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Weighted domination models and randomized heuristics
Get PDFWe consider the minimum weight and smallest weight minimum-size dominating set problems in vertex-weighted graphs and networks. The latter problem is a two-objective optimization problem, which is different from the classic minimum weight dominating set problem that requires finding a dominating set of the smallest weight in a graph without trying to optimize its cardinality. In other words, the objective of minimizing the size of the dominating set in the two-objective problem can be considered as a constraint, i.e. a particular case of finding Pareto-optimal solutions. First, we show how to reduce the two-objective optimization problem to the minimum weight dominating set problem by using Integer Linear Programming formulations. Then, under different assumptions, the probabilistic method is applied to obtain upper bounds on the minimum weight dominating sets in graphs. The corresponding randomized algorithms for finding small-weight dominating sets in graphs are described as well. Computational experiments are used to illustrate the results for two different types of random graphs
A systems thinking approach to inclusive governance
Get PDFThis article explores the correlation between participatory urban development, multi-scale policymaking, and the integration of citizen participation data throughout the policy cycle by proposing a systems approach. These aspects are rarely covered in academic literature. Through a review of peer-reviewed and other reputable literature, it seeks to define inclusive participation and examine mechanisms of participation in current urban governance practice using case studies. The article then discusses a multi-scale policymaking methodology to address the complexity of urban participation. This approach is grounded in systems thinking, which provides a framework for understanding complex systems by analyzing interrelationships, feedback loops, and the dynamics shaping system behavior
ICTV virus taxonomy profile: Duplodnaviria 2025
Get PDFThe realm Duplodnaviria includes viruses of archaea, bacteria and eukaryotes, with linear dsDNA genomes. Duplodnavirians share a distinct morphogenetic module of four hallmark genes encoding the HK97-fold major capsid protein, a genome packaging ATPase-nuclease (large terminase subunit), a portal protein and a capsid maturation protease. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the realm Duplodnaviria, which is available at ictv.global/report/duplodnaviria
The new frontier of urban mobility: A scenario-based analysis of autonomous vehicles adoption in urban transportation
No full textUrban mobility, as a critical component of urban development and sustainability, is on the brink of a major revolution with the advent and widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles (AVs). However, the ambitious vision of a transformative shared economic future and decreased car ownership conflicts with the notion that car dependency will be worsened, leading to significant uncertainties and potential challenges surrounding AVs, particularly in developing countries. In this context, this study contributes to the literature by addressing these uncertainties, through an empirical examination of preferences toward four distinct modes of transportation: “public transport”, “conventional private car”, “autonomous private car”, and “shared autonomous taxi”. To accomplish this, a scenario-based stated preference survey was administered in Istanbul, Turkey, as an example of a megacity in a developing country. The collected data were analyzed using discrete choice models (multinomial and random parameter (mixed) logit models) to reveal the preferences of the survey participants. The findings indicate that considering the social status and significance associated with private vehicle ownership, the challenges of popularizing shared and on-demand AV modes should not be underestimated
The role of engineered tree pit solutions in nature-positive civil engineering
Get PDFSuccessfully establishing and growing street trees presents significant challenges and traditional techniques are associated with elevated tree mortality. Moreover, securing appropriate soil volumes for trees is a substantial challenge, particularly in modern street engineering where the grey infrastructure is prioritised over tree success. Engineered tree pit solutions can counteract this situation. They enable trees and grey infrastructure to coexist, providing improved rooting environments, load-bearing structural support conforming to engineering specifications, and the ability to manage stormwater runoff within one tree pit design. This article presents a literature-informed overview of the current technologies applicable to new-build and retrofit scenarios that integrate street trees and pavements, enabling nature-positive, resilient tree pit designs conducive to tree growth. We focus on the solutions most commonly employed in practice – structural growing media and crate systems – outlining their constituents, construction and considerations for success. This article informs built environment practitioners, policymakers and researchers on innovations translatable into practical techniques to enhance tree pit design and optimise street trees as multifunctional nature-based solutions
Sexual and domestic violence enquiry: A national exploratory survey of asking and telling in sexual health services in the UK
No full textBackgroundGender-based violence in the form of domestic and sexual abuse represent a worldwide public health and civil rights issue. Healthcare and sexual health have a central role to play in prevention, particularly in the identification of sexual and domestic violence/abuse within a frontline service in which it often presents. Survivors of sexual violence and abuse commonly pass through sexual health services without being asked about their victimisation. Healthcare should be able to identify survivors, provide first line support, refer to specialist services and link to comprehensive post assault care.MethodsIn the first study of its kind, with the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) and their Sexual Violence Specialist Interest Group (SVSIG) we report the findings of a snapshot, non-probability, exploratory survey of current comparative sexual and domestic violence/abuse enquiry practice in Genito Urinary Medicine services across the UK. Results62 responding services evidenced variable practice around asking, collating data, referral, training and staff supervision. ConclusionsThis benchmarking study of practice in the UK sets a bar against which all services can measure and improve current practice on gender-based violence identification, a crucial role of sexual health services in reducing the inequalities driven harm of undisclosed trauma.
A qualitative exploratory study into medical, nursing and allied health professional experiences of elective withdrawal of non-invasive ventilation in a motor neurone disease cohort
No full textRationale, aims and objectives With absence of a cure, the mainstay of management for patients with motor neurone disease (MND) is holistic supportive care and symptom control. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) can provide relief from distressing dyspnoea which often accompanies progressive respiratory muscle weakness. Some patients using NIV will become dependent on it, with a small proportion of these patients going on to request withdrawal. Despite being legal in the UK, elective withdrawal of NIV can be emotionally and ethically challenging for the staff involved. To guide the process of symptom-controlled withdrawal, in 2015 the Association for Palliative Medicine (APM) released clinical guidance. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) involved in elective withdrawal of NIV in an MND cohort following the publication of this guidance.Method A qualitative, semi-structured interview study of eight NHS qualified staff members (3 Doctors, 4 nurses, 1 allied health professional). Clinicians were asked questions relating to their experiences of the withdrawals. After full transcription, data was analysed thematically. Results Four main themes were identified, offering insight into how the withdrawals affected staff’s well-being and summarised via an ‘enablers and barriers’ model. The setting was important, as was the depth and longevity of the clinician’s investment in the patient. Positive influences on staff’s well-being arose from the sense of fulfilling the patient’s wishes, good teamwork, presence of an experienced clinician and awareness of the APM (2015) Guidance. Conversely, barriers to well-being were expressed through the unpredictability of each scenario, moral and ethical uncertainties, external pressures on time, mismatched expectations, poor communication and the emotional intensity of the act. Conclusion Elective withdrawal is highly emotive, simultaneously positively and negatively influencing staff well-being. By addressing the potential mitigating factors, the overall impact on staff’s mental health and well-being maybe improved and thus, subsequently, patient care
A multi‐centre prospective cohort study investigating the roles of psychological flexibility and self‐compassion in appearance concerns after burn injuries
Get PDFObjectives: Appearance concerns following burn injuries are common. Psychological factors are important in maintaining such concerns. However, there is a lack of longitudinal or prospective research investigating their development. This study investigated whether psychological flexibility and self-compassion at hospital admission predicted subsequent appearance concerns. Design: A multi-centre prospective cohort study across six burns services. Methods: Adults (n = 175; 67% male) in hospital following burn injuries were recruited. Questionnaires measuring appearance concerns, psychological flexibility, self-compassion, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and perceived noticeability were completed during hospital admission and two- and six-months later. Demographic and burn injury information was collected. Results: Correlational analyses showed that increased psychological flexibility and self-compassion at admission were associated with decreased appearance concerns cross-sectionally and prospectively at two- and six-month follow-up. These associations remained significant when controlling for key covariates (i.e., gender, age, ethnicity, percentage total body surface area burnt, perceived noticeability, PTSD symptoms). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that psychological flexibility and self-compassion predicted appearance concerns during hospital admission. Although psychological flexibility significantly predicted appearance concerns over time, it became non-significant when controlling for baseline appearance concerns. Conclusions: Psychological flexibility has a protective role against appearance concerns soon after burn injuries, although this protective role is reduced when accounting for baseline appearance concerns. Early interventions targeting psychological flexibility (i.e., acceptance and commitment therapy) may be beneficial after burns if adapted to address appearance-related concerns
Zero-day Android botnet detection using neural networks
No full textAndroid devices have evolved to offer a diverse array of services, spanning applications related to banking, business, health, and entertainment. The widespread adoption of Android devices, coupled with the open-source architecture of the Android operating system, has rendered them a prime target for malicious actors. Among the most perilous threats are Android botnets, which enable malicious actors, often referred to as botmasters, to exert remote control for the execution of destructive attacks. Android botnets have huge potential to be an emerging threat to mobile device security. In this paper, we focus on detecting evolving Android botnets and introduce a new dataset of 3458 apps, represented by 455 permission-based features. We propose an improved multilayer perceptron neural network for zero-day botnet detection. Our methodology, in this way, achieves an accuracy of 98.5%, thus outperforming traditional classifiers. It has a lot of functionality and is based on the neural network approach, making it able to identify slight botnet behaviours in order to improve Android security
Build it and they will come? - A case study of a ‘softer landings’ approach in creating a low-carbon community
No full textThis paper explores an emerging low-carbon construction business model through a case study of a low-carbon community supported by a private Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) in Lincolnshire. The study highlights the developer’s extended aftercare and on-site support that has a focus on engaging residents in behaviour change and low-carbon community building (termed the ‘softer landings' approach ). The research employs a mixed method approach, with multiple sources of data from in-depth interviews, a focus group discussion, and questionnaire surveys, as well as energy consumption data from Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) on four projects over two development sites completed between 2016 and 2019. The findings suggest that extended aftercare and on-site support from the developer could cultivate a self-supporting low-carbon community that promotes peer learning and support, behaviour change, decreases energy consumption and leads to user satisfaction. The research proposes a model where the positive outcomes of the ‘softer landings approach’ could in turn drive the demand-side market for low-carbon dwellings, create further business opportunities for the developer, mitigate capital cost and resources invested in the extended aftercare, and generate business growth. Recommendations for this model to be replicated and upscaled through professional networks, and supported through policy and regulatory frameworks in the UK are presented as a constructive way forward in order to achieve the government’s decarbonisation goals