26199 research outputs found
Sort by
Correction to: Harmonizing models and measurements: Assessing soil erosion through RUSLE model
No full textExploring the Potential Implications of AI-generated Content in Social Engineering Attacks
Get PDFThe evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning presents both utility and security implications for our digital interactions. This study focuses on the transformative role of generative AI in social engineering attacks, specifically examining three pillars where it significantly amplifies their impact: advanced targeting and personification, genuine content creation, and automated attack infrastructure. The analysis forms a conceptual model named the generative AI social engineering framework. The research delves into human implications and measures to counter social engineering attacks, blending theoretical analysis with practical insights through case studies. Ethical considerations surrounding AI in malicious activities are discussed, emphasizing the importance of safe AI development, and various articles were reviewed to highlight social engineering attacks as a common threat. Two studies were conducted: a user testing study with 48 participants from diverse occupations and social engineering awareness, and an exploratory study collecting qualitative data from 40 social engineering attack victims. The user testing study revealed universal acceptance of the AI-based tool, irrespective of participants’ occupations. Victim themes included reasons for falling prey to attacks, methods, prevention advice, and detection. The research concludes by highlighting AI-generated content as a key factor fueling social engineering attacks and bridging the gap between AI development and cybersecurity practices, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary approaches to address evolving challenges
The role of Green Transformational Leadership and Green Product Innovation in Emerging Economies: Green Employee Behaviour and Green Human Resource Management as Intervening Variables
Get PDFPurpose: This study is to offer a critical re-evaluation of the Green Transformational Leadership (GTL)–Green Product Innovation (GPI) relationship within SMEs in emerging economies, challenging the direct causality assumed in prior research. Theoretically, GTL, as a conceptual construct, lacks the mechanisms to produce a direct impact on GPI, a misconception widely propagated in earlier literature. As such, our study is to redirect such topical issues. In doing so, we also analysed green employee behavior (GEB) and green human resource management (GHRM) as intervening variables.
Method: We distributed questionnaires into several SMEs operated in East Java, Indonesia.
Result: Our empirical evidence strongly supports the proposed framework, suggesting no significant direct relationship between GTL and GPI and even showing a negative coefficient. However, when mediated by GHRM and GEB, the relationship becomes both positive and significant, indicating that these intervening variables are essential for realising the innovation potential of GTL. Furthermore, GTL partially fosters GHRM and GEB, while both GHRM and GEB positively influence GPI. These findings carry profound theoretical implications by refining the understanding of leadership’s role in sustainability practices and offering actionable insights for managers aiming to enhance green innovation through strategic HR and behavioural interventions
When softer sounds are more distracting: Task-irrelevant whispered speech causes disruption of serial recall
Get PDFTwo competing accounts propose that the disruption of short-term memory by irrelevant speech arises either due to interference-by-process (e.g., changing-state effect) or attentional capture, but it is unclear how whispering affects the irrelevant speech effect. According to the interference-by-process account, whispered speech should be less disruptive due to its reduced periodic spectro-temporal fine structure and lower amplitude modulations. In contrast, the attentional account predicts more disruption by whispered speech, possibly via enhanced listening effort in the case of a comprehended language. In two experiments, voiced and whispered speech (spoken sentences or monosyllabic words) were presented while participants memorized the order of visually presented letters. In both experiments, a changing-state effect was observed regardless of the phonation (sentences produced more disruption than ’steady-state’ words). Moreover, whispered speech (lower fluctuation strength) was more disruptive than voiced speech when participants understood the language (Exp. 1), but not when the language was incomprehensible (Exp. 2). The results suggest two functionally distinct mechanisms of auditory distraction: While changing-state speech causes automatic interference with seriation processes regardless of its meaning or intelligibility, whispering appears to contain cues that divert attention from the focal task primarily when presented in a comprehended language, possibly via enhanced listening effort
Thermodynamics of Hydrogen; Analysing and Refining of Critical Flow Factor Through Comprehensive Uncertainty Assessment and Experimental Data Integration
No full textThe calibration of flow meters that used in hydrogen transformation needs a reliable reference device such as sonic nozzles Therefore, critical flow factor (C*) for hydrogen must be calculated precisely through existing equations that is why it is important to investigate the achievable uncertainty in calculating this vital parameter. In addition, the quality and accuracy of thermophysical property experimental/modelled data plays a vital role in reaching the highest accuracy determination of C*. Therefore, in this study, an examination of the literature has been undertaken to target experimental measurements related to pure hydrogen, setting the stage for a comprehensive gap analysis followed by analysing various available equation of state models in predicting accurate thermophysical properties of pure hydrogen.
We introduced new high pressure high temperature (HPHT) Fluid Property Test Rig to add new reliable thermophysical property data to the literature and also we presented C* values and validated our calculations with two calibration gases: nitrogen, and methane and their standardised C* values. Then, C* values for hydrogen were generated using this verified methodology in the context of the expanding role of sonic nozzles in hydrogen flow meter calibration.
This study showed that C* calculations can be enhanced significantly by using the representative equation along with employing appropriate thermodynamic equations of state which are examined by high accurate new measured experimental data
The acceptability of implementation of group B Streptococcus testing: Perspectives from women and health professionals in the GBS3 trial: A qualitative study
Get PDFObjective
To determine the acceptability of different methods of routine testing for group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonisation to pregnant women and health care professionals (HCPs), and to examine barriers and facilitators to their implementation.
Design
Qualitative study, embedded in a cluster randomised trial
Setting
Four NHS maternity units participating in the GBS3 Trial: two conducting routine antenatal enriched culture medium (ECM) testing; and two using routine rapid intrapartum testing.
Sample
39 women and 25 HCPs purposively sampled to ensure representation of women with various birthing experiences and different professions.
Methods
Women were interviewed approximately 12 weeks postpartum by telephone or online video call, using a semi-structured topic guide. HCPs were interviewed during the testing period of the trial. Interviews were transcribed for thematic analysis and summarised using the framework method.
Results
Four categories of interest emerged: (1) views of routine testing; (2) acceptability of the testing procedure; (3) preferences on the types of test; (4) improving the testing procedure. Routine GBS testing was well received by both women and HCPs. Most participants found the procedure acceptable and were willing to receive the offer of testing in the future. Preferences for different testing methods varied, with participants emphasising the importance of evidence and informed choice.
Conclusions
Routine GBS testing is acceptable to most women and HCPs. Areas for consideration and the practicalities of implementing testing in maternity services are highlighted
Digitized Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Based intervention for vaping cessation in youth (ACT-TO-STOP)
Get PDFIntroduction:
Vaping behavior is becoming very common among adolescents and young adults globally. While health risks are numerous, only a few interventions target vaping cessation in this population. Traditional treatments are underutilized by youth as they often fail to engage users. Using innovative and digital approaches is necessary to increase engagement in treatment among this population. The current project aims to assess the usability, engagement, and effectiveness of a mobile intervention based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to promote vaping cessation in adolescents and young adults aged 13-29 in Cyprus. The overarching goal of this project is to contribute to the “Tobacco Endgame” strategy in Cyprus and reduce unhealthy behaviors such as vaping through digital interventions.
Methods:
This project employs a co-development approach that incorporates user feedback and expert opinions, to create a culturally appropriate, gamified application. The pilot phase will include 20 participants to test usability. Afterward, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted, with participants (n=150) being randomly allocated to either the experimental or the control group. The outcomes will include readiness to quit, 24-hour quit attempts, and 30-day abstinence at six months post-randomization.
Results:
Results will outline the procedural steps, the co-development process, and the final application.
Conclusions:
The findings and conclusions will be discussed
Entrepreneurial thinking in radiography: Developing an imaging facility to support the future workforce
Get PDFObjectives
This article explores the significance of recognising and utilising entrepreneurial attributes—such as knowledge, skills, talent, and experience—to develop radiography education guided by a LUCID framework. It aims to demonstrate how enterprising behaviours and competencies can enhance human actions and address healthcare challenges, thereby improving employability in line with the College of Radiographers Education and Career Framework and industry demands.
Key Findings
The article defines the concepts of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship and discusses the importance of understanding one’s accumulated skills and experiences, known as Human Capital, for personal and professional growth. It illustrates how entrepreneurial thinking and utilisation of the LUCID framework facilitated the development of an imaging facility, which reflects a commitment to innovation and excellence in radiography education.
Conclusion
The article concludes that adopting entrepreneurial practices and reflecting on one’s human capital can significantly benefit radiographers and educators. This approach not only enhances personal and professional development but also adds value to the profession, employers, and patients.
Implications for Practice
Radiographers and educators are encouraged to adopt entrepreneurial practices and reflect on their human capital to identify areas for improvement. This can lead to better healthcare outcomes, improved employability, and alignment with industry demands and the College of Radiographers Education and Career Framework
Recruitment of adolescents to virtual clinical trials: experiences from the Health4Me clinical trial
Get PDFBackground:
Preventive interventions are needed to provide targeted health support to adolescents to improve health behaviors. Engaging adolescents in preventive interventions remains a challenge, highlighting the need for innovative recruitment strategies. Given adolescents’ lives are intertwined with digital technologies, attention should be focused on these avenues for recruitment. The evolving nature of clinical trials, including the emergence of virtual clinical trials, require new recruitment approaches, which must be evaluated.
Objective:
To examine the effectiveness and cost of various digital recruitment strategies for recruiting adolescents to a virtual clinical trial, and to evaluate the progression of participants from screening to enrolment and explore factors associated with non-participation. We do this using the example of the Health4Me Study, a preventive digital health intervention to improve physical activity and nutrition behaviors among adolescents 12-18 years old.
Methods:
Participants were recruited into the Health4Me Study via social media advertisements on various contemporary platforms, emails to schools, emails to contacts within known networks and emails to relevant youth organizations. Data was collected from social media advertisements, screening, and recruitment logs. Data analysis included summary and descriptive statistics, as well as Chi-Squared tests to explore factors associated with non-participation.
Results:
From 2369 expressions of interest, 390 (16.4%) participants were enrolled. A total of 19 advertisements were placed on social media, and 385 promotional emails were sent to schools, contacts within known networks, and relevant youth organizations. Social media advertisements reached 408,077 unique accounts. Advertisements mostly reached those living in populous states in Australia (75% of unique accounts [306,489/408,077]) and those identifying as female (43.5% of unique accounts [177,698/408,077]). 25% of advertisements were delivered to accounts with uncategorised genders (101,907/408,077). Total cost per participant enrolled was AUD 2.58). Most participants (85.9%, 1980/2305) found out about the study through Instagram. Differences in screening characteristics between eligible participants who did and did not enrol were found to be statistically significant for gender (P=.02) with fewer males and more individuals reporting their gender as 'Other' enrolling than expected than by chance alone. Recruitment method also differed (P<.001), with fewer participants enrolling through Instagram and more enrolling through other methods (e.g. known networks, word of mouth) than expected by chance alone.
Conclusions:
In this study we show that virtual clinical trial recruitment was found to be low-cost with the potential to increase trial participation. Social media was the most effective recruitment method, reaching all states and territories, including hard-to-reach populations. Future action is needed to explore recruitment methods which are more effective for males and to build trust among adolescents regarding clinical trial recruitment via social media
STUDIES ON GLYCOGEN PHOSPHORYLASE AS A POTENTIAL MOLECULAR TARGET IN GLIOBLASTOMA
No full textAIMS Glioblastoma (GB) is one of the most aggressive malignancies of the brain and spinal cord. Current standard of care has remained surgical resection of the tumour, followed by radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Crucial challenges in the effective treatment of GB include resistance to the main chemotherapeutic, temozolomide. Prognosis is poor with median survival remaining at 14.6 months. A now established hallmark of cancer is the ability of malignant cells to “modify, or reprogram, cellular metabolism”, such as glycolysis upregulation. This hallmark could suggest the potential of targeting a specific metabolic component within glycolysis, thus reduce energy production, resulting in possible apoptosis/suppressed proliferation. Glycogen phosphorylase (GP), an enzyme in glyconeolysis, could be inhibited for a therapeutic effect in GB. In this project, GP levels across the three different isoforms (PYGB, PYGL, and PYGM) and the effect of the GP inhibitor CP-91149 was investigated across three different GB cell lines. METHOD Cell viability of T98G, U251-MG, and U87-MG glioblastoma cell lines and SVGp19 human fetal glial cell line was measured after administration of CP-91149 for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Migration of T98G and U251 cells following treatment with CP-91149 was measured in a wound healing assay. Visualisation of the three GP isoforms was achieved through western blot and confirmed by immunocytochemistry. Flow cytometry was utilized to expand analysis on GP inhibition through assessing cell cycle before and after treatments. RESULTS Results showed CP-91149 had a significant dose-dependent effect in vitro on all cell lines. Inhibition of GP resulted in reduced cell migration, also in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot and immunocytochemistry analysis showed PYGL is the most predominant isoform of GP. CONCLUSION Future work in this project will aim to silence expression of GP in GB cell lines in order to compare the results with that yielded from cells treated with the GP inhibitor CP-91149