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The Unitarian Church on St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin dates from 1863 but the roots of its congregation stretch much further back into the mid-seventeenth century. On completion, the interior of the church was decorated with stained-glass windows commemorating some of Irish history’s most renowned figures who were connected to the church. These were added at various junctures during the period 1863 - 1918. A distinctive and important narrative emerges in miniature by detailing some of the story attached to these windows, one that is synonymous with important events in Dublin’s history and architectural heritage. This paper gives a brief overview of the congregation’s history and its fluctuating fortunes until the present day. Although neglected to some extent in the twentieth century, the heritage of the Unitarian church and its community is currently being rediscovered by a new generation of young researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines some of the legacy of the Irish education pioneer Nano Nagle, foundress of the Presentation congregation of nuns. The congregation spread rapidly in the nineteenth century, not only in Ireland but also in Newfoundland, India, England, Tasmania, Australia and continental North America. This year, Presentation schools globally mark the tercentenary of Nagle's birth, and it is therefore timely to consider approaches to writing about her life and her contribution to education. The article discusses existing biographical studies of Nagle and argues that a more nuanced study of this educator and her legacy is possible, through the careful and systematic use of convent archives and oral histories. The article considers how such research can offer new perspectives on the agency and innovation of individual teaching Sisters, and on ways in which these women became resilient and adaptable, in order to function effectively within a patriarchal Church. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data for this study in a large tertiary referral teaching hospital in Dublin, Ireland were collected by anonymous self administered questionnaires. A total of 137 questionnaires were distributed to nurses working in five wards with a response rate of 88% (120). Objectives included identifying levels of awareness of the infectivity of the hepatitis B virus, ascertaining levels of knowledge of hepatitis B vaccination, and identifying attitudes resulting in acceptance of hepatitis B vaccine. Ninety seven respondents (82%) knew hepatitis B was 100 times more infective than HIV. Ninety eight respondents (83%) had completed a full course of hepatitis B immunizations. Ninety six respondents (93%) reported a hepatitis B antibody level on completion of the immunizations, 13 (14%) knew their actual titer, and 49 of 63 respondents (78%) reported immunity. Factors influencing decisions to accept vaccination included information related to the benefits of the vaccine from an occupational health physician or nurse and the vaccine being provided free of charge. Nurses in this study had an understanding of the hepatitis B infection. The number of nurses choosing to be vaccinated and having an antibody level test performed postvaccination was high in this group. Most nurses in this study believed they were immune to hepatitis B even though a significant number did not know their hepatitis B antibody level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant parasitic nematodes are a major problem for growers worldwide, causing severe crop losses. Several conventional strategies, such as chemical nematicides and biofumigation, have been employed in the past to manage their infection in plants and spread in soils. However, the search for the most sustainable and environmentally safe practices is still ongoing. This review summarises information on plant parasitic nematodes, their distribution, and their interaction with their host plants, along with various approaches to manage their infestations. It also focuses on the application of microbial and fermentation-based bionematicides that have not only been successful in controlling nematode infection but have also led to plant growth promotion and proven to be environmentally safe. Studies with new information on the relative abundance of plant parasitic nematodes in two agricultural sites in the Republic of Ireland are also reported. This review, with the information it provides, will help to generate an up-to-date knowledge base on plant parasitic nematodes and their management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]