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AI based cybersecurity enhancement in 5G networks
Get PDFIn today’s interconnected landscape, cybersecurity is an indispensable pillar of technological advancement, while cyber threats evolve at a pace equivalent to the systems they are trying to compromise. The emergence of increasingly sophisticated attack vectors challenges traditional security paradigms, requiring innovative approaches to detect and mitigate threats. Among these threats, attacks targeting wireless communications are
particularly concerning, as they have the potential to compromise critical infrastructures and essential services across various sectors.
As communication networks become more complex, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have emerged as essential tools for security analysis and threat identification. These technologies enable the implementation of real-time monitoring and adaptive response mechanisms, which are crucial to protecting modern wireless systems.
However, the implementation of effective security measures without compromising operational efficiency presents significant challenges, particularly in resource-constrained environments.
The integration of fifth Generation (5G) wireless technology into Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) exemplifies these challenges, improving the capabilities of these platforms through faster communication, low latency, and high reliability. Despite these advantages, reliance on advanced wireless communications makes UAVs vulnerable to jamming attacks, a critical threat that can compromise their operations. Jamming occurs when signals are emitted to block or degrade the control and data links of UAVs.
In UAV applications such as surveillance, goods delivery, and disaster management, jamming can cause significant issues, including loss of control, failure to complete missions, and compromise of data integrity. These threats are especially critical in sectors such as defense and public security, where UAVs play a strategic role.
Detecting jamming in UAVs is particularly challenging due to their mobility, dynamic environments, and the complexity of the high-frequency spectrum associated with 5G.
Malicious actors may employ advanced techniques, such as intelligent spoofing and jamming, to exploit specific communication frequencies or channels, further complicating detection efforts.
Effective jamming identification methods are heavily based on artificial intelligence-based approaches, including real-time spectral analysis and advanced anomaly detection.
AI facilitates the analysis of large volumes of network data to identify patterns indicative of jamming, even when the interference is subtle or adaptive. By leveraging ML models, UAV systems can classify and predict potential jamming threats in real time.
Jamming into UAVs has the potential to compromise missions and pose significant security risks. Therefore, proactive detection and mitigation strategies are essential to protect UAV operations and maintain confidence in 5G-enabled applications. Ensuring resilience against jamming not only protects UAVs but also promotes the broader adoption of 5G in critical systems, fostering safe and sustainable progress in the era of wireless communications
A multi-objective optimization approach for integrated risk-based internal audit planning
Get PDFAnnual audit planning is a multi-criteria decision-making problem faced by internal audit departments of all organizations. Due to the constrained audit resources, the planning process primarily involves the analysis and evaluation of complex factors for selecting auditable units that maximize the full potential of internal audit. Previous research on internal audit planning only focused on the goal of risk minimization and applied ranking methods to prioritize alternatives. In order to enable internal audit activities to add more value to the organization, the integrated risk-based internal audit planning is proposed to assist audit department in achieving multiple objectives in addition to risk management. Meanwhile, a multi-stage framework is proposed to support the development of such value-added internal audit plan. The new framework integrates the risk assessment of auditable units with the selection of audit activities and resource allocation through a combined analytic hierarchy process (AHP), fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) and weighted multi-choice goal programming (WMCGP) approach. The model considers both qualitative and quantitative decision criteria. A real-life case study of the development of an integrated risk-based annual audit plan is presented, and sensitivity analysis is performed to illustrate the validity of the proposed approach. The results indicate that the proposed framework is a useful tool for internal audit planning and the implications of the study can be extended to various selection and allocation problems.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Exploring the impact of depression, anxiety, stress, academic engagement, and dropout intention on medical students' academic performance: A prospective study
Get PDFBackground
Depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) have been linked to poor academic outcomes. This study explores the relationships among DAS, academic engagement, dropout intentions, and academic performance — measured by Grade Point Average (GPA) — in medical students. It aims to understand how these factors relate to each other and predict academic performance.
Methods
Data were collected from 351 medical students (74.9 % female) through an online survey. The average age was 20.2 years. Psychometric instruments measured DAS, academic engagement, and dropout intentions. Structural equation modeling was used to test the relationships between these variables and their prediction of GPA.
Results
DAS negatively associated academic engagement (?=-0.501; p<0.001) and positively connected to dropout intentions (?=0.340; p<0.001). Academic engagement positively predicted GPA (?=0.298; p<0.001) and negatively associated with dropout intentions (?=-0.367; p<0.001). DAS had a nonsignificant direct effect on GPA (?=-0.008; p=0.912). However, DAS indirect effect — via academic engagement — on GPA and dropout intention was statistically significant.
Limitations
The study’s limitations include the use of a convenience sample and the collection of all variables — except GPA — at the same time point, which may affect the generalizability of the results.
Conclusions
The study supports the important role of DAS in associating with academic engagement and dropout intentions, which can predict GPA. Addressing DAS could enhance academic engagement and reduce dropout rates, leading to better academic performance.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
The key role of market orientation in innovation ambidexterity in agribusiness firms
Get PDFThe objective of this study is to examine the relationships between market orientation, organizational culture, proactive management, organizational climate, and organizational structure on the innovative orientation (exploitative and exploratory innovation). Little research has been conducted to examine the relationship between these organizational dimensions and innovation orientation. This study offers this and provides a particular type of companies (agribusiness) and context (Extremadura, Spain). Quantitative approach, by using structural modelling equations, to analyze data from 151 innovative agri-food firms was used in this study. Then, using a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), was carried out to obtain additional insights. The main result find that market orientation plays a key role both in exploitative and exploratory innovation in agribusiness firms. Innovation exploitation is influenced by the firm’s organic structure. Results from fsQCA provide valuable findings showing that innovation exploitation and exploration result from distinct organizational configurations, thus providing valuable insights for decision and policy-making.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Belonging to the ace spectrum: Correlates of cognitions, feelings, and desires of ace individuals
Get PDFIntroduction: Asexuality is typically defined as a lack of sexual attraction, and yet this definition fails to include the multitude of experiences within the ace community. We explored the correlates of different cognitions, feelings, and desires reported by ace individuals.
Methods: Data for a cross-sectional study with 456 individuals from online ace communities (61.8% women; Mage = 24.62, SD = 6.98) were collected in 2019.
Results: Higher scores on the Asexuality Identification Scale (AIS) were associated with fewer experiences with romantic partners, more experiences with intimate affective relationships, and higher avoidant attachment. In contrast, sexual and romantic attractions were associated with more experiences with romantic partners. However, sexual attraction was associated with fewer experiences with non-sexual romantic relationships and lower AIS scores, whereas romantic attraction was associated with lower avoidant attachment and higher anxious attachment. The desire to have physically intimate romantic relationships was associated with more experiences with romantic partners, lower avoidant attachment, higher anxious attachment, and lower AIS scores. Lastly, the desire to have intimate affective relationships was associated with more experiences with solely affective relationships and higher anxiety attachment.
Conclusions: These findings show the importance of past experiences and individual differences in shaping the way ace individuals construe their identity, and experience feelings and desires.
Policy Implications: By highlighting the need to acknowledge diversity within the ace community, this study offers insights into how to increase awareness and develop more inclusive social policies.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Perceived stress, well-being, and academic performance of university students during the first COVID-19 lockdown: A study of Portuguese, Spanish, and Brazilian students
Get PDFBackground/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected university students globally, exacerbating their already existing academic stress. This study investigates how the first COVID-19 lockdown (March–July 2020) differently impacted Portuguese, Spanish, and Brazilian university students’ perceived academic stress, personal well-being, academic engagement, and performance. Methods: An online survey collected responses from 1081 university students (78.17% female; Mage = 25.43 years, SD = 9.27). Qualitative data on academic stressors were analyzed using content analysis. Cross-country differences were assessed through chi-square analyses and ANOVAs. Hypotheses were tested with a mediation path analysis. Results: Emotional distress emerged as the most prevalent stressor (54%). The results evidence differences in how students from the three countries experienced their academic life during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Personal and academic well-being mediated stress’ effects on performance. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for context-tailored interventions and proactive measures to support students’ academic engagement in challenging contexts, informing educators and policymakers alike.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
A cross-cultural perspective about the Ripple effect of corporate social responsibility on internal brand commitment through corporate reputation
No full textThis study, grounded in social identity theory, aimed to examine the mediating role of corporate reputation in the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and internal brand commitment. Additionally, it sought to investigate whether individualistic versus collectivistic cultural orientations moderate this indirect relationship. This research consisted of two complementary studies. The first study employed a qualitative approach, utilizing interviews to explore employees' perceptions of CSR practices (N = 14). The second study adopted a quantitative approach, using an online survey to collect data from 506 participants distributed across Portugal (a collectivistic culture) and France, Italy, and Spain (characterized as individualistic cultures). The findings from the first study revealed that employees perceive CSR practices as enhancing an organization's reputation. Additionally, these practices are seen as positively influencing employees' performance, job satisfaction, and commitment by boosting their morale and strengthening their sense of organizational identification. The results from the second study showed that CSR improved employees' internal brand commitment through increases in corporate reputation. It also demonstrated that the degree of individualism or collectivism affected how employees perceived the organization's reputation and influenced their internal brand commitment. Finally, it was also shown that national culture moderated the indirect effect of CSR on internal brand commitment through corporate reputation, in such a way, that this relationship was stronger in collectivistic countries (versus individualistic). The present study contributes to reinforcing the importance of adapting CSR initiatives to the national culture, as a strategy to improve employees' commitment toward their brand.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio
What we can learn from flat tax research
Get PDFThis chapter explores the increasing academic and political interest in the “Flat Tax” system, particularly inspired by the outcomes observed in countries with proportional taxation. By analyzing a sample of 109 scientific articles from the Scopus platform using bibliometric indicators, the chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the research trends and key findings in this area. The study reveals a significant rise in publications and citations over the last few decades, with a strong focus from European researchers, though the USA shows the highest interest. The findings indicate that the topic spans various disciplines, resulting in diverse and sometimes conflicting conclusions. This chapter underscores the importance of continued investigation into the flat tax to better understand its broader implications.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio
Assessing school happiness: Development and validation of a measurement scale for parents/guardians
Get PDFIntroduction: Parents are one of the stakeholders in evaluating schools, and families’ perspectives about schools are increasingly acknowledged as essential to educational decision-making. However, little is known about how parents’ perspectives on school happiness can be assessed. This article proposes a model for evaluating school happiness as perceived by parents/guardians.
Methods: Data were obtained through questionnaires administered to 641 parents. The model was tested using structural equation modeling techniques.
Results: The results identified four main components: relationships and teachers’ characteristics (People), teaching practice (Process), learning/leisure balance (Process), and green school (Place).
Discussion: The article discusses the development and validation of an instrument that can be used with parents/caretakers as one of the means of assessing a school’s overall happiness level and identifying key aspects to improve a school’s level of happiness. Implications for future research on the evaluation of happy schools are also discussed.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
O conflito do Saara Ocidental e a agência política dos jovens saarauís
Get PDFO conflito do Saara Ocidental teve, desde o seu começo em 1975, inúmeros desenvolvimentos.
Um deles foi o deslocamento forçado de milhares de Saarauís para a Argélia, aquando da
ocupação marroquina, onde se estabeleceram campos de refugiados, em que residem, até hoje,
cerca de 173 600 pessoas (Kapur, 2019). 50 anos mais tarde, a luta pela autodeterminação do
Saara Ocidental está longe de ser concretizada, continuando a ser necessário o esforço pela
perpetuação da causa Saarauí e da sua visibilidade perante a comunidade internacional. Deste
modo, o presente estudo procura compreender as agências políticas da nova geração de
Saarauís, assim como as suas perspetivas de futuro, tendo em conta o seu contexto político e as
dificuldades sentidas no dia-a-dia. Para tal, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas a um
grupo de jovens residentes nos campos de refugiados em Tindouf, a jovens residentes em
Espanha, assim como a um profissional humanitário que trabalha numa associação de apoio ao
Saara Ocidental. No geral, os resultados obtidos refletem conclusões similares às da literatura
consultada, evidenciando que a agência política dos jovens Saarauís é limitada, não só pela sua
falta de representatividade na RASD e na Frente Polisário, como também pelas dificuldades
sentidas na vida quotidiana, nos campos e pela falta de perspetivas futuras dessa geração. A
conjunção de problemáticas identificadas, juntamente com a longevidade do conflito e a falta
de uma solução para o mesmo condicionaram as suas perceções sobre a melhor forma de o
afrontar.The Western Sahara conflict has undergone numerous developments since its beginning in
1975. One of them was the forced displacement of thousands of Sahrawis to Algeria during the
Moroccan occupation, where refugee camps were established and where, to this day, around
173,600 people reside (Kapur, 2019). 50 years later, the struggle for the self-determination of
Western Sahara remains far from being achieved, and continued efforts are needed to sustain
the Sahrawi cause and its visibility before the international community. Thus, the present study
aims to understand the political agency of the new generation of Sahrawis, as well as their future
perspectives, considering their political context and the daily challenges they face. To achieve
this, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a group of young people residing in the
refugee camps in Tindouf, young Sahrawis living in Spain, and a humanitarian professional
working in an organization that supports Western Sahara. Overall, the results obtained were in
line with the consulted literature, highlighting that the political agency of the youth is limited,
not only by their lack of representation in the SADR and the Polisario Front, but also by the
difficulties faced in their daily lives, in the camps and the lack of future prospects for this
generation. The combination of the identified issues, along with the longevity of the conflict
and the lack of a solution, shaped their perceptions regarding the best method to achieve its
resolution