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Continuous Authentication: Methods, Metrics and Systems
No full textThe goal of continuous authentication (CA) is to verify a person’s identity in order to confirm the assumption that the person that logs in is the same person which is present throughout the session. This should be achieved by using unobtrusive methods such as biometrics and behavioural profiling transparent to the user. We consider various models for CA which are described in detail in the rest of the thesis. We consider the and critically examine the accuracy metrics used, both static and continuous, and explore common sensors and fusion methods. Researchers evaluating CA systems often use traditional biometric metrics like False Acceptance Rate (FAR) and False Rejection Rate (FRR). These metrics are inadequate because they do not convey when an impostor is detected or the time that elapses before a genuine user is rejected. Furthermore, the difficulty of CA is compounded by the fact that not all metrics are measured continuously. In fact it is impossible to measure some metrics continuously, consider keystroke dynamics as an example which can only be measured if the user is typing. In response to this, researchers have proposed tailored metrics, such as Average Number of Genuine Actions (ANGA) and Average Number of Impostor Actions (ANIA) which we examine. As soon as multiple metrics are used, the issue of fusion of scores also needs to be considered. We conduct a systematic literature review to identify all such novel metrics and to determine their popularity. Analysing these metrics revealed various characteristics they are trying to capture, and we rated each metric against each characteristic. The resulting table can be used by future researchers to ensure their reports fully reflect the accuracy of their system and we suggest two minimal metric sets. We constructed a trial CAS in order to test CA metrics as well as other criteria which go beyond accuracy. After describing the dataset, its features and secondary features that were created, each modality is detailed and the design of the CAS and its models is described. Common machine learning algorithms which are used are also presented. This thesis lays the groundwork to help identify gaps and weaknesses in the current metrics to help design and analyse more appropriate metrics with improved performance.</p
Radiation and EMI shielding of 3D printed lightweight components for neuroimaging devices
No full textThe growing demand for miniaturized diagnostic neuroimaging devices, alongside the widespread use of electronics, presents an opportunity to develop lightweight, durable and non-toxic alternative shielding components. This study investigates lightweight shielding solutions for ultraportable neuroimaging toolkit devices for stroke detection, evaluating electromagnetic interference (EMI) and X-ray shielding properties of two commercially available conductive filaments: Koltron G1 and Fili Conductivo. The EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of 3D-printed specimens with varying thicknesses was assessed across a broad frequency range from 10 MHz to 12 GHz, covering Ultra High Frequency (UHF), S-band, C-band, and X-band frequencies. Both materials demonstrated increased SE with thickness, with Koltron achieving a 102 % increase from 1 mm to 4 mm in the 10 MHz to 8.5 GHz range and up to ∼28.5 dB attenuation at lower frequencies. In the X-band, both performed similarly, averaging over 29 dB SE, with less variability in Koltron. X-ray shielding tests confirmed their effectiveness, with Koltron showing ∼65.5 % of lead's shielding performance when normalized for density. These results, combined with the lower weight and ease of processing of conductive thermoplastics compared to traditional metallic shielding materials, highlight their potential as flexible, lightweight, and non-toxic alternatives for enhancing the portability and efficiency of neuroimaging technologies, particularly in environments where conventional shielding methods are impractical, aiming to improve patient outcomes.</p
Cell survival analysis of radiosensitization effects by gold nanoparticles for proton beam therapy
No full textCombining therapy and radiosensitizer depicted a promising future for cancer patients. This study evaluating on the radiosensitization effects of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for proton beam therapy using different radiobiological cell survival models. Human colon carcinoma cell lines (HCT 116) were used with 1.9 nm AuNPs and irradiated by different doses of a 150 MeV proton beam within the Spread-out Bragg Peak (SOBP) region. Clonogenic assay were used to obtain cell survival data which then be fitted to Linear Quadratic (LQ), Multi-target (MT), Repairable Conditionally Repairable (RCR), Pade’ Linear Quadratic (PLQ), Kavanagh-Newman (KN), and Two Components (2C). The cellular uptake, localization, cytotoxicity and ROS measurement study were also conducted. The results show internalization of AuNPs manifested with the increase granulation of cells presented by side scattering (SSC) result of 7.3% compared to control. AuNPs were seen localized in the cytoplasm, yet no traces in nucleus area. Evaluation on the radiosensitization effects depicted sensitization enhancement ratio (SER) of 3.78 with LQ model, while other models also indicate similar increment of SER but less goodness of fit with the experimental data. The percentage of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by AuNPs are found to be around 234% which is double compared to control. In conclusion, the cell survival analysis with different radiobiological models shows radiosensitization effects by AuNPs when irradiated with proton beam. The evidence is also supported by the ROS data and the analysis of the model's parameter that could also be used to predict and quantify radiosensitization effects.</p
The Activation of Open Building through an Adoption of Mass Timber Construction: A Case Series Analysis
No full textOpen Building (OB) represents a fundamental shift in the approach to building design viewing the overall superstructure (the base building) as one element and each unit/residence within (the infill/fitout) as separable non-standardised spaces. Mass Timber Construction (MTC) is a modern approach to building that utilises large structural wood components to create sustainable and innovative structures. To support and enable an OB approach MTC technology presents itself as a promising activating agent for the benefits of OB. The present study is a case series of five projects. The aim was to find evidence supporting a relationship between OB and MTC. A comparative analysis was performed. Details from the cases are presented and synthesised to identify the most impactful/effective practices of OB and MTC. The case series analysis resulted in the development of a model, at the centre is the core purpose ‘renewable technology and building adaptability' surrounding the core are all the identified themes including ‘renewable technology, circularity and design for disassembly'. Recommendations from the study include promoting the integration of OB in MTC project designs. Adopt a Design for Disassembly (DfD) approach in the designing of future buildings. Foster collaboration between parties involved in the design of the building and include end-users in the conversation. Upskilling design teams through the dissemination of best practices, conducting more research into the combination of concepts, and identifying regions and sectors that will be able to accommodate the combined technology as a viable solution and overcome any barriers to implementation or greater adoption.</p
An outlook and prospective on emergent technologies for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural synthesis- a renewable fuel additive
No full textIn few decades, extensive study has been focused on biomass utilisation into value-added biochemicals, biofuels, and functional additives to pursue sustainable alternatives to fossil-derived products. Among the various bio-resourced platform chemicals, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) has attracted considerable interest owing to its multifaceted applications as a furan-based compound with high potential in producing biofuels, biopolymers, and other industrially relevant chemicals, making it a cornerstone of green chemistry. This review discusses the latest advancements in producing 5-HMF from renewable feedstocks like glucose, fructose, and sucrose. It examines the fundamental scientific principles and the latest technological advancements in this field. Integrating key aspects, including feedstock selection, catalytic systems, solvent environments, and process technologies, provides an outlook that spans both the thermochemical and biochemical routes. Some emerging technologies, such as microwave-assisted reactions, ionic liquid solvents, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), are also discussed for their potential to enhance reaction conditions. The review also explores the sustainability and economic viability of these methods, focusing on aspects such as recyclability, environmental impact, and product yield. It also provides insights into the technology readiness levels (TRLs) of various approaches and how these strategies might be used in real-world industrial settings. The article identifies key areas where further research is needed. It outlines future directions, offering a practical guide for researchers, engineers, and industry professionals seeking to scale up and commercialise eco-friendly, cost-effective methods for producing 5-HMF.</p
Conservation and the social sciences revisited
No full textThe concept of a biodiversity crisis emerged in the 1980s to reflect the severe, ongoing losses of plants, animals, and habitats. Conservation biologists, such as Soulé (1985), acknowledged that human activities affect the planet and that the biological sciences would need other approaches, including social sciences, to curb the crisis. Forty years later, the world's premier international conservation society—the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB)—still centers biology in its name and practices in ways that may dissuade some from joining (Winkler-Schor et al., 2024). While the social sciences have gained increasing prominence in the SCB and conservation literature (Selinske et al., 2018; Wallen & Landon, 2020), the need for conservation social science (CSS) insights has grown greater amid additional threats, such as climate change, conflicts over land rights, cultural homogenization, and rapidly advancing technologies (Miller et al., 2023; Sandbrook et al., 2021; World Bank, 2014).Twenty years ago, Mascia et al. (2003) called attention to the slow uptake of CSS contributions and set an agenda for integrating them into SCB, conservation organizations, and academia. Consequently, the SCB's Social Science Working Group (SSWG) was established in 2003. We (the 2022–2023 SSWG Board of Directors) commemorate SSWG's founding by outlining its achievements over the last 2 decades. Work remains to truly honor human contributions to conservation policy and practice. Thus, we emphasize the continued relevance of CSS in bringing about more effective, just, and enduring conservation efforts consistent with the Convention on Biological Diversity's (CBD) 2030 targets and 2050 vision of more inclusive conservation (CBD, 2022; Pascual et al., 2023).</p
Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) With Workforce Solutions for Sustainable Care: A Follow Up to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (ML) Based Decision Support Systems in Mental Health
No full textThis integrative literature review examines the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) based clinical decision support systems (CDSS) in mental health (MH) care, expanding on findings from a prior review (Higgins et al. 2023). Using and integrative review framework, a systematic search of six databases was conducted with a focus on primary research published between 2022 and 2024. Five studies met the inclusion criteria and were analysed for key themes, methodologies, and findings. The results reaffirm AI's potential to enhance MH care delivery by improving diagnostic accuracy, alleviating clinician workloads, and addressing missed care. New evidence highlights the importance of clinician trust, system transparency, and ethical concerns, including algorithmic bias and equity, particularly for vulnerable populations. Advancements in AI model complexity, such as multimodal learning systems, demonstrate improved predictive capacity but underscore the ongoing challenge of balancing interpretability with innovation. Workforce challenges, including clinician burnout and staffing shortages, persist as fundamental barriers that AI alone cannot resolve. The review not only confirms the findings from the first review but also adds new layers of complexity and understanding to the discourse on AI-based CDSS in MH care. While AI-driven CDSS holds significant promise for optimising MH care, sustainable improvements require the integration of AI solutions with systemic workforce enhancements. Future research should prioritise large-scale, longitudinal studies to ensure equitable, transparent, and effective implementation of AI in diverse clinical contexts. A balanced approach addressing both technological and workforce challenges remain critical for advancing mental health care delivery.</p
We endure for them: moral meaning-making amid the meaninglessness of migrant work in Mauritius
No full textThis study explores how low-wage Bangladeshi migrant workers in Mauritius make moral and emotional sense of structurally precarious labour. While existing migration research highlights exploitation and marginality, less attention has been paid to how migrants interpret and endure the everyday absurdities and ethical dissonance of their working lives. Drawing on 17 in-depth, narrative-informed interviews and informed by Narrative Identity Theory and the Moral Economy of Migration, this study shows how migrants frame themselves as dutiful sons, sacrificial providers, and morally committed workers. Through co-constructed, culturally grounded stories, they navigate debt, silence, deception, and affective exhaustion – crafting fragile but meaningful identities within systems that often deny recognition. These findings contribute to critical perspectives on work and migration by showing how meaninglessness is both produced and morally contested through narrative as a performative, ethical practice of endurance.</p
Reframing evaluation and “frameworks”: Reflecting, learning and adapting practices of social change
No full textEvaluation is a double-edged sword. For those invested in social change, it is vital to evaluate the process and impact of designing. However, traditional positivist approaches can risk harm by magnifying power through the instruments and mechanisms of evaluation, especially when Global North models are unthinkingly applied in the Global South. What is deemed valuable to know – without asking what matters to whom, how, where and when – is an ethical and political concern as it ignores how people are variously situated. This paper argues for building evaluative capacities otherwise. It shares key insights by tracing how an evaluative “framework” was initially codesigned, then iterated and adapted through a transcultural mentoring program for and with women in Australasia. We refrain from emphasising the “framework” but show how it changed as we changed. In so doing, we show ways to foster ongoing adaptation and reflexivity, to catalyse collective evaluative practices as participatory codesign.</p
Taking Time: How time transformed the writing, reading and value of four Australian novels
No full textThis article explores the factor of time in the creative process of producing novels in Australia. Using case studies drawn from four specific novel writing practices, we examine the impact of time as an integral component of novel writing. Examining our narratives of this impact together, we found a shared basis in multi-level durational work present in each creative practice: 1. The emotional experience present in the arc of the writer during the production of a novel; 2. The survival of the novel operating in its necessary production pace despite the 21st century evolution of the industry and discourse; 3. The presence and function of time both within and outside the novel process; and 4. The anxiety around shifting discursive contexts over time that can shape novel production. Considering the complex and varied, yet shared, role of time in the practices of experienced and working novelists, we integrate our collective knowledge as a call for an overdue longitudinal study on Australian novel production.</p