Access to Research at National University of Ireland, Galway
Research at National University of Ireland, GalwayNot a member yet
15712 research outputs found
Sort by
The management of experiential marketing in higher education
No full textThis research examined the salient factors influencing the management of Experiential Marketing (ExM) in Higher Education (HE). It was concerned with exploring data from a marketing management perspective on the planning, implementation, and evaluation of ExM in HE, where the aim was to add to existing knowledge in two relatively unexplored and growing themes in marketing literature.
This study examined ExM activities used by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as a tool for student recruitment. It sought to understand how ExM can be managed more effectively to influence student choice of HEI. This research questioned what are the salient factors influencing the management of Experiential Marketing in Higher Education? The research objectives were:
1. To investigate how HEIs manage ExM as a tool for student recruitment.
2. To examine the evaluation of ExM in HEIs as a tool for student recruitment.
3. To explore the challenges HEIs’ experience in managing ExM.
The research adopted an interpretivist research paradigm; therein lies a phenomenological ontology and a subjectivist epistemology. A qualitative methodology was employed, collecting data through interviews with HE marketers. Qualitative research enhances understanding of ExM in HE where the study produces an inductive output. The findings are based on 23 interviews marketers responsible for managing ExM in Irish HEIs, where a full census was achieved using a purposive sampling technique. The research employed a thematic analysis strategy for identifying, analysing, and reporting themes and patterns within the data (Braun and Clarke, 2020b), assisted by NVivo software. Validity and reliability of the study are in line with the trustworthiness criteria for qualitative research which derives from credibility, transferability, dependability, and conformability (Lincoln and Guba, 1985).
There are three salient factors influencing the management of ExM in HE: managing ExM resources, ExM data constraints, and buy-in culture for ExM. This study has combined what has been learned about the student decision making process, ExM, emotions and behavioural intentions to create the ‘ExM Planning Model’ and makes an original contribution to literature by revealing the salient factors influencing the management of ExM in HE. The ‘ExM Planning Model’ makes an original contribution to ExM literature by addressing the gaps identified in existing ExM planning models (Leahy et al., 2022; Schmitt, 2010; Smilansky, 2018) and notably presents ‘The Experiential Marketing Planning and Implementation Model’, an extension of Leahy et al.’s research (2022). The application of existing ExM planning models is limited to one-off ExM campaigns which fail to recognise the management of ExM on a cyclical basis as is seen in this study. Furthermore, these models fail to address the factors influencing the management of ExM which this research has done in identifying resources, data, and buy-in as challenges. Developing from the research contributions, there are several opportunities for future research in the areas of ExM and HE marketing theory which supports the ExM and HE marketing research agendas
ABIDS-VEM: leveraging an equilibrium optimizer and data ramification in association with ensemble learning for anomaly-based intrusion detection system
No full textThe convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) within the Industry 4.0 paradigm leverages software-defined networking, multi-cloud architectures, and edge/fog computing to enhance industrial processes. However, this digital transformation introduces significant cybersecurity and privacy vulnerabilities within the complex, data-intensive IoT/IIoT ecosystems. To mitigate these risks, this research proposes a novel Anomaly-based Intrusion Detection System using Voting-based Ensemble Model (ABIDS-VEM) in Industry 4.0 environments. The VEM architecture synergistically combines multiple machine learning algorithms and gradient boosting frameworks, including CatBoost (CB), XGBoost (XGB), LightGBM (LGBM), Logistic Regression (LR), and Random Forest (RF), to enhance the precision and computational efficiency of intrusion detection systems (IDS) in IoT/IIoT contexts. The proposed framework incorporates a data ramification process, in which the data is divided into multiple parts, feature selection process which is optimized through the Equilibrium Optimizer (EO) algorithm, and outlier detection utilizing the Isolation Forest (IF) method. Comprehensive empirical evaluations were conducted using three benchmark datasets: XIIoTID, NSL-KDD, and UNSW-NB15, to validate the efficacy of the proposed system. The model achieves high accuracy across datasets: 98.1476% for XIIoT-ID, an impressive accuracy of 98.9671% for NSL-KDD, and 94.1327% for UNSW-NB15 dataset. These experimental results demonstrate the potential of this approach to significantly enhance the resilience of critical industrial systems and data against evolving cyber threats, thereby supporting the continued evolution of Industry 4.0 technologies and bolstering the security posture of IoT/IIoT ecosystems. This research contributes to the ongoing efforts to secure the rapidly expanding digital industrial landscape, offering a robust solution for detecting and mitigating sophisticated cyberattacks in the increasingly interconnected and data-driven industrial environments of the future.Open Access funding provided by the IReL Consortium. This work is supported by SFI under Grant Number SFI NCF Project (Cyber Shock) with Grant No. 22/NCF/DR/11165 and SFI 12/RC/2289-P2 (Insight) and. To facilitate Open Access, the author has applied a CC BY public copyright license to any Author Accepted Manuscript version resulting from this submission.peer-reviewe
Ethical witnessing: participatory virtual reality production and the experience of homelessness
No full textLost & Found, is a nonfiction 360-degree documentary film co-created by a cross-disciplinary research team from the University of Galway, virtual reality filmmakers, and clients of a homelessness service provider. Conceptualized in response to scholarly debates around VR and empathy, it draws on participatory video methodologies to situate the voice of community participants at the heart of VR documentary production. Here, Lost & Found is considered in relation to its impact on two cohorts: the end viewer of the film and the clients of Galway Simon who co-created it. The measured impact of the finished film on viewer empathy and attitudes develops existing debates around the potential for immersive experiences to produce attitudinal change. At the same time, the co-creation methodology that guided the film’s production and exhibition grapples with the questions of inclusion, authorship and viewer positioning that have animated the discourse around VR and documentary filmmaking more generally. Through this discussion, attention is brought to the dynamics of inclusion and exclusion that arise from the use of immersive technologies within community settings, as well how the viewer experience within VR can be conceptualized as a form of ethical witnessing.This work was supported by funding from the Irish Research Council.peer-reviewe
Definitions and standardized endpoints for the use of drug-coated balloon in coronary artery disease: consensus document of the Drug Coated Balloon Academic Research Consortium
No full textThe Drug Coated Balloon Academic Research Consortium project originated from the lack of standardization and comparability between studies using drug-coated balloons in the treatment of obstructive coronary artery disease. This document is a collaborative effort between academic research organizations and percutaneous coronary intervention societies in Europe, the USA, and Asia. This consensus sought to standardize study designs and endpoints for clinical trials involving drug-coated balloons, including defining angiographic, intravascular, and non-invasive imaging methods for lesion assessment, alongside considerations for post-revascularization pharmaco-therapy. The concept of ‘blended therapy’, which advocates for combining device strategies, is also discussed. This paper delineates study types, endpoint definitions, follow-up protocols, and analytical approaches, aiming to provide consistency and guidance for interventional cardiologists and trialists.peer-reviewe
“The Big Heist Challenge”: An experience report of an innovative cybersecurity teaching approach
No full textThis paper sets out the author’s experience teaching an introductory cybersecurity module to undergraduate students at an Irish university. It describes an innovative authentic learning exercise, focusing on team-based cybersecurity attack and defence plans. Evaluation revealed strong student engagement, skill development, and positive learning outcomes despite some issues with group dynamics and peer participation.peer-reviewe
Athbhreithniú scóipe ar inspreagadh fhoghlaim na Gaeilge
No full textBa líonmhaire cainteoirí Gaeilge, a raibh an Ghaeilge mar dhara teanga (T2) acu, ná líon na gcainteoirí dúchais sna daonáirimh a rinneadh thuaidh agus theas in 2016 agus in 2011 (Walsh, 2019). D’fhéadfaí a thomhas, ag breathnú ar an mhéadú atá tar éis teacht ar líon na gcainteoirí T2 ó shin (CSO, 2022; NISRA, 2021), gurb amhlaidh an scéal fós. Shealbhaigh formhór na gcainteoirí seo a gcumas teanga tríd an chóras oideachais ach thosaigh cuid acu ar an Ghaeilge agus iad ina bhfoghlaimeoirí fásta. Braitheann sealbhú na Gaeilge, a bheag nó a mhór, ar chomhthéacs na scoile agus, in ainneoin díospóireachtaí amhail stádas éigeantach na teanga, bronnadh na ndíolúintí nó an fhoghlaim de ghlanmheabhair, leanann neart daltaí ar aghaidh léi fós go leibhéal na hollscoile (Ní Fhrighil & Nic Eoin, 2009). Cibé cúrsa a bhíonn ar siúl ag na mic léinn, mar aon le daoine fásta a fhilleann ar fhoghlaim na Gaeilge nó a thosaíonn uirthi ó bhonn, tá siad tar éis cinneadh comhfhiosach a dhéanamh cur lena gcuid foghlama sa teanga. Is ábhar spéise é na cúiseanna a bhaineann leis an chinneadh sin a fheidhmíonn mar inspreagadh tosaigh na bhfoghlaimeoirí. Is tábhachtaí fós na cúiseanna nuair a smaoinítear ar an inspreagadh mar cheann de na gnéithe is suntasaí den phróiseas foghlama a chuireann le rath an tsealbhaithe teanga (Dörnyei & Ushioda, 2021).peer-reviewe
Advanced measuring techniques for tidal turbine blades during structural testing
No full textTidal energy is one of the most predictable and reliable renewable energy sources, capable of generating significant amounts of electricity in the coming decades. Scientists, researchers, and technology developers are working tirelessly to propel the industry forward, employing next-generation innovative design strategies to achieve future milestones in affordable and sustainable power generation. In this context, the validation of novel tidal turbine systems offers significant advantages to developers, enabling them to deploy the devices at various tidal potential sites worldwide with confidence that their designs will be able to withstand loading conditions during operation. A method used to help achieve this is to conduct a structural testing program of their tidal turbine blades, in accordance with DNV-ST-0164 and IEC DTS 62600-3 standards. Within this scope, developers are demanding accelerated, efficient, and reliable testing programs to de-risk innovative designs while traditional instrumentation methods have considerable disadvantages. Therefore, this study addresses these challenges by investigating the use of modern advanced measurement tools and offering recommendations to enhance the structural testing process of tidal turbine blades, aiming to improve testing effectiveness and deliver high-quality results within a shorter time frame. Within this study, laser scanning vibrometer, digital image correlation systems, infrared thermal imaging camera, fibre Bragg grating sensors, and laser displacement measuring sensors were employed, in parallel with the traditionally used sensors, to assess the structural testing program of a helical shape tidal turbine foil and studied the results. This study yields promising outcomes, highlighting the potential use of advanced measurement techniques to enhance the structural testing paradigm for tidal turbine blades for future accelerated testing programs. More importantly, it supports the developers in de-risking their technologies, while establishing a new knowledge base for the effective use of modern measurement tools, ultimately contributing to the reduction of the levelised cost of tidal stream energy devices.The authors extend grateful acknowledgment for the financial support received for this work from the European Commission under the H2020 CRIMSON project (Grant Agreement no.: 971209) and the TIDAL-GES project of the University of Galway Global Challenges Programme. Furthermore, gratitude is expressed for the funding from the MaREI Research Ireland Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine, which is funded by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland, formerly Science Foundation Ireland, (Grant no. 12/RC/2302_2), the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (Grant no. 22/RDD/783 and 23/RDD/917) and the Marine Institute, funded under the Marine Research Programme by the Government of Ireland (PDOC/21/03/01). Moreover, it is essential to convey appreciation for the invaluable support given by the industry partners, ORPC and ÉireComposites.peer-reviewe
Constraint-based metabolic modelling of Parkinson’s disease: Investigating dysfunctional pathways and selective vulnerability in dopaminergic neurons
No full textParkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, in volves complex molecular mechanisms, with dysfunctional metabolism emerging as a promising target for diagnosis and treatment. However, inconsistencies in reported metabolites complicate our understanding of PD pathogenesis. This thesis reviews 74 metabolomic studies of PD patients to identify consistently and inconsistently replicated metabolites, generating a metabolic model and map that elucidate dysfunctional PD pathways, which enable a prediction of potential PD biomarkers. Furthermore, evidence indicates that distinct metabolic characteristics, particularly bioenergetic differences between synaptic terminals and the soma, may underlie the selective vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons in PD. To investigate these differences, four thermodynamically flux-consistent models representing synaptic and non-synaptic components under con trol and PD conditions were generated. These models revealed that the synaptic PD model exhibits lower mitochondrial energy contributions and higher sensitivity to Com plex I inhibition. The increased flux of the mitochondrial ornithine transaminase reac tion (ORNTArm) was predicted to rescue bioenergetic failure and improve metabolite exchanges for both the synaptic and non-synaptic PD models. Additionally, the thesis refines the human metabolic network (Recon3D) by reconstructing flavoprotein-related reactions to enhance the representation of electron transfer pathways, particularly the electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF) coupling pathway. Overall, this thesis enhances our understanding of PD metabolism through constraint-based metabolic modelling and COBRA analysis, providing valuable insights into potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PD patients
Experimental testing of V notched radially graded materials under static loading
No full textThe growing interest in additive manufacturing and printed materials has opened new possibilities for the development and application of Graded Materials (GMs). However, capturing the strength and fracture behavior of GMs presents challenges, as the extent to which classical theories for homogeneous materials apply remains uncertain. For example, it has been recently suggested that in the classical problem of a sharp wedge or crack loaded in-plane (mode I and/or mode II), the stress singularity can be mitigated by grading the elastic properties of the material near the notch tip according to a power-law distribution, E∼ r β. This suggests that sharp geometrical discontinuities can exist without causing sharp stress concentrations. Under these conditions, it is conceivable that structural optimization should aim to achieve uniform stress distribution or, more specifically, consistent strength throughout the material …The support from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (MAGIC –[852281]) is gratefully acknowledged. MC acknowledges support from the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) under the program “Departments of Excellence” (L.232/2016).peer-reviewe
Mapping the evidence to determine the influence of stress, anxiety, and depression on wound healing in patients with diabetes-related foot ulcers: A scoping review
No full textIntroduction
Diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFUs) are a severe complication of diabetes, affecting an estimated 6.3 % of individuals globally and significantly increasing healthcare burdens. Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression are common in DFU patients and are believed to impact wound healing through immune system disruptions and decreased self-care.
Objective
This scoping review evaluates current evidence on the influence of psychological distress on DFU healing, identifies research gaps, and underscores the importance of integrating mental health support in DFU management.
Methods
Following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and PRISMA-ScR reporting standards, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PubMed. Studies with adult DFU patients reporting stress, anxiety, or depression and measurable wound outcomes were included.
Results
Ten studies were included, consistently demonstrating that psychological distress impairs DFU healing. Chronic stress was found to extend inflammation and weaken immune function, while anxiety and depression were associated with reduced self-care and directly impaired wound healing, further hindering recovery. These findings highlight the significant impact of psychological factors on the DFU healing process.
Conclusion
psychological distress, including stress, anxiety, and depression, may impair the healing process of diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFUs). However, the evidence is very low quality, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. This highlights the need for further high-quality research to clarify the role of mental health in DFU management.peer-reviewe