Analysis of Traffic Collisions in Dublin Using GIS Based System

This study aims to analyse traffic collisions in the Greater Dublin Region between the period 2006-2012, using GIS to identify hotspots and examine the relationship between collisions and a range of contributory factors including vehicular speeds, traffic volume, road curvature, road category and distance from intersection that could enable prediction of traffic collisions. To this end, Road Safety Authority (RSA) collision data for Dublin Region geocoded as point events, road profiles, traffic flow characteristics on which these occur are spatially merged using ArcGIS and FME software to establish if a significant relationship exists between collision frequencies on road links and the specific link characteristics and traffic flow characteristics. The road network has been divided into uniform segments and the collision frequencies on each of these noted. Traffic collisions are rare and random events and often a major proportion of segments would have no instance of collisions, thus following a Negative Binomial distribution. The outputs from GIS exercise are tested through SPSS software using Negative Binomial distribution for modelling the relationship between different variables. This paper comes at a significant time where efforts are being made to improve the safety of roads within the European Union [1]. Every year, road collisions cause human fatalities together with huge financial loss which can be significantly reduced by improving road safety through the enforcement of traffic laws and road user compliance. By identifying the cause effect relationship and the spatial locations most prone to collisions, prioritized regulatory and safety interventions can be put in place to reduce the collisions on the roads

Analysis of Traffic Collisions in Dublin Using GIS Based System

This study aims to analyse traffic collisions in the Greater Dublin Region between the period 2006-2012, using GIS to identify hotspots and examine the relationship between collisions and a range of contributory factors including vehicular speeds, traffic volume, road curvature, road category and distance from intersection that could enable prediction of traffic collisions. To this end, Road Safety Authority (RSA) collision data for Dublin Region geocoded as point events, road profiles, traffic flow characteristics on which these occur are spatially merged using ArcGIS and FME software to establish if a significant relationship exists between collision frequencies on road links and the specific link characteristics and traffic flow characteristics. The road network has been divided into uniform segments and the collision frequencies on each of these noted. Traffic collisions are rare and random events and often a major proportion of segments would have no instance of collisions, thus following a Negative Binomial distribution. The outputs from GIS exercise are tested through SPSS software using Negative Binomial distribution for modelling the relationship between different variables. This paper comes at a significant time where efforts are being made to improve the safety of roads within the European Union [1]. Every year, road collisions cause human fatalities together with huge financial loss which can be significantly reduced by improving road safety through the enforcement of traffic laws and road user compliance. By identifying the cause effect relationship and the spatial locations most prone to collisions, prioritized regulatory and safety interventions can be put in place to reduce the collisions on the roads

A field GIS solution to Derelict Sites and Dangerous Structures Management

The subjective nature of the definitions and lack of guidance under the Derelict Sites Act 1990 and the Local Government Sanitary Services Act 1964 (Ireland) have led to inconsistent applications of the Acts and a reluctance to enforce. Dereliction has been a blight on the scenic beauty and attractiveness of town and countryside in Ireland, taking away from their appeal to inhabitants, investors and tourists. The Derelict Sites Act 1990 was introduced to empower local authorities in the remediation of problem sites. Part 8 of the Act requires that Local Authorities keep a register of derelict sites. The register is used to apply a levy on lands and to encourage owners to remediate sites. Part 10 of the Act requires that Local Authorities take reasonable measures to ensure that sites in their functional area does not become or continue to be Derelict. Dangerous structures pose a problem to local authorities and many sites initially start out as Derelict Sites become dangerous over time posing a risk to property and persons. Local Authorities are liable for the safety of public areas and steps must be taken to ensure that they are made safe promptly. A recent amalgamation of North and South Tipperary County Councils have highlighted problems with the reporting and recording of Derelict Sites and Dangerous Structures due to problems interpreting the definition of what is derelict and what is dangerous when sites are assessed by different professionals. The lack of uniform standards for site assessment can lead to problems with the management of sites, they are difficult to compare and rank for prioritising sites for future action and remediation. Comprehensive research into the area of dereliction and dangerous structures was undertaken and set of criteria produced to identify what is ‘Derelict’ and what is ‘Dangerous’ based on a critical combination of site indicators, group decisions and geographical data. It is possible to quantify dereliction and danger by using a web and smartphone application and Feature Manipulation Engine (FME) software. The generation of standardized sites scores from the data input using the smartphone app combined with weighted thematic maps in a GIS environment allow problem sites to be ranked in order of priority for remediation works. A GIS-based web application offers an effective solution to the above problem by removing the subjectivity from the definition of derelict sites and dangerous structure

INNOVATION CO-CREATION IN A VIRTUAL WORLD

The emergence of web-based technologies has radically influenced the ways in which individuals around the world communicate, represent themselves, share ideas, and otherwise interact with one another (Ward and Sonneborn, 2009; Rogers, 2003). In particular, these technologies allow people to communicate directly with one another and to share and shape their own experiences; as a result, customers and other organisational stakeholders are increasingly involved in the design of products and services (Ramaswamy and Gouillart, 2010, p. 102). During innovation co-creation specifically, customers take an active and creative role in the intentional and successful adoption and application of ideas, processes, products or procedures that are new to the adopting organization. This study carries out six case studies of innovation co-creation in the virtual world of Second Life. Virtual worlds allow users to engage in highly active and participatory forms of co-creation that are difficult if not impossible to replicate in other environments. The study explores collaborative processes used for innovation co-creation in virtual worlds. In particular, the study presents an analysis of behaviours used to facilitate innovation co-creation in virtual world projects and the factors that affect it. The study leverages this analysis to derive practical recommendations for virtual world users and virtual world designers that can be used to stimulate and support innovation co-creation in virtual worlds

Adults with Down syndrome demonstrate peripheral not central deficits when integrating movements during multiple target sequences

The perceptual-motor impairments of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are attributed to central (e.g., neurophysiology deficits that affect the retrieval or initiation of motor programs) and peripheral (e.g., anatomical deficits relating to issues with inertia of limb mechanics and muscle organization) processes. However, recent research suggests that central deficits do not affect the integration between movements. We investigate the impact of central and peripheral DS deficits on movement integration by examining the planning and execution of multiple-target multiple-arm movements. Individuals with DS, typically developing (TD), and individuals with an undifferentiated intellectual disability (UID) completed five aiming tasks: a one target; a one-arm, two-target extension; a two-arm, two-target extension (movement one was performed with one arm and movement two performed with the other); a one-arm, two-target reversal; and a two-arm, two-target reversal. Movement times (MTs) to the first target were longer in the two-target tasks compared with the one-target task. For the one-arm, two-target reversal task, this effect emerged only in individuals with DS. These results indicate that individuals with DS use central processing for movement integration similarly to their TD and UID counterparts but cannot exploit peripheral-level integration to enhance integration in one-arm reversal tasks.</jats:p

Enhancing motor skill acquisition in individuals with a learning disability.

1.1 Background This thesis is presented as an investigation into the movement integration, performance processes and effects of anxiety on the skill acquisition of individuals diagnosed with Down syndrome or DS as it will be referred to in this thesis (a full description of this genetic condition is presented in the thesis introduction). The investigation of several features of motor control and performance pressure in individuals with DS is carried out through several related research projects which will be rationalised and outlined throughout. In both everyday life and in sporting situations, people are required to perform tasks quickly and accurately and these tasks vary in complexity. Some of these actions consist of one segment movements (e.g. turning on a light switch), whilst other actions have multiple segments (e.g. making a cup of tea) and the need to be fast whilst maintaining a high degree of accuracy is very important. Therefore understanding the basic principles behind these actions in individuals with DS and how performance pressure may affect speed and accuracy of movements will not just have theoretical implications, but also practical importance such as designing practice protocols to enhance functional independence. Motor skill control, learning and performance are imperative for everyday activities such as signing one’s name, dressing oneself and personal hygiene. The capability to perform these motor skills with or without support is of the upmost importance for individuals with DS. Discovering new channels of enhancement in motor skill control, learning and performance for individuals with DS is extremely important and vital step on the pathway to improving functional independence for personal and professional gains. 1.2 Outline of thesis This thesis attempts to investigate the issues relating to the programming of movements and the affects of anxiety on the motor skill learning of individuals with DS. The first experimental chapter focuses on the underlying mechanisms responsible for the planning, control and integration of multiple target aiming extension movements in individuals with DS. The aim of this chapter was utilise to the One Target Advantage (OTA) phenomenon in sequential extension movements to see if individuals with DS utilise similar movement planning and control strategies to typically developing (TD) individuals and individuals with an undifferentiated intellectual disability (UID). The second experimental chapter was designed to further understand the control of multiple directional movement actions in the DS population and the possible central and peripheral movement deficits. This experimental chapter aims to examine both the directional requirement of the second movement together with the effects of practice on the OTA phenomenon in persons with DS. Specifically, as in the first experimental chapter, we compare single-target movements with two-target extension sequences when the two-target responses are performed with a single arm and when there is a switch between the arms used to execute the first and second movement segments. However, in this chapter we also include sequences where the second movement in the sequence requires a reversal in direction to that of the first movement. The purpose of the third experimental chapter was to investigate the effects of environmental characteristics outside of those associated with the number of targets within a sequence. Specifically, the effects of performance pressure on the speed and accuracy of the movements of persons with DS. 1.3 Thesis format This thesis consists of a review of the literature, three research papers and a general discussion. All three manuscripts were written as stand-alone research articles and have been or are currently being prepared to be submitted for publication in international disability research journals. For consistency, all manuscripts have been written in the style of the American Psychological Association Publication Manual (Deckers, 2001) and the current recommendations adopted by the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University for thesis preparation. For this purpose, all illustrations are numbered consecutively and citations are included in a single section at the end of this thesis. For ease of reading, all abbreviations are defined at their first appearance within each chapter of the thesis. Any contribution of co-authors is detailed in the ‘acknowledgements’ section of this thesis. All experimental chapters of this thesis are independent but linked, therefore at times there may be a necessary overlap in content between chapters

Shaping the future of weather & climate services in Ireland: a public perspective

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) (2015) emphasised the need for a user-centric model of weather forecasts and weather warnings, including evaluating user needs and linking service development and delivery to these. Further, the WMO (2015) cautioned against assuming users will act upon weather advice once it is received and understood. If weather service users judge that the consequences of following weather warning guidelines will be worse for them, in a different way, they may engage in risky behaviour to avoid what they perceive to be a greater risk: “…given warning of a pending storm, one is far more likely to cancel or defer a non-essential weekend trip rather than a commute to work, especially if the avoided work trip leads to a lost day of wages”. Such non-weather factors are essential to understanding deviations from the behaviours expected (for example, staying off the roadways to reduce risk) for those issuing warnings and providing services.” (WMO, 2015, p. 22). To assist with the delivery of Goals 1, 2 and 4 of Met Éireann’s Strategic Plan 2017–2027: • Enhance support for impact-based decision making; • Provide climate information services which promote the safety of citizens and support economic and environmental resilience for weather events; • Continue to provide an effective authoritative voice on meteorology in Ireland this Fógra report: • Examines public and special interest groups’ interpretation of uncertainty in weather forecasting and climate projection information; • Determines the current and future weather and climate service needs of the general public, including special interest groups; • Presents evidence-based recommendations for the development of Met Éireann’s public weather and climate services, with particular emphasis on the effective communication of weather forecasts and climate protection warnings. This report is built on the outputs from eight focus groups comprising members of the general public from two large cities, two rural regions, and an island community and special interest groups of students, marine leisure users, and members of the agriculture community

Weathering the storm: developing a user-centric weather forecast and warning system for Ireland

This paper appraises current usage and future weather service needs in Ireland. The data for this study were collected using a household preparedness questionnaire and focus groups with urban communities, rural dwellers, and marine users, farmers, students, and an island community. The questionnaire was used to collect data on weather warnings and preparedness following a category red severe weather warning. Data on participants’ need for weather forecasts and warnings, current and future weather service requirements, and the effectiveness of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Service (NMHS) were collected from the focus groups. Our analysis identifies the importance of accurate weather forecasts to the public and groups such as farmers as they plan their professional and private lives. Participants were aware of the weather warning system's color-coded structure, with the highest-level warnings considered most effective in capturing attention. Most participants spoke negatively about category yellow warnings, as they perceived them to be issued too frequently. Experience of warnings being issued and threats failing to materialize caused a minority of participants to ignore warnings and not take preparedness action. The professionalism of the NMHS was praised by focus group participants, and there was a high level of overall satisfaction with the quality of the national weather warning system (75.1% of survey participants were mostly or extremely satisfied). Opportunities to improve weather services included enhanced communication with service users, improved web and app interfaces, a move to probabilistic forecasting, and weather warnings that encompass calls to action

OS-WALK-EU: An open-source tool to assess health-promoting residential walkability of European city structures

Introduction This paper introduces OS-WALK-EU, a new open-source walkability assessment tool developed specifically for urban neighbourhoods and using open-source spatial data. A free and open-source tool, OS-WALK-EU is accessible to the general public. It uses open data available worldwide and free online services to compute accessibility, while at the same time allowing users to integrate local datasets if available. Based on a review of existing measurement concepts, the paper adopts dimensions of walkability that were tested in European city environments and explains their conceptualization for software development. We invite the research community to collaboratively test, adopt and use the tool as part of the increasing need to monitor walkability as part of health-promoting urban development. Methods Tool development is based on spatial analysis methods to compute indicators for five dimensions of walkability: residential density, weighted proximities to amenities, pedestrian radius of activity, share of green and blue infrastructure, and slope. Sample uses in the cities of Dublin, Düsseldorf and Lisbon test the validity of input data and results, including scenarios for target groups like older people. Results Overall, application of the tool in Dublin, Düsseldorf and Lisbon shows conclusive results that conform to local knowledge. Shortcomings can be attributed to deficiencies in open source input data. Local administrative data, if available, is suitable to improve results. Conclusions OS-WALK-EU is the first software tool that allows free and open walkability assessments with pedestrian routing capacities for ‘proximity to facilities’ calculations. Large scale implementation for 33 German city regions in an online application shows the value of comparative assessments of walkable neighbourhoods between urban and suburban neighbourhoods. Such assessments are important to monitor progress in a mobility transition towards improved walkability and public health

"I won't be staying here for long": a qualitative study on the retention of migrant nurses in Ireland

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Although international nurse recruitment campaigns have succeeded in attracting large numbers of migrant nurses to countries such as Ireland, where domestic supply has not kept pace with demand, the long-term success of such initiatives from a workforce planning perspective will depend on the extent to which these nurses can be retained in destination countries.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This paper draws on qualitative, in-depth interviews undertaken with 21 migrant nurses in Ireland, focusing specifically on their future migration intentions.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Our findings indicate that more than half of the respondents are considering migration onwards, for the most part because the destination country has failed to provide them with sufficient stability, particularly in terms of citizenship and family reunification. In considering onward migration, factors outside the health system were of most concern to those interviewed.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This demonstrates the need for destination countries to take a broader and more long-term approach to international nurse recruitment, rather than regarding it as an inexpensive way to fill gaps within the health care system.</p