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The use of AI-based facial recognition technology in security information management to mitigate minor theft
No full textMinor theft remains a nuisance within today's social and legal spheres, and law enforcement entities are compelled to employ artificial intelligence (AI) and security information management (SIM) to mitigate it. In the UAE, the adoption of AI in various aspects of law enforcement activities is on the rise. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of AI-based facial recognition technology on minor theft mitigation, considering the mediating role of SIM analysis and the moderating role of ethics and accountability/compliance in the Abu Dhabi Police GHQ.Relevant underlying theories include the institutional theory of security information management (SIM) and the technology acceptance model (TAM). The study adopts a positivist research philosophy, deductive research approach, and survey research strategy. Focusing on the Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, an approximate population of 24,000 workforce informs a sample of 786 justified on the need for generalisation and in anticipation of 50% non-response. The simple random sampling technique allowed for representativeness, and data were collected using the Microsoft Online Survey platform.Analysis, with the help of non-parametric structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), reveals that SIM analysis elements of surveillance coverage, data reliability, and decision-making capability fully mediate the ability of AI-based facial recognition technology to mitigate minor theft; no direct relationship exists between AI-based facial recognition technology use and minor theft mitigation, without the use of SIM analysis. Evidence also shows that ethics and accountability/compliance play no statistically significant moderating role in the relationship between AI-based facial recognition technology and minor theft mitigation.Whilst this study marks a novel attempt to empirically support the role of SIM in crime mitigation, it also affirms the need for robust ethical guidelines and compliance regulation as part of the use of AI-based facial recognition technology in UAE law enforcement. It is recommended that AI be fully adopted and operationalised to improve law enforcement performance through SIM analysis, taking full advantage of SIM analysis's reliability, decision-making support systems, and surveillance prowess.</p
Evaluation of extraction methods for co-isolation of nucleic acid from human saliva for forensic body fluid identification
No full textMicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as promising biomarkers for the identification of forensically significant body fluids, aiding crime scene reconstruction and the identification of biological material donors. However, despite their potential, inter-study discrepancies and lack of reproducibility have limited their forensic application, particularly in body fluid identification. A major challenge lies in the variability introduced by different nucleic acid extraction methods. This study aimed to evaluate the co-extraction performance and miRNA detection efficiency of three commonly used nucleic acid extraction kits (AccuPrep Genomic DNA Extraction Kit, QIAamp DNA Mini Kit, and miRNeasy Tissue/Cells Advanced Micro Kit) across five saliva input volumes (400 µL, 200 µL, 100 µL, 50 µL, and 25 µL). To assess yield, purity, robustness (CV%), and sensitivity, two quantification platforms were used, followed by a two-step reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) protocol to evaluate the impact of extraction methods on miRNA expression. Our results demonstrate that both the extraction procedure and the quantity of input material significantly influences nucleic acid recovery. Additionally, we observe variations in miRNA levels depending on the extraction method used. Surprisingly, the kit designed specifically for miRNA extraction yielded relatively poor miRNA recovery. In contrast, the DNA extraction kit (AccuPrep Genomic DNA Extraction Kit) produced the highest nucleic acid yield with moderate purity and showed the lowest Cq values for miRNA targets, indicating better miRNA detection. These findings underscore the importance of the choice of extraction kit, as it can significantly influence both the yield and quality of nucleic acids detected, and the extension, accuracy and reliability of miRNA-based forensic analyses.</p
Art for the Sake of Care. Publication launch Cambridge Festival 2025
No full textNo description supplied</p
The Ambivalent Link Between Adolescent Digital Consumer Media Exposure and Meaning in Life – A Dual Mediation Model via World Assumptions and Materialism
No full textNegative consequences of digital consumer media exposure (DCME) have attracted global attention, yet few studies have examined how it relates to adolescents' meaning in life (AML) – a concept essential for healthy functioning and development. We propose, test, and largely support a novel dual mediation model linking DCME to AML through world assumptions (i.e., 1. self-worthiness with two beliefs in self-worth and luck, 2. world's benevolence, and 3. meaningfulness with two beliefs in randomness and controllability), and materialism. Polish adolescents aged 15 to 19 (N = 679) filled in the World Assumptions Scale, the Aspiration Index, and answered questions about DCME (i.e., exposure to online advertising and e-commerce platforms) and AML. As predicted, the higher DCME, the higher self-worthiness (i.e., belief in personal luck) and world's benevolence, and the increase in the latter two is associated with higher AML. However, contrary to expectations, the mediation effect of DCME on AML through self-worthiness (i.e., belief in self-worth) showed that as DCME increases, self-worthiness decreases. Also, unexpectedly, while controllability was not a significant mediator in DCME-AML relationship, randomness mediated DCME-AML. Simultaneously, the higher DCME, the higher the materialism, and the higher the materialism, the lower AML. These results suggest that while DCME may foster beliefs that individuals are fortunate and that the world is benevolent – supporting AML – it may simultaneously undermine self-worth and promote materialism, which can reduce a sense of meaning. The findings can usefully inform methods of helping youth build psychological immunity and use digital media to their advantage rather than disadvantage.</p
Music therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic: An international survey exploring short-term impact on the profession
No full textDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the music therapy profession faced significant challenges and adaptations due to restrictions implemented to minimise virus transmission. This study explores short-term impact and changes to music therapy practice during the first 18 months of the pandemic and reflects on the long-term implications for the profession. To do this, we carried out an international survey of qualified music therapists. Cross-sectional analysis was undertaken using descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests and content analysis of written responses. Findings from 107 responses across five continents revealed substantial disruption to music therapy practice during the pandemic, including a significant reduction in clinical hours and a shift to online sessions. Music therapists experienced increased stress and fatigue, with private practitioners in particular reporting job insecurity and financial instability. One in six respondents were either considering or actively changing careers. Despite challenges, online working was seen to be a new and lasting change. These results reveal the profound short-term impact of the pandemic on music therapy practice, showing the need to build recognition to strengthen the profession. Further research is needed to explore long-term impact and investigate innovative and effective technologies for online practice.</p
Rights of Nature in Action: An Analysis of Laws in Ecuador
No full textContext: The keen interest in the rights of nature is not only about the grant of rights to trees, rivers, oceans, and all of nature such that they could stand in a court of law for themselves and on behalf of themselves. The most interesting part of this grant is imagining how these ecosystems would stand in court to speak for themselves. Objective: This article first analyses the grant of the Rights of Nature in Ecuador within the 2008 Constitution and justifies why Ecuador is used as a case study. Second, it assesses how nature is represented in court by examining the case law that has emerged since the recognition of these rights. Third, it develops an argument for an eco-centric representative model for ecosystems as legal persons.Methods: A doctrinal legal analysis of constitutional provisions and case law is combined with comparative legal reasoning. Results: The analysis reveals conceptual and procedural gaps in how nature’s rights are represented in judicial practice, showing tensions between anthropocentric and ecocentric approaches. Conclusions: This article argues that Ecuador’s legal framework should be revised to ensure effective and justiciable representation of the Rights of Nature and that representatives should be trained to mirror a true ecocentric approach.</p
TAV-in-TAV to rescue suboptimal index TAVR: the critical role of anatomy
No full textBackground: Suboptimal transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) positioning can lead to inadequate sealing between the prosthesis and the native annulus, resulting in significant paravalvular leak (PVL). Case Summary: A 75-year-old woman underwent TAVR with an ACURATE neo2 valve that was complicated by severe intraprocedural aortic regurgitation and hemodynamic instability, resulting in prompt deployment of the valve, with residual moderate PVL. Initial symptomatic relief was short-lived owing to progressive heart failure. Anatomical evaluation revealed substantial constraints, guiding the successful implantation of a high-positioned Sapien 3 Ultra transcatheter valve-in-valve (TAV-in-TAV). Meticulous coronary protection and iterative balloon postdilatation resolved PVL without coronary compromise. Discussion: This case emphasizes the critical role of detailed anatomical evaluation and precise device positioning in TAV-in-TAV procedures, particularly when managing risks associated with specific valve prosthesis features, such as ACURATE neo2 upper crowns. Take-Home Message: Detailed anatomical assessment and meticulous device positioning are fundamental for successful outcomes in complex TAV-in-TAV interventions.</p
Radical prostatectomy can cause penile hypoxia, fibrosis and calcifications: a pilot study
No full textBackground: Peyronie’s disease (PD) is defined as a fibrotic disease of the penis resulting in plaque formation and abnormal penile curvature. The incidence of PD has been suggested to increase after radical prostatectomy (RP). Hypoxia in the corpus cavernosum secondary to nerve injury has been suggested to be one of the causative factors for development of erectile dysfunction following RP. It is also known that hypoxia can cause fibrosis in vitro and in animal models. We therefore hypothesized that men who develop PD after RP do so due to hypoxia.Aim: To investigate if hypoxia and fibrotic changes can be detected in men undergoing RP.Methods: Erectile function and PD were assessed before, 3 and 6 months after RP using International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and PD questionnaires, stretched penile length and nocturnal penile tumescence. Fibrosis was investigated by ultrasonography (USG) and tissue oxygen levels were measured using oximetry.Outcomes: The primary outcome was a significant decrease in flaccid penile oxygen levels in men as measured before and after RP.Results: All 24 men completing the study developed fibrotic changes and calcification confirmed by USG and showed significant decrease in penile oxygen levels after RP. The patients’ IIEF scores and Peyronie’s disease questionnaire also showed a significant decrease in erectile function without any patient-reported curvatures. Stretched penile length was also reduced significantly. There was a significant correlation between calcification and oxygen levels between post-op 3 months and 6 months.Clinical Implications: RP can cause penile fibrosis which may be due RP-associated hypoxia in the penis. Prostate surgeons should consider discussing this risk with their patients before the operation.Strengths and Limitations: USG and oximetry readings before and after the RP allowed us to observe the effect of the surgery within individual patients. A larger study with a longer follow up would be needed to confirm these findings and to investigate a correlation between plaque formation and oxygen levels.Conclusion: In this study, all the patients developed fibrotic changes, calcification and a decrease in penile oxygen levels following RP. This is the first demonstration of a significant decrease in penile oxygen levels following RP. A correlation between calcification and low oxygen levels suggests that hypoxia-induced fibrosis may be the cause of calcification during the progression of PD.</p
Community designed governance? Embracing disagreement and conflict within local sustainability transitions
No full textTraditional governmental and legal frameworks are not built to handle the demands of the Climate Crisis, a dynamic and ever-compounding threat requiring a rapid response. After an initial literature review (Chapter 2) and involvement within a regional government, the aim of this thesis was to investigate and generate a sovereignty-based, community-designed governance and policy framework, to enable a rapid systemic transition to networked Net Zero innovations.This thesis explores the design process of this alternative framework for governance and policy at the local government level, via a single case study within the boundaries of Essex County Council in the United Kingdom. Stakeholders were engaged in a participatory creation process via the expansion of an existing participant community, which grew to include Policyworkers, Businesses, and Representatives of Publics, based upon a blend of methodologies and philosophies developed for the specific context of my case study (Chapter 3).Firstly this community was engaged through semi-structured interviews, investigating the imagined future role stakeholder communities might play in Net Zero policy generation which revealed four key thematic tensions built around trust, fear, fatigue, and commitment (Chapter 4). The analysis of these interviews generated the first building blocks for the alternative framework, which was built-out via two participatory co-creation workshops using a blend of Participatory Action Research strategies, Transitions Management methods, and Socio-Legal elements to create a methodological framework that could be used to develop local governmental policy for advancing sustainability transitions (Chapter 5).Reflections on the observed tensions throughout the course of this thesis are explored through an ethnographically inspired account, specifically concerning the tensions of the self, the community, and academia (Chapter 6). Finally all three findings chapters are brought together in a policy-oriented discussion (Chapter 7) where the alternative framework was provided along with six policy recommendations designed for my case study region, which were situated within current academic discourse.This thesis took Law as the base point of policy development, in that it examined constitutional foundations within the United Kingdom that provide power to local governments; however this thesis does not propose nor analyse statute or case Law beyond these foundational points. A key contribution of this research was the demonstration of a unique interdisciplinary research intersection, specifically by bridging the gap between Social Sciences and Law. Alongside practical policy creation, this thesis presented future avenues for greater academic-governmental collaboration and reflections on conducting research in times of societal crisis.</p
Trauma exposure and risk of post-traumatic stress disorder among youth and young adults during the Russia-Ukraine war
No full textBackgroundThe Russia-Ukraine War has led to widespread trauma. This study examines how various traumatic events influence the risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among Ukrainian youth and young adults.ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of PTSD symptoms and the association between different trauma types and PTSD risk in a war-affected Ukrainian population aged 10–26 years.Participants and setting2086 youth and young adults attending schools and universities in Eastern Ukraine after the Russian invasion onset were assessed between October 2022 and February 2023. The data were collected as part of two surveys: Ukrainian Longitudinal Study (ULS) and annual cross-sectional survey Youth and Drugs (ULS+).MethodsTrauma exposure was measured using the 14-item Self-Report Trauma History Form, and PTSD symptoms were evaluated with the UCLA PTSD Reaction Index for DSM-5 Brief Form. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models examined associations between trauma types, sociodemographics and clinical PTSD.Results23.49 % of participants met the clinical PTSD cutoff. Interpersonal traumas like forced sex (aOR = 1.66, 95 % CI:1.03–2.68), unwanted sexual touching (aOR = 1.81, 95 % CI:1.31–2.49), and physical assault at home (aOR = 1.55, 95 % CI:1.04–2.31) showed stronger associations with PTSD than non-interpersonal traumas including war. Female sex (aOR = 0.35, 95 % CI:0.25–0.49) and lower income (aOR = 0.75, 95 % CI:0.67–0.84) increased PTSD risk.ConclusionsStudy reports high prevalence of PTSD symptoms among youth and young adults in a war-affected region, with interpersonal trauma – particularly sexual and physical violence – posing significantly higher risk than war-related trauma. Findings highlight the need for trauma-informed interventions tailored to the Ukrainian context.</p
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