Southeast Ireland Research Articles

Effects of Depth Phases of the Clonroche Soil Series and Farming Skill on Spring Barley Yields

This study was carried out in the south-east of Ireland (Co. Wexford) over a four-year period (1984-7) to determine the factors responsible for the variation in yield of spring barley obtained by growers whose farms were situated on the Clonroche Soils Series. The results show that the level of management skills had a significant effect (P<0.00l Jon yield variance in all four years. The mean difference in yield over the four-year period between the most skilled growers (Class 1) and the least skilled growers (Class 3) was 1.13 t/ha. Soil depth differences within the Clonroche Series gave significant difference (P<0.001) in yield only in 1984. when the soil moisture stress was sufficiently great to expose the difference in moisture-holding capacities of the three depth phases within the Series. Key Index Words: Clonroche Soils Series, yields, management skills.

Riparian buffer zones in intensive grassland agri-systems are not necessarily a refuge for high conservation value species

The appropriate management of natural riparian zones can provide numerous ecosystem services within an agricultural landscape, including the enhancement of regional biodiversity. Management of riparian zones has featured in Irish agri-environment schemes. We investigated the biodiversity of riparian field margins which had been fenced to provide water quality and biodiversity benefits. Surveys of plants, carabid beetles and spiders were conducted in typical habitat types that occur in riparian zones (grassland, scrub and woodland) on intensively-managed grassland systems in the south-east of Ireland.

Low losses of a P and sediment in overland flow suggest that this tillage site and others like it may not be high risk for phosphorous pollution

This trial examined phosphorus (P) loss in overland flow (OLF) at a tillage farm in the southeast of Ireland. The soil was a grey-brown podzolic, and was representative of land covering 16% of the total agricultural area, with tillage practised on approximately one-third of this area. The object of the trial was to establish whether this site is a P-pollution risk to surface water. The productive tillage field was divided into three plots, each of approximately 1ha in size. Plots had low earth dams and open lined drains on the lower boundaries. A flow meter sampler with V-notch tank was connected to each of the three drains. Macro-pore flow (MPF) samplers were installed in the plots. Average depth of overland flow across the three plots was 5.4, 17.5 and 18.1mm y−1 for 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. Phosphorus concentration was 1.01, 0.64 and 0.6mg l−1, respectively, and P load was 0.04, 0.11 and 0.18kg ha−1 y−1. The median P concentration in MPF was 1.59mg l−1. Sediment yield (95kg ha−1 y−1) was low compared to that achieved in other studies. No pollution parameter measured represented a serious pollution threat. The results of this study suggest that a large proportion of tillage land in Ireland might be classified as low risk for P loss through the overland flow pathway.

Low losses of a P and sediment in overland flow suggest that this tillage site and others like it may not be high risk for phosphorous pollution

This trial examined phosphorus (P) loss in overland flow (OLF) at a tillage farm in the southeast of Ireland. The soil was a grey-brown podzolic, and was representative of land covering 16% of the total agricultural area, with tillage practised on approximately one-third of this area. The object of the trial was to establish whether this site is a P-pollution risk to surface water. The productive tillage field was divided into three plots, each of approximately 1ha in size. Plots had low earth dams and open lined drains on the lower boundaries. A flow meter sampler with V-notch tank was connected to each of the three drains. Macro-pore flow (MPF) samplers were installed in the plots. Average depth of overland flow across the three plots was 5.4, 17.5 and 18.1mm y 1 for 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. Phosphorus concentration was 1.01, 0.64 and 0.6mg l , respectively, and P load was 0.04, 0.11 and 0.18kg ha 1 y . The median P concentration in MPF was 1.59mg l . Sediment yield (95kg ha 1 y ) was low compared to that achieved in other studies. No pollution parameter measured represented a serious pollution threat. The results of this study suggest that a large proportion of tillage land in Ireland might be classified as low risk for P loss through the overland flow pathway.

Riparian buffer zones in intensive grassland agri-systems are not necessarily a refuge for high conservation value species

The appropriate management of natural riparian zones can provide numerous ecosystem services within an agricultural landscape, including the enhancement of regional biodiversity. Management of riparian zones has featured in Irish agri-environment schemes. We investigated the biodiversity of riparian field margins which had been fenced to provide water quality and biodiversity benefits. Surveys of plants, carabid beetles and spiders were conducted in typical habitat types that occur in riparian zones (grassland, scrub and woodland) on intensively-managed grassland systems in the south-east of Ireland. Distinct assemblages of plants and spiders were identified in each habitat type, but this was not the case for carabids. There were higher abundances of carabids and spiders in grass dominated riparian margins, while scrub dominated margins provided the highest regional carabid species richness. Riparian zones in intensively farmed areas in this study had a low incidence of specialised fauna. Proportional abundances or frequencies of riparian or wetland species for the surveyed flora and fauna were low when compared to the national flora and fauna and other similar studies. Management prescriptions in addition to those currently employed, such as limited grazing of fenced watercourse zones, may increase the abundance and/or species richness of some taxonomic groups. These results highlight the need for more appropriate management prescriptions and targeting of management actions if agri-environment measures aim to conserve farmland biodiversity in riparian zones.

Expanding the Caredoc Community Intervention Team by integrating and cooperating with healthcare providers

Purpose:To expand and develop the Caredoc integrated community intervention team (CIT) to engage with further stakeholders and to empower healthcare services and workers to support coordination and cooperation for patients, general practitioners, community services and the acute hospital. Objectives: To expand the Caredoc CIT model of care to incorporate hospitals and services in the Southeast of Ireland To inform and describe the model of care to hospitals, GPs and patients To support all stakeholders in moving to a new way of care To ensure all stakeholders are comfortable with the transition To empower all stakeholders by ensuring everyone involved is aware of their role and the role of others To securely integrate patient notes across all stakeholders to ensure continuity of care and safety The Caredoc CIT provides an acute nursing service to patients in their own home, treatment centre or care facility in the community who would traditionally be treated in the hospital setting. The service supports patients, primary care and hospital services by utilising and optimising resources to facilitate early hospital discharge and hospital avoidance. Building capacity: The Caredoc CIT service began in September 2011 after months of engagement between hospital, community and primary care services in the Carlow and Kilkenny areas in the Southeast of Ireland. The service has been delivered successfully over the last World Congress on Integrated Care 2014, Sydney, November 23-26, 2014. International Journal of Integrated Care – Volume 14, 8 December – URN:NBN:NL:UI:10-1-116635– http://www.ijic.org/ number of years and has produced significant benefits to the stakeholder’s involved and cost savings to the health service. Patient surveys have 100% satisfaction ratings with the service. The synergy and enhanced cooperation between services is something the Caredoc CIT team wanted to extend to other areas. The extension began in mid-2013 to Wicklow and is now successfully embedded in the area. The service will now be extended to Waterford, Wexford and South Tipperary. Conclusions: The main objectives were met in the roll out of the CIT model for Wicklow. Throughout the process the key stakeholders were involved from the beginning of the project and encouraged to input to the implementation plan. Individuals were empowered to take responsibility for their assigned role and encouraged to engage with other services providers and personnel. Key lessons learned: Empowering individuals at the initial stages of projects promotes collaboration and cooperation Ensure everyone involved is kept informed of key decisions or any changes Promote the service with patients and stakeholders to ensure no one is excluded The experience gained and all lessons learned are internationally transferrable to other services and organisations.

Breathing space – graduate entrepreneurs’ perspectives of entrepreneurship education in higher education

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine graduate entrepreneurs’ perspectives of entrepreneurship education (EE) in higher education institutions (HEIs) in their formation as entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative research study was conducted amongst 30 graduate entrepreneurs in the South East of Ireland, who established their businesses between 2001 and 2010 (inclusive). Findings – The findings challenge the notion that more EE provision at undergraduate level will lead to greater numbers of graduate entrepreneurs. This is because: HEIs are more focused on preparing students for employment; the academic nature of undergraduate EE; and a “one size fits all” approach to EE fails to recognise the heterogeneity of learners’ needs. However, the findings show that graduate entrepreneurs believed that EE at graduate level provided a welcome “breathing space” to develop their business. Research limitations/implications – This research was undertaken within a unique, regional environment, therefore, it is influenced by regional policies, priorities and factors and its main HEI. It does not include either other regional, national or international case studies. Practical implications – This research paper provides a conceptual framework or guiding principles for good practice in EE in higher education to include: an enterprise-centric, HEI; a graduated approach to EE; pracademics; a challenging learning environment; authentic experience; and links with the wider enterprise community. Originality/value – This research paper offers a nuanced understanding of EE in higher education. Moreover, it contributes to the advancement of knowledge, practice and policy by proposing a conceptual framework for EE in higher education to meet the diverse needs of future graduate entrepreneurs.

Effects of riparian canopy cover on salmonid diet and prey selectivity in low nutrient streams.

This study focuses on stream sections within a relatively low nutrient catchment in south-east Ireland in an attempt to characterize the probable effects of riparian canopy on salmonid diet and prey selectivity within two size classes of nursery stream. Sampling found that brown trout Salmo trutta diet changed significantly in response to riparian canopy regardless of stream size. The observation that S. trutta within unshaded stream sites did not feed on drifting terrestrial prey items to the same extent as those within shaded streams was not due to a lack of availability of this food source. There was no evidence to suggest that S. trutta selectively choose particular prey items.

Building intellectual capital in incubated technology firms

Purpose – The value of relational capital generated by entrepreneurs with their internal and external environment (Hormiga et al., 2011a, b), provides considerable resources when properly leveraged. It is particularly important in environments such as the high tech sector of incomplete information and weak economic markets such as new products, markets or technologies (Davidsson and Honig, 2003). The purpose of this paper is to examine how incubated technology entrepreneurs build relational capital for a new venture formation in the social context of a Higher Education Institution. Design/methodology/approach – The study took a qualitative approach based on content analysis of business plans and in-depth interviews with 25 technology entrepreneurs on an incubation programme – South East Enterprise Platform Programme – for technology graduates in the South East of Ireland. Findings – The study found that technology entrepreneurs during new venture formation engaged in four types of relational capital activities, namely, development of networks and contacts, relationship building, accessing and leveraging knowledge experts and members of associations. Practical implications – Incubator programmes need to actively support social building activities of technology entrepreneurs. Higher Education Institutes knowledge assets and networks are critical elements in supporting incubator technology entrepreneurs. Originality value – The study identified four types of relational capital building. The authors also found using Jones-Evans (1995) categorisation of technology entrepreneurs that users, producers, opportunists and non-technical entrepreneurs engaged in client focused relational capital building, whereas researcher types networked with service providers and displayed arms length relational capital building styles.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip: incidence and treatment outcomes in the Southeast of Ireland.

The incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in the Republic of Ireland is unknown. It has been shown by previous Irish studies that effective screening methods for DDH are not widely practiced. The effect of this on treatment outcomes is unknown. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence and treatment outcomes of DDH in the Southeast of Ireland. In a retrospective study, all cases of DDH in children born in 2009 were identified using the outpatient clinic database. We defined an early and late diagnosis as those treated before and after three months, respectively. We defined the operative incidence as those who required open surgery. Fifty-six cases of DDH were diagnosed giving an incidence of 6.73 per 1,000 live births. 58.9% (n = 33) were referred to the clinic and began treatment early, while 41.1% (n = 23) presented late. The incidence of operative procedures was 1.08 per 1,000 live births. The incidence of those requiring surgery was higher in the late diagnosis group. Our overall incidence rate of 6.73 per 1,000 live births in 2009 is similar to other international studies. Worryingly our incidence of 2.77 per 1,000 having late diagnosis and 1.08 per 1,000 live births requiring open surgery was higher. Despite screening with clinical examination, the percentage of late diagnosis remains high. There is a need for the development of a national screening policy with greater use of ultrasound screening to improve current practices.

A bulk milk tank study to detect evidence of spread of Schmallenberg virus infection in the south-west of Ireland in 2013.

BackgroundSchmallenberg virus (SBV) was first detected in Germany in November 2011. Confirmation of infection in Ireland was reported on October 30th 2012. The results of a national serological survey carried out in early 2013 suggested that the first introduction of SBV into Ireland probably occurred in the south or southeast of Ireland in the spring or summer of 2012, with subsequent spread eastwards and northwards. It was unclear at that stage whether the virus had survived the winter period and would continue to spread in 2013. The purpose of this study was to monitor the spread of the virus in the mid-west region through the summer and autumn of 2013 using bulk tank milk from selected dairy herds.FindingsSeventy two dairy farmers were recruited to participate in the bulk milk tank study. Each farmer agreed to collect a bulk tank milk sample on a weekly basis from early June. A total of 988 samples were received between June 5th and December 3rd 2013 and these were analysed using an indirect ELISA test. Of the initial set of 72 samples received between June 5th and July 16th, nine were positive, one was inconclusive and 62 were negative. By the end of the study in early December 2013 only one new farm turned positive. This was the farm that had initially tested inconclusive.ConclusionThe study results suggest that the anticipated spread of SBV across Ireland from the south and south-east did not occur during 2013.

Debate on 'Water movement in a structured soil in south-east of Ireland: preliminary evidence for preferential flow,' by Michael Ryan (1998) Irish Geography, 31(2), 124-137

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Microbial and microfaunal communities in phosphorus limited, grazed grassland change composition but maintain homeostatic nutrient stoichiometry

Previous results from a long-term grassland trial, located in south-east Ireland indicated conserved (homeostatic) nutrient stoichiometry of the soil microbial biomass despite widely varying soil C:N:P ratios. To determine whether this was associated with a change in microbial community structure, rather than a change in microbial physiology, this study characterized the responses of below-ground microbial and nematode community structure to P fertilization. The trial site maintained a range of P fertilisation rates (0–30 kg P ha−1 yr−1) which had been applied since 1968 and soil samples were collected in spring 2009, autumn 2010 and spring 2011. The microbial biomass demonstrated homeostatic stoichiometry over all sampling occasions, particularly of the C:P ratio, despite a 50-fold difference in soil solution C:P ratio. However, microbial and nematode community structure also varied with P fertilisation, indicating that nutrient ratios are maintained even though there were changes in microbial community structure. P fertilization induced a shift from fungal to bacterial dominated decomposition pathways, as indicated by the proportion of bacterial-feeding to fungal-feeding nematodes and bacterial: fungal phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs). The altered microbial community structure was considered to result from bottom-up control of nutrient quality and quantity by altered vegetation structure and fertilizer inputs, as well as top-down pressures from the nematode community.

Assessing the combined use of reduced tillage and cover crops for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from arable ecosystem

Field management activities have significant impacts on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from cropland soils. In this study, the effectiveness of combining reduced tillage with a mustard cover crop (RT–CC) to mitigate present and future GHG emissions from a fertilized spring barley field in the southeast of Ireland was assessed. The field site which had a free-draining sandy loam soil with low soil moisture holding capacity, had been managed for three years prior to measurements under two different tillage systems; conventional (CT) and RT–CC. Field measurements of soil CO2, N2O and CH4 emissions, crop biomass, water filled pore space (WFPS), soil temperature and soil nitrate were made to capture both steady state conditions as well as the management events. Field data were used to validate the DNDC (DeNitrification–DeComposition) model and future GHG emissions under two sets of climate projections were predicted. Although fertilizer use was the same for both treatments the RT–CC treatment had significantly (p<0.05) higher N2O emissions for both present and future climate. However, the inclusion of a cover crop with the RT treatment increased predicted soil organic carbon (SOC), which more than compensated for the higher N2O flux resulting in a lower total GHG balance (TGGB) compared with the CT treatment. Results show that the effectiveness of RT–CC in mitigating GHG emissions will depend crucially on the magnitude of compensatory increases in carbon dioxide uptake by the cover crop that will contribute to a reduction in the total GHG balance.

An integrated pressure and pathway approach to the spatial analysis of groundwater nitrate: A case study from the southeast of Ireland

Excess nitrogen in soil, aquatic and atmospheric environments is an escalating global problem. Eutrophication is the principal threat to surface water quality in the Republic of Ireland. European Union Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) water quality status assessments found that 16% of Irish groundwater bodies were ‘at risk’ of poor status due to the potential deterioration of associated estuarine and coastal water quality by nitrate from groundwater. This paper presents a methodology for evaluating pressure and pathway parameters affecting the spatial distribution of groundwater nitrate, investigated at a regional scale using existing national spatial datasets. The potential for nitrate transfer to groundwater was rated based on the introduced concepts of Pressure Loading and Pathway Connectivity Rating, each based on a combination of selected pressure and pathway parameters respectively. In the region studied, the South Eastern River Basin District of Ireland, this methodology identified that pathway parameters were more important than pressure parameters in understanding the spatial distribution of groundwater nitrate. Statistical analyses supported these findings and further demonstrated that the proportion of poorly drained soils, arable land, karstic flow regimes, regionally important bedrock aquifers and high vulnerability groundwater within the zones of contribution of the monitoring points are statistically significantly related to groundwater nitrate concentrations. Soil type was found to be the most important parameter. Analysis of variance showed that a number of the pressure and pathway parameters are interrelated.The parameters identified by the presented methodology may provide useful insights into the best way to manage and mitigate the influence of nitrate contamination of groundwater in this region. It is suggested that the identification of critical source areas based on the identified parameters would be an appropriate management tool, enabling planning and enforcement resources to be focussed on areas which will yield most benefit.

Rare structural chromosomal abnormalities in prenatal diagnosis; clinical and cytogenetic findings on 10125 prenatal cases.

Objective: The aim of this study was presentation of the ultrasonographic findings and perinatal autopsy of cases with rare chromosomal abnormalities. A total of 10125 prenatal cases over 17 years including 8731 amniocentesis, 973 chorionic villus sampling, and 421 fetal blood sampling cases were evaluated for prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis. Conventional cytogenetic studies, fluorescence in situ hybridization studies, and Array-CGH analysis techniques were used for genetic analysis. A structural chromosomal abnormality was observed in 95 cases. The most frequently observed structural abnormalities were balanced translocations with a frequency of 53.7% (51 cases) followed by unbalanced translocations (16.8%), inversions (11.6%), supernumerary marker chromosomes (8.4%), duplications (4.2%), deletions and ring chromosomes (2.1%) and complex translocation (1.1%). Rare structural chromosomal abnormalities including de novo balanced translocations, unbalanced translocations, inversions, duplications, deletions, ring chromosomes, and supernumerary marker chromosomes were detected in 24 cases. The rate of rare chromosomal abnormalities varies from 2.4% (South East Ireland) to 12.9% (Northern England) in Europe with a total rate of 7.4/10 000 births. In our study, the overall rate of chromosomal abnormality in prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis was 3.7%, similar to South East Ireland. Ultrasonographic and perinatal autopsy findings of the cases with rare structural chromosomal abnormalities are important for proper genetic counseling for further similar cases.

Book Review: Catherine Cox,Negotiating Insanity in the Southeast of Ireland, 1820–1900

Book Review: Catherine Cox,<i>Negotiating Insanity in the Southeast of Ireland, 1820–1900</i>

Outcomes of a group education/exercise intervention in a population of patients with non-specific low back pain: a 3-year review

Low back pain (LBP) can prove resistant to treatment. Conservative management in form of education and exercise is advocated as a first-line treatment option. The format of exercise programmes varies, as does the scale of improvement. Individual and group models of care are commonly utilised. To determine the effectiveness of a group education/exercise intervention in a cohort of patients with LBP in a teaching hospital in the south east of Ireland. In addition, the study explores which factors are predictive of a positive outcome. Patients aged 18-65 years with LBP > 6 months, who completed the programme between January 2008 and December 2010 were included. Outcome measures were coded, entered into PASW 18 and cleaned. Pre and post scores were analysed with paired t tests and χ (2) analysis. Multiple regression modelling was used to determine which baseline variables were independent predictors of positive outcome. In total, 668 patients completed the programme. The mean age of patients was 45.9 ± 11.3 years and the majority of patients (69 %) were female. Three months post programme, significant improvements in all self report and objective physical measures were demonstrated (p < 0.001). Factors associated with a positive outcome included lower levels of baseline disability and distress, less baseline functional impairment, shorter duration of symptoms and not being involved in litigation. This group-based education/exercise programme proved effective in terms of decreasing pain, improving physical function and improving psychosocial status. Identifying factors predictive of positive outcome may help maximise patient outcomes.

Catherine Cox, Negotiating Insanity in the Southeast of Ireland, 1820-1900

Catherine Cox, Negotiating Insanity in the Southeast of Ireland, 1820-1900

Assessing the impact of within crop heterogeneity (‘patchiness’) in young Miscanthus × giganteus fields on economic feasibility and soil carbon sequestration

AbstractIn Ireland, Miscanthus × giganteus has the potential to become a major feedstock for bioenergy production. However, under current climatic conditions, Ireland is situated on the margin of the geographical range where Miscanthus production is economically feasible. It is therefore important to optimize the yield and other ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration delivered by the crop. A survey of commercial Miscanthus fields showed a large number of areas with no Miscanthus crop cover. These patches can potentially lead to reduced crop yields and soil carbon sequestration and have a significant negative impact on the economic viability of the crop. The aim of this research is to assess patchiness on a field scale and to analyse the impacts on crop yield and soil carbon sequestration. Analysis of aerial photography images was carried out on six commercial Miscanthus plantations in south east Ireland. The analysis showed an average of 372.5 patches per hectare, covering an average of 13.7% of the field area. Using net present value models and a financial balance approach it was shown that patchiness has a significant impact on payback time for initial investments and might reduce gross margins by more than 50%. Total and Miscanthus‐derived soil organic carbon was measured in open patches and adjacent plots of high crop density showing significantly lower Miscanthus‐derived carbon stocks in open patches compared to high crop‐density patches (0.47Mg C ha−1 ± 0.42 SD and 0.91Mg C ha−1 ± 0.55 SD). Using geographic information system (GIS) it was shown that on a field scale Miscanthus‐derived carbon stocks were reduced by 7.38% ± 7.25 SD. However, total soil organic carbon stocks were not significantly different between open patches and high crop density plots indicating no impact on the overall carbon sequestration on a field scale over 3–4 years since establishment for these Miscanthus sites.