1522 research outputs found
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Future Internet for Electric Mobility in the Smart Grid
Get PDFWith the threat of natural energy resources being significantly depleted and, coupled with the global drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ICT communications can help to provide solutions for increased and more efficient energy usage. If electricity is produced more and more from renewable resources then the CO2 emissions from energy generation can be significantly reduced. The introduction of electric vehicles can contribute to both to environmentally friendly travel and contribute to valuable energy storage possibility enabling the efficient use of energy from renewable sources.
Fundamental for the deployment of electrical vehicles is the availability of a reliable charging infrastructure. The integration of the charging infrastructure in the evolving smart electrical grid and in the transport infrastructure is an important issue and requires information exchange between the grid infrastructure, the transport infrastructure, the vehicle information systems and the charging points using a sophisticate communication network infrastructure. Furthermore new services and functions like optimized routing of electrical vehicles based on the battery status, the current traffic situation and the availability of charging services and predicting the energy need for charging in a certain region based on the traffic patterns of the electric vehicles in this area have to be considered.
This paper describes the methodology chosen within FINSENY to develop Future Internet technologies as an answer to electric mobility challenges. Several use cases are discussed along with initial requirements that were derived as part of the analysis phase. The paper concludes by giving an outlook on the immediate and long term challenges of e-mobility and a discussion about further work for this project
Thinking and Talking Across The Disciplines – the RDLE effect
No full textThe transformational effect of technology on how we live, and its application to different work disciplines are some of the grand challenges facing society. Radically rethinking our education system in order to cultivate creativity, innovation and thinking across the disciplines is one way of preparing for this future.
There is evidence of change within higher education; in the need for research-based responses to the grand challenges facing society; and in the employability of graduates and post-graduates. Key features of these changes identified by the European University Association (EUA) and the Irish University Association (IUA), include quality research training, inter-disciplinarity, partnerships with industry, and a mentality of innovation.
Post-graduate and post-doctoral researchers need to develop cross-disciplinary skills to communicate with, and apply their research to, industry organisations working in a similar discipline (such as IT or medicine) and with organisations working in other disciplines. Therefore researchers must develop new and different skills and perspectives. They must also learn insider inquiry; how to be immersed in local situations and generate contextually embedded knowledge that emerges from direct experience. Transforming graduate and post-graduate thinking and learning beyond their disciplinary boundaries is central to the transition from university to working life and to the need for research-based responses to the societal challenges identified earlier.
In particular, those working in research and development (R&D) environments must come to see that to explore and exploit the value of their research, it may be necessary to inquire from the inside and interact directly with researchers from other disciplines, from other research organisations, and from those in industry. This will encourage researchers to progress from disciplinary and interdisciplinary interaction to cross-disciplinary outcomes.
This study explores how an R&D project environment can create opportunities for researchers to develop the skills of insider inquiry and the ability to think and talk across disciplines; exploiting the potential of their research, which was carried out in their primary discipline, while being aware or open to its application in other disciplines. More precisely, the aim was to identify how to create learning spaces that enable one to think beyond one’s own discipline; to inquire from the inside; and to communicate across professional disciplinary divides. The overall objective was to explore how distinctive learning spaces can be built into R&D learning environments (RDLEs) in order to create opportunities for cross-disciplinary transformative learning to occur.
Literatures that inform this study include EUA, IUA and other universities discussion papers and monographs; Entwistle (2009, 2008), Donald (2002), Land (2004, 2005, King (2005, 2009), Robinson (2006), Graham & Coghlan (2009), Graham (2011), Coghlan, D. and Brannick, T. (2010).
The context for this study was a commercialisation R&D project in the Telecommunication Software & Systems Group (TSSG). The TSSG is a research centre in the Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT). The study investigates the nature of transformative learning in the Bio-Inspired Networking research unit (BioNets) and its relation to the creation of a distinctive R&D learning environment (RDLE) or learning space.
The focus of this paper is on how to create opportunities for BioNets researchers to learn how to ‘think and talk’ across the disciplines, in order to
• build competence in working in an inter-disciplinary environment
• build strong relationships between the R&D centre and its industry partners
• create a strong ethos of creativity and innovation
• to ensure ongoing industry partnership and commitment to the research initiatives
Methods used included a client questionnaire, interviews, an end-of-project evaluation, and document analysis. The research results identify aspects of the R&D project learning environment (RDLE) that impact on the researchers’ ability to communicate across the disciplines, and to move from ‘intradisciplinary’, to ‘interdisciplinary’ to ‘cross-disciplinary’ ways of thinking and practicing (WTPs).
Further steps are identified for developing BioNets RDLE and also suggestions for initiatives within and between the TSSG, its commercial partners, WIT, and other research centres. The need for more research into creating cross-disciplinary graduate and post-graduate R&D project learning environment spaces in general is identified.
Keywords: Graduate and Post-graduate Learning Spaces, Innovation, Cross-
Disciplinary Thinking, Transformative Learning, Insider Inquiry
Active for a Day: Predictors of Relapse Among Previously Active Mass Event Participants
Get PDFBackground: To promote maintenance of sufficient physical activity (PA), better understanding of factors
associated with behavioral relapse is needed. Purpose: To identify PA relapsers and predictors of this state in
a large community sample of women who participated in 2 mass 10-km events in Ireland. Methods: Relapsers
to ‘low active’ were identified at 3-month follow-up, and factors associated with relapse investigated. Results:
11% of the sample decreased their participation by at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity PA per week and
regressed to ‘insufficiently active.’ Adjusted analysis indicated relapse was associated with walking the event
(OR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.05–1.85) and not achieving tertiary education (OR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.18–1.88).
Normal-range BMI, training continuously, urban residence, and increases in self efficacy and positive perceptions
of the physical environment were related to lower incidence of relapse. Conclusion: Education, living
in an urban area, BMI, walking the event, training, and self efficacy are all associated with relapse and while
mass events are a useful motivator for PA, strategies are required following events to maintain participation
levels and generate a lasting public health impact
Realising M-Payments: Modelling Consumers’ Willingness to M-Pay Using Smart Phones
Get PDFIt is predicted that significant and ongoing investment in M-Commerce platforms and application development by commercial entities, will fundamentally change
consumers’ shopping and web browsing behaviours. However, the evolving behaviour of Smart Phone users is somewhat tempered by concerns over M-Payments. If Smart Phones are to reach their full M-Commerce potential, the ability of consumers to transact and pay for products/services through these devices in an easy, safe, and reliable manner, must be addressed. In response, this paper contributes a theoretical model, and empirically tests the model to explore Irish consumers’ perceptions of using Smart Phones to make M-Payments for products/services. The findings present conclusive evidence that trust is the most powerful factor influencing consumers’ willingness to use Smart Phones to make M-Payments. While perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use influence the payment decision, their impact is much lower. Mobile self-efficacy and personal innovativeness have almost no direct impact. The paper concludes that irrespective of individuals’ high levels of personal innovativeness, or mobile self-efficacy, and irrespective of whether Smart Mobile Media Services are perceived as useful and easy to use, consumers will not make M-Payments, until they are convinced that Smart Phone M-Payment systems are safe and reliable
An investigation of leaving certificate students' perceptions of image identification and formation for two Institutes of Technology
Get PDFIn Ireland, education is seen as the key to economic competitiveness. There has been a substantial increase in participation in higher education (HE) in recent years. The
environment in which the higher education institutes (HEIs) operate has evolved into a competitive marketplace for students and funding. In order to overcome these challenges
the HEI sector has focused on the development of HEI image. It is recognised that publics act towards a HEI on the basis of the positive or negative images that they hold.
Image is seen as a powerful instrument in shaping a HEI’s future. The current literature argues that HEI image has been relatively unexplored but it is recognised as a complex,inconsistently defined concept.
In light of these issues, the aim of this dissertation is to determine major elements in relation to HEI image specifically from the senior second level students’ viewpoint in the context of Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) and Cork Institute of Technology
(CIT). This study aims to determine HEI image components, to investigate the HEI image sources and to determine the factors that contribute to the formation of HEI image.
The main research aims and objectives were investigated using a two-tier research approach. Initially, a total of four focus groups were conducted with senior second level
students based in counties Waterford and Cork. The second phase of the study comprised a survey of 320 senior second level students based in these regions.
The primary research found that HEI image is a multi-faceted concept composed of elements that are quite similarly perceived for both HEIs. Word-of-mouth was found to be the strongest source of HEI image and organisational factors (academic, nonacademic,physical and promotional) have the strongest influence with personal and environmental factors being perceived as less influential. The six hypotheses that were developed in this study were partially supported, thus indicating significant relationships between influential factors and certain dimensions of HEI image.
The research concluded there was a lack of knowledge regarding HEIs amongst senior second level students. These students’ perceptions of HEIs were not based on one
component. HEI image is very much sourced from outside the HEI. The non-academic (sports, social life) and promotional (open days, the prospectus) factors have the strongest
influence. This research uncovers and proposes many practical points and recommendations that may assist in understanding and managing HEI image
Perceptions of the Built Environment and Active Travel in Children and Young People
Get PDFOverview: Active transport is on the decline in children and young people. Research suggests that people‟s perceptions of the neighbourhood and built environment can affect this. The purpose of this study was to investigate children, young people and their parents opinions of barriers to walking and cycling, their freedom to travel independently, on foot or by bike and how their perceptions of their neighbourhood affected this. Methodology: This is a mixed methods study that uses questionnaires, environmental audit, interviews and workshop based group data collection. Data was collected from children and young people, male and female, aged between 8 and 18 years who are members of or attending Foroige Youth Groups and/or afterschool programmes in Waterford City and County and their parents and youth leaders. The youth groups were chosen from rural and urban areas of Waterford. Results: Overall the majority of participants reported that they walk and cycle to various locations. According to parents distance was a major barrier which, influenced their decision in allowing their child(ren) to walk or cycle alone. This study also shows that children and young people are aware of the physcial aspects, e,g, traffic calming measures that are around their neighbourhood. Conclusions: Increased distance to travel is associated with low levels of walking and cycling in children and young people. A decrease of speed limits especially around schools may help to promote more active transport. Children and young people should be consulted about the physical aspects of their neighbourhood that affect their active transport and physical activity levels, such as the location of pedestrian crossings and cycle lanes
Original compositions using contemporary classical and jazz techniques accompanied by technical analysis Vol. II & III
Get PDFUsers as Co-Inventors: A Model for Involving Users in the Early Stages of New Product Development
Get PDFAbstract Despite the increasing importance attributed to the involvement of users in the early stages of the new product development process, there have been only limited attempts that comprehensively detail how the user involvement approach is implemented in practice. This knowledge deficit is having consequential effects on user involvement, making its successful implication difficult to achieve as user involvement is heavily dependent on how the involvement process is managed (Magnusson et al., 2003). This study aims to close this knowledge gap by presenting a managerial framework for maximising user involvement in predevelopment activities and in so doing, will obtain implementable guidelines that can be used by organisations to enhance the delivery of innovative and appealing new product concepts. The existing literature on user involvement and relationship marketing were utilised as a starting point to develop an integrated framework. In addition to this, data was gathered from a longitudinal study. Due to the nature of the research, that is, the need to understand a real-life phenomenon in depth, as well as the fact that relatively little knowledge is available on the research topic, it was deemed appropriate to merge aspects from action research with a single interpretive case study approach. This allowed the researcher to become actively involved with the phenomenon under research, hence, facilitating the gathering of a comprehensive collection of qualitative data on the actual interactions that occurred between the manufacturer and user. The key findings of this research illustrated the importance of managing the complex relational dynamics inherent in a close collaborative manufacturer-user relationship. In addition, the findings clearly indicated that the involvement of users does not occur in a vacuum. Rather, the success of the collaboration is influenced by a number of enabling factors, which combine to influence the ways in which the manufacturer and user structure and manage their interactions. The findings further indicate that the benefits of such collaborations may only be enjoyed when the process is managed in an effective and efficient manner, thus the presence of an individual capable of coordinating the process is essential. The thesis concluded with the development of an “integrated framework‟ for managing user involvement at the early stages of the new product development process
Life as a Jena Malone fan: An introspective study of a consumer's fan relationship with a film actress
Get PDFEver since the dawn of the Hollywood star system in the early 1920s, consumers have always been fascinated by the works and private lives of film stars and any other
celebrities (Dyer 1998; McDonald 2000). In fact, the public demand for celebrities is so strong these days that they have without any doubt become an essential part of our
everyday culture (Gabler 1998; Turner 2004) and market economy (McCracken 1989; Thomson 2006). Yet, some consumers experience a significantly more intensive level of
interest and admiration for a particular celebrity and, subsequently, become what are commonly known as ‘fans’ (Henry and Caldwell 2007; O’Guinn 1991) or ‘celebrity
worshippers’ (McCutcheon et al. 2003). And I’m one of them! Ever since I, by chance, bought the DVD of the film Saved! (US 2004) back in April 2005, I have been the
devoted fan of the talented young actress Jena Malone, who features primarily in lesser known, but much more interesting and challenging indie-films. But what is it exactly that attracts an ordinary consumer like me to become and remain the devoted fan of a film actress? What does the lived experience of being the fan of a film actress (or any other celebrity for that matter) actually mean for the individual consumer? And how does celebrity fandom express itself in everyday consumer behaviour?
While these are interesting questions, surprisingly little academic research has sought to address them. In fact, the existing fandom literature even lacks a coherent understanding of what actually constitutes fandom in the first place, and the interpretation of what fans
are often seems to depend on the underlying agenda of the researcher investigating the phenomenon. What is clear, though, is that both academic literature and popular media
have placed fans consistently on the receiving end of ridicule, negative stereotyping and bad press (Jenson 1992). As desired, fans are portrayed either as mindless numbs, who are manipulated by popular mass culture (Fiske 1992; Schickel 1985), or as subversive and creative rebels against the corporate establishment (Jenkins 1992; Shefrin 2004). Some authors viewed fans as members of neo-religious cults, who worship celebrities like gods through shared rituals and the sacralisation of associated items within likeminded communities (Kozinets 1997; O’Guinn 1991). Others described them as geeks and alienated, lonely social misfits, for whom fandom is a means of compensating for
experienced deficits in their social lives (Jenkins 1992; Kozinets 2001). Finally, somesocial psychologists have in recent years set out to confirm sensationalist media reports
by portraying fans as cognitively inflexible, dull and uncreative people (McCutcheon et al. 2003) or as delusional, pathological-obsessive stalkers (McCutcheon et al. 2006). But maybe there is much more to a consumer’s fan relationship with a film star than previous studies have uncovered so far. Thus, in order to answer the earlier questions, this thesis aims to develop an understanding of what meaning(s) the everyday lived fan relationship with an admired film actress has for individual consumer and how it
expresses itself in everyday consumer behaviour. By using subjective personal introspection (Holbrook 1995) and taking an existential-phenomenological perspective
(Thompson 1997), I examine my own personal everyday lived fan relationship with the actress Jena Malone by drawing on narrative transportation theory. In doing so, the
research is also looking for any evidence that either supports, questions or even contradicts assumptions about fandom held by previous studies. The introspective data
were collected as contemporaneous data over a period of 15 months and recorded as hand-written notes in a specifically assigned diary (Patterson 2005). The emphasis,
thereby, is placed less on factual behaviour, but much more on my emotional experiences such as personal feelings, thought, fantasies and daydreams as the essential
elements of real-lived fan experiences.
While a number of interesting findings have emerged from the introspective data that contribute to the interdisciplinary literature on fandom, stardom and film consumption, the main contribution is a re-conceptualisation of fans that puts the emphasis back on
what should matter the most – a fan’s emotional attachment to one’s admired film star, which revolves primarily around the film star’s creative work and private persona. As
the consumer is unlikely ever to meet one’s admired film star in person, one’s personal impression of the film star’s personality is essentially a selective intertextual reading of relevant and ‘reliable’ media texts based on one’s own life experiences, ideals, dreams and inherent desires. A continuous process of introjection and projection (Gould 1993), thereby, strengthens the fan’s feeling of ‘knowing’ the celebrity like a personal friend,
despite actually having never met the real person behind the image. Nevertheless, this experienced ‘bond of emotional closeness’ can at times be strong enough to elicit within the consumer a feeling of ‘personal friendship’ or ‘love’ towards the admired film star,
which can take the form of a parasocial relationship