SACM - Ireland
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Item Restricted Diagonal Approximations on Finite Regular CW Complexes: Theory, Implementation, and Applications(University of Galway, 2025-08) Alzobydi, Khaled Ahmad; Eills, GrahamWe describe an algorithm for recursively constructing diagonal approximations on finite regular CW-complexes where the closure of each cell can be explicitly collapsed to a point. The algorithm is based on the standard proof of the acyclic carrier theorem and is made constructive through the use of explicit contracting homotopies. We compare the algorithm’s output with existing diagonal approximations for the families of simplices, cubes, associahedra, and permutahedra16 0Item Restricted The Role of MyomiRs Oxidation on Muscle Wasting in Ageing and Cancer Cachexia(University of Galway, 2025-06) Aljuaid, Turki; Whysall, KataezynaProgressive loss of muscle mass and strength is a hallmark of ageing (sarcopenia) and disease, such as cancer (cachexia). Muscle atrophy and weakness are associated with increased risk of falls, frailty, worse cancer patient outcomes, and increased morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms of muscle loss are not fully understood due to complexity. Various cellular mechanisms have been demonstrated to underlie muscle loss, including changes in the expression of multiple genes. MicroRNAs (miRs), post-transcriptional gene expression regulators, are emerging as important regulators of skeletal muscle homeostasis, particularly due to their simultaneous targeting of multiple gene targets, supporting their role in regulating complex disorders like muscle loss. One of the hallmarks of ageing and cachexia is oxidative stress. Whilst DNA, protein, and lipid oxidation have been characterised in muscle ageing and disease, much less is understood about RNA oxidation, and in particular microRNA oxidation. RNA is more sensitive to oxidative damage than DNA, and products of RNA oxidation (8-oxo-guanine) have been detected in different conditions associated with muscle loss. microRNA oxidation could affect how microRNAs regulate their targets, as 8-oxo-guanine can bind to adenosine as well as uracil—this could dysregulate microRNA ability to bind to its targets or even acquire new targets. To date, oxidation of miRs has been demonstrated during cardiac disease. Oxidised miR-184 was implicated in promoting apoptosis in cardiomyocytes through targeting genes that the native miR-184 does not target, while oxidised miR-1 was associated with the development of cardiomyopathy through target misregulation. However, the oxidation of microRNAs, or the functional consequences of this process, has not been investigated in muscle before. This research examined whether microRNAs are oxidised in muscle during ageing and cancer cachexia and whether oxidised miRs contribute to muscle loss. I hypothesised that oxidation of miRs contributes to muscle loss during ageing and cachexia through dysregulation of microRNA gene targeting. This hypothesis was first tested in muscle samples from older people and mouse models of ageing and lung cancer cachexia. In muscle from older people and old and cachectic mice, differential expression and oxidation of miRs were demonstrated, and the functional consequences were further validated using C2C12 mouse muscle cells and immortalised human muscle cells. Small RNA sequencing identified several oxidised miRs, including miR-1, miR-133, and miR-206. These oxidised myomiRs, muscle-enriched miRs, had pronounced effects on myotube size: exposure of C2C12 myotubes to oxidised myomiRs resulted in changes in myotube size and altered the expression of multiple genes, including those associated with oxidative stress, protein degradation, and autophagy. In addition to human myotubes, myotube size and the protein levels associated with oxidised RNA were decreased. This supports the hypothesis that oxidised miRs, particularly myomiRs: miR-1, miR-133, and miR-206, may partially contribute to muscle atrophy through their regulation of key cellular processes: autophagy and oxidative stress response.6 0Item Restricted Voice Syncretism in Bedouin Hijazi Arabic: The Interplay of Language Acquisition and Contact(University College Cork, 2025) Almehmdi, Majidah; Doyle, AidanExplanations of linguistic change have long been regarded as a part of language acquisition. The connection between linguistic change and language acquisition stems from the assumption that children can cause change when they acquire a grammar that is divergent from that of adult speakers. Acquisition-based explanations of linguistic change put emphasis on exploring the internal causes of linguistic change that are triggered from inside the linguistic system. However, internal change through acquisition is also seen as the result of contact, that can change children’s input. Building on these views, the present thesis maintains that internal and external factors are not independent in linguistic change. In light of this, the thesis is concerned with how acquisition and contact can interplay in driving the emergence and spread of linguistic change. The present thesis suggests two scenarios for this interplay, through the investigation of generational variation that reflects a change in progress in the morphological marking of passive constructions among speakers of Bedouin Hijazi Arabic (BHA), a dialect spoken in the west of Saudi Arabia. The speakers belong to three age groups: old, middle-aged, and young. Data were collected from responses of 294 BHA speakers to an online questionnaire that was designed to assess their ability to distinguish morphosyntactically similar grammatical constructions in BHA that occur in different linguistic contexts, along with other questions that aim to elicit information about speakers’ intra- and inter-dialectal contact. The change in question is the replacement of the traditional internal passive by an affixed form. In the first scenario for explaining the emergence and spread of the affixed passive in BHA, the change is internally driven by the similarity in the surface structures between anticausative and passive constructions. This similarity can be a source of ambiguity that may motivate individuals during the language acquisition process to reanalyse anticausative structures as passives. This reanalysis process is affected by the type of the verb that surfaces with these structures and the type (i.e., animate or inanimate) of its grammatical subject. The findings of the present thesis demonstrate that anticausative structures that contain externally-caused verbs with inanimate subjects are very likely to be reanalysed as passive structures. This reanalysis is affected by the frequency of anticausative structures in comparison to the infrequency of passive structures among speakers of BHA. It is also very likely that the emergence of the affixed passive has been triggered by a process of analogical extension whereby the passive has become morphologically syncretic with in-morpheme structures in BHA. Contact with the adjoining Urban Hijazi Arabic (UHA), in which only the affixed passive is used, is believed to have played a role in accelerating the eventual acquisition and spread of the affixed passive that has been internally motivated by the verbal system of BHA. Contact with UHA has also functioned as a catalyst of change when the affixed passive is incorporated into children’s acquisition input. This has probably taken place through the middle-aged generation that started to use the affixed passive in their speech to their children. This is the second scenario for explaining the emergence and spread of the affixed passive in BHA. The findings of this thesis show that the middle-aged generation accepted both the internal passive and the affixed passive as acceptable forms of the passive voice. The acceptance of these variable forms among this generation is assumed to be due to their moderate contact with speakers of UHA. This contact has created a situation in which both internal and affixed passive forms coexist in BHA. Consequently, the acquisition input for the next generations has contained the local BHA internal passive and the non-local UHA affixed passive. Speakers who have more contact with UHA are likely to only acquire the affixed passive. The findings of this thesis show that the young generation of BHA had less exposure to the local internal passive form as a result of their low contact with the old generation of BHA. On the other hand, they had more exposure to the affixed passive through the variable input that they have received from their parents and through their moderate contact with UHA. The thesis assumes that the eventual change towards the complete loss of the internal passive will take place through language acquisition when the internal passive form disappears from the input which children are exposed to. This outcome will be the result of community-based acquisition, in which only one of the coexisting forms prevails in the community and eventually becomes the only form that is acquired by children. Therefore, a possible explanatory framework for linguistic change can be found in the interplay of contact and acquisition. The thesis is a contribution to the study of variation and change in dialects. It also hopes to provide an explanation for an aspect of Arabic studies that has received little attention in the literature up to now.91 0Item Restricted Using qualitative feedback data to support educators for providing quality feedback to the undergraduate medical students(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alsahafi, Akram; Kropmans, Thomas; Newell, MicheálIntroduction Assessments in medical education are essential for evaluating the competencies of future healthcare professionals. Among these, Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) play a pivotal role by offering a structured and objective approach to evaluating clinical skills. Despite OSCEs' widespread use, significant discrepancies between observed scores and global rating scores have emerged, raising concerns about the process of reliability and validity of these assessments. These discrepancies often lead to the provision of generic, non-specific feedback, which fails to offer students actionable guidance for improvement. This thesis investigates how qualitative feedback data can better support educators in providing actionable, high-quality feedback. This exploration includes addressing discrepancies between observed scores and global rating scores, aiming to develop a feedback system that is both specific and meaningful. This study intends to empower educators to guide undergraduate medical students toward clinical proficiency. Methods The thesis is organised into four interrelated studies, each contributing to developing a novel structured feedback tool for OSCEs. The first study, A comparative analysis of OSCE observed scores and global rating scores using a novel approach, involved a retrospective observational analysis of scoring discrepancies between these two systems. Data were collected from 1,571 anonymised undergraduate medical students across nine cohorts. Statistical methods, including ordinal regression models and raincloud plots, were employed to identify and analyse the discrepancies between observed scores and global rating scores in OSCE assessments. The second study, A retrospective feedback analysis of objective structured clinical examination performance of undergraduate medical students, utilised text-mining techniques to analyse written feedback from 1,034 anonymised OSCE performance records. R software was used to identify common descriptors in the feedback, revealing a reliance on generic and non-specific terms. Thus, the study emphasised the need for more detailed and actionable feedback. In response to the identified feedback gaps, the third study, A Systematic Review of effective quality feedback measurement tools used in Clinical Skills Assessment, systematically reviewed existing feedback measurement tools in clinical education. Databases such as PubMed, Medline, and Scopus were searched, including 14 studies. From these, ten key determinants of effective feedback—such as specificity, balance, and behavioural focus—were identified to inform the design of a new feedback tool. In the fourth study, Development and preliminary validation of a content validity index for an OSCE feedback tool in medical education , An expert panel of seven medical educators evaluated the tool's relevance and clarity across domains, including communication, task knowledge, and professionalism, and the CVI score was calculated to evaluate the structured feedback tool through the content validity index (CVI) lens, assessing its potential effectiveness in capturing and conveying essential feedback elements within the OSCE framework. Results The findings of this thesis highlighted significant discrepancies between observed scores and global rating scores in OSCEs, particularly in mid-range scoring categories, which emphasised the uncertainty in current assessment practices. Additionally, a retrospective analysis of the feedback provided to medical students revealed that much of it was generic, lacking the depth and specificity required to offer actionable guidance. The final studies introduced and validated an enhanced feedback tool, demonstrating its potential to address these gaps by providing medical students with more detailed, constructive, and actionable feedback that supports their clinical development. Discussion The identified discrepancies between observed scores and global rating scores highlight limitations of the current OSCE assessment framework. Although OSCEs remain an essential tool for evaluating clinical competencies, their effectiveness maybe may be undermined by scoring inconsistencies and generic feedback provision. These findings emphasise the need to recalibrate the feedback process, ensuring that it reflects student performance and is directive for future improvement. The introduction of a structured feedback tool offers a solution that enhances the specificity and relevance of feedback and aligns more closely with the educational goals of developing clinical proficiency in medical students. Conclusion This thesis stresses the need for a more structured, actionable feedback system within OSCEs. By addressing the identified discrepancies between observed scores and global rating scores and by introducing an enhanced feedback tool, this research can enhance the accuracy and relevance of feedback provided to medical students. The developed tool aims to bridge the gap between assessment and actionable feedback, ultimately improving the educational value of OSCEs and fostering the development of more competent and prepared healthcare professionals.22 0Item Restricted Distribution and fate of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Riverine Systems and Coastal Waters: Implications for Public Health(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-06-23) Alanazi, Mona; Wim G. MeijerAntimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) are increasingly recognized as a significant global threat to human, animal, and environmental health, with aquatic systems serving as critical reservoirs of these genes. Faecal contamination, primarily from urban streams and wastewater discharges, has been identified as a major contributor to ARG dissemination in freshwater and coastal environments. While much focus has been placed on water quality, the role of sediments in harbouring and preserving ARGs remains underexplored, despite their potential to act as long-term reservoirs under favourable conditions. This PhD research investigates the abundance, distribution, and persistence of ARGs and faecal contamination in interconnected environments, focusing on the polluted Elm Park Stream, Merrion Strand seawater, and beach sediments, including surface and underlying sediment layers of Merrion Strand, which are impacted by discharges from this polluted stream. Chapters 5 and 6 explore foundational aspects of microbial communities and sediment characteristics, helping to understand how ARGs persist and spread. Chapter 5 highlights the distinct microbiomes present across freshwater, seawater, beach sand and sediment layers, emphasizing how microbial communities change in these different environments. This was analysed using next-generation sequencing using the MiSeq Illumina platform, targeting the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene to provide a detailed view of bacterial diversity and composition. Chapter 6 focuses on the sedimentology of Merrion Strand, analysing sand characteristics to understand how sediment properties influence bacterial persistence. Building on these insights, Chapters 4 and 7 examine the presence of faecal pollution and ARGs, revealing remarkably increased levels of faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and ARGs in surface environments. Chapter 7 further identifies the presence of five ARGs at depth, suggesting that sediments may act as long-term reservoirs for ARGs and potentially facilitate horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Nanopore sequencing of ARG amplicons products was applied to examine the allelic diversity of ARGs across all environments and to investigate whether horizontal gene transfer (HGT) occurred. This analysis revealed that some ARGs can be traced back to Elm Park Stream, others are linked to external sources, and certain ARGs are unique to deeper sediment layers. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) analyses identified potential HGT between bacterial populations, providing insights into ARG exchange across interconnected environments. This thesis demonstrates that sediments at recreational beaches can harbour antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) for extended periods. These ARGs may be transferred to bacteria that humans come into contact with through sand or water exposure, highlighting a potential public health risk for beachgoers.15 0Item Restricted The impact intentional weight loss can have on patients living with sleep apnea(University College Dublin, 2025) ALRUWAILY, AYYAD; Roux, Carel LeBackground: As the global prevalence of obesity continues to rise, the health and economic burden of a variety of obesity-related complications is becoming more substantial. A body mass index (BMI) over 25 kg/m2 is considered overweight, and over 30 kg/m2 is used to define obesity. Obesity is a recognized risk factor for many illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hypertension, myocardial infarction, and vascular disease, osteoarthritis, multiple cancers, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). the development of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a widely underdiagnosed condition which impacts significantly patient health and quality of life. In recent years, devices that enable diagnosis and monitoring of OSA in the community have become more popular, given the extensive resource requirements of formal full polysomnography (PSG) testing for OSA. Objective: The first study aimed to determine changes in detailed polysomnography parameters after weight loss surgery in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The second study aimed to investigated whether liraglutide 3.0 mg would reduce the severity of OSA and other obesity-related complications compared with usual care. The third study aimed to assess the result of bariatric surgery on OSA and other obesity-related complications. Methods: The first study, recruited 5 patients in the Sleep Disorders Unit in St Vincent‟s Healthcare Group, Dublin Ireland, between 2019 and 2021. The second study recruited 40 patients from the STRIVE study at St. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH), Dublin, between 2019 and 2020 and the third study recruited 24 patients from the bariatric surgery unit at St. Vincent's University Hospital (SVUH), Dublin, from 2018 to 2020 with a BMI of 38.4 to 58.2 kg/m2, before and after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) or Roux- en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). In the first study, the 5 patients completed a questionnaire concerning possible daily or nocturnal symptoms, medication, intoxications, and medical history. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was included in the questionnaire. Patients used a scale of 0–3 for each of the questions on the ESS. The scale measured the level of falling asleep in eight different situations, giving an overall score between 0 and 24: the higher the 5 score, the sleepier the individual. We performed overnight polysomnography (PSG) on all 5 patients. PSGs were conducted preoperatively and postoperatively within one year. Embla Sandman, Version 10.1.1, was used to conduct PSGs. For the second and third study the King's Obesity Staging Criteria (KOSC) was used. The KOSC comprise nine health domains: Airways, Body mass index, Cardiovascular disease, Diabetes, Economic complications, Functional limitations, Gonadal axis, Health status (perceived), and Body Image. These domains were used to assess the effectiveness of Liraglutide 3.0mg for weight-loss (in the second study) and bariatric surgery for weight loss (in the third study). Results: In the first study on 5 patients, the following parameters were tested 1) apnea, 2) oxygenation, 3) symptoms of sleepiness, 4) sleep and 5) surrogate markers of cardiovascular risk after one-year bariatric surgery. We observed a significant improvement in the majority of polysomnography parameters. The severity classifications Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) used were mild (AHI = 5-14), moderate (AHI = 15- 30), and severe (AHI > 30). We found that participants' total AHI had improved significantly in Hypopnea (p < 0.03) and Apnea Hypopnea Index (p < 0.03). In the second study on 40 patients and the third study on 24 patients, the King's Obesity Staging Criteria (KOSC) comprise nine health domains: each domain, a person's health is assigned a score of 0 ('normal health'), 1 ('at risk'), 2('established disease'), or 3 ('advanced disease'). The two groups were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression to evaluate the null hypothesis that there is no change in participants' 9 domains between the two groups when measured at baseline and 52 weeks after commencement as part of the STRIVE RCT. Multivariate logistic regression showed a trend towards those without OSA benefiting more in cardiovascular health (p = 0.06). Those with OSA benefited more regarding improved in body image after 52 weeks (p =0.03). Conclusion: The three most important findings and the meaning of our study were improvements in the patient's OSA as measured by AHI. The study also demonstrates statistically significant correlations between AHI and anthropometric variables of weight, BMI, waist circumference, and neck circumference while suggesting baseline AHI may have been used as a predictor for AHI improvement with weight-loss 6 interventions. All oxygen parameters improved significantly after bariatric surgery and decreased the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes.7 0Item Restricted The Impact of the English Language on the Academic Performance of Non-Native English-Speaking Students in CS1 Courses(University College Dublin, 2025-05) Alaofi, Suad Awad; Russell, SeánThe challenges that non-native English-speaking students may face in English-based programming courses have been mentioned in several studies. Many of these studies have considered proficiency in English as a principal factor contributing to overall student performance, but very few have explored the impact of other English-related factors. Additionally, these studies were conducted in varied classes at different stages of the students' education. Few of them focused on introductory programming courses or CS1, where students have their first formal experience with programming. The main focus of this research is to investigate the impact of three English-related factors on the academic performance of students in CS1 courses. The factors investigated are general English proficiency, knowledge of computer terminology, and foreign language classroom anxiety. In addition, this study explores students' perspectives on the difficulties they face while studying CS1 courses in English and using English-based programming languages. Finally, the effect of a peer-review-based online learning activity on students' knowledge of course-specific computer terminology was examined. This activity was designed to improve students' knowledge of, and confidence in, computer terminology. This research applies the multiple-case study methodology. The choice of this methodology aimed to overcome the limitations that may affect the generalisability of the findings when only a single case study is conducted. CS1 students from two universities in different non-native English-speaking countries were invited to participate in this research. Over three academic years, more than 300 students from two different language backgrounds participated in the study. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using various research instruments, including a standard English test, computer terminology test, and an adjusted foreign language classroom anxiety scale, as well as other surveys. Finally, the peer-based learning activity was evaluated using a quasi-experimental approach. The investigations within this study identified several interesting correlations. Students' knowledge of computer terminology was found to have a significant influence on their academic performance in CS1 courses. General English proficiency also showed a low but statistically significant correlation with academic performance in the same courses. A weak negative correlation was identified between foreign language classroom anxiety levels and academic performance, though it was statistically significant in only one of the case studies. Based on the influence of computer terminology knowledge, an online managed and peer-reviewed translation activity was developed to help non-native English-speaking students improve their knowledge of such terminology. Students who participated in this activity performed, on average, 8\% better on the computer terminology test than students in the same class from previous academic years, when the activity was unavailable. The exploration of students' perspectives highlighted the main difficulties they face in CS1 courses regarding the use of English as a medium of instruction and studying English-based programming languages. Asking and answering questions in English, understanding programming concepts when explained in English, and understanding computer terminology were found to be the main challenges faced by non-native English-speaking students in English medium instruction classes. With respect to English-based languages and tools, dealing with error messages, using the English interface of the coding software, and understanding keywords represented the top challenges. Finally, the majority of the surveyed students expressed a desire to use a combination of English and their native language in CS1 courses. This research is the first to conduct an in-depth investigation into the impact of English on the academic performance of non-native English-speaking students in English-medium instruction CS1 courses. The research makes several contributions, including a large-scale literature review, the development and validation of the first computer terminology test and word list for CS1 courses, and the creation of an online learning activity to improve students' knowledge of computer terminology. It also investigates and presents the correlation between students' academic performance in CS1 courses and their English proficiency, knowledge of computer terminology, and foreign language classroom anxiety using a large sample of participants. Additionally, non-native English-speaking students' perspectives on studying CS1 through English medium instruction and studying English-based programming languages are included. Finally, this study highlights important directions and research questions to guide future research in this area.10 0Item Restricted The Mediating Role of SME’s Strategic Orientation in Influencing the Relationship between Absorptive Capacity and Innovation Capabilities(University College Dublin, 2025-09) Softah, Ghaida; Hargaden, Vincent; Elafi, OtmanOrganisational knowledge assets are essential for stimulating firm innovation. Research efforts to date have primarily concentrated on the external aspects of innovation processes, overlooking the intricate internal complexities that shape innovation dynamics. However, capability for innovation within a particular company is heavily contingent upon its intellectual assets, organisational knowledge, and proficiency in employing them. This study empirically investigates the role of the absorptive capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a transition economy, their organisational knowledge assets and the connection with their innovation capabilities. Furthermore, this study argues that although absorptive capacity is essential for firms' innovation capabilities, its ultimate influence is contingent upon the entrepreneurial orientation and market orientation of the individual SME. The research in this thesis implements a quantitative research methodology, a deductive approach, and a positivist philosophy. A survey instrument was employed to gather data from SMEs in Saudi Arabia. This study thoroughly examined the existing literature to evaluate SMEs' innovation capability and establish the most suitable criteria for measuring the four dimensions of innovation capabilities: radical product, incremental product, radical process, and incremental process innovation capabilities. The study implemented numerous data analysis procedures prior to testing the hypotheses. These were evaluations of the constructs' reliability and validity and tests of the measurement model. After confirming the reliability and validity of the measurement model, the hypotheses were tested with an actual sample size of 404 SMEs, based on a response rate of 40%. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software was employed to analyse the data. A simple linear regression analysis was implemented to identify causal relationships between the four dimensions of innovation capability and absorptive capacity. The mediating function of entrepreneurial and market orientation was validated using the Bootstrap Confidence Method. The findings suggest that all four dimensions of innovation capability are positively influenced by absorptive capacity. The results also indicate that entrepreneurial orientation mediates the relationship between absorptive capacity and innovation capability dimensions, except for radical product and incremental process innovation capabilities. Conversely, the relationship between absorptive capacity and the four dimensions of innovation capability is mediated by market orientation. The significance of absorptive capacity in the improvement of the innovation capabilities of SMEs is unequivocally supported by these findings. Additionally, the conclusions confirm the positive effects of entrepreneurial and market orientations in fostering this relationship. The study presented in this thesis contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between absorptive capacity and innovation capabilities, utilising both the Knowledge-based and Resource-based views of the firm as theoretical lenses. Additionally, the study demonstrates the substantial influence that SMEs' strategic orientation has on the development of their innovation capabilities in transition economies. Furthermore, the research indicates that to establish a competitive edge, SMEs must allocate their investments in capabilities and knowledge resources. The empirical findings will be valuable to SME managers and practitioners in transition economies, as they will assist them in effectively utilising resources and capabilities.11 0Item Restricted Environmental Impact of Personal Protective Equipment in Dental Services During COVID-19: A Life Cycle Assessment Approach(Trinity College Dublin - The University of Dublin, 2025) Almutairi, Waleed; Duane, BrettObjectives COVID-19 has significantly influenced Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use in dental services. This study quantifies the environmental impact of different PPE types used at Dublin Dental University Hospital (DDUH). Methods A life cycle assessment was conducted to evaluate PPE used at DDUH in 2020/2021. PPE were categorized as: 1. Body protection: Disposable and reusable gowns. 2. Eye protection: Visor with a disposable face shield and reusable visor. 3. Respiratory protection: FP2SLw respirator, FFP2 respirator, and surgical mask. An environmental impact assessment was performed using OpenLCA (version 1.10.3) with the ecoinvent_37_cutoff database. Processes included manufacturing, packaging, transportation, and disposal, with an additional washing step for reusable gowns. The functional unit was one PPE product used for a single clinical visit. Results Body protection PPE had the highest environmental impact, with reusable gowns consuming more water (4.74E-07 DALY) than disposable gowns (9.47E-08 DALY). However, climate change impact was greater for disposable gowns (3.99E-07 DALY vs. 1.99E-07 DALY). In eye protection, visors with disposable face shields had a higher impact than reusable visors, emitting five times more CO₂-equivalent and consuming four times more water. Climate change-related damage was also higher (3.03E-07 vs. 5.89E-08 DALY). For respiratory protection, the FP2SLw respirator had the highest burden, followed by the FFP2 respirator and surgical mask. Global warming impact was highest for the FP2SLw respirator (7.92E-08 DALY), while water consumption impact was greatest for the FP2SLw (1.65E-08 DALY) and lowest for the surgical mask (3.84E-09 DALY). Conclusions Reducing PPE's environmental impact requires prioritizing locally made, reusable, and recyclable materials. Disposable gowns were preferable to reusable gowns due to their lower environmental burden, but a lightweight polyester alternative could be more sustainable. Reusable visors outperformed disposable face shield visors. For respiratory protection, the FP2SLw and FFP2 respirators have the same filtration capacity. However, the FFP2 respirator, manufactured in Ireland, is lighter and has a lower environmental impact, making it the preferred option. When high filtration performance is not required, the surgical mask is the most environmentally sustainable choice among respiratory PPE.8 0Item Restricted Sustainable Supply Chain Practices: Benefits and Challenges in the Middle East(Dublin Business School, 2025) Hakami, Abdulaziz; Paul, PJThere is a significance of sustainable supply chain practices (SSCM) have a significant role in reducing environmental impacts. In this case, it enhances brand reputation by facilitating operational profitability. In this case, emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, and blockchain have a significant role in optimising supply chains. The study highlights the critical role of governments and regulatory bodies in developing SSCM practices through policies, frameworks, and incentives like tax benefits. However, challenges such as high costs of advanced technology, lack of sustainability awareness, and inadequate infrastructure hinder adoption. For the research, primary data collection was collected through semi-structured interviews with employees in Middle Eastern industries. It is found that effective regulatory frameworks and incentives facilitate sustainable supply chains which also improve resource efficiency. Sustainable practices like waste reduction and energy-efficient solutions provide significant environmental, economic, and social benefits that achieve global sustainability goals. However, economic and technological challenges are highlighted which emphasize the need for financial incentives, public-private partnerships, technological access, and employee skill development.9 0