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A computational framework for quantifying blood flow dynamics across myogenically-active cerebral arterial networks
Get PDFCerebral autoregulation plays a key physiological role by limiting blood flow changes in the face of pressure fluctuations. Although the underlying vascular cellular processes are chemo-mechanically driven, estimating the associated haemodynamic forces in vivo remains extremely difficult and uncertain. In this work, we propose a novel computational methodology for evaluating the blood flow dynamics across networks of myogenically-active cerebral arteries, which can modulate their muscular tone to stabilize flow (and perfusion pressure) as well as to limit vascular intramural stress. The introduced framework integrates a continuum mechanics-based, biologically-motivated model of the rat vascular wall with 1D blood flow dynamics. We investigate the time dependency of the vascular wall response to pressure changes at both single vessel and network levels. The dynamical performance of the vessel wall mechanics model was validated against different pressure protocols and conditions (control and absence of extracellular Ca2+). The robustness of the integrated fluid–structure interaction framework was assessed using different types of inlet signals and numerical settings in an idealized vascular network formed by a middle cerebral artery and its three generations. The proposed in-silico methodology aims to quantify how acute changes in upstream luminal pressure propagate and influence blood flow across a network of rat cerebral arteries. Weak coupling ensured accurate results with a lower computational cost for the vessel size and boundary conditions considered. To complete the analysis, we evaluated the effect of an upstream pressure surge on vascular network haemodynamics in the presence and absence of myogenic tone. This provided a clear quantitative picture of how pressure, flow and vascular constriction are re-distributed across each vessel generation upon inlet pressure changes. This work paves the way for future combined experimental-computational studies aiming to decipher cerebral autoregulation
Unified Mental Health and Capacity Law: Creating Parity and Non-Discrimination?
Get PDFIt has been argued that a fusion of mental health and capacity law creates parity and respects non-discrimination. This approach has been adopted in the Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016, although this legislation is not yet fully in force. Separately the World Health Organisation and the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities have advocated ending the separate status of mental health law. Across the rest of the UK, the possibility of fusion legislation has recently been considered, although not ultimately recommended in 2018 by the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act for England and Wales and in 2022 by the Scottish Mental Health Law Review. Challenges include potential conflicts with Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights, and the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities' critique of ‘mental capacity’ and whether a capacity threshold is required for unified mental health and capacity law. This article will consider the approach of the Scottish Mental Health Law Review, why it did not recommend immediate fusion and its proposals for greater alignment of mental health and capacity regimes
Acclimatisation Audio for AR Devices: A practical approach to sound that teaches, supports, and then gets out of the way
Get PDFAcclimatisation audio is a design approach for AR and hearable devices that begins with clear, slightly exaggerated cues to support early learning, then becomes progressively quieter and more subtle as the listener adapts. The system adjusts articulation, timing, spectral detail and spatial precision to provide clarity without loudness, and responds to daily variation, fatigue, masking and long-term perceptual change. It improves comfort, privacy and battery life while avoiding intrusive behaviour. The paper outlines core principles, technical elements and an example implementation path suitable for current AR audio hardware
Resilience without AI: Assessing the Viability of Deception-Based Ransomware Detection
Get PDFFrom the first attack in 1989, to date, it is evident that ransomware is highly destructive. Today the vast majority of research on ransomware detection is focused on the use of AI techniques. While the use of these techniques is very effective, they should not be considered an infallible solution for ransomware detection. As with any solution, AI implementations do have shortcomings of their own; compute resource constraints, collation of training data, data poisoning, and data privacy, to name a few. This paper aims to identify whether traditional methods can still effectively detect ransomware in scenarios where AI solutions may not be viable. Typically, there are three main categories of detection; signature-based, behaviour-based, & deception-based. This paper focuses on deception-based detection, using honeyfiles. Three detection solutions have been implemented on two isolated VMs, one running Windows 10, the other Linux Mint. The solutions include RansomwareLocker, for the Linux VM, R-Locker and 4663 Windows event monitoring on the Windows 10 VM. With these solutions implemented, ransomware samples were executed in turn, up to three times, allowing an initial 'out of the box' test run and two subsequent tests after necessary configuration changes were made. Overall, from the ransomware samples chosen and detection solutions implemented, deception-based detection proves to be a promising approach. Testing resulted in two of the three solutions ultimately achieving a 100% detection rate. However, throughout the experiment, it is evident that this approach is not a silver bullet, and very dependent on the configuration of the solutions. Therefore, whether AI-based or traditional, a defence-in-depth approach remains best. Abstract From the first attack in 1989, to date, it is evident that ransomware is highly destructive. Today the vast majority of research on ransomware detection is focused on the use of AI techniques. While the use of these techniques is very effective, they should not be considered an infallible solution for ransomware detection. As with any solution, AI implementations do have shortcomings of their own; compute resource constraints, collation of training data, data poisoning, and data privacy, to name a few. This paper aims to identify whether traditional methods can still effectively detect ransomware in scenarios where AI solutions may not be viable. Typically, there are three main categories of detection; signature-based, behaviour-based, & deception-based. This paper focuses on deception-based detection, using honeyfiles. Three detection solutions have been implemented on two isolated VMs, one running Windows 10, the other Linux Mint. The solutions include RansomwareLocker, for the Linux VM, R-Locker and 4663 Windows event monitoring on the Windows 10 VM. With these solutions implemented, ransomware samples were executed in turn, up to three times, allowing an initial 'out of the box' test run and two subsequent tests after necessary configuration changes were made. Overall, from the ransomware samples chosen and detection solutions implemented, deception-based detection proves to be a promising approach. Testing resulted in two of the three solutions ultimately achieving a 100% detection rate. However, throughout the experiment, it is evident that this approach is not a silver bullet, and very dependent on the configuration of the solutions. Therefore, whether AI-based or traditional, a defence-in-depth approach remains best
Critical factors affecting efficient yard planning in a seaport container terminal
Get PDFOperations at a container yard within a port terminal represent one of the most complex aspects of terminal operations, as both inbound and outbound container flows must be handled simultaneously. Yard planning involves allocating appropriate storage locations for these containers in order to integrate all activities within the terminal area into a seamless operation. Consequently, yard planning directly influences port efficiency by addressing the storage allocation of inbound containers, the utilisation of yard equipment, and the retrieval sequence of outbound containers. Several factors determine the efficiency of the yard planning process. The main objective of this paper is to explore and identify the factors affecting yard planning and its efficiency from the perspective of port terminal executives. A questionnaire survey was conducted with the participation of 30 port industry professionals representing the three port terminals operating at the Port of Colombo in Sri Lanka. The study employs the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to identify the critical factors influencing yard planning efficiency and to determine the relative weight of each factor. The paper further offers managerial and technical implications for improving yard planning in port terminal management
Editorial for Management of Chronic Physical and Mental Health Conditions in Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities
No full text[Abstract unavailable.
The Tarot Reader of Versailles
No full textHistorical Magic Realist fiction set during the time of the Great Rebellion in Ireland and the French Revolution and The Terror. Feminist retelling based on real historical figures. Structured using Tarot Cards as narrative devices.Examining the justification for violence during revolutions and reclaiming sexual agency for female characters
FISHGLOB: A collaborative infrastructure to bridge the gap between scientific monitoring and marine biodiversity conservation
Get PDFLarge-scale biodiversity assessments and conservation applications require integrated and up-to-date datasets across regions. In the oceans, monitoring is fragmented, which affects knowledge exchange and usage. Among existing monitoring programs, scientific bottom-trawl surveys (SBTS) are long-term, rich, and well-maintained data sources at the scale of each sampled region, but these data are under-utilized in biodiversity applications, especially across regions. This is hampered by the lack of an international community and database maintained through time. To address this, we created FISHGLOB, an infrastructure gathering SBTS and experts. In 5 years, we developed an integrated database of SBTS and a consortium gathering more than 100 experts and users. Here, we are sharing the project history, achievements, challenges, and outlooks. In particular, we reflect on the infrastructure-building social and technical processes which will guide the development of similar infrastructures. The FISHGLOB project takes ocean monitoring one step forward in working as a unified community across disciplines and regions of the world
Barriers and Enablers in Implementing the Vision Zero Approach to Road Safety: A Case Study of Haryana, India, with Lessons from Sweden
Get PDFEmpirical studies on barriers and enablers to implementing Vision Zero remain limited, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), limiting broader adoption. India exemplifies this gap: while some cities and states have adopted Vision Zero, national uptake has been slow. The purpose of this study is to investigate barriers and enablers in the Indian state of Haryana. Using a qualitative approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 Vision Zero experts selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data was analyzed using inductive content analysis following Graneheim and Lundman’s approach. The findings revealed five categories and 21 sub-categories of barriers and four categories with 13 sub-categories of enablers. Cultural and institutional barriers were most prominent, including poor road safety culture, staff shortages, limited technical expertise and weak research capacity. Operational, financial and political barriers were less frequently discussed but included complex management processes, delayed funding and lack of political will in certain states. Key enablers included strong political support, long-term vision, ambitious road safety targets, and continuous monitoring and evaluation. Identifying these factors can strengthen the implementation capacity in LMICs and guide policymakers in overcoming challenges and leveraging enablers to advance Vision Zero
A Secure Blockchain-Based MFA Dynamic Mechanism
Get PDFAuthentication mechanisms attract considerable research interest due to the protective role they offer, and when they fail, the system becomes vulnerable and immediately exposed to attacks. Blockchain technology was recently incorporated to enhance authentication mechanisms through its inherited specifications that cover higher security requirements. This article proposes a dynamic multi-factor authentication (MFA) mechanism based on blockchain technology. The approach combines a honeytoken authentication method implemented with smart contracts and deploys the dynamic change of honeytokens for enhanced security. Two additional random numbers are inserted into the honeytoken within the smart contract for protection from potential attackers, forming a triad of values. The produced set is then imported into a dynamic hash algorithm that changes daily, introducing an additional layer of complexity and unpredictability. The honeytokens are securely transferred to the user through a dedicated and safe communication channel, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of this critical authentication factor. Extensive evaluation and threat analysis of the proposed blockchain-based MFA dynamic mechanism (BMFA) demonstrate that it meets high-security standards and possesses essential properties that give prospects for future use in many domains
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