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Non-Negative Matrix Factorisation for Feature Selection: A Proposed Approach for the Detection of Multi-Stage Attacks
No full textNoWith the emergence of digital technologies like 5G wireless networks, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT), our daily lives, travel, and work have undergone a transformation. These advancements have led to improved productivity, informed decision-making, and increased profits. However, adversaries have also found lucrative opportunities to launch attacks, which have become more sophisticated and stealthier, making them challenging to detect. Multi-Stage attacks (MSAs), in particular, have gained popularity due to their stealthy nature and the success they have achieved in recent years. To combat these attacks, this paper utilised an optimised Non-Negative Matrix Factorisation (NMF) for feature selection, as part of the Machine Learning (ML) approach to enhance the detection of MSAs
Preclinical pharmacokinetics, absolute bioavailability and dose proportionality evaluation of bioactive phytochemical Withanone in rats.
No full textYesWithanone (WN), a bioactive phytochemical isolated from the medicinal herb Withania somnifera, has shown multiple pharmacological and therapeutic successes, including neuroprotective and anti-cancer activities. However, detailed pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of pure WN were not well defined. Pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics, dose proportionality, and absolute bioavailability of pure WN were explored in rats using an efficient, reliable, and sensitive LC-MS/MS assay to address this gap. The method shows excellent linearity over 0.5-500 ng/mL (r2 ≥ 0.99), is accurate, and requires less analysis time. A dose proportionality and absolute bioavailability of pure WN were determined in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats through three ascending oral (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) and single intravenous (5 mg/kg) PK studies. The peak concentration (Cmax) of WN was 60.53 ± 20.33, 116.30 ± 16.89, and 91.62 ± 6.20 ng/mL, corresponding to oral dosage of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, respectively. WN shows poor systemic exposure upon oral administration, leading to low oral bioavailability (<15 %). Additionally, the dose proportionality studies of WN revealed its saturable bioavailability and non-proportional systemic exposure over the dosage range of 10-40 mg/kg in rats. The obtained PK findings of this study would be valuable for better understanding the pharmacological effects of WN, dose regimen optimization for future studies, and relevance for clinical reference to support its future development as a potential therapeutic molecule
Performance analysis of solid-state shear milling of plastic particles
No full textYesThe paper presents an analysis of plastic particles flow and breakage in a solid-state shear mill (S3M). This mill resembles the traditional stone mill used for flour milling. Particle flow and their breakage are modeled as being the result of the work done on the surface of the particles as they are compressed, sheared, and cut between the rotating disc and the stationary normally loaded disc. The resulting equations give the fractions milled, xw,d, and size reduction Sr in terms of the applied load f, the number of passes, np, through the mill, and the disc rotational speed, N. The model equations were fitted against a wide range of S3M data of plastic particles, plastic particles with grinding additives, and mixed waste plastic particles. A single parameter function (fnp/N)Φ was found to control size reduction, with the exponent Φ distinguishing the effects of the feed nature and composition.Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC
Women are south Asia’s ‘silent contributors’ – changing that could transform economies
No full textYesGovernment programs such as "Digital India," "Startup Bangladesh," “InnovaBiz Interest Relief Program” in Sri Lanka, and "Pakistan Vision 2025" aim to create an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem by offering financial support, skill development, and digital infrastructure that benefit female entrepreneurs. Women-led businesses are thriving on platforms like Meesho (India), Pickaboo (Bangladesh), and Daraz (Pakistan), which enable entrepreneurs to start online stores with minimal investment. Then why are female entrepreneurs being comparatively less in South Asia, according to World Bank reports? Beyond government support, social norms and cultural attitudes, women’s participation significantly impacts female entrepreneurs in South Asia
An explorable model of an adverse outcome pathway of cytokine release syndrome related to the administration of immunomodulatory biotherapeutics and cellular therapies
No full textYesIntroduction: Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a potentially severe systemic inflammatory condition triggered by various immunomodulatory therapies, making understanding its pathogenesis critical for improving patient outcomes.
Results/Methods: By combining immunotoxicology and systems biology approaches, we offer a novel and integrative conceptual model of CRS as an adverse outcome (AO), induced by five different immunomodulatory biotherapies: 1) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, 2) checkpoint inhibitors, 3) T cell engaging bispecific modalities, 4) monoclonal antibodies targeting and activating T cell receptors, and 5) FcγR activating monoclonal antibodies. This model uniquely integrates multiple CRS-inducing therapies into a unified framework, offering a comprehensive mechanistic representation of CRS pathophysiology. For that, we built an adverse outcome pathway (AOP) CRS network for these therapies and then developed a systems biology map of molecular mechanisms relevant to the AOP network. The map of mechanisms is made available via a dedicated online platform for exploration and data visualisation. It includes 24 cell types, 425 entities and 430 interactions.
Discussion: Beyond a static representation, the CRS Map serves as a dynamic tool for clinical and research applications, allowing researchers and clinicians to explore CRS progression in detail, identify biomarkers, and discover potential therapeutic targets. The map demonstrates stages of CRS progression and shows molecules that can be measured in relevant immunotoxicological assays, as well as potential drug targets for therapeutic intervention of CRS.Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking (IMI2 JU) under grant agreement No 853988. The IMI2 JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and EFPIA and JDRF INTERNATIONAL
Zero Trust Model Implementation Considerations in Financial Institutions: A Proposed Framework
No full textYesThe finance industry faces an evolving threat landscape and increasing regulatory obligations, necessitating a comprehensive security framework. This paper proposes implementing the Zero Trust model in financial institutions, focusing on data protection, Identity and Access Management (IAM), and device and network security. The framework is evaluated through the development of a demo bank app, and its effectiveness in addressing security challenges is discussed. The IAM component demonstrates robust authentication and authorization processes, while device and network security measures protect against internal and external threats. Data protection mechanisms ensure the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information. The implementation highlights strengths in comprehensive coverage and effective integration of security measures. Challenges include integration with legacy systems and managing the user experience. Insights and recommendations are provided. This framework enables financial institutions to establish a robust security framework, mitigating cyber threats and enhancing consumer trust
The Black-Box of ESG scores from rating agencies: Do they genuinely reflect sustainability practices, or are they disproportionately shaped by financial performance?
No full textYesThis study examines the environmental, social and governance (ESG) scoring methodologies used by Bloomberg and S&P Global through the lens of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). It addresses a notable gap in the literature by identifying the underlying factors that shape ESG scores and providing practical insights for companies seeking to understand or improve their sustainability ratings. Our comparative analysis reveals clear differences between the two rating agencies. While Bloomberg's raw ESG scores are generally higher than those of S&P Global, the DEA-normalised results tell a different story. Bloomberg applies stricter internal benchmarks, resulting in lower efficiency scores. In contrast, S&P's lower raw scores convert into higher DEA efficiencies, suggesting a more lenient, peer-based benchmarking approach that tends to cluster firms near the top regardless of their absolute ESG performance. A particularly striking finding is that 99% of ESG scores from both agencies correlate with net income, highlighting a strong connection between financial performance and ESG ratings. Our regression analysis supports this, showing that firms with better financial outcomes tend to receive higher ESG scores. However, we also find that companies with growing cash reserves—often indicative of reinvestment and expansion—may be penalised, receiving lower ESG scores. This suggests a potential bias against firms prioritising long-term growth over immediate returns. This study lays the groundwork for future research aimed at refining ESG datasets and expanding the scope of analysis
ROBUST Project: Advancing Ubiquitous eHealth Solutions for Fracture Orthopaedic Rehabilitation
Full text linkYesThe ROBUST (Ubiquitous eHealth Solution for Fracture Orthopaedic Rehabilitation) project represents a pioneering research and innovation initiative. This position paper presents the project's comprehensive approach to revolutionizing bone fracture care through the development of an innovative mobile eHealth platform that integrates advanced RF-based sensing technologies, secure IoT infrastructure, and artificial intelligence driven rehabilitation protocols. Europe's rapidly ageing population presents unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems, with osteoporosis alone causing over 3.2 million leg and hip fractures annually in those aged 50 and above, with up to 10% becoming non-unions that lead to prolonged immobility, repeated hospital visits, and soaring healthcare costs. ROBUST addresses this critical societal need by developing a smart, connected eHealth solution that enables remote monitoring of patients' healing processes while preserving control, safety, and privacy through reliable and energy-efficient mechanisms. After the first 30 months of execution, the project has achieved significant milestones including the development of active RF-based sensors for non-invasive bone density monitoring, implementation of secure body area network with advanced cybersecurity mechanisms, creation of prototype mobile application for patient-centred care, and establishment of a comprehensive system architecture that encompasses telemonitoring and telerehabilitation functionalities. The consortium's interdisciplinary approach combines expertise from five leading European institutions spanning academia and industry, fostering knowledge transfer and innovation through a structured secondment program that has facilitated cross-sector collaboration and skills development. This research contributes to the advancement of digital health technologies by providing evidence-based solutions that could save hundreds of millions of euros in annual healthcare costs through reduced hospital stays and readmissions, while supporting personalized at home guidance that enhances solution adoption and reduces caregiver burden. The project's outcomes establish a foundation for scalable, multidisciplinary bone fracture care with broad benefits for Europe's ageing population and demonstrate the potential for mobile applications in healthcare to address pressing societal challenges.HORIZON EUROPE Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE) ROBUST project, under Grant n. 10108649
Entrepreneurial Policing, proclivity, and the impact of stressors for Senior Investigating Officers (SIOs) within the police service in the UK
No full textNoPolicing in the UK (and globally) is at a crossroads as numerous political, social, and technological developments impact police operational effectiveness. Against this backdrop, the authors introduce a ‘new’ approach to police culture – Entrepreneurial Policing. Public entrepreneurship and police reforms have developed in tandem, but the links between the two remain limited and superficial. This chapter, therefore, critically discusses Entrepreneurial Policing through a model of proclivity – innovation, risk-taking, and proactivity, factors that influence public entrepreneurship, and impact the internal and external reform of UK policing. Through this lens of proclivity, the importance of adaptive learning and increased performance are identifiable core components of police organisational and cultural reform.
Focusing on previous research by one of the authors on Senior Investigating Officers (SIOs), the authors illuminate adaptation to a multitude of stressors to offer a snapshot of internal challenges to overcoming these. At a practical policing level, Entrepreneurial Policing involves refusing to accept the status quo of organisational performances and capabilities. It involves seeking to improve effectiveness and working practices by better use of available time and resources, necessitating the empowerment of employees at all levels within policing to take ownership of the problems they respond to. This chapter argues that a positive ‘can do’ mindset brings results, and while Entrepreneurial Policing is not ‘new’ the authors present an argument for its resurrection in light of current thinking on how to evolve policing internally and organisationally
Tangled in linear anomalies: “Roman villa” at the National Trust’s Beningbrough Hall washed down the drain?
Full text linkYesGeophysical surveys of a National Trust property investigate a potential Roman villa, Integration of two geophysical datasets reveals complex subsurface features