The Cultural Economy of Dublin

This article examines the growth between 1990 to 2000 of the interactive media industry in the Dublin area. In this period it became a world leader in the development of electronic leading companies. The article assesses the role the state played in the development of this cluster

Assessing Learning-Centered Leadership: Connections to Research, Professional Standards, and Current Practices

Describes an assessment model designed to evaluate school leaders' performance. Unlike existing tools, this new system will assess both individuals and teams, and focuses specifically on instructional leadership and behaviors that improve learning

Mathematical modelling of contact lens moulding

Compression moulded contact lenses are produced by placing fluid between two moulds and squeezing the fluid outwards to form the shape of the lens. A common problem seen in this process is that at times the fluid moves outwards asymmetrically, resulting in partially formed lenses. In this article, the system is modelled using the thin film equations and the results are analysed to find the optimal operating setup to reduce asymmetrical flow. A simple model with one curved surface and one flat surface is considered first. This assumption is verified by a more realistic model that investigates the effects of curvature on the dynamics of the fluid. The simple model is modified to include the effect of surface tension. The results of this model show that surface tension plays no role in the fluid dynamics for this particular fluid. A second modified model allows for lateral movement of the lower mould. The model shows that allowing the lower mould to slide hinders the symmetrical flow of the fluid

Determining the status of non-transferred embryos in Ireland: a conspectus of case law and implications for clinical IVF practice.

The development of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) as a treatment for human infertilty was among the most controversial medical achievements of the modern era. In Ireland, the fate and status of supranumary (non-transferred) embryos derived from IVF brings challenges both for clinical practice and public health policy because there is no judicial or legislative framework in place to address the medical, scientific, or ethical uncertainties. Complex legal issues exist regarding informed consent and ownership of embryos, particularly the use of non-transferred embryos if a couple separates or divorces. But since case law is only beginning to emerge from outside Ireland and because legislation on IVF and human embryo status is entirely absent here, this matter is poised to raise contractual, constitutional and property law issues at the highest level. Our analysis examines this medico-legal challenge in an Irish context, and summarises key decisions on this issue rendered from other jurisdictions. The contractual issues raised by the Roche case regarding informed consent and the implications the initial judgment may have for future disputes over embryos are also discussed. Our research also considers a putative Constitutional \u27right to procreate\u27 and the implications EU law may have for an Irish case concerning the fate of frozen embryos. Since current Medical Council guidelines are insufficient to ensure appropriate regulation of the advanced reproductive technologies in Ireland, the report of the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction is most likely to influence embryo custody disputes. Public policy requires the establishment and implementation of a more comprehensive legislative framework within which assisted reproductive medical services are offered

How do trial teams plan for retention during the design stage of the trial? : A scoping review protocol

Funding This research forms part of a doctoral research project supported by the Health Research Board Trial Methodology Research Network (HRB-TMRN) PhD scholarship awarded to EM. The funder had no role in the design, data collection, and analysis or preparation of the protocol.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

How much is the lack of retention evidence costing trial teams in Ireland and the UK?

Acknowledgements The authors would like to acknowledge those who provided information regarding the conduct of trials and retention strategies and the costs involved to make the assumptions regarding the conduct of retention strategies in clinical trials that we based the costing model on. Funding This work was supported by a grant from the Health Research Board, Ireland - HRB TMRN 2017-1.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Mentoring and Self-Management Career Strategies For Entrepreneurs

The purpose of this article is to examine the literature on self management and mentoring to develop practical methods of enhancing the career success of entrepreneurs. The authors believe that both behavioural and cognitive self-management strategies can be useful to entrepreneurs. These techniques include goal-setting, self-observation, self-rewards, cueing, self-talk, visualization and the active reframing of obstacles into opportunities. In addition, the varying roles and functions of mentors, including emotional, vocational and role modelling support, will have many positive benefits for both entrepreneurial proteges and mentors. Recommendations for furture research and an entrepreneurial model of career development are provided

Mentoring and Self-Management Career Strategies For Entrepreneurs

The purpose of this article is to examine the literature on self management and mentoring to develop practical methods of enhancing the career success of entrepreneurs. The authors believe that both behavioural and cognitive self-management strategies can be useful to entrepreneurs. These techniques include goal-setting, self-observation, self-rewards, cueing, self-talk, visualization and the active reframing of obstacles into opportunities. In addition, the varying roles and functions of mentors, including emotional, vocational and role modelling support, will have many positive benefits for both entrepreneurial proteges and mentors. Recommendations for furture research and an entrepreneurial model of career development are provided

Effective Lobbying Strategies for Higher Education in State Legislatures as Perceived by Government Relations Officers.

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of various lobbying strategies for higher education in state legislatures as perceived by state government relations officers. The target population for the study was defined as individuals currently employed as state government relations officers for public institutions of higher education. Data were collected for this study by surveying government relations officers contacted through the 7th Annual State Relations Conference. The total number of usable responses was 109 (74%) of 147 surveyed from 36 states. The instrument utilized in this study was a researcher designed questionnaire that included a demographic survey to obtain selected characteristics of respondents, their institutions and their legislatures. Respondents used a six point anchored scale to report their perceptions of the importance of roles and responsibilities of state government relations officers, characteristics for success, factors that influence legislators\u27 decisions regarding appropriations to higher education, utilization of and perceived effectiveness of lobbying strategies and factors that influence an institution\u27s decision regarding choice of strategies. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kendall\u27s Tau and Pearson\u27s Product Moment correlations coefficients, t-tests, one-way ANOVA\u27s, and factor analysis. Findings revealed that the two most effective lobbying strategies were personally presenting arguments to the legislator and having influential constituents contact the legislator. Six of the eight strategies perceived to be the most effective were being used by 92% of the institutions. Two primary constructs were identified in the lobbying strategies effectiveness scale, labeled as providing information and building relationships. Fiscal concerns about the budget and the state\u27s economy were perceived to have the most influence on legislators\u27 decisions regarding appropriations to higher education. Respondents perceived the nature of the policy issue or budget request and the institution\u27s determination of what might work best on the current power structure were most important in determining an institution\u27s choice of lobbying strategies. The researcher recommended that university officials develop a comprehensive state relations plan for increasing appropriations to higher education, incorporating the most effective lobbying strategies. The researcher further recommended establishing and implementing a grassroots advocacy network and forming coalitions with organized business groups

Excretion of Fumonisin B1, Hydrolyzed Fumonisin B1, and the Fumonisin B1−Fructose Adduct in Rats

The excretion of fumonisin B1 (FB1), hydrolyzed FB1 (HFB1), and FB1−fructose addition products (FB1−fructose) was determined in male Fisher 344/NHsd rats. Rats were dosed by gavage with 0.69, 6.93, or 69.3 μmol/kg of body weight FB1, HFB1, or FB1−fructose. Excretion of unchanged FB1, HFB1, and HFB1 after hydrolysis was determined in urine and feces by analytical reverse phase HPLC and fluorometric detection of the o-phthaldialdehyde derivatives. Average total FB1 backbone excretion in feces was 101, 76, and 50% of the dose for FB1, HFB1, and FB1−fructose, respectively. No effect of dose level was found on the percentage of the dose excreted as total FB1 after hydrolysis. FB1−fructose appears to be absorbed to the highest extent, followed by HFB1. FB1 appears to be excreted nearly completely in the feces. The greater absorption of HFB1 may explain the greater toxicity of HFB1 compared to FB1 on a molar basis. However, the detoxification of FB1 by formation of the fructose adduct cannot be explained by reduced absorption. Average total FB1 backbone excretion in urine was 2.7, 5.0, and 5.3% of the dose for FB1, HFB1, or FB1−fructose, respectively