1522 research outputs found
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IPACSO: Towards Developing an Innovation Framework for ICT Innovators in the Privacy and CyberSecurity Markets
Get PDFA pressing challenge facing the cybersecurity and privacy research community is transitioning technical R&D into commercial and marketplace ready products and services. Responding to the need to develop a better understanding of how Privacy and CyberSecurity (PACS) market needs and overall technology innovation best-practice can be harmonized more effectively the contribution of this paper is centred upon the development of a set of innovation guiding principles to inform the overarching IPACSO (Innovation Framework for Privacy and CyberSecurity Opportunities) innovation framework to be developed. These guiding principles have been developed from ongoing market and economic analyses and innovation modelling research in an effort to explore the identification of PACS specific deltas with respect to innovation. The development of the innovation guiding principles represent a pivotal component in meeting IPACSO’s overall goals of supporting increased awareness of and engagement in innovation practices, in addition to supporting greater knowledge of market dynamics, barriers and solution potential for increased innovation activity in the domain
Classroom Effects: Social Integration and the Persistence of Higher Education Students
Get PDFPresents a mixed-methods case study examination of the effects of classroom based social integration on the intentions’ of higher education students to persist in higher education. The theoretical framework of the study is the adaptation of the social integration approach of Tinto (1993, 1975) to a classroom context (Tinto, 1997). Student-to-student and student-to-teaching staff contact, two aspects of social integration that are the focus of the present study, have received empirical support (Pascarella and Terenzini, 2005). However, the critiques of Tinto’s (1975, 1993) model have been significant including its applicability in different educational contexts (Longden, 2004) including for non-residential and commuting students. Consequently, the core research question of the study is ‘Will classroom based social integration with classmates and teaching staff influence the intention of students to persist in Higher Education?’ Qualitative and quantitative data from focus groups, interviews and a questionnaire (n=254) provided evidence that classroom based social integration influences the intentions of higher education students to persist. The research supports an amendment of Tinto’s (1993, 1975) model to include classroom based social integration as an influence on persistence
Einstein's steady-state theory: an abandoned model of the cosmos
Get PDFWe present a translation and analysis of an unpublished manuscript by Albert Einstein in which he attempted to construct a 'steady-state' model of the universe. The manuscript, which appears to have been written in early 1931, demonstrates that Einstein once explored a cosmic model in which the mean density of matter in an expanding universe is maintained constant by the continuous formation of matter from empty space. This model is very different to previously known Einsteinian models of the cosmos (both static and dynamic) but anticipates the later steady-state cosmology of Hoyle, Bondi and Gold in some ways. We find that Einstein's steady-state model contains a fundamental flaw and suggest that it was abandoned for this reason. We also suggest that he declined to explore a more sophisticated version because he found such theories rather contrived. The manuscript is of historical interest because it reveals that Einstein debated between steady-state and evolving models of the cosmos decades before a similar debate took place in the cosmological community
Radiotherapy for Rectal Cancer: An Exploration of Factors Associated with Symptoms and Tumour Response
Get PDFPreoperative radiotherapy is widely accepted as standard treatment for rectal cancer as it is associated with remarkable improvements in locoregional control. However, both the illness and treatment lead to a number of side effects which may negatively influence QoL. Few studies have investigated this specifically in relation to rectal cancer patients, particularly regarding fatigue. KRAS is mutated in 30%-50% of rectal cancer cases and mediates the expression of the cytokines IL-6 and IL-8. Exploration of KRAS status and expression levels of IL-6 and IL-8 as factors associated with radiosensitivity, in terms of tumour response and symptom presentation would be helpful in guiding treatment protocols, as individuals react differently due to inherent radiosensitivity.
Therefore, the aim of this two armed study was to 1) investigate symptom presentation and 2) explore potential factors associated with radiosensitivity in rectal cancer patients receiving preoperative radiotherapy.
An exploratory, correlational design was adopted which used nonprobability, convenience sampling to select suitable participants. Data in relation to symptoms and QoL was collected at 4 time points over a 10 week period. Tumour tissue was analysed to determine KRAS status and expression levels of IL-6 and IL-8, with these cytokines also measured in blood plasma using micro-array technology. Data was analysed using SPSS.
The final sample consisted of 35 rectal cancer patients, with ages ranging from 34-82 years. One-way repeated measures ANOVA found that levels of fatigue, bowel function symptoms, nutrition, pain, dermatological issues and urinary function symptoms changed significantly over time. Lower levels of global QoL were associated with increases in fatigue, constipation, bloating, blood and mucous in stool, stool frequency, appetite loss, weight worry, dry mouth, pain, urinary frequency and lower levels of sexual interest. KRAS status was not associated with tumour response to treatment or expression of IL-6 and IL-8, although plasma levels of these cytokines were indicative of tumour size. Furthermore, both cytokines correlated with faecal incontinence.
These findings demonstrate the importance of the close monitoring and management of symptoms during radiotherapy for rectal cancer in order to optimise QoL and avoid interruptions to treatment. KRAS status is not indicative of tumour response, although further subtype analysis is required. In addition, IL-6 and IL-8 may be useful as potential biomarkers in terms of tumour size
A theoretical framework of workplace learning for entry-level software engineering graduates
Get PDFThis purpose of this study was to investigate the organisation of the workplace to support the workplace learning (WPL) of entry-level software engineering (SE) graduates. To profile the SE WPL environment, the prevalence and perceived effectiveness of five specific areas were studied – WPL strategies, experienced guides, the SE graduates as learners, organisational supports, and learning opportunities – and a theoretical framework emerged from the literature review, representing the rhetoric of the SE WPL environment. Such profiling necessitated a mainly quantitative approach using a series of three web-based survey instruments – graduate survey, on-the-job learning guide survey, and organisation survey. A non-probability, convenience sampling approach was used for all three surveys. The key findings indicate that direct guidance and dynamic resources (e.g. Internet, Knowledge Bases, etc.), along with the Instructional Model of Learning were the most effective strategies for SE graduate WPL. Indirect guidance strategies were not used frequently. The most effective strategies were using the Internet, scaffolding, diagrams, feedback, and using knowledge bases of previous problem solutions. Graduates and guides were very willing participants in WPL. Guides emerged as an effective support for WPL, particularly when they were selected for the graduate by the organisation. Graduates that selected their own guide were not adequately prepared for WPL which was considered ineffective. Organisations were an effective support for WPL and their workplaces invited WPL to take place. Learning opportunities were available and structured. They were also sequenced along pathways of learning designed to take the graduate from peripheral to full participation in the task. The theoretical framework was revised based on the findings, resulting in a revised theoretical framework that represented the reality of the current SE WPL environment. This revised framework was reflected into the SE industry and recommendations were provided for supporting, evaluating, and improving WPL. The framework was also reflected into higher education practices so that recommendations could be made to better prepare SE graduates for the expectations of WPL. To facilitate this reflection, a fourth survey was conducted – the undergraduate survey – which provided a baseline of the WPL supports and strategies used in the higher education classroom. Again, a non-probability, convenience sampling approach was used for this survey
The use of separated solid pig manure as a biofuel
No full textCurrently in Ireland, landspreading is the most common and cost effective method for utilising pig manure. However, The Nitrates Action plan introduced by S.I. No 378 (2006) and most recently updated by S.I. No 31 (2014) has reduced the amount of manure which can be landspread per unit area. It is estimated that by 2017, an additional 50% of spread lands will be required as phosphorous application restrictions take full effect. This will affect intensive animal production in particular in ‘pig dense’ areas which has prompted interest in the investigation of alternative and sustainable non-landspread uses for manure such as its use as an energy source. The objective of this research is to investigate the use of separated solids from pig manure (SPM) as a biofuel. The SPM and biomass addendums (sawdust, green waste, straw and woodchip) were combined by mixing and composting. The ratio of inorganic/organic fraction altered during the 56 days of composting, leading to an increase in ash and metal content and a decrease in calorific value over time. Analysis showed that a combination of SPM and sawdust (SD) (3:2) (fresh weight basis) with a maximum composting duration of 7 days produced a material with the most desirable characteristics from the samples studied. The pre-mixed SPM/SD (3:2) sample produced a good quality pellet which remained intact during storage of 18 months. Combustion emissions, in particular NOx and SO2, were found to be high. Preliminary analysis of the resulting ash showed it had the potential to be re-used as a fertiliser. However, further analysis needs to be conducted on different soil types to determine its suitability as a fertiliser. The results suggest that the ratio of SPM to SD be reduced, e.g. SPM:SD (2:3) or (1:3). This would still enable the use of the SPM as a biofuel, improve quality characteristics of the pellet and reduce emissions during combustion
The Influence of Corporate Reputation on Supplier Selection and Termination
Get PDFContrary to the conventional belief that organisational supplier choice decisions are predominantly objective, this research draws on the Stereotype Content Model to examine the moderating effects of corporate reputation on supplier decisions. In an international field study with buying centre members, the results demonstrate that various dimensions of reputation differentially moderate the effects of intentions-based purchasing criteria versus ability-based criteria on supplier selection and termination behaviour. Specifically, only in the absence of a strongly Agreeable or Competent reputation do intentions and warm abilities-based purchasing criteria respectively have a significant influence on selection and termination. Conversely, only in the presence of a strongly Ruthless reputation do cold abilities-based purchasing criteria exert a significant influence on supplier selection or termination. These findings have implications for the corporate reputation and industrial buying literatures, as well as managerial practice.
Keywords: corporate reputation, moderation, supplier selection, terminatio
‘The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves’. Reflections on Norman (2014) Nursing must be a graduate profession (Well he would say that wouldn’t he!)
No full textUnderstanding the process of Repair in dissolving Business to Business Relationships: An SME perspective
Get PDFDespite considerable research examining the dissolution of business to business (B2B) relationships, studies exploring the repair of these relationships have been insufficiently explored empirically. To date most B2B dissolution research has focussed attention on the reasons why relationships end (Farrelly, 2010; Pressey & Selassie, 2007; Hocutt, 1998; Halinen, 1997; Keaveney, 1995; Perrien, Paradis & Richard, 1995), or other influencing factors (Olkkonen & Tuominen, 2006; Wang et al, 2004; Hallen & Johansen, 2004; Vaaland, 2004), or the processes of dissolution (Halinen & Tähtinen , 2002; Giller & Matear, 2001; Ping & Dwyer, 1992), or the strategies for disengagement (Pressey & Mathews, 2002; Alajoutisjarvi, Moller & Tähtinen , 2000; Baxter, 1979). However, there is scant attention given to the process of repair in troubled relationships and even less on the changes that take place to the state of the relationship (Dirks Lewicki & Zaheer, 2009). Moreover, the use of different types of strategies needed to repair the damage and the outcomes of the process have largely been ignored (Dirks et al, 2009; Salo, Tähtinen & Ulkiniemi, 2009). Thus, the research problem that emanated from the literature review which became the focus of this study was that there was very limited knowledge concerning the process of repair in B2B relationship dissolution. From a process perspective, a deeper understanding of the state of the relationship and the actions and reactions from individual Owner Managers (OMs) is needed (Dirks et al, 2009; Salo et al, 2009; Tähtinen et al, 2007). By developing a unifying theoretical framework, the research aids the analysis of the broader problem of relationship repair (Dirks et al, 2009) and the process approach presented identifies the underlying actions and reactions that occur during the repair of these troubled relationships. Using an interpretative philosophical position, a qualitative-methodological approach was designed (Creswell, 2007; Morgan & Smircich, 1980). The critical incident technique was adopted based upon interviews and reflective practice to explore the process of repair in greater detail from OM experiences in repaired or dissolved B2B relationships. The findings presented in this study illustrate the dynamic sub-processes inherent in repairing relationships in dissolution. The critical incident analysis supports the notion that the state of the relationship pre transgression coupled with the types of precipitating events that cause breakdown, have a large impact on the outcome of the repair process. Equally, the trajectory of the process is driven by the partners in the relationship as their reactions to dissatisfaction either push the relationship towards repair or initiate its dissolution. Since the research is concerned with understanding the process of repair in Irish SMEs, it draws upon the behavioural model of social exchange theory for its theoretical foundation. From the study, a theoretical framework has been developed and a number of important theoretical and managerial contributions arise. For example, the findings clearly indicate that the state of the relationship pre transgression has an impact on the repair process of B2B relationships in SMEs. The implication of this is that at a strategic level, SME owner managers need to understand the state of their B2B relationships and to classify them into those that are strong relationships based on satisfaction, trust and commitment and those that are weak and prone to dissolution. At a micro-level, in order to yield the most impact of OM involvement in relationship repair, the research provides practitioners with insight regarding the stages of the repair process including critical junctures that aid the process and its outcomes. The first point of reference is the understanding of the exact nature of precipitating events that cause breakdown, whether they were cognitive or behavioural. These events are highly contextualised within the pre state of the relationship and affect the trajectory of the process. The next critical turning point is the evaluation of these events and establishing a willingness to repair the damage which leads to a renegotiation of the relationship or its dissolution. This negotiation is underpinned by open communications, trust as a basis for repair and established interpersonal relationships. The output from the renegotiation process defines the types of strategies that are needed to repair cognitive or behavioural damage. Strategically OMs are also faced with situations where the outcomes of the repair process are either favourable where relations are strengthened or unfavourable where the relationship is still vulnerable to future dissolution. In addition to these theoretical and managerial implications, the research has also provided a contribution to theory through the expansion of the B2B dissolution and repair literature. For example how the relationship characteristics and the nature of the precipitating events influence the outcome of the repair process answers calls for research in this area (Salo et al, 2009). More empirical knowledge has been gained in relation to the use of different repair strategies required including cognitive, restoring the social order and structures to avoid issues arising again in the future (Dirks et al, 2009). As the focus of the research has taken a broader view of relationship repair, more empirical knowledge has been examined at a deeper level to understand the dynamic nature of the phenomenon (Dirks et al, 2009). To the researcher’s knowledge, this is the first attempt to capture the entire process from the beginning to its outcomes