Global Dynamics of Pulse-Coupled Oscillators

Networks of pulse-coupled oscillators can be used to model systems from firing neurons to blinking fireflies. Many past studies have focused on numerical simulations and locating the synchronous state of such systems. In this project, we construct a Poincare map for a system of three pulse-coupled oscillators and use rigorous computational techniques and topological tools to study both synchronous and asynchronous dynamics. We present sample results, including the computed basin of attraction for the synchronous state as well as a depiction of gradient-like dynamics in the remainder of the phase space. In the future, we hope to automate this process so that it can be applied to a wide range of network topologies and parameter values

Early Development of Professional Skills Benefits Students & Community Partners

The BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition & Dietetics programme requires the early development of professional skills. In the Stage 2 module Professional Practice Studies , academic staff and students worked with Dublin City Council and older people in the North Central area to facilitate the development of these skills.https://arrow.tudublin.ie/civpostbk/1010/thumbnail.jp

Early Development of Professional Skills Benefits Students & Community Partners

Poster advocating Early Development of Professional Skills Benefits Students & Community Partnershttps://arrow.tudublin.ie/civpostbk/1030/thumbnail.jp

Associations Between Home Environment, Children’s and Parents’ Characteristics and Children’s TV Screen Time Behavior

In Ireland, television (TV) screen time is a highly prevalent sedentary behavior among children aged less than five years. Little is known about the influence of parental rules and policies or screen time availability and accessibility within the home on children\u27s TV screen time behaviors. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the extent to which parents\u27 sociodemographic and sedentary behaviors are associated with children\u27s TV screen time; and to determine the associations between parents\u27 rules and practices, home physical environment and children\u27s daily TV viewing. Three hundred and thirty-two children aged 3-5 years and their parents participated in the study. Children\u27s TV screen time and home environmental characteristics (parents\u27 rules and practices and the physical environment) were assessed using questions from standardized and validated questionnaires. The data were analyzed using binary logistic regression. Within the different sedentary behaviors evaluated, parents\u27 TV viewing was positively associated with children\u27s TV screen time (OR 1.65, 95%CI 1.09-2.50, p = 0.018). Leaving the TV on, whether or not it was being watched, was associated with a 38% increased probability of children watching ≥ 1 h TV daily. Children whose parents restricted their outdoor activity were more likely to watch ≥ 1 h TV daily (OR 2.01, 95%CI 1.04-3.88, p = 0.036). Findings from the study demonstrated that parents\u27 own screen time behaviors, leaving the TV on whether it was being watched or not and restricting outdoor play were associated with higher children\u27s TV viewing in the home environment. This knowledge is essential to inform future interventions aimed to address the increase in screen time among young children

Associations between Neighborhood Deprivation Index, Parent Perceptions and Preschooler Lifestyle Behaviors

Parental perceptions and use of neighborhood facilities are important factors that are related to children’s dietary intake and physical activity. The aim of this study was to examine the association between neighborhood deprivation index, parents’ perceptions of their neighborhood environment, and healthy/unhealthy markers of child dietary intake, physical activity, and TV screen time. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Dublin, Ireland. The lifestyle behaviors among children and parental perceptions of their neighborhood environment were reported by the parents of 276 children aged 3–5 years by using parent-completed questionnaires. Deprivation index was assessed using the geographic information system (GIS). Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression, adjusting for socio-demographic confounders. In adjusted models, high deprivation index was associated with parental perception of the neighborhood as unsafe for walking and cycling due to crime (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.04–2.43, p = 0.031) and children’s low engagement in structured physical activity (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.17–0.72, p = 0.004). Parental perceptions of an unsafe neighborhood due to heavy traffic were negatively correlated with children’s active play (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.95, p = 0.022). Children whose parents reported high satisfaction with the number of local sit-in and takeaway restaurants were 41% more likely to consume confectionary/sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) weekly. In this age group, parents play an important role in children’s lifestyle behaviors; therefore, a better understanding of parents’ perceptions and their use of neighborhood facilities could contribute to creating a healthy environment for this age group

Associations Between the Home Environment, Feeding Practices and Children’s Intakes of Fruit, Vegetables and Confectionary/Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Within the home environment, parents influence their children’s dietary intakes through their parenting and dietary practices, and the foods they make available/accessible. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the associations between home environmental characteristics and children’s dietary intakes. Three hundred and thirty-two children aged three–five years and their parents participated in the study. Home environmental characteristics, including parental control feeding practices, were explored using validated and standardized questionnaires such as the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ), the Physical and Nutritional Home Environment Inventory (PNHEI) and the Healthy Home Survey (HHS). Parent and child food consumption was also measured. Pressure to eat from parents was associated with lower fruit intake in children (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.47–0.96, p = 0.032). Greater variety of fruit available in the home increased the likelihood of fruit consumption in children (OR 1.35 95% CI 1.09–1.68, p = 0.005). Watching television for ≥1 h per day was associated with a decreased probability of children eating vegetables daily (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.20–0.72, p = 0.003) and doubled their likelihood of consuming confectionary/sugar-sweetened beverages more than once weekly (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.06–4.38, p = 0.034). Children whose parents had lower vegetable consumption were 59% less likely to eat vegetables daily. This study demonstrates that modifiable home environmental characteristics are significantly associated with children’s dietary intakes

An Economic Analysis of The York River Basin

The purpose of this report is to examine several interrelated economic factors influencing growth within the York River Watershed Region (hereinafter referred to as the Region). The Region consists primarily of eleven counties: Caroline, Gloucester Hanover James City, King and Queen King William, Louisa, New Kent, Orange, Spotsylvania and York. The City of Williamsburg is also included separately due to its significance and frequent listing as an independent city within the Region. The City of Williamsburg falls into both James City and York Counties; thus , figures for Williamsburg are occasionally combined with York or James City County figures. The primary types of data examined in this report are population demographics economic indicators, and fiscal conditions. Population demographics include: population growth patterns within the Region and the type of population moving in and out of the Region according to age group, household type, and race. An important economic indicator is residential versus commercial and industrial development as indicated by the number of residential building permits issued and commuting patterns. 0ther economic indicators include: per capita personal income, transfer payments unemployment rates, the number of employee by industry and emploee earnings by industry. Fiscal conditions pertain to government revenues and expenditures, and taxable sales

Development of a Framework to Facilitate a Collaborative Peer Learning 2:1 Model of Practice Placement Education

Aim: The educational approach towards practice placement education in health-related disciplines has changed in recent years. The use of collaborative or peer learning models has increased, associated with positive effects on desired outcomes such as learning, competence and reflective practice. At present, there is little published literature on the implementation or use of such models in dietetics practice placement education. The aim of this study was to conduct a pilot study of a collaborative peer learning 2 students to 1 educator (2:1 model). Methods: Experienced practice placement educators from four clinical sites in the discipline of dietetics in the Republic of Ireland were invited to participate in the study and form an advisory group. Feedback from this group was used to inform the design and development of a framework to guide the wider implementation of the 2:1 model. Results: Feedback from the pilot study was largely positive, with all four sites willing to facilitate a 2:1 model again. The main recommendation was that the practice placement educators require more practical information on the implementation of a 2:1 model, particularly the facilitation of the peer feedback process. In response to this feedback, the Lynam framework was designed, which is the focus of this paper. Conclusions: This pilot study of a 2:1 model in dietetics practice placement education informed the design and development of a framework for implementation of the model. Further research into the use of the 2:1 model for practice placement education and the effectiveness of the Lynam framework to guide the implementation of this model is required