Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown

About: Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Higher education & The Internet. The organization has 209 authors who have published 244 publications receiving 7410 citations. The organization is also known as: ITB & IT Blanchardstown.

Role of international trade shows in small firm internationalization: a network perspective

Abstract: Purpose – The impact of trade shows on the internationalization of participating small exporting firms in terms of growth and expansion has gone largely unstudied, as has their effectiveness in network‐building activities. Using the network model of internationalization, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the role international trade shows play in the internationalization process of small exporting firms in Ireland and New Zealand (NZ).Design/methodology/approach – Taking a two‐tier approach, first, qualitative interviews were conducted with a sample of 37 Irish‐ and NZ‐based export‐intensive seafood firms, followed by in‐depth cases of three Irish export start‐ups.Findings – Trade shows go well beyond being a marketing and information platform and make an important contribution to establishment and enhancement of a network infrastructure for enabling such firms to grow and expand internationally.Research limitations/implications – This paper provides a research basis for exploring the role of tr...

Prospects for expanded utilization of biogas in Germany

Abstract: The prospects for expanded utilization of biogas systems in German was analysed, by identifying the operational and policy factors affecting the complete chain of processes from implementation process for biogas plants, through to biogas production and utilization. It was found that the Renewable Energies Act (EEG) and energy tax reliefs provide bases for the support of expanded utilization. Upgrading of biogas to natural gas quality for utilization in the transportation sector was arguably the most promising technology that could support rapid utilization expansion. Sustainable deployment of biogas systems in light of the unstable feedstock prices and availability, and the need for subsidy-free operation in the long term requires; enhancement of feedstock flexibility and quality characteristics to maximise gas yield, and optimisation of the anaerobic digestion process management. Assessment of energy balance and potential environmental impacts of the integrated process chain provides a holistic assessment of sustainability. The results also support the development and foster of policies and framework for development of biogas as environmentally friendly energy resource, among a mix of renewable energy sources, hence, compete favourably with fossil fuels to enhance the prospects for expanded utilization.

An application of classification models to predict learner progression in tertiary education

Abstract: This paper reports on an application of classification models to identify college students at risk of failing in the first year of study. Data was gathered from three student cohorts in the academic years 2010 through 2012. Students within the cohorts were sampled from a range of academic disciplines (n=1074), and were diverse in their academic backgrounds and abilities. Metrics used included data that are typically available to colleges such as age, gender and prior academic performance. The study also considered psychometric indicators that can be assessed in the early stages after enrolment, specifically, personality, motivation and learning strategies. Six classification algorithms were considered. Model accuracy was assessed using cross validation and was compared to outcomes when models were applied to a subsequent academic year. It was found that mature students were more complex to model than younger students. Furthermore, 10-fold cross validation accurately estimated model performance when modeling younger students only, but over-estimated model accuracy when modeling mature students.

Energy harvesting for assistive and mobile applications

Abstract: Technology advances have enabled modification of the size and shape of the electronic components to the microscale, with commensurate scaling down of their power requirements to milliwatts and microwatt range. Consequently, many complex electronic systems and devices such as wearable medical and autonomous devices consume power in the range less than 200 μW, and wireless sensor networks in the range μW to 100 mW are operated on battery power. Due to the salient limitations of battery power, such as longevity of charge and where applicable, the requirement for periodic recharging, possibilities for utilization of autonomous energy sources is critical for operation of such devices. Ambient energy sources, such as vibrations (1 μW to 20 mW), motion (wide range in power outputs), temperature gradient (0.5–10 mW), radiofrequency waves (>180 μW/cm2), light (100 μW/cm2 to 100 mW/cm2), acoustics (0.003–0.11 μW/cm2), and many other, have the potential to directly power the electronic device. Ambient energy harvesting, when used separately or in conjunction with batteries, will enhance the longevity of equipment operations requiring portable or autonomous power supply. This paper reviews the state of the art in energy-harvesting techniques, power conversion, and characterization of mini- and microscale self-sustaining power generation systems in the range 600 μW to 5 W, specifically focusing on low-power system applications, for personal assistive and mobile technology devices.