University Of Ulster Research Articles

Multisystem recovery after sport-related concussion in adolescent rugby players: a prospective study protocol

IntroductionSport-related concussion is one of the most common injuries in adolescent rugby players with evidence of prolonged recovery in some concussed athletes. Concussion is a complex pathophysiological process that can...

The impact of fatigue on people with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A survey.

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a common pain syndrome associated with fatigue and anxiety. The aim of this survey was to determine the impact of fatigue on the quality of life (QoL) of people with FMS and to explore the relationships between fatigue, pain, and anxiety. A postal survey was conducted among support groups. Demographic data were collected and participants were asked to complete the Multi-dimensional Assessment of Fatigue Scale (MAF) and two visual analog scales (VAS) measuring pain and anxiety. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and relationships between variables were explored using Pearson's correlation coefficient and Fisher's Exact Probability Test. Ethical approval was granted from Ulster University's research ethics committee. A response rate of 52.5% was achieved (105/200). Fatigue was found to severely impact the QoL of those with FMS. From the MAF, a mean Global Fatigue Index score of 40.7 (range 1=no fatigue-50=severe fatigue) was calculated. Fatigue was significantly associated with both pain (r=0.674) and anxiety (r=0.546) (both p values<0.0001), and no significant relationship was found between the duration of FMS and fatigue (r=0.106; p=0.320). Fatigue has a major impact on the QoL of patients with FMS. There is a strong relationship between fatigue and other variables such as pain and anxiety. However, there is no relationship between the time since diagnosis and fatigue experienced. Fatigue management should feature highly in any treatment programme for those with FMS.

Assessing the impact of antimicrobial stewardship implementation at a district hospital in Ghana using a health partnership model.

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is imperative in addressing the menace of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in health systems. Commonwealth Partnerships for Antimicrobial Stewardship uses a health partnership model to establish AMS in Commonwealth countries. The Hospital of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partnership with Ulster University, Northern Ireland, undertook an AMS project from November 2021 to May 2022. We report on implementation of the AMS, its impact on antibiotic use and infections management at the University Hospital; Kumasi, Ghana. The Global-Point Prevalence Survey (PPS) protocol was used to assess antibiotics use at the hospital at baseline, midpoint and end of the project. Feedback on each PPS was given to the hospital to inform practice, behavioural change and improve antibiotic use. Antibiotic use reduced from 65% at baseline to 59.7% at the end of the project. The rate of healthcare-associated infections also reduced from 17.5% at baseline to 6.5%. Use of antibiotics from the WHO Access group was 40% at baseline but increased to 50% at the endpoint. Watch antibiotics reduced from 60% to 50% from baseline. Culture and susceptibility requests increased from baseline of 111 total requests to 330 requests in the intervention period to inform antimicrobial therapy. The model AMS instituted improved antibiotic use and quality of antimicrobial therapy within the study period. Continuous staff education and training in AMS, and use of standard tools for assessment and application of local data to inform infections management will ensure sustenance and improvement in the gains made.

Physical model of non-adiabatic blowdown of cryo-compressed hydrogen storage tanks

This paper describes a model of hydrogen blowdown dynamics for storage tanks needed for hydrogen safety engineering to accurately represent incident scenarios. Heat transfer through a tank and pipe walls affects the temperature and pressure transients inside the storage vessel and at the nozzle exit, and thus the characteristics of the resulting hydrogen jet in the case of loss of containment. Current non-adiabatic blowdown models are validated against experiments performed with hydrogen storage tanks at only ambient temperature. The effect of heat transfer for cryo-compressed hydrogen is more significant due to a larger difference of temperature between the stored hydrogen and the surrounding atmosphere, especially in case of equipment insulation failure during an incident. Our previous work demonstrated that the heat transfer through a discharge pipe wall can significantly affect the mass flow rate of cryogenic hydrogen releases. Thoroughly validated models of non-adiabatic blowdown dynamics for cryo-compressed hydrogen are missing at the moment. This work develops further the non-adiabatic blowdown model at ambient temperature using the under-expanded jet theory developed at Ulster University, to expand it to cryo-compressed hydrogen storage tanks. The non-ideal behaviour of cryo-compressed hydrogen due to low temperatures is taken into account through the high-accuracy Helmholtz energy formulations. The developed model includes effect of heat transfer at both the tank and the discharge pipe walls. The model is thoroughly validated against sixteen tests on blowdown of hydrogen storage tanks with initial pressure 0.6–20 MPa ab and temperature 80–310 K, through release nozzle of diameter in the range 0.5–4.0 mm, performed within the PRESLHY project. The model well reproduces the experimental pressure and temperature recordings in the storage tank during the entire blowdown duration for the whole set of sixteen tests. In conjunction with the volumetric source model, explained in detail, the physical model allows to perform CFD simulations accurately reproducing the temperature distribution in time and space for the cryogenic hydrogen jet experiment.

Solving skin and wound challenges: working together, not in silos

Journal of Wound CareVol. 32, No. 4 EditorialSolving skin and wound challenges: working together, not in silosSharon NeillSharon NeillLecturer in Nursing, School of Nursing and Paramedic Science, Ulster University Education Lead, Society of Tissue ViabilitySearch for more papers by this authorSharon NeillPublished Online:8 Apr 2023https://doi.org/10.12968/jowc.2023.32.4.197AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails 2 April 2023Volume 32Issue 4ISSN (print): 0969-0700ISSN (online): 2052-2916 Metrics History Published online 8 April 2023 Published in print 2 April 2023 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedPDF download

The Life and Legacy of Danijela Kulezic-Wilson

The Life and Legacy of Danijela Kulezic-Wilson

Experimental Characterization of the Optical Performance of Concentrating Photovoltaic Glazing (CoPVG) Systems

An experiment was conducted to test the optical efficiency of the lenses of the Concentrating Photovoltaic Glazing (CoPVG) concept. The CoPVG is a seasonal glazing system consisting of longitudinal prismatic lenses. The lenses concentrate sunlight onto the focus where Photovoltaic (PV) cells are bonded, generating electricity while simultaneously preventing excessive glare indoors during summer. The system transmits sunlight for daylight purposes in winter. The experimental results were compared with an analytical model developed at Ulster University. Although there were discrepancies between the model and the experimental results, the model can still predict the optical performance of the lenses reliably, and can therefore still provide an overview of the concept’s optical performance. The model was then used to create a visual representation of the glazing’s annual optical performance, demonstrating how the glazing responds to changes in the sun’s position in the sky throughout the year. This analysis allows for balancing the need for natural lighting and energy generation, and so enables designers to evaluate annual optical performance of the CoPVG lens quickly and accurately. A case study of a building in Belfast is presented to demonstrate the application of the model. As an example, the results indicate that utilizing the lenses in glazing towards the south leads to a shift in its performance from room lighting to shading on 1st April, and vice versa on 15 September. The analyses also show that utilizing the CoPVG lenses can potentially enhance the electrical output power of the glazing ranging between 5% and 8% and from 46% up to 52% during winter and summer, respectively, compared with traditional Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic (STPV) glazing with the same opaque area percentage.

O.O.1.5 - (IT) A 3D-virtual learning tool to improve weight-related communication for healthcare professionals: Presenter(s): Fiona Quigley, Ulster University, United Kingdom

O.O.1.5 - (IT) A 3D-virtual learning tool to improve weight-related communication for healthcare professionals: Presenter(s): Fiona Quigley, Ulster University, United Kingdom

O.26.1 - Innovative online platform to support communication for persons with obesity: STOP Portal: Presenter(s): Anne Moorhead, Ulster University, United Kingdom

O.26.1 - Innovative online platform to support communication for persons with obesity: STOP Portal: Presenter(s): Anne Moorhead, Ulster University, United Kingdom

O.40.3 - Teaching student nurses interprofessional communication using role-play: An exploratory study: Presenter(s): Carmel Quigley, Ulster University, United Kingdom

O.40.3 - Teaching student nurses interprofessional communication using role-play: An exploratory study: Presenter(s): Carmel Quigley, Ulster University, United Kingdom

New visions for education and learning in urology nursing – Join the transformation

International Journal of Urological NursingVolume 17, Issue 1 p. 3-4 EDITORIAL New visions for education and learning in urology nursing – Join the transformation Jerome Marley MSc, PGDip Nurse Ed. BSc [Hons], FHEA, Corresponding Author Jerome Marley MSc, PGDip Nurse Ed. BSc [Hons], FHEA [email protected] School of Nursing and Paramedic Science, Ulster University, Belfast, UKSearch for more papers by this author Jerome Marley MSc, PGDip Nurse Ed. BSc [Hons], FHEA, Corresponding Author Jerome Marley MSc, PGDip Nurse Ed. BSc [Hons], FHEA [email protected] School of Nursing and Paramedic Science, Ulster University, Belfast, UKSearch for more papers by this author First published: 08 February 2023 https://doi.org/10.1111/ijun.12346Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume17, Issue1March 2023Pages 3-4 RelatedInformation

A Sustainable Method to Reduce Vancomycin Concentrations in Water Using Timber Waste

Emerging contaminants are becoming a significant challenge for modern society. Antibiotic resistance is notably among the most urgent public health concerns, and it is well recognised that the problem often originates from wastewater treatment facilities. In developed countries, where affordable and specified, activated carbon can be used as an efficient adsorbent of antibiotic residues present in wastewaters. However, this method is associated with high production and reactivation costs and has a significant carbon footprint. Research at Ulster University proposes a more sustainable and cost-effective solution to this problem. The technique involves the application of modified sawdust waste to treated effluent, reducing tertiary antibiotic contamination. The sawdust used in the current study was from two sources: ash or a mixture of tree species. These materials, in unmodified and modified forms, were applied as the adsorbents in model systems containing vancomycin (antibiotic) dissolved in distilled water at concentrations ranging between 30 and 150 mg/L. It was found that such adsorbents are highly efficient at removing vancomycin from contaminated waters. Antibiotic removal levels reached 63.0% (σ = 2.3%) for the modified mixed sawdust and 56.6% (σ = 5.1%) for the modified ash sawdust. Post-treatment, the sawdust can undergo a thermal conversion for energy production. The preliminary findings of this scoping work indicate the feasibility of converting sawdust waste into a novel means for wastewater treatment systems capable of dealing with antibiotic pollutants. The simplicity of the method offers many developing and developed economies, a sustainable means of managing this dangerous emerging problem.

Novel mixed-method, inclusive protocol involving global key stakeholders, including carers as experts, to co-develop relevant Caregiver-Reported Outcome Domains (CRODs) in skin disease

IntroductionIchthyoses comprise a heterogenous group of rare genetic skin disorders that involves the entire skin surface, often with additional syndromic features, and pose many clinical challenges. Without curative intervention, the...

A Cross-Sectional Study of Myopia and Morning Melatonin Status in Northern Irish Adolescent Children.

Previous studies have demonstrated an association between melatonin status and both refractive error and axial length in young adult myopes. This study aimed to determine if this relationship extends to a younger adolescent cohort. Healthy children aged 12-15 years provided morning saliva samples before attending Ulster University (55°N) for cycloplegic autorefraction and axial length measures. Participants completed questionnaires describing recent sleep habits and physical activity. Salivary melatonin was quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Data collection for all participants occurred over a 1-week period (April 2021). Seventy participants aged 14.3 (95% CI: 14.2-14.5) years were categorised by spherical equivalent refraction [SER] (range: -5.38DS to +1.88DS) into two groups; myopic SER ≤ -0.50DS (n = 22) or nonmyopic -0.50DS < SER ≤ +2.00DS (n = 48). Median morning salivary melatonin levels were 4.52 pg/ml (95% CI: 2.60-6.02) and 4.89 pg/ml (95% CI: 3.18-5.66) for myopic and nonmyopic subjects, respectively, and did not differ significantly between refractive groups (P = 0.91). Melatonin levels were not significantly correlated with SER, axial length, sleep, or activity scores (Spearman's rank, all P > 0.39). Higher levels of physical activity were associated with higher sleep quality (Spearman's rank, ρ = -0.28, P = 0.02). The present study found no significant relationship between morning salivary melatonin levels and refractive error or axial length in young adolescents. This contrasts with outcomes from a previous study of adults with comparable methodology, season of data collection, and geographical location. Prospective studies are needed to understand the discrepancies between adult and childhood findings and evaluate whether melatonin levels in childhood are indicative of an increased risk for future onset of myopia and/or faster axial growth trajectories and myopia progression in established myopes. Future work should opt for a comprehensive dim-light melatonin onset protocol to determine circadian phase.

Variations in psychological disorders, suicidality, and help-seeking behaviour among college students from different academic disciplines.

Elevated levels of suicidality, ADHD, mental ill-health and substance disorders are reported among college students globally, yet few receive treatment. Some faculties and courses appear to have more at-risk students than others. The current study aimed to determine if students commencing college in different academic disciplines were at a heightened risk for psychopathology, substance use disorders and suicidal behaviour, and examined variations in help-seeking behaviour. The study utilised data collected from 1,829 first-year undergraduate students as part of the Student Psychological Intervention Trial (SPIT) which commenced in September 2019 across four Ulster University campuses in Northern Ireland and an Institute of Technology, in the North-West of Ireland. The SPIT study is part of the World Mental Health International College Student Initiative (WMH-ICS) which uses the WMH-CIDI to identify 12-month and lifetime disorders. Students from Life and Health Sciences reported the lowest rates of a range of psychological problems in the year prior to commencing college, while participants studying Arts and Humanities displayed the highest levels (e.g. depression 20.6%; social anxiety 38.8%). However, within faculty variations were found. For example, psychology students reported high rates, while nursing students reported low rates. Variations in help seeking behaviour were also revealed, with male students less likely to seek help. Detecting specific cohorts at risk of psychological disorders and suicidality is challenging. This study revealed that some academic disciplines have more vulnerable students than others, with many reluctant to seek help for their problems. It is important for educators to be aware of such issues and for colleges to provide information and support to students at risk. Tailored interventions and prevention strategies may be beneficial to address the needs of students from different disciplines.

A Mini Review of Node Centrality Metrics in Biological Networks

Survey/review study A Mini Review of Node Centrality Metrics in Biological Networks Mengyuan Wang 1,2, Haiying Wang 1, and Huiru Zheng 1,* 1 School of Computing, Ulster University, Belfast, BT15 1ED, United Kingdom 2 Scotland’s Rural College, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom * Correspondence: h.zheng@ulster.ac.uk Received: 31 October 2022 Accepted: 21 November 2022 Published: 22 December 2022 Abstract: The diversity of nodes in a complex network causes each node to have varying significance, and the important nodes often have a significant impact on the structure and function of the network. Although the interpretation of the results of biological networks must always depend on the topological study of nodes, there is presently no consensus on how to use these metrics, and most network analyses always result in a basic interpretation of a limited number of metrics. To thoroughly comprehend biological networks, it is necessary to consistently understand the notion of node centrality. Therefore, for 10 typical nodal metrics in biological networks, the study first assesses their current applications, advantages, disadvantages as well as potential applications. Then, a review of previous studies is provided, and suggestions are made correspondingly for the purpose of improving biological topology algorithms. Finally, the following recommendations are made in this study: (1) a comprehensive and accurate assessment of node centrality necessitates the use of multiple metrics, including both the target node and its surroundings, and density of maximum neighbourhood component(DMNC) can be used as a complement to other node centrality metrics; (2) different centrality metrics can be applied to identify nodes with different functions, which in this study are mapped as modular surroundings, bridging roles, and susceptibility; and (3) the following groups of node centrality can often be verified against each other, including degree and maximum neighbourhood component (MNC), eccentricity, closeness and radiality; stress and betweenness.

Editor’s Column: Summoning the “Honest Spirit” of John Steinbeck: Back to Ireland

Editor’s Column: Summoning the “Honest Spirit” of John Steinbeck: Back to Ireland

Steinbeck Ireland Symposium Student Panel

Abstract The Steinbeck Ireland Symposium, held on November 27, 2021, at Drenagh Estate in County Derry, included an interdisciplinary panel made up of students from Ulster University’s Environmental Science and American Literature courses. These student voices bring fresh insights on Steinbeck’s Log from the Sea of Cortez.

Dementia Analytics Research User Group (DARUG) - A Model for meaningful stakeholder engagement in dementia research.

The importance of involving stakeholders in research is widely recognised but few studies provide details to implementation in practice. The use of real-time technology involving patients, carers and professionals in project design, monitoring, delivery and reporting could maximise contribution. Stakeholder engagement was included as part of a Dementia Analytics Research User Group project which applied machine learning to the Trinity-Ulster-Department of Agriculture (TUDA) data set, identifying clinical and lifestyle factors associated with cognitive health in 5000 community-dwelling older Irish adults. An innovative model for engagement (ENGAGE) was used1 - a methodological and technology platform, that gains insight into group thinking and consensus. Developed by Ulster University, this produces a report in real time for sharing to all stakeholders, thus ensuring active involvement in defining the research question. Using a Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) approach, representatives from patient and carer groups (including TUDA participants ), charities (e.g., Alzheimer's UK), as well as professionals, were invited to attend one of three scoping events. Each event commenced with an overview by the project team of the value of data analytics and initial data analysis. The PPI groups were then invited to answer specific questions relating to risk factors for dementia and were asked to articulate their expectations on the potential outcomes from the project. These responses were analysed using ENGAGE and word clouds generated for discussion to help refine the project going forward. Participants (n=87) Lifestyle, Genetics, Stress and were the dominant emerging themes for risk factors of dementia. Prevention, Help and Information/ Research emerged as strong themes, with the mind maps showing stimulus, understanding and awareness as key outputs of this project. The outcomes of this engagement model were utilised to successfully inform the subsequent data analytics portion of the study2 . The model performed well, capturing discussions in real time. Feedback was positive and helped to focus and inform the research team's thinking. What was not so successful was the longer-term inclusion in the project, with engagement through remote channels tending to drift over time, somewhat exacerbated by COVID 19 restrictions. The team aim to follow up on this aspect.

Contributors to This Issue

Contributors to This Issue