12560 research outputs found
Sort by
Mobile application security:malware threat and defenses
No full textRegular mobile phones to smart phones are phenomenal because massive leap in capabilities. The abundance of applications available for download and installation is one of the main selling points of smart phones. But it also means that malicious software may be readily distributed to smart phones, allowing hackers to launch a variety of attacks. Effective detection procedures and preventative measures should be taken to deal with this problem. The reasons why cell phones are susceptible to security breaches are initially covered in this article. After then, it shows signs of malicious behavior and virus threats. After that, it takes a look back at the methods currently used to identify and stop malware. It highlights the need for additional research in these areas, as well as the efforts of app developers, app store authorities, and users to protect themselves from this type of malware.</p
IFRS S1 and S2 implementation readiness in emerging markets:a multi-dimensional assessment framework and market readiness index
Get PDFPurpose This paper aims to examine IFRS S1 and S2 sustainability disclosure standards awareness and implementation readiness among public interest entities (PIEs). Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research approach with a cross-sectional survey of 241 PIEs across 11 sectors was used. Data was collected using a closed-ended structured questionnaire based on the four pillars of IFRS’s sustainability framework: governance, strategy, risk management and metrics and targets. Data was analysed using different statistical analyses. Descriptive statistics and factor analysis were used to establish the four pillars, with their relative importance determined through the analytic hierarchy process based on expert pairwise comparisons. Findings Findings reveal high general awareness of IFRS S1 and S2 standards (82%), although detailed implementation knowledge is lower (55.6%). Readiness assessment across pillars yielded an overall Ghana Sustainability Reporting Market Readiness Index (GSRMRI) score of 46.6% based on the four pillars (governance [48.25%], strategy [49.25%], risk management [46.50%] and metrics and targets [41.00%]). Sectoral analysis indicates renewable resources and energy sectors lead in readiness, while technology and communications lag. Research limitations/implications The study was limited to Ghana, with self-reported cross-sectional survey data from public interest entities. However, it establishes a foundation for future IFRS S1/S2 implementation research across emerging markets and other African countries. Practical implications The study proposes a phased IFRS S1 and S2 implementation roadmap, starting with voluntary adoption and capacity building before moving to mandatory implementation, while providing practical recommendations for stakeholders to enhance sustainability reporting capabilities. Social implications The research contributes to advancing sustainable business practices in emerging markets, potentially improving environmental and social accountability. It supports the development of more robust sustainability reporting frameworks, benefiting stakeholders, including investors, regulators and the broader society in their decision-making processes. Originality/value This study contributes three key novel advances: First, it provides a pioneering assessment of IFRS S1 and S2 implementation readiness in emerging markets. Second, it introduces the GSRMRI framework as a standardised methodology adaptable across emerging markets. Third, it offers unique insights through sector-specific analysis of preparedness levels.</p
Pre-registration mental health nursing students who witness self-harm / self-injury amongst service users during placement: a cross-sectional study
No full textAim: To understand the personal impact of witnessing self-injury (SI) upon MentalHealth Nursing (MHN) students whilst on placementObjectives:1. Identify types of SI witnessed by MHN students.2. Evaluate perceived self-competence in working with service users who haveself-injured.3. Appraise access to and desired types of interventions for MHN students.4. Assess the potential trauma of witnessing SI upon MHN students.41.7%Resilience Development: Our study also proposes a theoreticalstaged model of resilience development (above), Our resultssuggest that resilience develops through experiencing andovercoming traumatic events, with positive growth occurring whensupport outweighs stressors.For more information, or to comment, scan the following QR code:KEY FINDINGS…METHODData Collection & analysis: Online survey using questionnaires with open-endedand closed items and included a Trauma Screening Questionnaire.Descriptive analysis was completed on the quantitative data gathered, and athematic analysis conducted on the qualitative data.Recruitment & Participants: MHN students recruited to the study via MentalHealth Nurse Academic UK’s participating universities (Universities of,Bedfordshire, Huddersfield, Lancashire and Liverpool).84 participant responses were considered fully completed and included in the final analysis.Themes: RESILIENCE IN PRACTICE:Gained through witnessing and overcoming SHSI trauma; prior exposure seemed to reduce subsequent trauma.SOURCES OF STRESS: Internal (e.g., guilt, self-blame, fear) and external (e.g., uncompassionate staff attitudes, staff overwork/undertraining).SOURCES OF SUPPORT:Debriefs were highly valued, and students desired more in-depth training from universities prior to placement.Importance of Supporteaningful debriefs and a feeling of being part of asupportive team are crucial for MHN student well-being and resiliencedevelopment.2. Addressing Negative Attitudes: Student concerns about uncompassionatestaff attitudes, particularly towards service users with personality disorders,suggest a need for improved education and challenging stigma in clinicalpractice.3. Gap in Preparation: Students often feel unprepared for the emotional andpractical demands of witnessing SI, highlighting a need for more practicaltraining and emotional preparation from universities.4. Joined-up approaches needed: Professionally and personally navigating SIexperiences, requires a joined-up approach between universities andplacement providers
Barriers and facilitators to accessing services for neurodevelopmental disorders among the carers of individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in the UK:a scoping review
Get PDFOBJECTIVE: To identify the barriers and facilitators to accessing services for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) among the carers of individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in the UK.DESIGN: A scoping review.DATA SOURCES: Seven databases: PubMed, Cochrane, MEDLINE Full Text, APA PsycINFO, Scopus, CINAHL and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies up to the end of March 2025. Titles and abstracts and, where appropriate, full-text articles were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently screened the 6454 studies, with data extraction carried out by two reviewers. A narrative synthesis of the findings was undertaken.FINDINGS: A total of 15 studies were included in the review, the majority of which were qualitative (n=9; 60%). Among the Black, Asian and minority ethnic populations represented, South Asians comprised the predominant group. The review underscores that the barriers faced by Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities are multifactorial, which includes: (1) language and communication barriers, (2) cultural and religious influences, (3) stigma, (4) formal and informal support systems and (5) experience with healthcare services.CONCLUSION: Access to neurodevelopmental care for carers from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in the UK is shaped by complex, multifactorial barriers. These communities are not homogeneous, and evidence gaps make it unclear whether challenges are shared or distinct. Greater understanding is needed to inform culturally appropriate, evidence-based policy and practice. Further research is essential to address disparities and improve equitable access across all groups.</p
Barriers and facilitators to accessing services for neurodevelopmental disorders among the carers of individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in the UK:a scoping review
Get PDFOBJECTIVE: To identify the barriers and facilitators to accessing services for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) among the carers of individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in the UK.DESIGN: A scoping review.DATA SOURCES: Seven databases: PubMed, Cochrane, MEDLINE Full Text, APA PsycINFO, Scopus, CINAHL and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies up to the end of March 2025. Titles and abstracts and, where appropriate, full-text articles were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently screened the 6454 studies, with data extraction carried out by two reviewers. A narrative synthesis of the findings was undertaken.FINDINGS: A total of 15 studies were included in the review, the majority of which were qualitative (n=9; 60%). Among the Black, Asian and minority ethnic populations represented, South Asians comprised the predominant group. The review underscores that the barriers faced by Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities are multifactorial, which includes: (1) language and communication barriers, (2) cultural and religious influences, (3) stigma, (4) formal and informal support systems and (5) experience with healthcare services.CONCLUSION: Access to neurodevelopmental care for carers from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in the UK is shaped by complex, multifactorial barriers. These communities are not homogeneous, and evidence gaps make it unclear whether challenges are shared or distinct. Greater understanding is needed to inform culturally appropriate, evidence-based policy and practice. Further research is essential to address disparities and improve equitable access across all groups.</p
Intersecting needs: neurodivergence, gender, and sexual violence in local support systems:a study of the local context of support for autistic young women and girls, and those with ADHD, who have experienced sexual violence and exploitation
No full textThis report presents the findings of a multi-method research study exploring how autistic young women and girls, and those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames can be better supported and protected from sexual violence and exploitation. Funded by the London Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), the study was undertaken via a partnership between Kingston Council, the Safer Young Lives Research Centre (SYLRC) at the University of Bedfordshire and the women’s charity Advance
"I was so afraid all you wanted from me was sex": a corpus-assisted study in the pragmatics of manipulation in online child sexual groomers' discourse
Get PDFUsing a corpus pragmatic approach, we analyse online groomers’ discourse within chat logs from the Perverted Justice Foundation (PJF) archive (2019) (www.pjfi.org) to expose online groomers' stylistic modus operandi. Informed by Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) (Giles et al., 1973) and Sorlin’s Manipulative Discourse (MD) Model (2017), the study shows that online child sexual offenders’ use of implicit, belief-based manipulation is based on two paradoxes: (1) The offenders’ use of a ‘transparency’ tactic to establish a reciprocal, adult-to-adult relationship and draw the child-target in; and (2) the ‘polite’ offenders falsely passing the power and control over to the child, thereby creating in the child’s mind an illusion of free choice, maturity and capacity to consent. It is suggested that the two paradoxes contribute to the development of one narrative with, as its recurring theme, the implicit, yet prevalent adultification of the child. We argue that the discursive adultification of the child-target deserves to be further explored, as it can lead to role and responsibility reversal, which supports online grooming processes and, crucially, it may result in the child-victim’s self-blame and reluctance to report OCSEA.</p
Exergy analysis of isochoric and isobaric Adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage
Get PDFAdiabatic compressed air energy storage (ACAES) is an energy storage technology that has the potential to play an important role in the transition to a predominantly renewables-driven net-zero energy system. However, it has not yet achieved the performance necessary to be widely deployed. This paper undertakes an exergy analysis of isobaric and isochoric ACAES systems, tracking lost work through the components and exploring the influences of different design choices. Three different configurations are modelled: (1) 3 compression and 3 expansion stages; (2) 4 compression and 2 expansion stages; and (3) 2 compression and 4 expansion stages. These results illustrate that isobaric systems are likely to have higher round-trip efficiency and significantly higher energy density, at the cost of achieving isobaric storage. Exergy analysis reveals that most of the losses arise in the compressors, compressor aftercoolers and expanders. Losses in aftercoolers are exaggerated when compressors operate with high-pressure ratios, emphasizing that the choice of TES is a key system variable. With pressurised water as the coolant and TES fluid, it seems likely that the best system will have more compression than expansion stages. Increasing the number of compression stages decreases the off-design penalty when the system is isochoric.</p
Health psychology theories and models of behaviour
No full textTheories, models, and their application are a crucial part of the development and growth of health psychology. This chapter contextualises health psychology in its foundations of the biopsychosocial model and discusses, non-exhaustively, key theories, models, and concepts used in the field relating to behaviour. The development of theories and models over the decades will be presented, showcasing the movement from cognitive to socio-cognitive, self-regulation to whole systems approaches, and where they are applied, to include individuals, populations, environments, behaviours, and conditions. This chapter will help to situate health psychology in the health and social care system, and critically discuss its contribution to science, education, policy, and practice
Health psychology's role within the biopsychosocial sciences
No full textThis chapter focuses on understanding health psychology in the wider system. The main aim is to show the interdisciplinary reach of health psychology and to highlight the importance of interconnectivity and collaborative working. Initially, synergies and differences between health psychology and other practitioner psychology branches will be discussed. The chapter will then focus outwards on the connection of health psychology with the biopsychosocial sciences. A particular focus will be made on behavioural, social, and medical sciences. The chapter will conclude with a discussion on the role health psychology plays and could play in multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary teams
Data sources:
Access Repository Dashboard
Do you manage University of Bedfordshire Repository? Access insider analytics, issue reports and manage access to outputs from your repository in the CORE Repository Dashboard!