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An evaluation of site operatives knowledge, behaviour, motivation, beliefs, and attitudes toward construction and demolition waste management in Ireland
Full text linkDespite ever-evolving environmental concerns resulting from increased awareness of environmental sustainability and the rising costs of landfill levies, taxes and raw materials, the Construction and demolition (C&D) industry remains a massive producer of waste, both in Ireland and globally. The overall aim of the current programme of research was to examine, through a mixed methods approach to data analysis, the effects of a ‘tool-box-talk’ construction and demolition waste (C&D W) management training intervention on site operatives’ knowledge, behaviour, motivation, beliefs and attitudes towards waste management. Results from the current research programme revealed: (1) that the ‘tool-box-talk’ training intervention significantly enhanced knowledge towards waste management; (2) a positive variance in behaviour towards waste management from pre-to-post- intervention assessment; (3) there was no effect of the tool-box-talk training intervention on motivation, beliefs or attitudes towards waste management; (4) there was an effect of time on both positive beliefs and attitudes towards waste management; (5) there was no effect of age, years on-site/experience or education on waste management knowledge, overall motivation, beliefs or attitudes; (6) there was a significant effect of position/trade on waste management knowledge, in which electricians scored significantly higher than non-electricians on waste management knowledge, overall motivation and two motivation sub-scales (i.e. help-seeking and control of beliefs); (7) overall motivation was significantly correlated with all motivation sub-scales and positive beliefs at pre-testing, but only with motivation towards effort regulation at post-testing; (8) positive beliefs about waste management was significantly correlated with motivation towards control of beliefs at pre-testing; (9) beliefs about waste management were correlated with attitudes towards waste management at post-testing, as was motivation to control beliefs; (10) though age and years on-site/experience were both positively correlated with each other, they were both negatively correlated with pre-intervention knowledge; and (11) though the operatives rated the tool-box-talk training favourably, they thought it would be too difficult to implement, given that what the training presents as appropriate waste management protocol is both restricted (by “space, time and organisation” [participant IM]) and contradictory to the site practices they indicate are imposed on them. Overall, the results suggest that the ‘tool-box-talk’ C&D W management training intervention is an efficacious learning method, as it was shown, empirically, to enhance site operatives’ waste management knowledge and was shown to have further beneficial effects on site operatives’ waste management behaviour. Empirical and theoretical implications of these results and future research possibilities are discussed in light of past research
Re-defining the role of the customer in social media marketing: A formula for success.
Full text linkBusinesses today no longer have a choice as to whether they adopt SMM, it is now a strategic requirement (Constantinides, 2014, Qualman, 2013). Online social behaviour has transformed how people communicate and interact, creating new opportunities and challenges for businesses (Tiago and Veríssimo, 2014). Many companies are losing out as they do not understand the fundamentals of SMM and how they can be used to benefit business (Durkin and Mcgowan, 2013). The traditional marketing methods that were used to promote a business, launch a new product or target new customers are no longer sustainable today (Geho and Dangelo, 2012). SMM has changed the functions of traditional marketing which has led to a need to create new business models (Scheid, Vaillant and De Montaigu, 2012).\ud
The aim of this paper is to help service businesses to understand SMM and how it can benefit their business by proposing a customer-focused SMM model. The model is a practical guide to help business to allocate marketing resources in social media and lay the foundations for building a successful SMM strategy in the future.\ud
An analysis of the literature on SMM and social media for business form the basis of the paper. There is particular emphasis on the implications of social media adoption on marketing practice and the role of the customer in SMM (Castronovo and Huang, 2012, Erragcha and Romdhane, 2014, Labrecque, Vor Dem Esche, Mathwick, Novak and Hofacker, 2013, Paniagua and Sapena, 2014, Verheyden and Goeman, 2013).\ud
The practical implications of the research are to equip business owners/managers with an understanding of the fundamentals and benefits of SMM. The customer focused SMM model helps business to see where they need to focus their marketing efforts in order to build successful SMM strategies to compete in today’s dynamic digital marketplace
Visitor’s impact on destination image: Using visitor-generated content (VGC) through mobile technologies as a tool for sustainable collaborative communication
Full text linkThe role played by a tourist destinations image in the process of decision-making and choice is significant. (Frais, et al. 2011; Beerli and Martin, 2004; Chen and Kerstetter, 1999; Baloglu and McCleary, 1999a; Milman and Pizam, 1995; Woodside and Lyonski, 1989). However there is currently very little International information linking online visitor generated content (VGC), mobile technologies and Destination Image, and there has been no related published research within the Irish context. Armano (2010) outlines that content found online in relation to a destination can be owned, earned, paid or shared content such as VGC. The Internet comprises of various types of web platforms that can be classified into organic, induced, or autonomous information sources (Llodrà-Riera et al. 2015). Destination image is categorized by Hyun & O’Keefe (2012) as Organic Image, Induced Image and Actual experience. Technology needs to be the key instrument to innovate and enhance co-creation of the tourist experience, and thereby create richer experiences and add value for the consumer (Govers 2002). This research will focus on social and cultural representations of destinations as represented through VGC on e-platforms using mobile technology. Online platforms currently available to travelers will be assessed and critical success factors identified. The focus of this research will be on VGC and how it is utilized before, during and after visiting a destination. It will identify what factors motivate visitors to create digital content. A blended mixed method approach will be adopted for this postgraduate research. The primary method will rely on an exploratory study of VGC with quantitative and qualitative research methods, Utilizing a content analysis approach of tourist e-platforms and field research to identify current trends, patterns and emergent themes in context of international literature. A large representative sample of holidaymakers and national tourism businesses will accomplish this. The research will identify and assess domestic and international tourist’s use of mobile technology in the context of VGC. The research will also identify motivations behind VGC and any potential barriers to using mobile technology as encountered by tourists such as availability of WIFI, roaming charges and reception. The data gathered will identify if there is a need to improve and develop technological e-platforms in terms of functionality for the tourism industry, and if so to make appropriate recommendations. The intent of this research is to contribute to new knowledge on the impact of VGC on Destination Image. It seeks to improve our understanding on the changing landscape of e-platforms due to the proliferation of mobile technologies. Furthermore, there is a gap in knowledge specific to VGC via mobile technologies and its impact on destination image. The research will bridge this gap by examining VGC such as images, reviews, blogs, podcasts etc. The research will generate baseline findings on visitor-generated content in an Irish context. VGC will play an increasing role in Destination Image with social and cultural representations of a destination being shaped by a collaborative online narrative
Improving compliance with Bluetooth device detection
Full text linkAttributed to Joshua Wright (2012) “Security will not get better until tools for practical exploration of the attack surface are made available”.\ud
With Bluetooth enabled but discovery mode turned off, auditing for Bluetooth devices, or creating an accurate Bluetooth device hardware log has been limited. The software tools and hardware devices to monitor WiFi networking signals have long been a part of the security auditor’s arsenal, but similar tools for Bluetooth were bespoke, expensive, and beyond the scope of most security professionals.\ud
However, this has changed with the introduction of the Ubertooth One, a low-cost and open-source platform for monitoring Bluetooth Classic signals. Using a combination of the Ubertooth One, and other high power Bluetooth devices, an auditor should now finally be able to actively scan for rogue devices that may otherwise have been missed.\ud
This thesis looks at various hardware combinations that can be used to achieve this functionality, and the possible implications from a compliance point of view, with a particular focus on the standards used by the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS), and the guidelines offered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).\ud
This work attempts to compare the results of scanning with traditional Bluetooth devices alone, compared to an Ubertooth/Bluetooth combination. Highlighting how this newfound ability to monitor a larger portion of Bluetooth traffic can potentially highlight serious implications in the compliance landscape of many organisations and companies.\ud
The number of devices containing Bluetooth chipsets will continue to rise and this area of research will become more and more relevant as security and compliance auditors attempt to stem the tidal wave of vulnerabilities brought by the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and Internet of Things (IoT) phenomena
Caring for an intellectually disabled child : the family experience
Full text linkThis study explored the experiences of parents who have a child with an Intellectual Disability. It also examined parents’ experiences of the use of respite care. I work in the Intellectual Disability area and this was a motivation for carrying out this research. Another motivating factor is the paucity of research in this area.\ud
A qualitative research approach was chosen for this study as the researcher believed this was the best method to learn of the personal and unique experiences of families. A purposeful sampling technique was used and ten parents participated in the study, all of whom have a child with an Intellectual Disability and who avail of respite care services. The sample consisted of nine mothers and one father. A semi-structured interview was conducted with each parent and the data was analysed using thematic analysis.\ud
This study found that parents viewed the care of a child with an Intellectual Disability as both demanding and rewarding. The parents experienced stress and felt they were isolated in their caring role. Parents were concerned what the impact of caring for a child with an Intellectual Disability would have on their other siblings, in terms of care and the responsibilities placed on them. On the other hand, parents described the child with the Intellectual Disability as the life and soul of the family that they would not want this to change. Other findings from the study indicated that parents didn’t receive enough respite care for their child and also that the care they received didn’t occur when most needed but it was offered as it became available from the service provider. Another finding from the study was that parents were totally unaware of what actually occurred during the time their child was in respite care. The parents were also unaware of the qualifications of the staff offering this service. The parents also stressed that they were worried about future care needs for their Intellectually Disabled child. However, despite this worry only one parent was actively researching possible future care facilities.\ud
This was a small piece of research that highlights the demands on parents of caring for a child with an Intellectual Disability and the shortfalls in respite service delivery. The research points to the need for more collaboration between service providers and service users. It also highlights supports these parents identified as important to them
An evaluation of site operatives knowledge, behaviour, motivation, beliefs, and attitudes toward construction and demolition waste management.
Full text linkDespite ever-evolving environmental concerns resulting from increased awareness of environmental sustainability and the rising costs of landfill levies, taxes and raw materials, the Construction and demolition (C&D) industry remains a large producer of waste, both in Ireland and globally. Though the common focus of research in the field of C&D W management has largely concentrated on how C&D W management practices contribute to the generation, minimisation and reuse of C&D W, significantly ess focus has been paid to the potential effect of individual differences (e.g. knowledge, motivation, beliefs and attitudes) on C&D W management practices. The overall aim of the current programme of research was to examine, through a mixed methods approach of data analysis, the effects of a ‘tool-box-talk’ C&D W management training intervention on site operatives’ knowledge, behaviour, motivation, beliefs and attitudes towards waste management. Results from the current research programme revealed:\ud
(1)that the ‘tool-box-talk’ training intervention significantly enhanced knowledge towards waste management (2) a positive variance in behaviour towards waste management from pre-to-post-intervention assessment; (3) there was no effect of the tool-box-talk training intervention on motivation, beliefs or attitudes towards waste management; (4) there was an effect of time on both positive beliefs and attitudes towards waste management; (5) there was no effect of age, years on-site/experience or education on waste management knowledge, overall motivation, beliefs or attitudes; (6) there was a significant effect of position/trade on waste management knowledge, in which electricians scored significantly higher than non-electricians on waste management knowledge, overall motivation and two motivation sub-scales (i.e. help-seeking and control of beliefs); (7) overall motivation was significantly correlated with all motivation sub-scales and positive beliefs at pre-testing, but only with motivation towards effort regulation at post-testing; (8) positive beliefs about waste management was significantly correlated with motivation towards control of beliefs at pre-testi ng (9) beliefs about waste management were correlated with attitudes towards management at post-testing, as was motivation to control beliefs; (10) though a years on-site/experience were both positively correlated with each other, they were negatively correlated with pre-intervention knowledge; and (11) though the operatives rated the tool-box-talk training favourably, they thought it would be too difficult to implement, given that what the training presents as appropriate waste management protocol is both restricted (by “space, time and organisation” [participant IM contradictory to the site practices they indicate are imposed on them. Overall, the suggest that the ‘tool-box-talk’ C&D W management training intervention efficacious learning method, as it was shown, empirically, to enhance site operatives waste management knowledge and was shown to have further beneficial effects on site operatives’ waste management behaviour. Empirical and theoretical implications of these results and future research possibilities are discussed in light of past research
An exploration of food tourism and destination experience along the Wild Atlantic Way
Full text linkFood is an essential part of Ireland’s tourist experience and is a major draw for inbound tourists; food is sustenance, however it can also appeal to visitors looking for authentic experiences. Food experiences can help to create, enhance or reinforce a sense of place; for some it is a primary motivator for selection of destination; for others it is considered peripheral to experience but a necessary part of travel. Food can also provide social opportunities for visitors to engage with local people, to experience and exchange information about food and the destination (Hede, 2008). This paper seeks to establish a position from which primary research can be conducted into how tourists experience the Wild Atlantic Way through food. The aim of the research is to identify the variables that are required to evaluate to role of food as an element of the overall destination experience and to explore methodologies that would allow researchers effectively capture visitors’ perceptions of food experiences along the Wild Atlantic Way.\ud
The Wild Atlantic Way provides a great variety of opportunities for tourists to consume Irish food as a part of their overall destination experience. The route is created and designed to blend experience with landscape; and whilst tourists are unified by a set of common requirements, it appears that Wild Atlantic Way attracts a diverse range of visitors, using various modes of travel, in search of many different kinds of destination experience. A review of literature and insights from sectoral experts is to be undertaken so as to establish the elements are most critical to the authentic food experiences so as to build a framework that will enable the researchers clarify a methodology to audit of the behaviours, attitudes and food experiences of tourists along the route.\ud
It is proposed that this paper will allow for the presentation of a conceptual framework of the elements of authentic food experiences and propose an evaluation methodology to evaluate tourist food experiences. It is anticipated that the framework and ensuing operationalisation of the research will give rise to practical recommendations for food tourism stakeholders that will inform best practice along the Wild Atlantic Way thereby adding value for consumers, tourism stakeholders and destinations
Alien aquatics in Europe : assessing the relative environmental and socioeconomic impacts of invasive aquatic macroinvertebrates and other taxa
Full text linkInvasive alien aquatic species, including marine and freshwater macroinvertebrates, have become increasingly important in terms of both\ud
environmental and socio-economic impacts. In order to assess their environmental and economic costs, we applied the Generic Impact Scoring\ud
System (GISS) and performed a comparison with other taxa of invaders in Europe. Impacts were scored into six environmental and six socioeconomic\ud
categories, with each category containing five impact levels. Among 49 aquatic macroinvertebrates, the most impacting species were the\ud
Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis (Milne-Edwards, 1853) and the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771). The highest impacts\ud
found per GISS impact category were, separately; on ecosystems, through predation, as competitors, and on animal production. Eleven species have\ud
an impact score > 10 (high impact) and seven reach impact level 5 in at least one impact category (EU blacklist candidates), the maximum score\ud
that can be given is 60 impact points. Comparisons were drawn between aquatic macroinvertebrates and vertebrate invaders such as fish, mammals\ud
and birds, as well as terrestrial arthropods, revealing invasive freshwater macroinvertebrates to be voracious predators of native prey and damaging\ud
to native ecosystems compared with other taxa. GISS can be used to compare these taxa and will aid policy making and targeting of invasive\ud
species for management by relevant agencies, or to assist in producing species blacklist candidates
Predicting and locating fracture in bone using acoustic emission
Full text linkA novel way to predict intra-operative fracture during Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) using acoustic emission (AE) has been tentatively discovered. AE has also been shown to be able to predict the location of such fracture. This work has potential benefit for the THA surgeon as it gives him a warning of when fracture is imminent and secondly where on the bone it is likely to occur. Eight bovine femora were tested using a Materials Testing Machine. Mock implants were forced into the specially prepared femora until the femora fractured. Both strain guages and AE sensors were mounted on the femora. Strain was used as a control to indicate when the femur fractured. The data from the AE sensors was analyzed post test to determine a parameter that could be used to predict when fracture was imminent and indeed when it had occurred. It was discovered that the peak frequency of the AE waves reduced significantly just before fracture occurred. It is theorized that as the bone material undergoes microcracking, the properties of the materials alter resulting in this change in peak frequency.\ud
Two AE source location algorithms were tested on rectangular samples of bone harvested from the mid diaphysis of bovine bone to determine the feasibility of predicting the location of the fracture by locating in real time the microcracks that occur as their prelude. The source location algorithms detected artificial AE sources (pencil lead breaks) to just over 1 mm (on average) of their true location. Then three samples were loaded in three point bending until they fractured. The source location algorithms located the microcracks using AE data collected during the tests. The computed locations showed that there was a close correlation between where the microcracks were detected and where the fractured occurred
An investigation into the leaching of volatiles from a container closure system into ophthalmic solutions
Full text linkIn this study, two separate methods were developed and validated for two different products to track three leachables; cyclohexanone, propylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate (PGMEEA), and propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMMEA). These leachables were recently discovered to be leaching from an ink that is applied during labelling to a plastic vial containing the sample, a process known as tampoprinting.\ud
Due to the volatile nature of these leachables the best technique of tracking them is by gas chromatography (GC). This analytical separation technique utilises a system that vaporises liquid samples containing organic compounds of interest. The sample travels through a column where the sample components are separated and then detected producing a quantitative measurement of each component.\ud
In chapter 2, a direct injection gas chromatography method was developed for Product Z to track the three leachables of interest. The method was then fully validated in accordance with the current United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Category II for leachables and in line with all requirements under International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) Q2 (R1).\ud
In chapter 3, direct injection gas chromatography could not be utilised for Product X due to the different nature of its sample matrix to Product Z. Instead, a method to track the Tampoprint leachables was developed using headspace GC, a slightly different technique whereby volatile compounds from the sample are evaporated from the liquid before being injected onto the GC column. This prevents much of the sample matrix from going onto the column and thus produces much cleaner chromatography. This method was then also fully validated in accordance with USP requirements and ICH guidelines