourses, both for migrants and for established residents, and the performance of these expectations. It reveals gaps between discourse and practice, with "actually existing cosmopolitanism" in the towns being characterized by ambivalence and precarity. The paper argues that both the discursive construction and the partial practice of cosmopolitanism are embedded in the rural, non-metropolitan settings of the towns and informed by place-specific palimpsests of migration and colonialism. • Refugee and asylum seeker resettlement in rural areas has increased yet analysis is limited compared to urban cases. • Previous studies identify both economic contributions and issues around limited access to housing, jobs and support networks. • Case studies show positive local responses to refugee resettlement, articulating discourses of rural cosmopolitanism. • Rural cosmopolitanism in practice may depart from expectations, through ambivalence and dissent, producing precarity. • The discourse and practice of cosmopolitanism are embedded in place and informed by palimpsests of migration and colonialism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Encouraging safe work practices (SWPs) is challenging in agriculture. Group-based social learning has effectively promoted SWPs and health behaviors in other occupations, and could be applied in agriculture (e.g., through farmer discussion groups (DGs)). In Ireland, dairy DG members are more likely to adopt novel technologies and practices, a relationship that might extend to SWPs. The extent of SWP adoption among Irish dairy farmers is unknown. This paper evaluates a 2018 baseline study of SWP implementation, conducted as part of a dairy DG-based intervention study. Method: A paper-based survey of SWP implementation and safety self-perception was distributed to 1,220 farmers from 84 dairy DGs. For eight SWPs, associated with high-risk farm hazards (livestock, slurry, machinery, or tractors), farmers were asked how frequently they implemented these practices in the previous year, and how frequently they intended to do so next year (0: never, 1: rarely, 2: sometimes, 3: most of the time, 4: all of the time). Results: Surveys were completed by 460 farmers. For the previous year, three SWPs, related to slurry, machinery, and tractor hazards, scored a median frequency of four. Four SWPs, related to livestock, slurry, and machinery hazards, scored a median frequency of three. The lowest median score (two) was for tractor exit behavior. Median intention scores matched or exceeded past frequency for all SWPs, while 73% intended to increase implementation of at least one SWP. Most (96%) considered themselves a "safe farmer." Conclusions: Farmers generally perceived themselves to be safe at work, which is reflected in their SWP implementation. Most farmers intended to increase SWP implementation, suggesting awareness of safety shortcomings and a desire to farm more safely. Practical applications: This study can inform farm safety promotion initiatives. The disconnect between farmers' safety self-perception and SWP implementation merits further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing urgency with which climate change must be addressed has led to an unprecedented level of interest in hydrogen as a clean energy carrier. Much of the analysis of hydrogen until this point has focused predominantly on hydrogen production. This paper aims to address this by developing a flexible techno-economic analysis (TEA) tool that can be used to evaluate the potential of future scenarios where hydrogen is produced, stored, and distributed within a region. The tool takes a full year of hourly data for renewables availability and dispatch down (the sum of curtailment and constraint), wholesale electricity market prices, and hydrogen demand, as well as other user-defined inputs, and sizes electrolyser capacity in order to minimise cost. The model is applied to a number of case studies on the island of Ireland, which includes Ireland and Northern Ireland. For the scenarios analysed, the overall LCOH ranges from €2.75–3.95/kgH 2. Higher costs for scenarios without access to geological storage indicate the importance of cost-effective storage to allow flexible hydrogen production to reduce electricity costs whilst consistently meeting a set demand. • Flexible techno-economic analysis tool for regional hydrogen hubs is presented. • Hourly electrolyser load decision made based on electricity supply and H 2 demand. • Tool optimises electrolyser size and grid electricity price for lowest H 2 cost. • Cost of €2.75–3.95/kgH 2 calculated for six scenarios on the island of Ireland. • Lowest cost of €2.75/kgH 2 for scenario with largest demand and salt cavern storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automation has the potential to transform entire agricultural value chains and the nature of agricultural business. Recent studies have emphasised barriers to adoption, as well as issues related to labour market and cultural outcomes of automation. However, thus far, very little attention has been afforded to the regional variations in the potential for automation adoption or threats to agricultural employment. Specifically, research to date does not take into account the local availability of similar occupations including those in different sectors to which displaced workers may transition. Threats to employment and lower numbers of similar jobs locally are particularly salient in rural contexts, given the thin and specialized local labour markets. The aims of this paper are to show the regional distribution of risk to automation for the agricultural sector specifically, and to link these patterns to indicators for occupation specific labour market thickness in Ireland. Using detailed occupational skills data, we construct indices for local labour market thickness conditioned on occupational skills and knowledge requirements. We show that there is substantial regional heterogeneity in the potential threat of automation to the employment prospects of workers currently active in the agricultural sector. This regional heterogeneity highlights the importance of the regional context for designing effective labour market policy in the face of job automation. • The K-means cluster analysis in this paper reveals four distinct types of agricultural employment separated on knowledge- and skills-bases. • Agricultural employment at high risk of automation can transfer to low risk jobs in other sectors. • The availability of low risk alternative jobs is heterogeneous across regions. • We reveal regional clusters of automation risk and low numbers alternative jobs for farmers and forestry workers in the Borders region in Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurement of farm economic viability has received intermittent academic interest with limited attention given to the conceptual framework surrounding the issue. This paper focuses attention on farm economic viability in Ireland where there are growing concerns about a two-tiered agricultural sector with increasing levels of economic vulnerability. The measurement of farm economic viability is usually based on the headcount ratio, which identifies whether a farm business is viable or non-viable and does not inform about the extent of non-viability. Therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative techniques to provide more clarity on viability levels and thereby inform assessments regarding the efficacy of the Common Agricultural Policy. This paper draws on concepts from the poverty literature to develop a viability gap measure and a viability severity measure. The results are sensitive to the choice of indicator and point to a wide distribution of viability between the most viable and least viable farms. The headcount ratio provides the basis for an incomplete assessment of viability levels and multiple indicators should be considered in monitoring viability levels. • The Farm Viability Gap is calculated using methods from the poverty literature. • The Viability Gap shows wide dispersion in the viability of farms in Ireland. • Farm Viability improves in disadvantaged areas of natural constraint. • The 2018 summer drought has a large impact on the viability gap. • Off-Farm employment is highest for the least viable 20 per cent of farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nulliparous patients experience poor progress in labour far more commonly than multiparous, with "failure to progress" or "dystocia in labour" becoming one of the leading indications for caesarean section in nulliparous populations. A wide range of practices exist which aim to avoid prolonged labour. This paper aims to discuss the management of poor progress in labour focusing on the nulliparous population at term with a cephalic presentation, Robson Groups I and IIA. We will then proceed to illustrate cases of poor progress and their management in the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) Dublin, Ireland. It should be noted that all references to multiparous populations in this paper refer to those at term, with a cephalic presentation and without a previous uterine scar- Robson Groups III and IVa. This article focuses on the 'active management of labour' (AML), pioneered in Dublin, and uses examples to contrast this with management of labour according to NICE guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Governments around the world are seeking to achieve socially just transitions to environmentally sustainable modes of agricultural production. Policy makers have increasingly sought to engage an array of societal actors in the collaborative design and implementation of associated policies, which we refer to as Agri-Environmental Policy (AEP) initiatives. Yet, the existing literature includes little context specific exploration of the motivations of those who engage with such initiatives. This paper addresses this gap by exploring the motivations of a small group of actors who established and coordinated a collaborative group to apply to one AEP initiative in Ireland – the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI). This group included three farmers, an agri-environmental policy advocate, and a research scientist. Drawing on assemblage literature, we illustrate how each of these actors' motivations emerged 1) based on the specific relationships in which they operated and 2) based on their imagining of potential future scenarios, which they sought to actualise through EIP-AGRI. This paper thus provides a qualitative account of how motivations emerge as different actors creatively navigate complex sets of relationships. We illustrate the utility of an assemblage approach to explore such motivations in ways that account for specific contexts and the capacity of each actor to engage with possible futures. We conclude that the capacity of collaborative approaches to AEP to appeal to actors from different backgrounds relies heavily on such actors' ability to envisage and anticipate new possibilities. This line of exploration helps us to better understand the extent to which collaborative AEP may align the multiple goals associated with transitioning to environmentally sustainable and socially just food production systems. • Agri-Environmental Policy (AEP) initiatives increasingly promote collaboration. • More case-study research is needed on actor motivation to engage with AEP. • Motivations emerge as actors navigate relationships and envisage new possibilities. • Assemblage provides a useful framework for analysing this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores Irish Government Pensions Reform proposals, from the perspective of the self-employed community and specifically the farming community. It investigates whether the proposed changes to the State Pension System set out in the Governments "Roadmap for Pensions reform 2018–2023" will, in the context of farmers and the stated objectives of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, keep pensioners above the poverty line and help ensure the survival of rural Ireland or whether, the family interdependencies which currently exist and the vulnerabilities that arise as a consequence, will remain largely unaddressed. This paper illustrates the stark reality that under the current State Pension System, low-income farmers can fail to qualify either for the State Pension (Contributory) or the State Pension (Non-Contributory) leaving them faced with working long into their retirement years or financially dependent on family members in their old age, and that proposed changes to the State Welfare System do not alleviate this predicament. This has subsequent consequences for the sustainability of generational renewal in the agricultural industry and consequently could have far reaching societal impacts. Conscious of the view that farmers should "pay their way" as far as state pensions are concerned, we recommend a model for achieving undisputed entitlement for all farmers to the Contributory State Pension, going forward. • There are huge concerns about the sustainability of an aging farming population in Ireland and in many OECD countries. • Under Irish pension policy low income farmers may not qualify for the State Pension leaving them financially vulnerable. • Pension policy is important for the sustainability of generational renewal in agriculture with significant societal impact. • Irish pension policy reform fails to alleviate an asymmetry between succession planning, retirement income and generational renewal. • We recommend a model for achieving undisputed entitlement for all farmers to the Contributory State Pension, going forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Irish residential property market is currently characterized by a considerable structural deficiency in housing supply compared to the underlying level of demand. The lack of housing has led to several economic and social problems in Ireland. The imbalance between supply and demand has led to both house prices and rents increasing faster than household incomes. Recent policy initiatives by the Irish Government have outlined plans for significant spending aimed at increasing the numbers of housing completions to tackle these issues. This paper examines the impact of government spending on housing supply using a structural econometric model of the Irish economy with a specific construction block. Within our econometric analysis, we compare the results of an economy wide versus a sector specific government stimulus on the property market. Our simulations suggest that, in order to achieve social and economic goals like increasing the number of dwellings and making housing more affordable by containing house price inflation, a targeted policy such as that described in the Irish Government's Housing for All plan may be preferable to an economy-wide stimulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the concepts of car dependency and transport disadvantage and the correlation between them in rural Ireland as a means of highlighting incidences of possible forced car ownership with the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Societal and cultural challenges associated with the prevalence of the private car as the primary or in some cases the only form of mobility for people living in rural areas are examined resulting in potential cases of forced car ownership (FCO). Those defined as being forced to own a car are those who may find themselves in circumstances with low transport accessibility and low income, which is intensified by the need to economically participate in society for financial gain. This paper examines the existing gap between the necessity of transport and the provision of reliable public transport in rural Ireland, which is frequently attributed as a major determinant of FCO in the literature. While it is acknowledged that forced car ownership similarly exists in urban areas under the same or similar conditions, this paper focuses exclusively on the incidence of FCO in rural areas due to potentially higher levels of car dependency. The main objective of this paper is to identify hotspots or areas that are susceptible to increasing rates of FCO and transport disadvantage. Using the information gained from identifying the locations of these hotspots, transport planners and policymakers can tailor interventions to improve sustainable mobility in these areas and address equity concerns. • This paper explores the concepts of car dependency and transport disadvantage and the correlation between them in Ireland. • Hotspots that have the potential for increasing rates of forced car ownership and transport disadvantage are identified. • By identifying these hotspots, policymakers can tailor interventions to improve sustainable mobility in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the effort to achieve carbon neutrality through a decentralized electricity market, accurate short-term load forecasting at low aggregation levels has become increasingly crucial for various market participants' strategies. Accurate probabilistic forecasts at low aggregation levels can improve peer-to-peer energy sharing, demand response, and the operation of reliable distribution networks. However, these applications require not only probabilistic demand forecasts, which involve quantification of the forecast uncertainty, but also determining which consumers to include in the aggregation to meet electricity supply at the forecast lead time. While research papers have been proposed on the supply side, no similar research has been conducted on the demand side. This paper presents a method for creating a portfolio that optimally aggregates demand for a given energy demand, minimizing forecast inaccuracy of overall low-level aggregation. Using probabilistic load forecasts produced by either ARMA-GARCH models or kernel density estimation (KDE), we propose three approaches to creating a portfolio of residential households' demand: Forecast Validated, Seasonal Residual, and Seasonal Similarity. An evaluation of probabilistic load forecasts demonstrates that all three approaches enhance the accuracy of forecasts produced by random portfolios, with the Seasonal Residual approach for Korea and Ireland outperforming the others in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency. • We proposed new low-voltage aggregation techniques based on portfolio theory to improve probabilistic demand forecasting. • The increased volatility at the low voltage level requires probabilistic forecasting to measure uncertainties. • The proposed methods were found to outperform random aggregation with the real-world data from Korea and Ireland. • A simple forecasting approach minimizing the standard deviation of deseasonalized demands was accurate and efficient. • The new method can contribute to achieving carbon neutrality, enable P2P energy sharing, and benefit prosumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radon is classified as a Class 1 carcinogen, being the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Understanding the prominent sources of radon helps to mitigate against the adverse effects of radon exposure. Considering soil-gas radon is the main contributor to indoor radon, it is possible that soil geochemistry can be used as a proxy for the soil radon emanation potential or geogenic radon classes for a particular location. This paper investigates the relationship between soil geochemistry and geogenic radon. A large area of 17,983 km2 from the West, Midlands and East of Ireland was selected to represent a range of geology types and radon categories. A rigorous assessment is presented to investigate the relationship of geogenic radon and topsoil geochemistry; using univariate processes (i.e. r2, Pearson r and heatmaps) and multivariate techniques (i.e. principle component analysis (PCA) and machine learning (ML) algorithms including Gaussian process regression, logistic regression and random forest). Here, PCA and ML techniques were used to test the utility of soil geochemistry to predict geogenic radon classes. Gaussian Process Regression yielded the highest accuracy (74%) and f1-score (0.74) of all models. The feature importance (i.e. highest ranking elements for predicting geogenic radon class) from the ML models outputs elements including [Y, Tl, Mn, Cr, Co, Be, Sc and Rb]. The PCA biplot demonstrates that these elements cluster in conjunction with higher geogenic radon categories. Multivariate data analysis reveals that certain elements important for predicting higher geogenic radon classes, also covary together within topsoil samples; here these are termed "radon-prone elements". Spatial covariance of radon-prone elements permits soil geochemistry to be used as a tool for understanding the distribution of geogenic radon. The methodology presented in this paper provides a comprehensive geo-statistical approach to investigate the relation between topsoil geochemistry and geogenic radon. This approach could be applied as a diagnostic tool to assist radon mitigation measures, hence adding value to legacy soil geochemistry datasets. • ML and PCA results indicate radon prone elements. • Gaussian process regression achieves the highest accuracy (74%) for classifying geogenic radon class. • Relationship between soil geochemistry and geogenic radon investigated. • Topsoil geochemical analysis significantly correlates to geogenic radon class. • Spatial covariance of elements (including Y, Tl, Mn, Cr, Co, Al, Rb) and elevated geogenic radon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Introduction of the vaccine coincided with a reduced number of RVGE hospitalisations in public hospitals in Ireland amongst children under 5 years. While this effect was lagged (1 year), the impact is sustained. • Post vaccine, RVGE hospitalised patients were more likely to be older than 2 years with a lower length of stay on average. • Potential cost savings for the Irish healthcare system; the average annual reduction in hospitalisations (n = 492) with an estimated economic value of €0.92 million annually. Rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE), a vaccine preventable disease, remains a common cause of severe gastroenteritis in children globally. Ireland introduced the universal rotavirus vaccination to the national immunisation programme in 2016. In this paper the economic impact on RVGE related hospitalisations amongst children under 5 years is examined. Using national data from all Irish public hospitals, an Interrupted Times Series Analysis (ITSA) compares RVGE hospitalisations amongst children under 5 years, pre- and post-vaccine introduction. Costs are estimated and ITSA results are compared to the counterfactual to estimate the economic impact of the vaccine. A probit model examines patient characteristics pre- and post-vaccine introduction. Vaccine introduction coincided with lowered RVGE related hospitalisations. While this effect was delayed (1 year) there is evidence of a sustained impact. RVGE patients' post-vaccine introduction were likely to be over 2 years (p = 0.001) and length of stay was lower on average (p = 0.095). The counterfactual analysis revealed 492 RVGE hospitalisations were avoided on average annually since the introduction of the vaccine. This has an estimated economic value of €0.92 million per annum. Following the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine in Ireland, hospitalisations for RVGE decreased significantly and those hospitalised were older and with a reduced length of stay on average. This has the potential for significant cost savings for the Irish healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural social enterprises are increasingly recognized as organisations that contribute to local development by providing goods and/or services to meet community needs and by fostering inclusive social and governance relations. The purpose of this paper is to explore how rural social enterprises engage in a plurality of socio-economic relations with different dimensions of their 'place' when contributing to the development of their localities. Based on three in-depth case studies of social enterprises operating in rural Ireland, our findings illustrate how rural social enterprises engage with locational, institutional, material and identity aspects of their 'place', which indicates their 'placial embeddedness'. Moreover, our findings also demonstrate how these organisations engage in, and combine market, redistribution and reciprocity relations, which indicates their 'substantive hybridity'. Based on the interrelated nature of these findings, we argue that it is through a process of placial substantive hybridity that rural social enterprises foster social innovation in order to contribute to an integrated development of their localities. They harness and (re)valorise (untapped) local resources while complementing these with other resources from extra-local sources and accommodate and/or respond to structural-exogenous forces based on the needs of their local population in line with neo-endogenous rural development. • Rural social enterprises can be key actors that link social innovation with neo-endogenous rural development. • Rural social enterprises harness and (re)valorize locational, material, institutional and identity aspects of a place. • Rural social enterprises engage and combine market, redistribution and reciprocity (socio-)economic relations. • Rural social enterprises foster social innovation through 'placial substantive hybridity'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stillbirth definitions vary between countries around the globe. The purpose of this paper was to explore stillbirth definitions used by high income countries around the world, specifically compared to Ireland, their stillbirth and mortality rates and to examine how these rates are influenced by standards of care, especially resuscitation efforts within the delivery room for very preterm infants. A literature review was performed using PubMed, Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE, and CINAHL. These databases were searched with the terms "(stillbirth OR still birth OR stillborn) AND (definition OR registration OR registry)" and "(fetal OR neonatal OR neonate) AND Viability AND Gestational Age" in two separate searches. The database searches returned 1081 results involving stillbirths and 164 results for neonatal viability. After title, abstract, full text review, and reference review 33 papers remained for use in this study. Within the European Union (EU), 59.2 % (n = 16), 14.8 % (n = 4), 11.1 % (n = 3), and 3.7 % (n = 1) countries classify stillbirths at gestational ages of ≥22 weeks, ≥24 weeks, ≥28 weeks, and ≥180 gestational days respectively. The median stillbirth rate in Europe using ≥28 weeks gestational age as a cut-off was 2.7 per 1000 births, but this increased to 3.3 per 1000 births when stillbirths from 24 to 27 weeks gestation were included. Of the thirteen countries whose mortality data was examined, survival rates for liveborn infants ranged from 0-37.3 %, 1.1-64.5 %, 31.0-77.7 %, and 59.1-85.7 % for the gestational ages of 22, 23, 24, and 25 weeks, respectively. In 1995, survival rates for the United Kingdom and Ireland were only 26 % for those born at 24 weeks gestation, however this has almost doubled in Ireland to 56.6 % in 2014-2017. Survival rates have improved to the point that, in 2014-2017, the survival rate of infants born at 23 weeks gestation (32.3 %) was 6 % higher than the rate for those born at 24 weeks gestation in 1995. Due to the improvement in survival rates, multiple international organisations recommend recording stillbirths from 22 weeks gestation and/or 500 g. Based on the findings from this review, and due to improving survival rates for periviable infants, it is recommended the stillbirth definition in Ireland should be updated to ≥22 weeks' gestation and ≥400 g to comply with improved medical developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industry led schemes to eradicate the endemic cattle disease bovine viral diarrhoea involving government legislation represent a new type of biosecurity governance. This paper explores the governance of schemes to eradicate bovine viral diarrhoea in the UK and Ireland, using the concept of the institutional void. The institutional void describes the devolution of responsibility from central government to devolved administrations and industry. In addition, our research took place within the context of uncertainty over Brexit and how this will affect biosecurity governance within the UK, and the UK's relationship with EU countries, particularly Ireland. The paper draws on interviews with key stakeholders involved in the design and administration of the schemes across the UK and Ireland. The paper identifies three institutional logics that motivated the development of the schemes and their design to ensure successful disease eradication. The key findings from the paper were that though the schemes had a novel industry led design, novel governance mechanisms for ensuring compliance other than national government enforcement do not yet exist. The most common response to threats to the schemes' logic was to call for a scaling up of responsibility – from industry to government and from government to the EU. This may allow for the harmonisation of schemes and enforcement of compliance but may also open up fresh legitimacy challenges as control of the scheme is also scaled up from industry to government and government to the EU. While past research has shown that international biosecurity regulation can become depoliticised by the actors involved and is treated as a risk calculation exercise, this was not the case with BVD eradication schemes where the meaning of 'BVD free' was a politicised concept. The schemes represented a new departure in biosecurity governance and so raise the need to rethink what compliance means in an industry-government hybrid scheme – is it compliance with epidemiological advice or compliance with the law and how can these two meanings be best harmonised? • Schemes eradicating BVD in UK and Ireland are novel forms of biosecurity governance. • Schemes are industry led and involve industry-government partnerships. • Despite novel partnerships government seen as having responsibility for compliance. • Disagreements about role of government and whether BVD is public or industry good. • Harmonising schemes between countries was about scaling up responsibility to the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single wave energy converter (WEC) produces a low and fluctuating power, and the use of a permanent magnet linear generator (PMLG) as an electric power take-off unit can make the situation worse because the power produced from a PMLG varies with each incident wave. The use of a short-term energy storage unit as an energy buffer will become necessary to mitigate the fluctuating power. However, the addition of the energy storage system will further increase the cost of the WEC. This paper proposes a modelling strategy for the wave-to-wire system of WEC arrays, consisting of Archimedes wave swings coupled with PMLGs, to analyze its power output quality and grid compliance without the integration of any energy storage system. The measured hydrodynamics of ocean waves are used for the analysis of the system. The developed model for the wave-to-wire system is tested under various scenarios for its power output quality while maintaining grid code compliance. The flicker level at the point of common coupling for the wave farm is evaluated for grids of varying strength. The simulation results show that the proposed configuration of the wave-to-wire system can be integrated with the grids of sufficient strength, without the need for expensive energy storage units, while complying with the grid code in the respective countries, such as Ireland, UK and Nordic countries. The main contributions of this paper are (i) a new modelling strategy to analyze a wave-to-wire system, (ii) simulation studies to analyze the power quality and grid code compliance of a wave-to-wire system, (iii) recommendations for the required grid strength to integrate wave farms to the grid. • A PMLG based wave farm is modelled for its smooth integration with the grid. • Modelling strategy for the wave-to-wire system of WEC arrays. • The wave energy flux density is evaluated for the selected site. • The flicker level at the point of common coupling for the wave farm is evaluated for grids of varying strength. • Grid integration without the need for expensive storage units, while complying with the grid codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to examine the current Town Centre Management [TCM] practices within Ireland's rural towns since the abolition of Town Councils in 2014. This new study finds that Ireland's approach to TCM is much more complicated and multifarious with varying practices across the samples. The findings highlight a fractured TCM partnership between the public sector (Local Government), and opposing sectors, (Retailers, Volunteering Groups, Citizens, and Business Owners). Adding to the knowledge on TCM schemes in Ireland, this paper finds that despite respected recommendations from semi-state bodies to drive town centre management by local 'dynamic leaders', no model has been developed to attract, support, and retain such a person. This post-positivistic study with a descriptive qualitative design was drawn from a series of in-depth interviews with significant key stakeholders, across a stratified sample of rural towns, that have experience in TCM practices. The results which emerge facilitate a theoretical management framework as a guide for town centre stakeholders to analyse the unique elements of their situation and implement a strategy towards a TCM scheme. This research demonstrates that TCM with the right structure and support from local government is a viable solution to rejuvenating towns in rural Ireland. • Ireland's approach to town centre management is diverse. • Rural towns need support from Local Government to ensure they remain sustainable. • Ireland's rural towns need to develop a Town Centre Management scheme. • Rural places need a designated salaried town manager to drive positive change. • Consequences of the abolition of Town Councils in Rural Ireland in 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses a multi-player mixed-zero-sum (MZS) differential games with completely unknown dynamics. Based on off-policy integral reinforcement learning (IRL), a novel algorithm is proposed to obtain the optimal control. First, a policy iteration algorithm is put forward to obtain the optimal solution for deterministic system. Next, the case that the system dynamics is completely unknown is considered. And an IRL-based off-policy algorithm is presented. Meanwhile, the convergence of the presented algorithms is proved in this paper. At the end, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is shown by a simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Providing a historical review on inverse optimal control (IOC) and inverse reinforcement learning (IRL). • Providing a comparative view on IOC and IRL. • Categorizing the methods in IOC and IRL. • Explaining the most important methods of IOC and IRL in similar frameworks. • Discussing the challenges existing in IOC and IRL. Inverse optimal control (IOC) is a powerful theory that addresses the inverse problems in control systems, robotics, Machine Learning (ML) and optimization taking into account the optimal manners. This paper reviews the history of the IOC and Inverse Reinforcement Learning (IRL) approaches and describes the connections and differences between them to cover the research gap in the existing literature. The general formulation of IOC/IRL is described and the related methods are categorized based on a hierarchical approach. For this purpose, IOC methods are categorized under two classes, namely classic and modern approaches. The classic IOC is typically formulated for control systems, while IRL, as a modern approach to IOC, is considered for machine learning problems. Despite the presence of a handful of IOC/IRL methods, a comprehensive categorization of these methods is lacking. In addition to the IOC/IRL problems, this paper elaborates, where necessary, on other relevant concepts such as Learning from Demonstration (LfD), Imitation Learning (IL), and Behavioral Cloning. Some of the challenges encountered in the IOC/IRL problems are further discussed in this work, including ill-posedness, non-convexity, data availability, non-linearity, the curses of complexity and dimensionality, feature selection, and generalizability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Irish government is implementing policies to transition Ireland to a low carbon and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050. Ireland has sectoral targets of 600,000 installed heat pumps by 2030, currently roughly 28,000 are installed. Such a high target of heat pumps will not only have a significant effect on electricity demand but also on the management and operation of the grid. In this paper we explore the demand from homes heated by air source heat pumps using an innovative dataset from a field trial in Ireland. To assess the impact of large-scale adoption of heat pumps, this paper estimates the after diversity maximum demand per heat pump heated home. In particular we explore statistical distributions to best model coincident demand, and estimate after diversity maximum demand per home. We use the software package RStudio to model several different distributions. Based on goodness-of-fit statistics and criteria, a Gamma distribution is the best fit. We apply our methodology to data from a similar heat pump trial in the UK to complement our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Lived experiences of austerity are spatially contingent on the neighbourhood level. • Household, income, and neighbourhood are the most common spheres of youth austerity encounters. • Lifeworld assemblage traces connections between structural changes and everyday experiences. • Lifeworld colonization through austerity is locally path-dependent. • Interrogation of interaction local geographies and austerity policies is critical. Lived experiences of austerity implemented in response to the 2008 financial crisis receive increasing attention in geographic scholarship. This paper adds to this literature by investigating the role of urban geographies in encounters of austerity and spatially differentiated austerity experiences. It combines the lifeworld and assemblage thinking to consider the avenues through which austerity reaches into the lifeworld of disadvantaged urban youth in Ireland. This paper builds on qualitative interviews with young adults, aged 18–25, living in two disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Cork and Dublin. The combination of youth's vulnerability to austerity and the implementation of a fierce austerity regime in Ireland make this population suitable to reveal dynamics otherwise more subtly present. The interviews suggest that the three most important spheres of austerity emergence for disadvantaged urban youth – the household, work and social welfare, and the neighbourhood – are shaped by the micro-geographies of the neighbourhood and their embeddedness in the wider urban context. It is thus argued that austerity's emergence is spatially contingent and depends on the neighbourhood's embeddedness in local social and urban geographies such as institutional penetration, costs of living, labour market conditions, and histories of policy intervention. This leads to the conclusion that lifeworld colonisation by systemic imperatives, of which austerity is considered a symptom, is path-dependent and relates to previously existing social, economic, political and cultural contexts. To understand the spatially and socially variegated creation of austerity worlds thus requires critical interrogation of the interaction between local urban geographies and higher-scale complexes of austerity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of grazing in dairy farming has become increasingly contentious. Dairy farming is still widely identified with imagery of cows grazing on grass, but grazing is a declining practice in Europe. The UK and Ireland make for interesting case studies to explore the politics of grazing as both countries are seen to have suitable conditions for supporting grazing but their dairy systems are very different. This paper explores the sociotechnical imaginaries of a high welfare, environmentally sustainable and economically viable dairy farming in the UK and Ireland, as described by key industry, academic, non-governmental organisation and government stakeholders in both countries. Document analysis and interviews with key UK and Irish stakeholders revealed different sociotechnical imaginaries within and between countries. The dominant imaginary in Ireland was of a unified low cost grass based production system seen as high welfare because animals have access to pasture and inherently natural and environmentally sustainable. The dominant sociotechnical imaginary in the UK by contrast is that no system is better, but the success of a system depends on quality management and stock keeping. The paper shows how the sociotechnical imaginaries are co-created by policy, market conditions and commitments to particular conceptions of economic viability, high welfare and sustainability. The different sociotechnical imaginaries can also be seen to pose a challenge to the other to the extent that science is held up as producing objective and value free truths about the best form of dairy production. • Grazing is increasingly contentious in debates about dairy farming. • Visions of sustainable, high welfare and economic systems differ in UK and Ireland. • The dominant imaginary in Ireland is of a low cost grass based grazing system. • The dominant imaginary in the UK eschews system differences. • Imaginaries are based on current systems but also conflicting scientific claims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the continuing impact of the 2007/08 financial crisis in rural Ireland, examining the vulnerability and coping strategies at the household scale. Therefore, rather than re-examining the causes of the financial crisis, in this paper we seek to focus on the responses to the crisis within rural households, primarily focused on the geographies of household vulnerability and household financial responses. In this context, Ireland provides an illustrative case study given its severe economic crash, as well as the urban focus of its current recovery. To examine these themes, the paper advances a holistic vulnerability/resilience framework tested through a household survey. This focuses on four key components of vulnerability/resilience – exposure , sensitivity , capacity of response , and adaptive capacity – for understanding how rural households respond to change. The results emphasise the negative impact that the crisis continues to have on rural households, suggesting that the national economic recovery is uneven and further entrenches urban-rural differences. Moreover, the ability of households to cope with the crisis related to pre-crisis household (e.g. financial literacy) or spatial attributes, suggesting the need to consider vulnerability and resilience within a holistic framework. • Paper examines the continuing impact of the 2007/08 financial crisis on rural households in Ireland. • It advances a holistic vulnerability-resilience framework- This framework comprises 4 components – exposure , sensitivity , capacity of response , and adaptive capacity. • The crisis continues to have a negative impact on rural households, suggesting an uneven urban-rural recovery. • The ability of households to cope with the crisis related to pre-crisis household or spatial attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased product shelf-life and globalisation have led to longer and vastly more complicated food chains; potentially presenting greater opportunity for contamination and microbial growth to occur. Modern food safety management systems risk assess hazards (based on current scientific data) and strive to control these, often extensive and convoluted, food production/supply chains through appropriate good hygiene practices (GHP) and HACCP. Contamination of food as a result of human error can undermine even the most carefully prepared and executed HACCP system – culminating in foodborne infection, outbreaks, reputable damage, and erosion of consumer trust. This paper provides a review on the effect of human factors on the food sector in Ireland. Figures on foodborne outbreaks, laboratory analysis of ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, and crude incidence rate (CIR) per 100,000 population of infection were examined; in order to gain insight into the occurrence of food safety breaches in Ireland. Food safety legislative requirements and recommendations for Irish food businesses are considered, along with rates of inspection and enforcement. An average of 86 closure orders are issued in Ireland every year as a result of breaches, which can be generally either partially/fully attributed to human factors. This paper examines the critical role of human factors in safe food production; and includes data from Irish surveys on food safety training (food handlers and trainers) and food safety violations in a selection of Irish food premises. Food business owners need to commit time and resources to identifying, risk assessing, and addressing the potential role of 'human error' in their facility – whether intentional, unintentional, direct, or indirect. Appropriate recognition of the importance of human factors in food safety management, coupled with a high standard of training and appropriate implementation of food safety principles is necessary to safeguard modern food businesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional linear relationship between production and consumption is no longer sustainable. A key component of the transition towards a more sustainable society is the continuation in use of products for longer and the development of a repair and reuse culture. Reuse social enterprises contribute to addressing a range of environmental, economic and social issues facing urban areas. This paper is concerned with, firstly, the motivations for citizens to establish reuse social enterprises in Ireland. Secondly, the paper examines the factors that contribute to reuse social enterprises in Ireland becoming sustainable. The research points to the necessity of reuse social enterprises possessing: individuals with both strategic and operational expertise, appropriate facilities and adequate funding to commence operations. The research highlights the crucial role that the manager of the enterprise performs in engaging with state agencies, the community and other stakeholders. The theoretical framework detailed in the paper needs to take into account the challenges associated with being located in urban areas which reuse social enterprises encounter. It is incumbent upon the Irish State to develop policies to assist individuals who are interested in establishing reuse social enterprises. These policy areas include procurement, the introduction of additional producer responsibility initiatives and the amendment of the tax system to encourage reuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There are numerous implementation structures for sustainability in HEIs. • Policy, Strategies, Initiatives and Outreach approaches are varied. • Numerous drivers, barriers and best practices exist. • Monitoring of sustainability progress is not standardized. • Access to sustainability information can be challenging. Higher Education Institutes are being called upon to integrate sustainable development into their organisation, driven by national and international events, policies and environmental targets. This paper maps sustainability policies and initiatives of a select number of Irish and international Higher Education Institutes, exploring their integration of sustainability on-campus, testing of new ideas and technologies, and the amplification of lessons learned within society and economy. It provides a comparison of Irish Higher Education Institutes with international examples. Sixteen case studies were selected; seven from Ireland and nine international. A literature review was conducted with a focus on papers that dealt explicitly with sustainability education and outreach. Three site visits of Higher Education Institution campuses took place, as did interviews with energy and transport managers and academics of each institute. The results show the integration of sustainable development into Higher Education Institutes follows no standard approach, with the number of initiatives for sustainability outweighing the number of strategies and policies, presenting a general bottom-up process. Overall, Higher Education Institutes lack a systemic approach. The majority of initiatives focus oncampus actions, with outreach neglected. Higher Education Institutes represent significant resources in implementing sustainable development. To maximise their potential a mixture of top-down and bottom-up processes are necessary, with management support essential if sustainable development is to survive in the long-term, and for lessons learned to be successfully amplified to wider society and economy and assist in meeting national and international environmental targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historic rock lighthouses are unusual structures that are situated in hostile marine environments to provide warning to mariners. Even in an era of satellite navigation their role continues to be an important one, but their survivability into the future is not assured. Out of concern for their ongoing service, the multidisciplinary STORMLAMP project is assessing their survivability under wave loading. This paper presents the various stages of investigations into the structural integrity and stability assessment of the Fastnet lighthouse, situated just off the coast of Ireland. The paper describes: Extreme Bayesian analysis to quantify waves of particular return periods resulting in a 1 in 250 year return period wave with H 0.1% of 17.6 m and an associated maximum force of 20,765 kN; logistically challenging field modal tests revealing the key modal parameters, like the modal masses of 1822 t and 1 675 t for 4.8 Hz and 5.0 Hz modes respectively, the cantilevered nature of the overall lighthouse and the directional effects due to the asymmetric contact with the granite rock; and details of a discontinuous finite element model that is used to determine the stability of the tower under the 1 in 250 year return period breaking wave condition, which is well within stability and material strength limits, causing maximum horizontal displacements in the order of 1 mm at the top of the tower. The overall assessment is that the sheer mass of the lighthouse and its interconnected joints are able to withstand the worst of the Atlantic storms. • Bayesian extreme values analysis is applied to 27 years of wave hindcast data. • Prior informative distributions for the shape and scale parameters are defined from the surrounding numerical nodes. • Field modal analysis is performed in order to identify dynamic parameters of the lighthouse. • For the first time, a discontinuous finite element model is applied to the analysis of the coastal structures. • The survivability of the historic Fastnet lighthouse is performed on the basis of the validated numerical structural model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Maritime Spatial Planning process is data intensive, having to draw upon the best available data coming from many different sources. There are, therefore, multiple challenges in managing spatial data for inclusion in Marine Plans. These challenges include the need for data integrity to drive reproducibility; as well as providing contextual information to enable end users to increase understanding as well as the potential for the data to be reused independently. This paper examines the challenges associated with managing spatial data for inclusion in Ireland's marine plan. It demonstrates how repeatability can be achieved for such data products and the underlying processes necessary to drive data integrity to ensure the best data is available for decision-making. During the marine plan consultation period, the spatial data used in the baseline and subsequent draft plan became outdated, with newer and better-fitting data identified. In total, 124 map products matured throughout the process; consequently, processes were developed to integrate stakeholder feedback as well as a method to provide a uniform way to deliver, manage and update datasets. Ireland held an array of stakeholder engagement efforts. The entire stakeholder engagement process spanned several years and involved numerous organisations. Informed by the process of engagement-data interaction the paper explores the innovative potential of using Maritime Spatial Planning as a driving force for Data Quality. This paper aims to describe the interwoven process of updating datasets in a marine plan and the benefits of simultaneously integrating stakeholder consultation feedback and developing repeatable data management processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we argue that the foundation disciplines have experienced increased marginalisation within initial teacher education (ITE) in Ireland, even though they are acknowledged in policy, curriculum, and programme development. This marginalisation has occurred because of several developments. The reconceptualisation of ITE in Ireland in 2011, foregrounded a more practice-orientated approach which we argue has contributed to a more 'mono-dimensional conceptualisation' of teacher education (Winch et al., 2015). The continued division between the foundation studies and school placement has not helped the 'cause' of foundation disciplines, particularly as students are not afforded the opportunity to regularly integrate their learning and foundation studies are not assessed as part of the school placement experience. Drawing on a quantitative study of student teachers in one Irish ITE college, this paper explores their engagement with, and attitude toward sociology and most especially their application of sociological theory in practice. The study found that while students understand sociological concepts, and its importance in education, they do not embrace the transformative potential of sociological concepts for their own identity as a teacher or engage in any meaningful way to interrogate systematic inequality in either education or society. Our findings suggest that ITE students do not have the opportunity to engage in the deep conceptual analysis that is required to implement fully inclusive and culturally responsive pedagogies, a necessity in teh face of a diverse society and homogenous teaching population. The data suggest that students have a utilitarian approach to sociology as a non-pedagogical discipline, and this has repercussions for both the teaching of sociology of education and for students own professional development. We need to reassert the value of the foundation disciplines, particularly sociology of education, as an important pillar of ITE students' professional development. It is incumbent upon foundation discipline teacher educators to reclaim their space, by highlighting the disconnect between theory and practice, and by creating authentic space for students to develop and employ a sociological lens in their journey to becoming open-minded, empathetic and culturally competent teachers. • Sociology of education is essential for teacher professional development. • Student teachers struggle to engage with sociology of education in any depth. • Changes to ITE Programmes have resulted in emphasis on practice rather than theory. • Integration of foundation disciplines is essential to their survival in ITE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an event-triggered integral reinforcement learning (IRL) algorithm is developed for the nonzero-sum game problem with asymmetric input saturation. First, for each player, a novel non-quadratic value function with a discount factor is designed, and the coupled Hamilton–Jacobi equation that does not require a complete knowledge of the game is derived by using the idea of IRL. Second, the execution of each player is based on the event-triggered mechanism. In the implementation, an adaptive dynamic programming based learning scheme using a single critic neural network (NN) is developed. Experience replay technique is introduced into the classical gradient descent method to tune the weights of the critic NN. The stability of the system and the elimination of Zeno behavior are proved. Finally, simulation experiments verify the effectiveness of the event-triggered IRL algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We used disparate data in a decision tree to refine the mapping of Irish peat soils. • Peat Associated Landcover Class concept was applied to locate converted peatlands. • Shallow peat soils ≥ 10 cm were included in the new Irish Peat Soils Map (IPSM). • The IPSM shows a larger peat area than previous peat maps and accuracies ≥ 74 %. • The Adaptative Mapping Framework implemented can be applied in other regions. Accurate mapping for effective management of peat soils is necessary to help reduce GHG emissions and improve environmental quality. However, mapping remains a major challenge as definitions of peat soils vary substantially between jurisdictions and organizations, while field data are sparse and difficult to produce, and remote sensing of limited use for converted peatlands. Using an Adaptive Mapping Framework, this paper compiles disparate data sources to update the Derived Irish Peat Map to better facilitate its application for environmental issues. This includes incorporation of areas considered to be underlain by shallow peat soils (≥ 10 cm and ≥ 8.6 % Organic Matter content), and augmentation of the overall test dataset with an additional ∼ 20,000 points. The workflow for map generation employed 20 Decision Tree Output Maps (DTOMs), aggregated into 33 Map Combinations (MCs). These facilitated the addition of new areas and removal of areas where the presence of peat could not be confidently identified. The MC selected for the update had the highest accuracy metrics (≥ 74 %), consisting of DTOMs with a user accuracy ≥ 66 % and assessed over a minimum number of test points ≥ 50. The resulting map reveals peat to underlie 1.66 M ha of Ireland (∼ 23.3 % of the country), identified with values of 83 % for overall accuracy and F1 score for peat areas. This extent is 13.2 % larger than that delineated in previous versions and at least 23.2 % larger than areas presented in other previous maps. The methodology also allows transparency from which data sources can be distinguished to define different key peat thickness ranges (≥ 10 cm, ≥ 30–40 cm), better facilitating assessment of environmental impacts arising from land use change. This approach has potential relevance for peat mapping globally, notably in areas containing disparate datasets (e.g., land cover, soil map, etc.), or employing different production methods. The accuracy metrics generated also suggest that the approach can be used as a basis for implementing or updating national and international regulations concerning carbon-rich soils in comparable settings to those encountered in Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the internal dynamics of organizations has been shown to provide information that can help planners and policymakers improve service delivery. A good organizational climate, which in this study incorporates mission clarity, team cohesion, staff autonomy, communication, levels of stress, and openness to change has been shown to be of particular importance. Still, there is a dearth of evidence in this area, and while relationships between organizational factors have been identified, little is known about the mechanisms that might underpin these relationships, and there is little understanding of how to address deficits once they are identified. The objective of this study was to identify relationships between program factors that influence organizational climate and to explore which mechanisms might underpin these relationships. This paper reports on a cross-sectional, concurrent, mixed-methods study design, across twelve discrete community-based prescribing service providers (organizations) in Ireland. Data was obtained using a staff survey [ n = 132] which utilized measurements of organizational readiness to change and one-to-one interviews [ n = 12]. Quantitative data was analyzed using multivariate linear regression modeling which assessed relationships between variables, while interviews were analyzed using an abductive approach, both types of data were synthesized at the interpretation stage. A range of interdependent factors were considered to affect the climate of organizations. Surveys identified that specific types of resources, such as physical infrastructure, training, and staffing resources were important for supporting a good organizational climate, while programs with greater needs had a poorer climate. Opportunities for professional growth, the skill sets of staff, and having access to e-communication were also significant. Interviewees reported that rigid organizational hierarchies and bureaucracy, philosophical views of addiction, stress, and staff turnover were influenced by the provision of fewer resources. Interdependent factors such as leadership, supervision, staff relationships, and collective training, also thought to be influenced by resources, were considered to positively influence programs. Resources were not the only challenge identified, and practices within programs and how existing resources are used were also thought to contribute both positively and negatively to the internal dynamics of services. Key findings in this study identified that the organization of effective services is influenced by a range of specific factors, some of which can be addressed without additional resources. Overall, staff views of organizations can provide us with valuable information to support service improvement. Using a mixed methods approach can not only identify where relationships between organizational variables exist but can also help us to understand the mechanisms that underpin these relationships and, importantly, how to address deficits once they are identified. In order to improve how substance misuse services work, the need for a long-term systemic approach to program development, which incorporates some of the findings from this study, is required. • Resources: ie. staffing, training, and office resources will likely influence a treatment program's organizational climate. • Programs with higher identified needs were less likely to have a favorable organizational climate. • Having greater growth opportunities was positively associated with; mission clarity, autonomy, and communication. • There is a likely interdependence between organizational domains with no indication of a hierarchy of importance. • How resources are used, not just their availability, was thought to influence to the organizational climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work addresses the problem of automatic tunnel surface defect inspection using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The research aims at proposing a robust and efficient monitoring method for image data acquisition and processing in complex and dark tunnel environments. A method, called Proximity Move-Pause-Photo for Surface Defect Inspection (PMPP-SDI), is proposed by combining reactive flying control strategies with a grid scanning pattern to capture high-quality image data from multiple views and angles. The image data is then used to generate a 3D point cloud model of the tunnel surface for structural condition assessment. The method is tested in a field experiment in a railway tunnel in Ireland, and the results show that it can achieve stable navigation, high-resolution reconstruction, and accurate defect detection. The paper discusses the advantages and limitations of the method, and suggests improving the control/navigation intelligence, data quality, and defect analysis as the future research directions. • Reactive strategy for adaptative UAV navigation in tunnels. • UAV 3D close-range surface data acquisition. • Method validation and tunnel defect analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Model which simulates dairy farm electricity use in 15-min intervals. • Validated on 3 dairy farms of varying size. • Suitable for studying renewable energy integration and demand side management. • Reliable tool for decision support for dairy operations. The objective of this paper was to define, validate and demonstrate a model capable of accurately simulating dairy farm electricity consumption across varying herd and parlour sizes, to facilitate research investigating renewable energy systems (RES) and demand side management (DSM). The Farm Electricity System Simulator (FESS) was developed using grey-box modelling techniques utilizing empirical data for parameter tuning. Empirical data were gathered from nine spring calving, pasture based dairy farms located in the Republic of Ireland. A k-means clustering analysis was conducted, separating the farms into three, near homogenous groups, from which representative farms were selected. FESS was trained using 12 months of data from three representative farms using the repeat hold out method for data partitioning with 75 % of data used for training and 25 % used for validation. An optimisation algorithm was used to minimize the error during model training. Through cross-validation, FESS achieved a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 7.65 kWh, mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 7.10 %, mean percentage error (MPE) of −0.86 % and a relative prediction error (RPE) of 7.56 % for total daily electricity consumption. Across the three farms, the simulated outputs of FESS achieved an average R2 value of 0.72, demonstrating good agreement with observed data. FESS's utility was demonstrated by analysing the effects of different electricity pricing structures and on-site solar photovoltaic electricity generation on total farm energy costs. We concluded that FESS simulated on-farm electricity consumption with sufficient accuracy for the intended application. FESS accurately simulated dairy farm electricity consumption across three dairy farms of different herd and parlour sizes while evaluating the effects of demand side management and renewable generation on farm electricity consumption and costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy-Duty Vehicles (HDVs) pose a significant challenge in meeting emissions reduction targets. However, studies on estimating emissions from Irish HDV fleet are rare. This paper estimates fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions from tractor-trailers that occupy nearly half of Ireland's HDV fleet using the European Commission recommended VECTO tool. To improve the estimation accuracy, driving cycles specific to Irish road conditions were developed utilising real naturalistic driving data from trucks. The Irish driving cycles significantly differ from the VECTO inbuilt driving cycles in percentage time spent in different gears, fuel consumption, and CO 2 emissions. CO 2 emissions estimated with Irish driving cycles range from 733 to 1961 g/km, while with VECTO driving cycles, the values ranged from 728 to 1865 g/km. Further, the study evaluated the sensitivity towards payload, road gradient, and idling percentages. The study insights would provide an essential evidence base for policymakers in Ireland. [Display omitted] • Developed Irish urban, regional, and freeway driving cycles. • Employed the VECTO tool to assess CO 2 emissions from Irish heavy-duty vehicle fleet. • Focused on tractor-trailers with a major share in the Irish fleet. • Evaluated the effect of idling, gradient, and payload on CO 2 emissions. • Fuel consumption is underestimated by up to 7.1% when the road gradient is ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumer research tends to isolate the impact of marketing and social factors. Little has been done to include both. This paper aimed to find out what would happen when these two sets of factors are included. Two models were built in this paper, Model I with the marketing factors only and Model II with both the marketing and social factors. Data was collected in Ireland among more than 1473 transition year students in a personal survey regarding their willingness to learn Chinese. Data were analysed by using structural equation modelling (SEM). Results showed the two social variables, acculturation and intergenerational influence, significantly consolidated the effects of brand awareness on both brand trust and purchase behaviour; and they diminished the impact of brand trust on purchase behaviour. Empirical evidence suggested the worthiness for marketing researchers to examine both marketing and social factors in consumer research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper sets out to give a rounded view of the Irish foster care system as currently constituted. It will cover areas such as the law and policy framework, key data, key institutional actors, views of the system from the perspective of key stakeholders (care experienced adults and young people, foster carers and their children and the biological parents of children in foster care), and distinctive features of the Irish system. It will also offer a brief review of key influences that have helped shape the current system and Ireland's move from high use of institutional care to high rates of family placement. It will also consider challenges that still face policy and practice in the Irish foster care system. The paper takes a multi-disciplinary approach drawing on evidence from various perspectives including law, history and social policy. Offering the Irish case in this paper is not to claim or imply that the Irish system is fully developed or has resolved all its challenges. As will become clear, the argument here is that Ireland is an interesting case not because of any (erroneous) claim that it is the finished article as a foster care system. It is interesting because it is both a system that is still in development, and is also one that has already made the transition from a system dominated by residential care to one heavily reliant on family placement. Highlights • Ninety-two per cent of children in care in Ireland are placed in families (in both foster and kinship care) • This represents one of the highest family placement rates in care systems across the world • Previously the Irish care system relied heavily on institutional care like many Catholic countries • Ireland thus serves as an interesting case study of de-institutionalisation in a traditionally Catholic country • The paper offers a detailed overview of the current system of provisions for children in care in Ireland [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Adoption rate of PA technology on grassland farms is still relatively low. • Many new technologies are not yet at an appropriate technology readiness level. • Technology research, development and application needs to be grassland-specific. • Collaboration is required between farmers, researchers and technology providers. Abstract Grass growth and utilisation on grassland farms across the UK and Ireland are below their potential, and nutrient management is sub-optimal. Excessive soil phosphorus concentrations are an issue, contributing to eutrophication of waterways, while sub-optimal soil pH due to a reduction in lime use is seen in many areas. This paper discusses the potential for introducing technology onto grassland farms, and implementing sensible farm-specific management decisions as a means of enhancing productivity and minimising the environmental impact of livestock farming. The adoption rate of Precision Agriculture (PA) technology by grassland farmers in the UK and Ireland is still relatively low, and significantly lagging behind the advances that have taken place within the arable farming community. With rapidly advancing technology and investment in research, there are now a range of soil sensors available along with technology for grass growth monitoring, yield mapping, remote sensing, satellite imagery, and devices for tracking animal movement, behaviour and feed intake. In this review paper we examine the latest technology developments specific to grassland farming and we question their suitability and 'readiness' for adoption by farmers. The review identifies the challenges that are specific to grassland such as complex soil, vegetation and climatic variables along with economic barriers that may be preventing change within the farming community in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Multiple environmentalities on implementation of the Habitats Directive in Ireland. • A dominant discourse reflecting sovereign-neoliberal environmentality. • Scientific-technocratic legitimacy and norms under Article 6 are undermined. • Scientific legitimacy converges with neoliberal and socio-economic priorities. Abstract This paper uses Q methodology to analyse multiple environmentalities underlying professionals' legitimacy discourses on implementation of contested peatlands regulation under the European Habitats Directive. This approach advances the literature on multiple environmentalities by providing a lens on the enactment of power-knowledge relations between stakeholders in collaborative environmental governance. The empirical results illustrate the significance of power-knowledge in the dominant discourse coalition emphasising a sovereign-neoliberal environmentality in a one-size-fits-all approach to compensation. This paper also provides insights into the strategic alliance reinforcing technocratic rationalities and agricultural priorities at a key stage in the policy process. An emergent, albeit marginalised, 'truth environmentality' underlying a pragmatic, site-specific approach to implementation is also evident. Policy outcomes illustrate the abandonment of sovereign environmentality over highly contested areas, and the reconstruction of scientific legitimacy and norms under Article 6 of the Habitat Directive, to converge with broader neoliberal socio-economic priorities and cost-effectiveness. The analysis reveals how power-knowledge interactions within and between socio-economic and environmental-ecological sectors contribute to policy discourses and to conflict on implementation. The research also reveals the power of the State to steer collaborative governance towards contradictory outcomes, relative to the environmentalities expressed by professional actors, a position which potentially undermines the cultivation of pro-environmental values at local level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Keeping within the temperature limits set by the Paris Agreement on climate action will be a significant challenge. Nuclear power generation may contribute to achieving these targets, however, there are significant environmental, economic and health risks attached. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, this paper explores how nuclear power generation is framed in the Irish print media, and discusses the implications of these frames for how nuclear power is perceived within the context of climate change mitigation in Ireland. Two Irish broadsheet papers, the Irish Times and the Irish Independent were selected for data collection, focusing on Chernobyl and Fukushima incidents. The prevalence of informational and balanced articles suggest that to some extent, an open debate on nuclear is already occurring. Nevertheless, significantly more articles take an anti-nuclear stance (34% in 1986 and 27.5% in 2011) than pro-nuclear (2.1% in 1986 and 3.3% in 2011), reflecting the lack of public appetite for nuclear power. This may limit the potential for a wider debate to occur within the context of reducing domestic emissions. Considering the urgency of addressing climate change, a full and balanced societal debate on how nuclear power, other energy alternatives (e.g. wind) and the energy sector more generally, can contribute to national climate policy targets may be necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the influence of political leaders' populist communication styles on public adherence to government policies regarding COVID-19 containment. We adopt a mixed-methods approach that combines: theory building with a nested multicase study design for Study 1 and an empirical study in a natural setting for Study 2. Based on the results from Studies 1 and 2, we develop two propositions that we further explain theoretically: (P1) countries with political leaders associated with engaging or intimate populist communication styles (i.e., the UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and Ireland) exhibit better public adherence to their governments' COVID-19 movement restrictions than do countries with political leaders associated with communication styles that combine the champion of the people and engaging styles (i.e., the US); (P2) the country whose political leader is associated with a combination of engaging and intimate populist communication styles (i.e., Singapore) exhibits better public adherence to the government's COVID-19 movement restrictions than do countries whose political leaders adopted solely engaging or solely intimate styles, namely, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. This paper contributes to the research on political leadership in crises and populist political communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address sustainability challenges in agriculture, private and multi-stakeholder initiatives increasingly use sustainability indicators to monitor the sustainability impact of farms. These indicators can be part of standards for certification or assessment tools to measure farm performance. While these initiatives play an important role in navigating the sustainability transition, insight in how these governance initiatives operationalize sustainability in crop farming is lacking. This paper examines how private and multi-stakeholder governance initiatives, which increasingly regulate the sustainability of a sizeable portion of agriculture globally, operationalize the concept of sustainability. It provides understanding into which sustainability themes are commonly included in sustainability initiatives, and those that are not, which can give insight into the direction these initiatives are steering crop production worldwide. We developed an overview of governance initiatives using databases and existing research on sustainable agriculture initiatives. Documentation about these initiatives was gathered and used to systematically review descriptive and institutional characteristics of the 29 sustainability assessment and standard initiatives. Moreover, we analyzed the kinds of indicators (i.e., performance, practice, and target) and the themes that are prioritized in the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability. The analysis shows that the 29 initiatives are very diverse in their characteristics. While some specifically focus on one crop or country, others operate across production chains and at a global scale. Within specific sectors or countries, certain standards are quite influential, for instance, the Better Cotton Initiative covers 22% of global cotton production, while in Ireland, 70% of horticulture farmers are Origin Green certified. Globally, 2% of the crop land is certified under one of the 14 standards that reported land use. Our analysis of sustainability themes show an imbalance across environmental, social, an economic sustainability, with environmental sustainability being prioritized. In particular, social themes such as quality of life, food sovereignty and fair trading practices were less often included (38, 24 and 21% respectively). Sustainability standard and assessment initiatives govern a substantial and growing portion of global cropland. They play a central role in determining what is considered sustainable and thereby influence which farming practices are applied worldwide. The impact of these initiatives is likely to continue to grow as sustainability assessments and standards become more widely adopted. In examining a large sample of standard and assessment initiatives, this study presents a comprehensive overview of the current state of sustainability indicators for crop farming globally. [Display omitted] • This paper analyzes both assessment and standard initiatives in crop production. • It analyzes the operationalization of sustainability in crop farming globally. • Imbalances are found across environmental, social, and economic sustainability themes covered. • Variation in the use of practice, target, and performance metrics can be recognized. • Continuous improvement is not widely incorporated into sustainability governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]