Career Progression in the Irish Civil Service

Human Resource Management (HRM) reform is central to the current public service modernisation programme or Strategic Management Initiative (SMI). A new approach to HRM is a priority in the Irish civil service due to difficulties in recruiting and retaining the best staff. In particular there is evidence that the civil service is failing to meet the aspirations of its staff in a number of key areas: including earnings, career progression, responsibility, reward and recognition. The need to address staff concerns in these areas is highlighted in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness (2000) which argues that ‘the civil service has to respond better to the aspirations of staff for more fulfilling work and improved career paths and create workplace conditions and relations which are conducive to increasing job satisfaction,motivation and commitment of staff’ (p. 19). Even with the recent downturn in the economic cycle and the decreased demand for labour in certain areas of the private sector, there is little room for complacency among public service employers. Regardless of the prevailing economic conditions, it is critical that the aspirations of civil servants with respect to career progression and development are met. It is within this context that this paper provides a critical overview of career progression arrangements in the Irish civil service. Throughout the report, career progression is discussed in its broadest sense. Rather than simply describing an individual’s progress up the ranks of an organisation, career progression and development is argued as being relevant to all staff. This approach is consistent with that found in the literature, where career development is described as focusing on the individual and the skills, training and experience they acquire, through their own effort and with the assistance of their employer in the course of their working life. Therefore, while promotion arrangements are of course important, the report also considers other developments essential for effective career progression including induction procedures, performance management, transfer/mobility, training and development. A review of current HRM arrangements indicates that in practice there is a considerable degree of diversity across departments with regard to the range of approaches adopted in relation to career progression. While some of this divergence is due to the size and nature of work of departments, there is also variation in the degree of progress made to date in modernisation. However, consultations with a range of key informants indicate a general consensus that the civil service needs to do more to be perceived as an ‘employer of choice’ by potential quality employees. In addition, it is clear that opportunities for career progression and development play a critical role in this regard. In order to gain an appreciation of how career progression arrangements might be improved, this paper examines the international public sector experience. Most OECD countries are currently pursuing strategies and policies to enhance the professional quality of HRM in the public service. In many countries this is coupled with concerns in relation to recruitment and retention as well as the public service’s competitiveness as an employer compared to the private sector. In response to this situation, public service employers have sought to benchmark salaries against those available in the private sector and increase performance pay, particularly for staff with highly sought after skills. ..

Sensors for the monitoring of analytes in the sweat

In the last decade, can be found an exceptional growth in research activity relating to the development of wearable devices, capable of continuously monitoring the health conditions of the wearer by analyzing body fluids such as blood, urine, saliva, tears and sweat. Among the body fluids available, sweat is a biofluid of particular interest, as it allows a non-invasive, continuous and comfortable collection. Human sweat contains useful information on the health of an individual and therefore is an excellent biofluid for the detection of specific analytes. The most abundant ions in the sweat are Na+ and Cl- (10 - 100 mM), and their monitoring is useful in patients with cystic fibrosis. Other constituents are Ca2+, K+, ascorbic acid, glucose (0.1-10 µM) related to osteoporosis, hypoaldosteronism, scurvy and diabetes disease. The sweat pH is in the range 3 to 8 [1] [2] and indicates the level of metabolism and homeostasis of the body. Wearable sensor needs to be flexible, compact and easily applicable. It must also offer a stable response, with high sensitivity and selectivity towards specific analytes [3]. Over the years, many wearable sensors for sweat monitoring have been developed, combining different form factors, substrates and sensing mechanism. In this work, electrochemical sensors based on polyaniline (PANi), which is pH sensitive, were studied. First, the best conditions of electrochemical deposition of PANi were studied [4], using as flexible substrate polyethylene terephthalate coated with indium-tin oxide (ITO-PET). In order to improve the sensor performance electrodes were also modified by electrochemical deposition of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). All samples were characterized by XRD, SEM and EDS analysis in order to study morphology and evaluate the crystalline phases of the deposited PANi. The electrodes were tested as pH sensors using different buffer solutions, from 2 to 8, by Open Circuit Potential (OCP) technique. The ITO-PET/rGO/PANi electrodes show good behavior in terms of sensitivity (62.3 mV/pH), very close to Nernstian response of 59 mV/pH and reproducibility of 3.8%. Flexibility and mechanical stability tests were carried out on the sensor to evaluate both the wearability and mechanical resistance. In addition, interference tests, in the presence of competing ions such as Na+, Cl-, K+, NH4+, aimed to verify the selectivity were also performed

An observational study on passive immunity in Irish suckler beef and dairy calves: Tests for failure of passive transfer of immunity and associations with health and performance

peer-fundedThe study objectives were to: 1) evaluate the diagnostic performance of passive immunity tests for classification of failure of passive transfer (FPT) risk, based on their relationships with calf health and performance, and 2) describe the epidemiology of morbidity and mortality in suckler beef and dairy calves under Irish conditions. A total of 1392 suckler beef calves (n = 111 farms) and 2090 dairy calves (84 farms) were included in this observational study. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture. Serum samples were analysed for total IgG concentration using an ELISA assay, total protein concentration by clinical analyser (TP – CA), globulin concentration, zinc sulphate turbidity (ZST) units, total solids percentage by Brix refractometer (TS – BRIX), and total protein concentration by digital refractometer (TP – DR). Crude and cause-specific morbidity, all-cause mortality, and standardised 205-day body weight (BW) were determined. Generalised linear mixed models were used to evaluate associations between suckler beef and dairy calves for morbidity, mortality, growth and passive immunity. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to determine optimal test cut-offs for classification of health and growth outcomes. Overall, 20% of suckler beef and 30% of dairy calves were treated for at least one disease event by 6 mo. of age. Suckler beef calves had greater odds of bovine respiratory disease (BRD; odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.8, 1.2–6.5, P = 0.01), navel infection (5.1, 1.9–13.2, P < 0.001), and joint infection/lameness (3.2, 1.3–7.8, P = 0.01) during the first 6 mo. of life than dairy calves. In addition, from birth to 6 mo. of age, suckler beef calves had greater rates of navel infection (incidence rate ratio (IRR), 95% CI: 3.3, 1.3–8.4, P = 0.01), but decreased rates of diarrhoea (0.9, 0.2–0.9, P = 0.03) compared to dairy calves. Optimal test cut-offs for classification of morbidity and mortality outcomes in suckler beef calves ranged from 8 to 9 mg/ml ELISA, 56 to 61 g/l TP – CA, 26 to 40 g/l globulin, 12 to 18 ZST units, 8.4% TS – BRIX, and 5.3 to 6.3 g/dl TP – DR. Optimal test cut-offs for classification of morbidity and growth outcomes in dairy calves ranged from 10 to 12 mg/ml ELISA, 57 to 60 g/l TP – CA, 29 to 34 g/l globulin, 19 ZST units, 7.8 to 8.4% TS – BRIX, and 5.7 to 5.9 g/dl TP – DR

Electrochemical sensors for worker safety in manufacturing industries

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has attributed most occupational diseases of industrial workers to excessive exposure to dangerous substances. In particular, occupational lung diseases are caused by the inhalation of harmful substances such as dust particles and gases [1]. The use of DPI and periodic health checks for industrial workers certainly reduces risks, but a more effective prevention strategy should include real-time monitoring of physiological parameters [2]. In this context, recent academic and industrial research has focused on the development of smart wearable systems for continuous health monitoring. This has been possible mainly due to significant progress in micro- and nanotechnology and the miniaturization of devices [3]. In such regard, electrochemical sensors represent a promising alternative due to their speed of response, simplicity of operation, and lower cost than traditional methods of diagnosis [4]. This research activity involves the development of a smart mask based on an electrochemical sensor for the non-invasive detection of hydrogen peroxide in exhaled breath. In particular, a higher concentration of this biomarker indicates the onset of oxidative stress, a pathological condition that can lead to more serious diseases, such as asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) [5]. This sensor was fabricated through a sustainable production process, from the CDs at the end of life because their silver layer can be used for its good electrochemical properties. In particular, this layer was peeled off the CD and a three electrodes configuration was given using a laser cutter

Safety and feasibility of oral immunotherapy to multiple allergens for food allergy

BACKGROUND: Thirty percent of children with food allergy are allergic to more than one food. Previous studies on oral immunotherapy (OIT) for food allergy have focused on the administration of a single allergen at the time. This study aimed at evaluating the safety of a modified OIT protocol using multiple foods at one time. METHODS: Participants underwent double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges (DBPCFC) up to a cumulative dose of 182 mg of food protein to peanut followed by other nuts, sesame, dairy or egg. Those meeting inclusion criteria for peanut only were started on single-allergen OIT while those with additional allergies had up to 5 foods included in their OIT mix. Reactions during dose escalations and home dosing were recorded in a symptom diary. RESULTS: Forty participants met inclusion criteria on peanut DBPCFC. Of these, 15 were mono-allergic to peanut and 25 had additional food allergies. Rates of reaction per dose did not differ significantly between the two groups (median of 3.3% and 3.7% in multi and single OIT group, respectively; p = .31). In both groups, most reactions were mild but two severe reactions requiring epinephrine occurred in each group. Dose escalations progressed similarly in both groups although, per protocol design, those on multiple food took longer to reach equivalent doses per food (median +4 mo.; p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary data show oral immunotherapy using multiple food allergens simultaneously to be feasible and relatively safe when performed in a hospital setting with trained personnel. Additional, larger, randomized studies are required to continue to test safety and efficacy of multi-OIT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrial.gov NCT0149017

Identification of a novel MAGT1 mutation supports a diagnosis of XMEN disease

XMEN (X-linked immunodeficiency with magnesium defect) is caused by loss-of-function mutations in MAGT1 which is encoded on the X chromosome. The disorder is characterised by CD4 lymphopenia, severe chronic viral infections and defective T-lymphocyte activation. XMEN patients are susceptible to Epstein-Barr virus infections and persistently low levels of intracellular Mg2+. Here we describe a patient that presented with multiple recurrent infections and a subsequent diffuse B-cell lymphoma. Molecular genetic analysis by exome sequencing identified a novel hemizygous MAGT1 nonsense mutation c.1005T>A (NM_032121.5) p.(Cys335*), confirming a diagnosis of XMEN deficiency. Follow-up immunophenotyping was performed by antibody staining and flow cytometry; proliferation was determined by 3H-thymidine uptake after activation by PHA and anti-CD3. Cytotoxic natural killer cell activity was assessed with K562 target cells using the NKTESTTM assay. While lymphocyte populations were superficially intact, B cells were largely naive with a reduced memory cell compartment. Translated NKG2D was absent on both NK and T cells in the proband, and normally expressed in the carrier mother. In vitro NK cell activity was intact in both the proband and his mother. This report adds to the growing number of identified XMEN cases, raising awareness of a, still rare, X-linked immunodeficiency

The first bite: Imaginaries, promotional publics and the laboratory grown burger

In this paper we analyse a 2013 press conference hosting the world’s first tasting of a laboratory grown hamburger. We explore this as a media event: an exceptional performative moment in which common meanings are mobilised and a connection to a shared centre of reality is offered. We develop our own theoretical contribution – the promotional public – to characterise the affirmative and partial patchwork of carefully selected actors invoked during the burger tasting. Our account draws upon three areas of analysis: interview data with the scientists who developed the burger, media analysis of the streamed press conference itself, and media analysis of the social media tail during and following the event. We argue that the call to witness an experiment is a form of promotion but that such promotional material also offers an address that invokes a public with its attendant tensions.The research leading to this publication has received funding from the European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007–2013) under grant agreement number 288971 (EPINET). Neil Stephens’ involvement has also received the support of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). His work is part of the Research Programme of the ESRC Genomics Network at Cesagen (ESRC Centre for Economic and Social Aspects of Genomics). Neil Stephens’ work was also supported by the Wellcome Trust (WT096541MA) and a visiting scholarship to CGS Centre for Society and Genomics in The Netherlands, May to July 2011. This support is gratefully acknowledge

Building productive relationships with young people with SEBD in transition: the role of identity

This article reports a study of the experiences of school leavers with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD), which identified supportive relationships as key elements in young people demonstrating resilience through this transitional period. Almost all the young people involved in the study had access to potential helpers, but few managed to establish productive relationships with them. Analysis of interviews, conducted over a 15 month period with a group of 15 school leavers, their parents and those who worked with them, suggested that barriers and facilitators to relationship development existed at two levels: institutional and individual. This article focuses on the individual level, in which identity processes appear to play a key role. These processes are used to explain why some school leavers built productive relationships and thrived, whilst many failed to do so, and struggled. These findings have implications for policy, practice and theory

Effect of floor type on the performance, physiological and behavioural responses of finishing beef steers

peer-reviewedBackground:The study objective was to investigate the effect of bare concrete slats (Control), two types of mats [(Easyfix mats (mat 1) and Irish Custom Extruder mats (mat 2)] fitted on top of concrete slats, and wood-chip to simulate deep bedding (wood-chip placed on top of a plastic membrane overlying the concrete slats) on performance, physiological and behavioral responses of finishing beef steers. One-hundred and forty-four finishing steers (503 kg; standard deviation 51.8 kg) were randomly assigned according to their breed (124 Continental cross and 20 Holstein–Friesian) and body weight to one of four treatments for 148 days. All steers were subjected to the same weighing, blood sampling (jugular venipuncture), dirt and hoof scoring pre study (day 0) and on days 23, 45, 65, 86, 107, 128 and 148 of the study. Cameras were fitted over each pen for 72 h recording over five periods and subsequent 10 min sampling scans were analysed. Results: Live weight gain and carcass characteristics were similar among treatments. The number of lesions on the hooves of the animals was greater (P < 0.05) on mats 1 and 2 and wood-chip treatments compared with the animals on the slats. Dirt scores were similar for the mat and slat treatments while the wood-chip treatment had greater dirt scores. Animals housed on either slats or wood-chip had similar lying times. The percent of animals lying was greater for animals housed on mat 1 and mat 2 compared with those housed on concrete slats and wood chips. Physiological variables showed no significant difference among treatments. Conclusions: In this exploratory study, the performance or welfare of steers was not adversely affected by slats, differing mat types or wood-chip as underfoot material