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Leading causes of death among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in the United States, 2011-2022
Full text linkBackground:
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) populations in the U.S. face substantial but underrecognized health disparities. A history of systemic inequities has led to high rates of chronic disease and premature mortality. Most national health data aggregates NHPIs with other racial groups, obscuring subgroup-specific disparities. This study aims to provide disaggregated mortality parameters for NHPI subgroups to better inform public health policy.
Methods:
We conducted a mortality analysis using data from the National Vital Statistics System from 2011 to 2022. Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) per 100,000 were calculated and stratified by sex and NHPI subgroups (Native Hawaiian, Samoan, Chamorro/Guamanian) and compared with Asian American (AA) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) populations. We assessed proportional mortality and temporal trends using logistic regression.
Results:
NHPI males (ASMR: 1157.85) and females (832.29) had higher mortality than AAs (617.86; 428.53) and NHWs (596.06; 429.37) males and females, respectively. The median age at death among NHPIs was 65, a decade younger than AAs (76) and NHWs (78). Among NHPI subgroups, Samoans had the highest ASMRs, especially heart disease (313.08; 226.81), cancer (217.28; 200.21), and diabetes mellitus (109.23; 91.13). Guamanians had high mortality from accidents (47.79; 21.10), while Native Hawaiians had lower mortality across all diseases, but greater proportional mortality from dementia compared to the other race groups. Males had higher mortality across most conditions. Groups with lower education levels had higher mortality on average.
Conclusions:
These findings highlight persistent and profound disparities between NHPIs and AAs and NHWs, as well as within NHPI communities. Disaggregated data is essential to illuminate subgroup-specific burdens. As the west navigates changing public health demands, this study underscores the importance of precise, equity-driven approaches to minority health.
Key messages:
• NHPIs (median age at death 66) die over a decade earlier than AAs (77) and NHWs (78).
• Samoans and Guamanians face the highest NHPI mortality - heart disease (up to 313), diabetes (109), and injury (48) deaths per 100,000
A framework for embedding generative and agentic AI in Open Source Intelligence
Full text linkOpen Source Intelligence (OSINT) plays a critical role in cybersecurity and threat intelligence. However, traditional methods are slow, manual, and difficult to scale. Although Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI have been explored for OSINT, most existing approaches apply them to isolated tasks without developing an integrated and autonomous architecture. This paper proposes a novel Agentic AI-driven OSINT framework that enables autonomous information gathering, reasoning, and tool orchestration across heterogeneous open-source data streams. The system uses retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), chain-of-thought reasoning, and adaptive agent planning to determine which tools to invoke, how to process intermediate outputs, and when to escalate findings for human review. The proposed architecture includes modules for multi-source data ingestion, LLM-powered analysis, generative scenario simulation, and ethical safeguard enforcement. A proof-of-concept use case involving the location of missing persons from public data demonstrates how the framework improves coverage, accuracy, and decision speed when compared to conventional OSINT workflows. This work introduces the first unified and reproducible design for an Agentic AI OSINT system that incorporates transparency, accountability, and ethical compliance into its operational core
A novel AI-powered approach for improving inclusion and participation of unpaid caregivers in a digital carer support community
No full textUnpaid carers provide support to individuals who cannot manage independently due to disability, age, illness, mental health conditions, or addiction [1]. They often face significant challenges balancing their caregiving duties while managing their own well-being. In 2021/22, the value of unpaid care across the UK was estimated at £184 billion annually, surpassing the NHS budget for all four nations [2]. Mobilise Care Limited, a digital carer support organisation, empowers carers through the Mobilise Digital Carer Support System (MDCSS) — a platform comprising two main tools: the Carer’s Assessment Tool and the Mobilise Assistant Chat. While Carer’s Assessment Tool delivers personalised support through guided phone conversations and follow-up via SMS or WhatsApp, Mobilise Assistant Chat offers AI-driven responses to carers’ digital queries. This research introduces the Enhanced Carer Digital Support System (E-CDSS) — an upgrade to the existing MDCSS — which integrates peer-generated community knowledge from a growing carers network into its digital infrastructure to improve inclusion and participation of carers in the digital carer support community.. Using supervised machine learning [3] and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) [4], E-CDSS classifies and embeds helpful community discussions with 93% accuracy, enriching the knowledge base behind both Carer Assessment Tool and Mobilise Assistant Chat. Preliminary findings suggest increased carer satisfaction, reinforcing the role of digital innovation in reducing social isolation and enhancing accessibility, inclusion, and quality of support within the carer community
A performance measurement model in risk environment: a decision-making framework
No full textOrganizations' success in today's competitive world relies on their performance evaluations. In this regard, this paper presents a method for evaluating service organizations considering the performance cost indices. The objectives of the research include to determine Important Performance Evaluation Indicators. Based on Balanced Scorecard Based on Risk Consideration Risk. To determine the causal relationships of balanced scorecard perspectives that include Financial, Customer, Internal Processes, Learning and Growth, Risk Using the DEMATEL method. Then final ranking of alternatives according to V = 0 to V = 1 using VIKOR method.
Also, the risk perspective is introduced as a separate perspective on the Balanced Scorecard. The research case study is the Water Research Institute under the Ministry of Energy and the results show that the highest weight was related to the financial perspective based on the analysis conducted between different perspectives. Also, the risk perspective is the most influential and the financial perspective is the most influenced perspective. Furthermore, the Increasing return on assets with more appropriate use of existing equipment and space has the highest weight among the indices. Finally, different ratings are achieved for the studied institutions for different values in terms of mean distance and maximum distance
Impact of Gen-AI chatbots on consumer services experiences and behaviors: focusing on the sensation of awe and usage intentions through a cybernetic lens
No full textGenerative AI-based chatbots have surfaced as a magical tool, revolutionizing the service industry. Equipped with superior conversational traits and the ability to attune with the conversant, chatbots have forged a coherent bond with the conversant. The untapped potential of chatbots deserves a better understanding of how consumers interact with them. This study recruits the theory of cybernetics to shed light upon the mechanism of chatbot consumer interaction. The theory helps to explain the psychological perspectives of chatbot users and answers the all-important question as to how to craft a coherent communication by enhancing the antecedents to chatbot efficiency. A mixed-method approach is used to identify factors that add to the dynamics of chatbot efficiency, a sensation of awe, and usage intentions. In method 1, the grounded theory approach is used to identify themes and factors to develop a conceptual model. In method 2, the conceptual model devised is subjected to empirical testing through Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling. The theory of cybernetics highlights the importance of information exchange and attunement which leads to higher usage intention in chatbots. The results disseminate the indispensability of AI-enabled chatbots for retailing businesses to attain commercial competency
How does big data influence smart manufacturing in the presence of preventive maintenance? A multi-analytical investigation
Full text linkPurpose: Smart manufacturing (SM) capitalizes on big data analytics (BDA) advancements by enhancing current capabilities such as defect identification and enabling supporting capabilities such as preventive maintenance (PM). The previous literature lacks to investigate the comprehensive associations between SM, BDA, and PM. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship among SM, BDA, and PM.
Design/methodology/approach: The present research implements a multi-analytical PLS-SEM-ANN approach to investigate the relationships among BDA, PM, and SM.
Findings: This investigation indicates that BDA is an effective digital technology that positively affects the operations of SM and PM. Furthermore, the results suggest that PM has a positive influence on SM and that it also positively mediates the relationship between BDA and SM where PM cannot be treated as an auxiliary practice, and plays an important role in SM as a primary operation. Furthermore, implementing the BDA enhances the performance of SM and PM.
Originality: The role of PM in the context of BDA and SM has been ignored in past research, and this study offers novelty by examining this relationship
The unholy trinity: Hindutva, capitalism and imperialism
No full textThe book offers critical commentary and passionate analysis on the implications of Hindutva, capitalism, and imperialism for the everyday lives of working people and the planet. The emergence of the alliance between Hindutva politics and corporate capitalism during the latter half of the twentieth century significantly shaped society, state and governments aligning it with the demands of global capitalism and its imperialist hegemony. The collaboration and contestation between Hindutva, capitalism, imperialism, and other reactionary forces shape the nature of the state, government, culture, politics and society in India and beyond. The book provides an auto ethnographic and alternative analysis based on reflections on the realities of everyday lives and experiences of the past and present of this unholy trinity and its global implications
Post-synthesis modulation of the physicochemical properties of green-synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles with Tween 80 to enhance their antibacterial activity and biocompatibility
Full text linkBackground:
Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with negligible potential for resistance development, excellent biocompatibility, and therefore, could be promising alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. However, their industrial-scale production relies on chemical synthesis that involves toxic reagents, imposing potential environmental hazards. In contrast, green synthesis offers an eco-friendly alternative, but our previous study found that green-synthesized IONPs (IONPs-G) exhibited a lower antibacterial activity and a higher cytotoxicity compared to chemically synthesized counterparts, likely due to nanoparticle aggregation.
Objectives:
To address this challenge, the current study presents a simple, effective, economic, scalable, and eco-friendly strategy to optimize the physicochemical properties of IONPs-G post-production without requiring extensive modifications to synthesis parameters.
Methods:
IONPs-G were dispersed in a solvent mixture containing Tween 80 (Tw80). Subsequently, in vitro antimicrobial and in vivo cytotoxicity studies on rabbits’ skin and eye were conducted.
Results:
The formed nanoparticles’ dispersion (IONPs-GTw80) had a particle size of 9.7 ± 2.1 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.111 ± 0.02, and a zeta potential of −11.4 ± 2.4 mV. MIC of IONPs-GTw80 values against S. aureus and E. coli were reduced by more than ten-fold compared to IONPs-G. MBC was twice MIC, confirming the bactericidal activity of IONPs-GTw80. In vivo studies of IONPs-GTw80 confirmed their biocompatibility with intact/abraded skin and eyes; this was further confirmed by histopathological and biochemical analyses.
Conclusions:
IONPs-GTw80 might be recommended as a disinfectant in healthcare settings or a topical antimicrobial agent for treatment of infected wounds. Nevertheless, further studies are required for their clinical translation
The potential for “vibe design” in digital media andragogy
Full text linkGenerative Artificial Intelligence is being touted as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, holding the promise of democratising creativity and ultimately, creating a postwork future (Bastani, 2019). Generative artificial intelligence (genAI) will potentially have a significant impact on digital media degrees in the UK higher education sector at all levels, therefore. Digital media degrees – whether they are categorised in relation to either science or arts – tend to include some practical design elements in the creation of digital artefacts, combined with a deeper mastery of theoretical and methodological issues for the digital media field. The complexity of the digital media degree is enhanced by how wide the digital media field is – thus, individual modules on a degree cover a range of subfields, such as graphic design, animation, web & app design. The research question here reworks the authors doctoral dissertation research question to ask, “what is the potential for genAI for digital media design higher education?” (Hepburn, 2012). The potential for digital media andragogy (in terms of designing, learning, teaching and assessment) is fraught with various complex issues in relation to genAI, such as the “algorithmic experience” (Shin et al., 2020) which students are exposed to from student/genAI collaborations. Students creating digital artefacts for assessment with genAI also gives rise to critical concerns; for example, how student/ genAI assessment submissions might all “look the same” (The Citizens, 2025).
These complex issues for digital media degrees become even more overwhelming due to the plethora of genAI tools to which students now have access to. Questions remain for students on how to create digital artefacts with GenAI, as well as how to ensure a critical lens within which to innovate with new genAI forms. Inroads into answering the above research question, show how using the term “Vibe Design” from industry could help gain clarity on themes arising for digital media andragogy and genAI. Vibe design is (rather optimistically!) defined as “leveraging AI to handle the detailed execution of designing artefacts(sic) so that humans can focus on the creative and empathetic aspects” (Nielsen, 2025). Vibe Design can give a clear framework for understanding and exploring further the scenarios, challenges and opportunities for GenAI in digital media andragogy – see how the concept of vibe design has been applied in the construction industry – asserted as a democratising force (Ghosh, 2025, unpublished). Conceptual developments on vibe design show how it provides a useful lens with which to investigate the potential for genAI for digital media higher education. The research outcomes of investigating the potential “vibe design” in digital media andragogic practice are at this stage outlined through scenarios, challenges and opportunities – for example, the opportunity for students to hone prompt engineering as a skill in vibe design is as vital as it is to vibe coding (Neilsen, 2025). Future directions for this research highlight the importance of a critical practice- based approach in scaffolding students in the ethical use of genAI tools for vibe designing (Hepburn, 2025)
Theory and metatheory in the nature of information: review and thematic analysis
Full text linkThis paper addresses the nature of information through a thematic review of the literature. The nature of information describes its fundamental qualities, including structure, meaning, content and use. This paper reviews the critical and theoretical literature with the aim of defining the boundaries of a foundational theory of information. The paper is divided into three parts. The first part addresses metatheoretical aspects of the discourse, including the historicity of information, its conceptual ambiguity, the problem of definition, and the possibility of a foundational theory. The second part addresses key dimension of the critical discourse, including the subjective, objective and intersubjective nature of information, its relationship to meaning, and its relationship to the material world. The final part summarises the main conclusion and outlines the scope of a foundational theory. This paper highlights important gaps in the critical tradition, including the historicity of information, and in its relationship to material reality, complexity and computation. This paper differs from prior reviews in its thematic focus and consideration of metatheoretical aspects of the critical and theoretical tradition