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A novel key distribution for mobile patient authentication inspired by the federated learning concept and based on the Diffie–Hellman elliptic curve
Get PDFEnsuring secure communication for mobile patients in e-healthcare requires an efficient and robust key distribution mechanism. This study introduces a novel hierarchical key distribution architecture inspired by federated learning (FL), enabling seamless authentication for patients moving across different healthcare centers. Unlike existing approaches, the proposed system allows a central healthcare authority to share global security parameters with subordinate units, which then combine these with their own local parameters to generate and distribute symmetric keys to mobile patients. This FL-inspired method ensures that patients only need to store a single key, significantly reducing storage overhead while maintaining security. The architecture was rigorously evaluated using SPAN-AVISPA for formal security verification and BAN logic for authentication protocol analysis. Performance metrics—including storage, computation, and communication costs—were assessed, demonstrating that the system minimizes the computational load and reduces the number of exchanged messages during authentication compared to traditional methods. By leveraging FL principles, the solution enhances scalability and efficiency, particularly in dynamic healthcare environments where patients frequently switch between facilities. This work bridges a critical gap in e-healthcare security, offering a lightweight, scalable, and secure key distribution framework tailored for mobile patient authentication
Attacking performance analysis during 2-minute suspensions in female handball games at the Rio 2016 Olympic games
Get PDFThe aim of this study was to analyse the effect of the IHF 2016 rule change on attack efficacy during the different numerical asymmetry scenarios associated with 2-minute suspensions at the Rio 2016 female OG. A total of 328 exclusion scenarios that were sanctioned during the 38 matches played at the Rio 2016 female handball tournament by 12 national teams were analysed using observational methodology. Chi-square test was applied to identify associations between the variables. Chi-square automatic interaction detection trees (CHAID) were used to identify which attacking performance variables during exclusions were associated with the different types of numerical asymmetry (superiority, inferiority with the goalkeeper at goal and inferiority with the empty net). Results during contexts of superiority showed that scoring in 58.0% of the total attacking finalizations (i.e. attack efficacy) (p<.001; ASR 8.2); playing fast transitions (p<.001; x2 = 17.692) and using a 2:4 (with two pivots) offensive system were predictors of the attacking performance of the teams. Substitution of the goalkeeper for a court player during inferiority context was a predictor for teams ranked 9 to 12 and also for those playing for medals (p<.001; x2=26.590) but receiving, as a consequence of their finalizations, a counterattack (p<.001; x2=112.107). Despite teams showing similar attacking performance during numerical superiority compared to previous studies, findings in this study revealed a tendency for empty nets during numerical inferiority context. Coaches should therefore consider training retreat’s strategies when playing without a goalkeeper when faced with a numerical disadvantage
Building cell assembly based associative memory with spiking neurons
Get PDFAssociative memory is a fundamental component of cognitive function. The CA (CA) frame-work, first proposed by Hebb, provides a biologically plausible foundation for understanding the operation of associative memory. The formation and storage of memories depends on structural changes and modifications in synaptic conditions and strength between neurons.
This thesis explores networks of spiking neurons to implement CAs and to simulate cognitive functions. The Stroop test, a prominent cognitive interference task, is replicated in a task-completion simulation using binary CAs. Additionally, a question-answering system with CA-based memories models the natural responses predicted by Collin’s hierarchical structure of semantic memory. These experiments underscore the pivotal role of CAs in advancing our understanding of cognitive processes.
The thesis also investigates how to improve CA models by proposing standards for evaluating CAs and defining expectations for robust short-term memory simulations. Existing and novel topological structures, incorporating insights and constraints derived from neuroanatomical evidence, are assessed to examine particular CA topologies. A significant contribution is the development of CA models composed solely of excitatory neurons, which exhibit persistent yet non-binary group firing and self-termination behaviours. The small-world rich-get-richer network emerges as a good structure to support CA functions.
An associative memory model consisting of a CA group with multiple orthogonal sub-CAs demonstrates that stimulating two of three connected sub-CAs activates the third (2/3 assembly). Moreover, a single sub-CA can participate in multiple 2/3 pairs, enabling the network to achieve a storage capacity of O(N). The phasic interactions among sub-CAs are also explored to support more complex co-activation conditions and demonstrate basic CA behaviours
A Kripke semantics for intuitionistic Lukasiewicz logic with weak excluded middle
No full textWe provide a generalisation of Kripke semantics for an extension of intuitionistic Łukasiewicz logic (LLi) with weak excluded middle (LLiWEM). This analogises the situation with intuitionistic logic (IL) extended by weak excluded middle (WEM). This paper extends the insights of [8] regarding LL_i to LL_i_WEM
Biosurfactant-mediated inhibition of Salmonella typhimurium biofilms on plastics: influence of lipopolysaccharide structure
Get PDFSalmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium is a major foodborne pathogen whose ability to form biofilms contributes to persistent contamination in food-processing and clinical environments. This study investigated the anti-biofilm activity of the biosurfactant surfactin, produced by Bacillus subtilis, against S. Typhimurium wild type (LT2) and its lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-modified mutants on commonly used plastic surfaces such as polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS). Biofilm formation was quantified using the crystal violet assay, revealing significantly higher biomass on PS compared to PP (p < 0.0001). Surfactin at 5 µg/mL was identified as the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC), significantly reducing biofilm formation in the wild-type and LPS mutants rfaL, rfaJ, rfaF (all p < 0.0001), and rfaI (p < 0.01). Further analysis using fluorescence microscopy and SYPRO® Ruby staining confirmed a significant reduction in extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) on PP surfaces following surfactin treatment, particularly in strains LT2 (p < 0.0001), rfa (p < 0.01), rfaL (p < 0.0001), rfaG (p < 0.05), and rfaE (p < 0.0001). These findings highlight the influence of LPS structure on biofilm development and demonstrate surfactin’s potential as an eco-friendly antimicrobial agent for controlling S. Typhimurium biofilms on food-contact surfaces. Analysis of mutants revealed that disruption of the rfa gene, which is involved in the biosynthesis of the outermost region of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), significantly reduced bacterial attachment to polypropylene. This suggests that interactions between the external LPS layer and the plastic surface are important for colonisation. In contrast, mutants in core LPS biosynthesis genes such as rfaE and rfaD did not show any notable differences in attachment compared to the wild-type strain. This highlights the specific importance of outer LPS components, particularly under surfactant conditions, in mediating interactions with plastic surfaces. This work supports the application of biosurfactants in food safety strategies to reduce the risk of biofilm-associated contamination
Genetic insights into metabolic syndrome: polygenic scores as predictive tools for risk assessment
No full textObjective:
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a condition characterized by central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension, which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The rising prevalence of MetS worldwide necessitates a deeper understanding of its genetic and molecular mechanisms. This study aimed to identify genetic pathways related to adiposity, inflammation, neurotransmitters, β-cell function, and blood pressure regulation to develop a prognostic tool for MetS risk.
Design and method:
Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in 40 genes were analyzed in 279 MetS patients and 397 controls. Logistic regression evaluated the predictive utility of polygenic scores, independently and with age and sex. Public datasets provided insights into gene-cluster associations with phenotypic and metabolic traits.
Results:
Eighteen SNVs were significantly associated with MetS, including CDKAL1 rs9295474C (OR = 2.63, PFDR = 1.79 × 10-9), NPY2R rs1047214C (OR = 2.12, PFDR = 1.50 × 10-7), ADRA2A rs1800544G (OR = 2.18, PFDR = 3.98 × 10-6), and CHRM1 rs2067477A (OR = 3.08, PFDR = 3.01 × 10-5). ADCY3 rs17799872 showed associations with BMI (β = 2.16, PFDR = 4.38 × 10-13), waist circumference (β = 6.19, PFDR = 1.52 × 10-6), height (β = -3.86, PFDR = 8.65 × 10-6), fasting insulin (β = 4.13, PFDR = 2.14 × 10-4), HOMA-IR (β = 1.48, PFDR = 2.69 × 10-4), CRP (β = 1.06, PFDR = 1.10 × 10-4), and TNF-α (β = 7.50, PFDR = 0.001).
Weighted polygenic scores for these 18 loci predicted MetS risk with an AUC of 82.5% (95% CI 79.4–85.6%). Adding polygenic scores to age and sex significantly improved classification accuracy (NRI = 1.03%, p = 3.42 × 10-50). Using all 40 loci did not enhance predictions, but combining polygenic scores with age and sex improved the AUC to 83.3% (95% CI 80.2–86.3%). Gene-cluster analysis linked specific loci to distinct metabolic traits, offering insights into MetS mechanisms.
Conclusions:
Weighted polygenic scores for MetS-associated loci predict MetS risk and outcomes, supporting their use in tailored diagnostics. Further validation is needed to confirm findings and elucidate molecular pathways
Treaties like the ECHR protect everyone in the UK, not just migrants
No full textThis blog explains what the implications would be for all people in the UK of the Reform UK proposal to withdraw the UK from the European Convention on Human Rights and other treaties protecting human rights and refugees
Linking inclusive school practices and mental health in sexual and gender minority youth in Europe
Get PDFSexual and gender minority (SGM) youth often face stressors such as stigma and discrimination, leading to high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. There is a need to identify effective school practices across different countries to reduce these minority stressors and the resulting mental health disparities. A total of 17,733 SGM high school students (aged 14+) across 13 European countries completed an online survey between September 2020 and January 2022. Participants reported on school inclusivity practices (i.e., inclusive sex education, SGM representation in classroom, and teacher inclusivity), minority stressors (i.e., perceived unsafety at school, experiences of bias-based bullying, and internalized stigma) and mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation). SGM-inclusive sex education and teacher inclusiveness were associated with lower odds of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. A positive representation of SGM issues in classrooms was associated with low odds of depression and suicidal ideation, whereas negative representation was associated with increased odds of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. The associations between such practices and the mental health outcomes were partially mediated by perceived unsafety at school, experiences of bias-based bullying, and internalized stigma. Across European countries, incorporating positive representations of LGBTQI + topics in the classroom, providing inclusive sex education, and fostering inclusive attitudes and behaviors among teachers can create a more supportive and affirming educational environment for SGM youth. By addressing issues of perceived unsafety, bias-based bullying, and internalized stigma, these practices can play a critical role in reducing mental health disparities and promoting well-being among SGM students
Work–life research in the Asia-Pacific: Implications for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion By Chan, X. W., S. Shang, and L. Lu, Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave McMillan, 2024. 239 pp. US$ 199.99 (Hardcover and Softcover). ISBN: 978-3-031-52794-4 (Hardcover) [Book review]
No full textWhat is work-life balance, and is it truly achievable in a world of relentless change and deepening inequality? This question lingers in the background of contemporary life. The field of work-life research has grown significantly, evolving from its initial focus on individual and family-level dynamics to addressing broader systemic and cultural issues. This shift reflects the increasing complexity of balancing professional and personal roles in diverse and rapidly changing contexts. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified these complexities, bringing remote work, flexibility and digitalization to the forefront of conversations while exposing critical gaps in work-life policies and practices, particularly the inequitable burdens placed on marginalized groups.
In the Asia-Pacific region, the work-life interface has taken on greater significance as the area emerges as a technologically advanced and economically diverse hub. Post-pandemic trends, including virtual collaboration, the growth of gig work and the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), have redefined workplace practices. Yet, these shifts also highlight persistent inequalities, such as limited access to flexible arrangements for low-income and frontline workers. Issues of gender equality, particularly in the context of caregiving, career advancement and support for working mothers, also illustrate the need for justice in creating equitable opportunities. Work-Life Research in the Asia-Pacific: Implications for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, edited by Chan, Shang and Lu, provides a timely exploration of these themes and more. Across nine chapters, the book examines the region’s evolving work-life landscape through the lenses of policies and practices, technology and culture. It addresses diverse contexts, from Australia’s structured labor laws to the gig economies of Southeast Asia, while considering the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The book also challenges Global North perspectives in work-life research, offering a nuanced understanding of the Asia-Pacific’s socio-economic and cultural dynamics