26207 research outputs found
Sort by
Location-based early detection and prevention of DDoS attacks in mMTC networks
No full textThe Random Access (RA) procedure of the current 3GPP cellular network has been adopted for small data packet transmissions by massive Machine Type Communication Devices (MTCDs). However, the initial steps of the RA procedure lack an authentication mechanism, making it susceptible to Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, particularly in massive access scenarios. In these cases, attackers can hide among a large number of legitimate stationary devices with limited processing capabilities, such as installed sensors or smart meters. To address this issue, this paper proposes an early DDoS attack detection and prevention method that leverages the Timing Advance (TA) information from stationary MTCDs. The proposed method detects the approximate location of malicious devices sending consecutive preamble codes and blocks them by withholding Resource Blocks (RBs) during the RA procedure. Numerical results from a simulated Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) for Machine Type Communications (MTC), considering noise and multipath effects, demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in detecting and mitigating DDoS attacks. Under intense attack scenarios, the proposed method effectively identifies network attackers while reducing RA delay and RB consumption for MTCDs by approximately 50% compared to the baseline. This improvement enhances overall network performance and sustainability
Novel finite element-cell based methodology for evaluating residual stress distribution caused by punching process in plane crack problems
Get PDFOne of the most important factors in reducing the crack growth rate and ultimately increasing fatigue life is the creation of Compressive Residual Stress (CRS). In this regard, many well-known methods in the industry rely on Severe Plastic Deformation (SPD) as their main mechanism. Among these methods, crack tip punching has attracted significant interest across various industries. This article aims to present a novel evaluation methodology for the residual stress field with high accuracy. The proposed method, based on Finite Element-Cell (FE-Cell) approach, is specifically designed for Plane Crack problems. To validate this approach, a case study was conducted on a standard Compact Tension (CT) specimen made of A.356 aluminum alloy. The punching process was simulated considering elastic-plastic material properties and isotropic hardening. To verify the accuracy of the FE simulation, the CRS distribution resulting from the punching process was obtained using the FE-path method and compared with previously published results. The proposed FE-Cell method was then employed, and the residual stress fields around the PLC were averaged for each nodal element layer within a representative volume to determine the true residual stress distribution as a function of target depth. Eventually, the obtained results were compared with the results of FE-path method. This comparison showed that the proposed model, i.e., FE-Cell, can well evaluate the residual stress field on the surface and depth at the crack tip as a result of the punching proces
Reflexive thematic analysis and men's embodiment following injury or illness: A worked example
Get PDFReflexive thematic analysis (reflexive TA) originated within psychology and the social sciences and has become an increasingly popular qualitative analytic method across a range of disciplines. In this article, we offer a brief methodological guide for researchers hoping to use the method, suitable for beginners through to those experienced in qualitative research. Reflexive TA can be used to analyze data generated via a range of methods. Reflexive TA is highly flexible, and we outline the choices that researchers need to address when conducting their research. These choices relate to the theoretical approach (realist through to relativist/experiential to critical), their orientation to analyzing the data (inductive to deductive), and the depth in which they analyze their dataset (semantic to latent). We offer an accessible but comprehensive discussion of the six phases of reflexive thematic analysis and how best to produce a rigorous analysis. Starting with familiarization of the dataset as a foundation for analysis, data are then coded, before using these codes to generate initial themes. These early themes are then reviewed and developed, before the researcher moves to defining and naming them. The final phase of analysis is the writing up of the research, at which point final changes may still be made to the results. Written from the basis of our experience of using, teaching, and training reflexive thematic analysis within psychology and the social sciences, we see it as useful for those working across a range of disciplines
Psychosocial assessment in musculoskeletal care: A survey of UK physiotherapists
No full textBackground Psychosocial factors strongly influence musculoskeletal (MSK) outcomes, yet their systematic assessment remains inconsistent in physiotherapy practice. Although validated psychosocial assessment tools exist, little is known about how UK MSK physiotherapists use them. Objective To explore UK physiotherapists’ perceptions, practices, and confidence regarding psychosocial assessment, and to identify key challenges and facilitators. Design Cross-sectional online survey. Methods An anonymous online questionnaire was distributed via professional networks and social media to qualified UK-based MSK physiotherapists. Questions focused on demographics, perceptions, practices, and challenges/facilitators regarding psychosocial assessment. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and using non-parametric statistics; free-text responses were examined narratively. Results 373 physiotherapists responded, from a range of roles and experience levels. Most rated psychosocial factors as highly important and reported they often influenced treatment planning. Assessment relied mainly on clinical judgement and explicit questioning, while formal tool use was uncommon. Confidence in identifying and interpreting psychosocial factors showed moderate positive associations with screening tool use and weak or no associations with years of clinical experience. The most cited challenges to use of validated tools were time constraints, and training, whereas concise tools, electronic integration, and evidence of patient benefit were viewed as key facilitators. Conclusions UK MSK physiotherapists recognise the importance of psychosocial assessment, but its application in routine practice remains inconsistent and largely informal. Confidence appears to be more closely related to exposure to psychosocial screening tools than to years of clinical experience. These findings highlight the need for approaches that support consistent psychosocial assessment within routine MSK care
Developing recommendations for promoting wellbeing in individuals with Alopecia Areata: A modified Delphi study
No full textObjectives: Develop recommendations for the multidisciplinary, multisector care providers involved in the support of individuals with alopecia areata (AA) to promote individuals’ wellbeing. AA is a condition that causes hair loss on the scalp and for some the head or whole body, and is associated with difficulties in psychosocial adjustment. Design: A modified Delphi consensus study with three rounds: Round 1 was a qualitative survey to generate recommendations; Round 2 involved a rating survey to work towards consensus on important items to retain; and round 3 asked panellists from four different support roles to establish the most relevant items for their respective roles. Setting: The United Kingdom, across healthcare, charitable and private health and mental health sectors.Participants: Panellists held two forms of expertise. One group were experts by support role comprising medical professionals (general practitioners and dermatologists), mental health professionals, peer facilitators, and trichologists. All were selected due to experience of working with individuals who have AA. The other group were experts by experience, namely adults living with AA who had some experience of receiving support from the above care providers. Forty-eight panellists contributed to round 1 (22 experts by support role, 29 experts by experience; 3 with dual roles), 46 to round 2 (21 and 27 respectively; 3 with dual roles), and 23 experts by support role completed round 3.Data analysis: In round 1, data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. In round 2, panellists rated the importance of all recommendation items on a single 1-5 scale. Consensus was determined by ≥80% agreement between panellists that items were moderately or very important.Results: Multiple candidate recommendations were generated from round 1, and following round 2, all bar one were retained in the list presented in round 3. Items rated as relevant to all care providers in round 3 included “Validate (and explore) the emotional impact of AA”, “Respect and work with individuals' chosen coping strategies (where no clear harm is caused)” and “There should be a holistic, multi-support-role & multisector approach to psychological support”. There was notable overlap in the recommendation principles generated across each support role, but the detail in how these can be delivered by each group differed. There were also a number of unique recommendations for each support role. Conclusion: Medical professionals, mental health professionals, trichologists and peer support facilitators can each play a role in promoting the psychological wellbeing of individuals with AA. The distinct role and skillset of each group point to a need for a multidisciplinary approach to supporting affected individuals’ wellbeing. Strengths and Limitations of this study•Included individuals with alopecia areata (AA) as valuable experts by experience in the development of recommendations, and utilised patient and public involvement throughout.•Addressed the need for all care providers involved in the care of individuals with AA to promote their wellbeing.•Included an extensive qualitative survey in the first round to generate meaningful items to the panellist group, while also drawing on extant literature to inform the analysis.•Underrepresented black and Asian individuals, as well as men in the panellist group.•Addressed the wellbeing needs and preferences of children and young people with AA to a lesser extent than adults
Environmental and socio-ecological performance of greening at household and street level
No full textHousehold- and street-level greening is a key strategy for enhancing urban resilience to climate change, yet gaps persist in understanding their environmental and socio-ecological performance. To address this gap, this study aims to identify the most common household and street-scale green infrastructure (GI) types in the UK, develop a structured scoring framework for evaluating their environmental and socio-ecological performance, and determine which configurations deliver the greatest multifunctional benefits. We surveyed 112 cities and towns in England and Wales, documenting a total of over 900 sites across front gardens, back gardens, and streets. Common types of greenery included grass, hedges, container plants, street trees, and low shrubs. A five-level scoring framework was developed to assess these configurations' environmental and socio-ecological performance across five impact dimensions: air quality, cooling, flood mitigation, biodiversity, and health and wellbeing. The framework was informed by 991 peer-reviewed studies (2015-2025), expert judgement, and remote visual assessments. The results reveal a clear performance gap between single-element and multi-element configurations. At the household level, combinations of hedges, grass, and trees scored highest in pollutant reduction, cooling, and surface water management. Adding container plants or vertical green screens further improved biodiversity and wellbeing, especially in front gardens. At the street level, the highest scores were associated with configurations that included street trees, roadside grass, hedges, and shrubs. Pocket gardens further enhanced socio-ecological performance through vegetation diversity and vertical layering. These findings underscore the role of plant diversity and spatial composition in maximising the multifunctional benefits of household and street-scale greenery and emphasise that collectively these provide the most benefit when planned as a multifunctional network of GI. The study offers a replicable, evidence-based reference to support DIY and community greening and supports equity and resilience in UK residential areas. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.
“Forever chemicals in our water!”: Prevalence of PFAS in drinking water, associated health risks, and approaches to regulation
Get PDFThe family of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) includes thousands of artificial compounds with a wide range of applications in industrial and consumer goods, many preceding statutory controls and commercialized with an implicit assumption about safety with respect to environmental and human health. In recent years, emerging concern about PFAS contamination has led to studies of prevalence in the environment and in the human body. Drinking water has been established as a significant exposure route for humans. Epidemiological studies have found associations between some PFAS compounds in drinking water and human health impacts including neonatal impacts, metabolic syndrome, thyroid dysfunction, and certain cancers. However, understanding of causal mechanisms is not yet definitive. This review of over one hundred peer‐reviewed scientific papers and government documents synthesized the state of current knowledge as of late 2025, focusing on evidence regarding: firstly, prevalence of PFAS in drinking water and the human body; secondly, demonstrated associations with human health impacts; and, thirdly, how regulatory authorities in different parts of the world are attempting to address emerging concerns about risks to human and environmental health. This article is categorized under: Engineering Water > Water, Health, and Sanitation Science of Water > Water Quality Human Water > Water Governanc
The impact foreign direct investment, inflation, and exchange rate fluctuations on economic growth in Nigeria
Get PDFWith its rich natural resources and large domestic market, Nigeria is one of the largest economies in Africa, attracting foreign investment. However, inflation and the exchange rate determine the profitability of foreign investment and, therefore, affect its role in stimulating economic growth in the country. This study aims to assess the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI), inflation, and exchange rate fluctuations on economic growth in Nigeria. This study adopted the Solow Growth Theory and the Dependency Theory as a theoretical framework. The researchers used an ex-post facto design and gathered annual secondary data from the World Bank from 1990 to 2024. The analysis employed unit root tests, descriptive statistics, cointegration tests, and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to assess short- and long-run trends. The findings show that past GDP has a significant impact on present growth. This points to path dependence in Nigeria's economy. Inflation and changes in exchange rates had inconsistent and short-lived effects. Their varying positive and negative signs reflect economic instability. In the short run, FDI was not significant, meaning foreign capital inflows do not immediately lead to productivity gains. This is due to weak institutions, limited technology transfer, and the repatriation of profits. In the long run, exchange rates and inflation did not have a significant effect, while FDI played a weak but positive role in growth, with significance only at the 10% level. These results highlight that unstable short-term shocks are more influential than long-term growth drivers. Thus, coordinated policies are needed to stabilise inflation and exchange rates, strengthen institutions, and create a better investment environment for sustainable growth. Government institutions can use the results of this research to develop coordinated fiscal and monetary policies that improve the country's investment climate and facilitate the inflow of foreign investment
Final year undergraduate students’ experiences of completing a qualitative psychology dissertation: Implications for teaching and practice
Get PDFIn recent years qualitative research methods have become increasingly popular amongst students conducting their final year psychology projects. Qualitative research methods offer students the opportunity to conduct innovative and exciting research projects but are sometimes viewed as ‘less scientific’ within the discipline and some academics may lack the necessary knowledge and confidence to support students undertaking such projects. To understand students’ experiences of conducting qualitative dissertation projects, an online questionnaire (12 participants), two focus groups (7 participants) and semi-structured interviews (6 participants) were conducted with students on a BPS-accredited degree programme at a UK institution. Data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and four themes generated: Exploring the qualitative/quantitative dichotomy as a basis for decisions and comparisons; Conducting a qualitative dissertation is daunting: expectations versus reality; the importance of having appropriate qualitative support; and creating a community of qualitative dissertation students. We propose that psychology courses need to consider embedding qualitative research methods throughout the first- and second-year curriculum and ensuring that all staff have confidence to supervise qualitative projects