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Decomposition in an extreme cold environment and associated microbiome—prediction model implications for the postmortem interval estimation
Get PDFIntroduction: The accurate estimation of postmortem interval (PMI), the time between death and discovery of the body, is crucial in forensic science investigations as it impacts legal outcomes. PMI estimation in extremely cold environments becomes susceptible to errors and misinterpretations, especially with prolonged PMIs. This study addresses the lack of data on decomposition in extreme cold by providing the first overview of decomposition in such settings. Moreover, it proposes the first postmortem microbiome prediction model for PMI estimation in cold environments, applicable even when the visual decomposition is halted.
Methods: The experiment was conducted on animal models in the second-coldest region in the United States, Grand Forks, North Dakota, and covered 23 weeks, including the winter months with temperatures as low as −39°C. Random Forest analysis models were developed to estimate the PMI based either uniquely on 16s rRNA gene microbial data derived from nasal swabs or based on both microbial data and measurable environmental parameters such as snow depth and outdoor temperatures, on a total of 393 samples.
Results: Among the six developed models, the best performing one was the complex model based on both internal and external swabs. It achieved a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 1.36 weeks and an R2 value of 0.91. On the other hand, the worst performing model was the minimal one that relied solely on external swabs. It had an MAE of 2.89 weeks and an R2 of 0.73. Furthermore, among the six developed models, the commonly identified predictors across at least five out of six models included the following genera: Psychrobacter (ASV1925 and ASV1929), Carnobacterium (ASV2872) and Pseudomonas (ASV1863).
Discussion: The outcome of this research provides the first microbial model able to predict PMI with an accuracy of 9.52 days over a six-month period of extreme winter conditions
Empowering Professionals: A Generative AI Approach to Personalized Cybersecurity Learning
Get PDFWe are navigating an era of ongoing technological transformations characterized by a growing need for developing digital skills, including cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy. The skills gap in cybersecurity has been acknowledged by the academic and business community at large, which faces an ongoing challenge in terms of finding and attaining talents. Even though different initiatives have been launched to upskill and reskill individuals, they are either ineffective in developing the required competencies or fail to motivate participants to learn and advance their competencies in relation to a cybersecurity job role. A key factor hindering these efforts is the adoption of a generic training approach rather than tailoring learning to the needs of individual learners. It is imperative to identify novel ways to motivate and engage learners, fostering a lifelong learning mindset that is essential for cybersecurity professional development and progression. This work aims to investigate how generative AI can be leveraged to empower professionals to take ownership of their learning by assisting them to create a personalized cybersecurity study plan. The objective is to inspire the design of innovative solutions focusing on accelerating skills development and contributing to increasing the supply of skilled cybersecurity professionals. Copyright: © 2023 IEE
Poor Eating Habits and Low Physical Activity Contribute to Weight Excess and Increase Cardiometabolic Risk in Adolescents Practicing Soccer as a Recreational Sport
Get PDFBackground: Monitoring anthropometry, dietary intake, and physical activity (PA) is essential to prevent/counteract childhood obesity. This study examined dietary intake, PA, and anthropometric characteristics in young boys practicing soccer as a recreational sport. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 226 boys aged 8 to 13 years participating in soccer as a recreational activity in football academies located in Tunis, Tunisia. Anthropometric measures allowed the calculation of body mass index, fat mass, and peak height velocity as markers of biological maturity. A three-day food record and a food frequency questionnaire estimated nutrient intake and eating habits. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to estimate the PA level of the participants. Results: It was found that a high percentage of the children had excess weight (54%) and excess fat mass (47%). The total energy, carbohydrate, and saturated fat intake of the children exceeded the recommended levels by approximately 10%, 15%, and 30%, respectively. However, the intake of unsaturated fat was below the estimated requirements, particularly in obese children. In addition to the unbalanced macronutrient intake, the children also showed an insufficient intake of many essential micronutrients. Around 60% to 70% of the children in all three groups had a low intake of magnesium, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and vitamins B9, B12, and D. Moreover, 20% to 35% of the children in the three groups had an insufficient intake of vitamins A and C. Insufficient vitamin E intake was found in 63% of obese children and 35% of non-obese children. It was observed that the PA level was lower in the overweight/obese group compared to the normal-weight group (p < 0.005). More than three-quarters of overweight/obese children had low PA levels, about 20% were moderately active, and only 1 to 2% were highly active. Conversely, normal-weight children showed moderate to high PA levels. Conclusions: Poor eating behavior, an unbalanced diet, and a low PA level are prevalent in Tunisian boys practicing recreational sports. Such a combination is responsible for a disparity between energy intake and expenditure, contributing to weight excess and increased cardiometabolic risk. The study findings provide meaningful information for practitioners and authorities on applying a balanced diet and adequate PA to prevent and fight against obesity and improve cardiometabolic health in youth
The Relative Age Effect across an International Soccer Programme in Male and Female Players Aged 12 Years Old to Seniors
Get PDFThe purpose of the study was to examine the prevalence of the Relative Age Effect (RAE) across an international soccer programme in male and female players aged 12 years old to seniors. One hundred forty-five male (age: 18.8 ± 4.6 years; body mass: 68.1 ± 10.2 kg; body height: 177.3 ± 10.5 cm) and 218 female (age: 15.9 ± 4.6 years; body mass: 66.2 ± 10.5 kg; body height: 170.6 ± 8.3 cm) players from a National Association were assessed. All participants were divided into four quartiles: January to March (BQ1), April to June (BQ2), July to September (BQ3), and October to December (BQ4). The results showed that the distributions for all male squads were significantly skewed, with more players than expected from BQ1 in the U-21, U-19, and U-17 and less players than expected from BQ4 in the U-19 squad. The distributions for all female squads showed significantly more players than expected from BQ1 in the U-16 and less players than expected from BQ4 in the U-14 squad. The distributions across the different positions for the male squads combined were significantly skewed with more forward players than expected from BQ1 and less forward and midfielder players than expected from BQ4. For the female squads, there were significantly more BQ1 defenders from the U-16 squad than expected. In conclusion, this study unveils significant disparities in quartile distributions among male and female squads. Moreover, the data emphasize the potential impact of heightened physical demands in certain positions on the RAE
Reappropriating Cultural Memory of the Preston Lock-Out: Can Animation Be Used to Refocus and Reposition Historical Events Using Historical Visual Archives?
Get PDFInspired by a collection of drawings in the Lancashire Archives about the Preston Lock-out of 1853–1854, I embarked on the creation of an animated film utilising the artwork. The objective was to contextualize the Irish women featured within the narrative and provide them with a backstory. Through analysis of these drawings – something that was absolutely necessary for making the film – I gained a deeper understanding of the social unrest and intricate societal dynamics prevailing in Preston during this period. By conveying this knowledge through the medium of moving images, I sought to share new insights into the lives of these women with a broader audience
The Investigation into Magnetic Skyrmion Dynamics Under the Influence of the Interfacial Spin-Transfer Torque
Get PDFTraditionally manufacturing processes have used a wide variety of sensors to provide process control, quality and productivity metrics. Industry 4.0 introduces the concept of combining and analysing sensor derived production data to offer greater insights into all aspects of manufacturing operations. A key area of advancement is the ability to process and analyse large volumes of data, in real-time, to provide to process control. The objective of this thesis is to define a framework that enables adaptive, optimised production control via the use of automated machine learning algorithm selection.
The complete framework is capable of adaptively processing streamed production data directly from manufacturing processes along with other appropriate sources. To achieve this, a second longer term channel is used to autonomously evaluate and optimise competing algorithms and data strategies to select the most appropriate solution for near real-time control. A series of experiments demonstrates that the framework is suitable for production control applications which benefit from a focus on single or multiple accuracy metrics.
The framework can automatically switch algorithms via a supervisory mode. This allows it to take into account additional factors such as concept drift, production changes, computational complexity and algorithm stability. Algorithm switching is based on a flexible optimisation strategy for algorithm performance over variable time periods. Experimental results are provided for two optimisation methodologies.
Further development of the framework will involve full automation of the real-time algorithm selection method. This will remove the need for specialist data processing knowledge and hence allow the framework to be deployed in a wide range of existing manufacturing companies
Psychological Trauma: Understanding Risk, Building resilience
Get PDFThis PhD aimed to ascertain the protective and vulnerability factors of psychological trauma and moral injury in front-line workers and their families during public health crises. Furthermore, to determine how resilience is developed and how this can mitigate the impact of psychological trauma and moral injury. This PhD further aimed to propose a conceptual model aimed at elucidating the psychological impact, and promotive factors of resilience in front-line workers and their families during public health crises. At present, the psychological impacts of working on the front-line during a public health crisis are not fully understood. As such, a systematic review of the literature was conducted.
The systematic review aimed to explore the existing literature on psychological trauma, moral injury and resilience in front-line workers during public health crises. In total, thirty-two papers met the inclusion criteria, which were subjected to a narrative analysis (Popay et al., 2006). The findings highlighted that front-line workers face a plethora of challenges during public health crises. This included, fear of contagion and transmission, changes to working conditions, increased stress, exposure to trauma and moral injury. However protective factors, such as social support in the workplace and self-compassion, promoted the development of resilience. As such, Study one investigated the lived experiences of front-line workers and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Study one is comprised of two qualitative semi-structured interview studies. Part A had a sample of twenty-one family members of front-line workers, and part B a sample of front-line workers. Identical procedures were utilised in both studies and both parts were analysed using Grounded Theory (Glaser & Strauss, 1967; Glaser, 1978) and a thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). The results highlighted several promotive and protective factors of psychological trauma, moral injury and resilience in front-line workers and their families. Seven themes emerged in part A these were: 1.) Elevated stress, including aggravation of pre-existing challenges, 2.) Enhancing wellbeing by using time productively, 3). Unhelpful coping emerging due to restrictions, 4). Connecting with nature to improve wellbeing, 5). Fear of transmission of the virus, 6.) Psychological cost of caring, 7.) Benefits and negatives of online communication. Ten themes emerged in part B and were: 1.) Elevated stress in the workplace, 2.) Organisational support, 3). Fear of transmission, 4.) Feeling betrayed and unsupported by leadership, 5.) Experiencing moral distress in the workplace, 6.) Promoting wellbeing through adopting internal and external coping strategies, 7.) Connecting with nature, 8.) Supporting families, 9.) Feeling resilient and/or able to take control of future actions, and 10.) Maladaptive coping adopted. Overall, the findings indicated front-line workers and their families were psychologically impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Study two aimed to further explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It sought to ascertain the severity of psychological trauma and moral injury experienced in front-line workers and their families. Furthermore, it aimed to ascertain the factors that underpin resilience during public health crises. Lastly, it aimed to investigate if moral injury and psychological trauma were mediated by resilience. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, a sample of 203 participants were recruited (Front-line workers N = 98, Families N =105). The results indicated that front-line workers and their families experienced moderate levels of moral injury and psychological trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moderate levels of resilience emerged that were positively predicted by subjective wellbeing. Furthermore, moral injury was found to have a causal effect on psychological trauma via resilience.
This research resulted in the development of a conceptual model called the Health Crisis Impact Model (HCIM). This model proposed a two-way inter-connected pathway that identifies the impact of stressors specific to public health crises on front-line workers and their families. In addition, it presents the protective factors of resilience and highlights how these can promote the development of resilience in individuals and families. The HCIM is preliminary, requires testing and future validation to explore its utility in understanding the impact of future public health crises
Who controls the remote? Examining the motivations of WP practitioners towards online provision using Expectancy-Value Theory
Get PDFMany widening participation (WP) organisations moved their operations online during the COVID-19 pandemic, and since then anecdotal evidence has suggested that most are retaining an online element to their provision. This study seeks to discover to what extent this is the case, and what providers expect to be the impacts of this shift. By surveying and interviewing sector staff we find that most organisations delivering WP activities to young people plan to continue with some remote delivery. However, our respondents also felt that such sessions were less effective across several measures. We use the framework of Expectancy-Value Theory (EVT) to examine this apparent disjunct. Our research finds that while most practitioners do not expect online delivery to be as effective due to issues such as lack of engagement and personal contact, this deficit is balanced by value benefits to themselves and their employers, such as cost and time savings, and increased geographical reach. The study demonstrates the utility of EVT in analysing the decision-making processes of WP staff specifically, and more generally for educators other than classroom teachers
English Premier League and English Football League academy managers’ experiences of how psychosocial skills and characteristics are identified and developed in youth academy soccer players
Get PDFPsychological skills and characteristics (PSCs) are vital for player development, yet there is a lack of agreement on which are important and how they should be identified and developed in academy players, creating barriers to implementation into curricula. The key stakeholder with considerable insight into PSC development is the academy manager (AM). The aims of this study were (a) explore AMs’ experiences of PSC identification and development, (b) identify challenges AMs feel affect development of PSCs. Nine AMs (i.e. Category 1; n = 3, Category 2; n = 3 and Category 3; n = 3) comprising an average coaching experience of 20.4 ± 7.4 years and time in the role of 5.2 years ±3.2 years participated in semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis generated themes identified ideal PSC outcomes that AMs felt were important. AMs identified current practices within academies alongside challenges: transitions, need to upskill coaches, access to additional support from external partners and National Governing Bodies. There was consensus that PSCs are key drivers of progression and that embedding them into the pathway was critical to facilitating development. Academies should think carefully about design, implementation and evaluation of programmes to support player PSC development for success during and after soccer careers
Evaluating polyanthranilic acid as a polymeric template for the production of Prussian blue nanoclusters
Get PDFThe electropolymerization of anthranilic acid (2-aminobenzoic acid) has been shown to lead to the production of a redox polymer functionalized with carboxylate groups capable of complexing metal ions. The polymer was exploited as a means of capturing ferric ion from solution with the iron decorated polymer chains used as seeding points for the formation of Prussian blue (PB). Nanoclusters of PB were dispersed throughout the three-dimensional polymer matrix with deposition achieved through direct electrochemical means or via a dip process. The latter exploited the chemical combination of Fe(III) + Ferrocyanide to yield PB allowing its dispersal of the PB throughout the polymer film. The polymer film and its subsequent modification have been characterized by electron microscopy, X-ray analysis, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical analysis. The stability toward peroxide has also been explored