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Establishing a Pan-European, multi-disciplinary taphonomic research Infrastructure: The ‘UK-Netherlands decomposition experimental research (UNDER) Group’
Get PDFThis study unveils the establishment of the United Kingdom-Netherlands Decomposition Experimental Research (UNDER) working group, marking a pioneering initiative in practical Forensic Taphonomy within the UK. Our primary objective was to craft a cohesive multidisciplinary framework, designed to ethically orchestrate, execute, and assess human decomposition. Concurrently, we aimed to amass data through human burials, fostering collaboration among diverse forensic experts across Europe. The compilation of data collected over the year, elucidates the comprehensive utilisation of cadavers through a multifaceted scientific methodology. This paper discusses the triumphs, challenges, and innovative solutions encountered during this undertaking, providing a blueprint for forthcoming European research in Forensic Taphonomy. Our efforts support the comparability of longitudinal studies and give strategies to address the challenges posed by the scarcity and diversity of human donors in forensic science. Moreover, we propose the adoption of a dynamic scientific research management framework, which includes thorough identification, measurement, analysis, and application of solutions. Emphasis is also placed on adeptly managing business processes to ensure sustained relevance in both research and other stakeholders
Exploring Childbirth Experiences through a Salutogenic Lens
Get PDFWomen's experiences of childbirth have generally been considered through a pathological lens. Wider sociological arguments associated with salutogenesis stress the need to depict health on a continuum to help understand what constitutes positive health as well as ill-health. Similarly, to fully understand women's experiences of childbirth, it needs to be explored on a continuum, considering salutogenic and pathogenic factors. In this paper we report on qualitative data collected as part of a wider mixed-methods study to describe the continuum of women's different childbirth experiences (‘positive’ ‘neutral’ or ‘traumatic’). A mixed-method explanatory sequential design was undertaken comprising validated measures and in-depth interviews. Primiparous women who were expecting a healthy term infant were recruited and participated in an in-depth semi-structured interview at 12 weeks postnatal. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Ten women took part in an interview and three main themes were identified. The first theme ‘before it all started’ showed how stories impacted women, with women trying to ‘keep an open mind’ or ‘accepting and expecting the worst’. The second theme ‘arriving at the destination’ emphasised the importance of midwifery support through ‘continuous compassionate presence’ while others reported ‘feeling forgotten’. Finally, ‘the days that followed’ highlighted how women tried to ‘focus on the outcome’ while others ‘wished it had gone better’. This study identified how women's subjective appraisals of childbirth are on a continuum and influenced by several factors including birth narratives and the quality of midwifery care from the early onset of labour. The kinds of experiences associated with reports that the birth was ‘neutral’ are reported for the first time
Chiropractic international research collaborative (CIRCuit): the development of a new practice-based research network, including the demographics, practice, and clinical management characteristics of clinician participants
Get PDFObjectives: To describe the structure and development of a new international, chiropractic, practice-based research network (PBRN), the Chiropractic International Research Collaborative (CIRCuit), as well as the demographic, practice, and clinical management characteristics of its clinician participants. An electronic survey was used to collect information on their demographics, practice, and clinical management characteristics from clinicians from 17 October through 28 November 2022. Descriptive statistics were used to report the results. Background: PBRNs are an increasingly popular way of facilitating clinic-based studies. They provide the opportunity to collaboratively develop research projects involving researchers, clinicians, patients and support groups. We are unaware of any international PBRNs, or any that have a steering group comprised of equal numbers of clinicians representing the different international regions. Results: 77 chiropractors responded to the survey (0.7% of EBCN-FB members). 48 were men (62%), 29 women (38%). Thirty-six (47%) were in North America, 18 (23%) in Europe, and 15 (19%) in Oceania. Participants reported predominantly treating musculoskeletal issues, often with high-velocity, low-amplitude spinal manipulation (95%), but also with soft tissue therapy (95%), exercise (95%), and other home care (up to 100%). Methods: The development of CIRCuit is described narratively. Members of the Evidence-Based Chiropractic Network Facebook group (EBCN-FB) were invited to become clinician participants by participating in the survey. Conclusions: This paper describes the development of a new PBRN for chiropractors. It offers a unique opportunity to facilitate the engagement of clinical chiropractors with research, as well as for academics to readily be able to access an international cohort of clinicians to collaboratively develop and conduct research. Although the results of the survey are not statistically generalisable, the initial cohort of CIRCuit clinician participants use similar techniques on similar types of conditions as the profession at large. The international structure is unique among PBRNs and offers the opportunity to help develop innovative research projects
Trace DNA Recovery: Insights from Dubai Police Casework
Get PDFTrace DNA represents a critical form of forensic evidence, frequently recovered from a wide variety of touched or used items. Despite its evidentiary value, trace DNA analysis poses significant challenges due to the minute quantities of DNA involved, as well as the influence of factors such as surface type, collection methods, and environmental exposure. This study systematically examines the success rates and characteristics of trace DNA profiles recovered from six-item categories—tools, stolen items, wearable items, packaging materials, vehicles, and touched items—processed between 2021 and 2023 by the Biology and DNA Section of the Dubai Police Force. A total of 6277 cases were analyzed, encompassing a range of crimes, including homicide, suicide, missing persons, paternity disputes, and burglary. The results demonstrated an overall trace DNA success rate of 64%, with wearable items yielding the highest success rate at 76% and packaging materials yielding the lowest at 54%. Detailed analysis of positive DNA trace samples revealed significant variability in DNA profile types across item categories. Wearable items and touched items predominantly yielded full single (FS) DNA profiles, reflecting their reliability as sources of singular and high-quality DNA. Conversely, stolen items and packaging materials showed a greater prevalence of full mixed (FM) DNA profiles, highlighting their association with complex mixtures due to handling by multiple contributors. Tools and vehicles, meanwhile, exhibited higher rates of partial profiles, presenting unique challenges related to surface irregularities and environmental factors. This study emphasizes the importance of tailoring forensic strategies to item-specific characteristics, as well as the need for systematic mechanisms to categorize trace samples. Addressing operational challenges such as manual sorting and leveraging automation or AI-based systems can further streamline trace DNA analysis. The findings also underscore the importance of data sharing and standardization across forensic laboratories to enhance trace DNA recovery protocols and improve reliability in forensic investigations. Future research should focus on the effects of material properties, environmental exposure, and collection techniques on DNA retention, advancing the field of trace DNA profiling and its applications in forensic science
Addressing tropical cyclone risks: stratified for wellbeing and global policy coordination
No full textTropical cyclones are one of nature’s most catastrophic occurrences, causing significant humanitarian crises, economic losses, and human fatalities, particularly in coastal regions. This paper explores the diverse challenges, such as health, inequality, and developmental issues caused by tropical cyclones. Accordingly, a structured literature review methodology was devised that focuses on inclusion and exclusion criteria using publications between 1994 and 2023 by including key search words. This review of published evidence from electronic bibliographic databases underscores the substantial effects of tropical cyclones on physical, mental and socio-economic well-being of the population. The disastrous situation caused by cyclones is exacerbated by inequalities in gender, education, livelihoods, economics, disabilities, and displacement. Exclusion of affected people from developmental programmes and inadequate policy formulation further compound the challenge of safeguarding the deprived. The paper highlights the crucial role of community participation in improving environmental governance and reducing disaster risk. It addresses adaptation strategies aimed at tackling vulnerabilities, aligning them with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, it focuses on SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 9 (Industry, innovation, and infrastructure, which emphasizes building resilient infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate action). The review shows that there is limited empirical evidence available, and most of the articles identified were published after 2010, indicating growing academic interest in empirical studies on tropical cyclones. Nevertheless, further research is required to comprehend how tropical cyclones affect the lives of people living in coastal regions to enhance risk reduction management and develop resilient adaptation strategies
Ammonium polyphosphates: Correlating structure to application
Get PDFAmmonium polyphosphates (APP) are widely used as nontoxic, biodegradable additives for food, fire retardancy and fertilisers. APP has been shown to exist in six distinct phases, APP–I to APP–VI. Commercial products identified as APP may contain one or more of these phases. Direct synthesis routes to APP involve condensation of monoammonium phosphate or diammonium phosphate with urea or melamine as condensing agents, while indirect synthesis can be obtained by interconversion of one APP phase to another. The most important chemical properties for APP as a fertiliser are nitrogen and phosphorus content, water solubility, hydrolytic stability, and chelating properties (sequestering trace metals). For fire protection, chemical properties such as low water solubility or high hydrolytic stability, compatibility with polymers in plastics or coating formulations, thermal stability and promotion of crosslinking are beneficial. As food additive, low toxicity and water–binding ability are vital. This work found that few studies report on degree of polymerisation, particle size distribution, chain branching, phase, crystallinity or purity of APP, despite APP being the main functionalising additive in specific systems. It was found that some phases of APP (especially APP–III, IV, and VI) remained relatively uncharacterised, but development of new synthetic routes, and improved characterisation, opens new possibilities for commercial exploitation. The unsystematic terminology used to describe these phosphates is addressed in a glossary
Trust in scientists and their role in society across 68 countries
Get PDFScience is crucial for evidence-based decision-making. Public trust in scientists can help decision makers act on the basis of the best available evidence, especially during crises. However, in recent years the epistemic authority of science has been challenged, causing concerns about low public trust in scientists. We interrogated these concerns with a preregistered 68-country survey of 71,922 respondents and found that in most countries, most people trust scientists and agree that scientists should engage more in society and policymaking. We found variations between and within countries, which we explain with individual- and country-level variables, including political orientation. While there is no widespread lack of trust in scientists, we cannot discount the concern that lack of trust in scientists by even a small minority may affect considerations of scientific evidence in policymaking. These findings have implications for scientists and policymakers seeking to maintain and increase trust in scientists
AI-Driven Phishing: Techniques, Threats, and Defence Strategies
No full textPhishing attacks are one of the most challenging threats in the cyberspace. Recently, rapid advancements of (generative) AI and its wide applicability has been exploited by attackers to perform phishing attacks. However, limited studies exist regarding AI-based phishing and apt defence strategies. In this work, we explore a wide variety of AI-leveraging techniques, adopted by attackers to conduct successful phishing campaigns. Additionally, we highlight the negative impact of AI-driven phishing in real-world and the attendant challenges that it has on cybersecurity. We also examine various factors and features of AI-powered phishing which makes these difficult to identify and complicated to defend. Consequently, we evaluate the crucial aspects of phishing attacks and discuss its defence strategies, human-centred preventive measures, and ethical considerations for enhancing security against AI-based phishing threats. Our findings provide valuable insights to the evolving cybersecurity threats and effective approaches to defend against these sophisticated AI-driven attacks