Security and Performance Analysis of Edge Computing in IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) has become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, with millions of sensors and devices gathering and exchanging data through complex networks. To address the problem of resource congestion, a new paradigm called edge computing has been introduced. Edge computing moves data computation and storage to the network edge, near the end-users, to offload computational stress from centralized data centers and reduce latency. However, this shift may introduce new cybersecurity threats and attacks that need to be addressed to ensure secure IoT deployment. Ensuring the security of edge computing is critical to maintaining the integrity and privacy of sensitive data and applications. In this study, we will simulate edge computing in IoT and perform experiments to analyze the performance and security of edge computing. By simulating IoT, we can create a controlled environment to test the system’s capabilities and identify potential weaknesses. Based on our findings, we will offer recommendations for improving security and enhancing the performance of edge computing. Our aim is to provide practical insights that can help organizations deploy edge computing in a secure and efficient manner, while also mitigating potential risks and threats to IoT networks

ECMOve:A Mobilization Device for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a temporary lifesaving treatment for critically ill patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure. Studies demonstrated the feasibility of in-hospital mobilizing during and after ECMO treatment preventing neuromuscular weakness and impaired physical functioning. Despite more compact mobile ECMO devices, implementation of ambulatory ECMO remains labor-intensive, complex, and challenging. It requires a large multidisciplinary team to carry equipment, monitor and physically support the patient, and to provide a back-up wheelchair in case of fatigue. Moreover, there is no adequate solution to ensure the stability of the patient’s cannula and circuit management during ambulation. We developed a system contributing to improvement and innovation of current ambulatory ECMO patient programs. Our modular cart-in-cart system carries necessary ECMO equipment, features an extendable walking frame, and contains a folding seat for patient transport. An adjustable shoulder brace with lockable tubing-connectors enables safe fixation of the blood tubing. ECMOve provides safety, support, and accessibility while performing ambulatory ECMO for both patient and caregiver. Prototype evaluation in a simulated intensive care unit showed feasibility of our design, but needs to be evaluated in clinical care

Advancements in margin assessment for oncological surgery:Integrating diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and ultrasound imaging

Cancer surgery is a complex procedure, in which surgeons strive to maintain a delicate balance between completely removing all tumor tissue and preserving as much of the surrounding healthy tissue as possible. Inadequate tumor removal, i.e. positive resection margins, can have severe consequences for patients, such as increased risks of tumor recurrence and decreased survival rates, while excessive tissue removal can lead to complications and adversely affect patients' quality of life. Identifying tumor boundaries during surgery can, however, be challenging. Currently, surgical margin assessment relies on time-consuming histopathological analysis, resulting in delayed feedback to surgeons. Consequently, there is a long-lasting need for an intraoperative margin assessment technique that can provide real-time and accurate feedback during oncological surgery, without the need for extensive technical or radiological support. This thesis addressed this unmet need by investigating two distinct, yet complementary, modalities: diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and ultrasound (US) imaging. DRS is a fast and non-invasive optical technique, which measures the diffusely reflected light across multiple wavelengths to create a distinct “optical fingerprint” of the measured tissue, thereby enabling discrimination between healthy and tumor tissue. US imaging is a widely used imaging modality in the medical field, which provides real-time visualization of tissue structures through high-frequency sound waves. The thesis aimed to enhance intraoperative guidance by developing machine and deep learning algorithms for automatic tumor detection, segmentation, and margin prediction up to several millimeters in depth using DRS and US data. Furthermore, the added value of a multimodal approach was explored, combining the strengths of DRS and US imaging to further enhance the precision of surgical margin assessment. The last part of this thesis focused on clinical implementation aspects, including the development of more compact DRS probes and solutions for sterile in vivo use

Autothermotaxis of volatile drops

When a drop of a volatile liquid is deposited on a uniformly heated wettable, thermally conducting substrate, one expects to see it spread into a thin film and evaporate. Contrary to this intuition, due to thermal Marangoni contraction, the deposited drop contracts into a spherical-cap-shaped puddle, with a finite apparent contact angle. Strikingly, this contracted droplet, above a threshold temperature, well below the boiling point of the liquid, starts to spontaneously move on the substrate in an apparently erratic way. We describe and quantify this self-propulsion of the volatile drop. It arises due to spontaneous symmetry breaking of thermal Marangoni convection, which is induced by the nonuniform evaporation of the droplet. Using infrared imaging, we reveal the characteristic interfacial flow patterns associated with Marangoni convection in the evaporating drop. A scaling relation describes the correlation between the moving velocity of the drop and the apparent contact angle, both of which increase with the substrate temperature.</p

Assessing the uptake of sustainable land management programs towards improved land management, tenure security, food security, and agricultural production:evidence from South Wello, Ethiopia

The critical development challenge for millions of rural Ethiopians revolves around the convergence of land management, rights, and utilization. This issue is exacerbated by water scarcity, food insecurity, uncertain land tenure, and livelihood instability, all heightened by the impacts of climate variability and lack of peace and instability. The implications of land degradation and tenure insecurity pose significant challenges to food security in Ethiopia. Land degradation, characterized by the deterioration of the quality of soil and its productive capacity, hampers agricultural productivity. This, in turn, affects the nation's ability to produce sufficient food to meet the needs of its population. Tenure insecurity, or uncertainty regarding land rights, further worsens the situation. When individuals or communities lack secure land tenure, they may be hesitant to invest in sustainable land management practices. This leads to suboptimal land use, reduced investments in soil conservation, and overall inefficiencies in agricultural practices. The combined consequences of land degradation and tenure insecurity contributed to a heightened risk of food insecurity in Ethiopia. Insufficient agricultural productivity, coupled with uncertainties surrounding land ownership, creates a precarious environment where communities may struggle to access adequate food. Addressing these issues is crucial for fostering sustainable agriculture and ensuring food security for the Ethiopian population.Since 2000, the Government of Ethiopia (GoE), in collaboration with Development Partners (DPs), has spearheaded the Sustainable Land Management Program, tasked with coordinating sectors, mobilizing resources, and fostering partnerships. The Sustainable Land Management program was executed in the South Wello Zone of the Amhara region, found at the epicenter of the country's famine- prone belt. This region has been severely affected by drought, with a range of factors contributing to ongoing food insecurity. Despite extensive research on SLM and land certification in the South Wello Zone, these studies have not effectively demonstrated the connections among LULCCs, land conservation, tenure security, and food security, which are the focal points of this research.The research aimed to depict the impact SLM and land certification on LULCCs, land preservation, tenure security, and food security. In the pursuit of this objective, four specific goals were anchors of the research, with each one accompanied by details outlining its corresponding sub-objectives.Summary207The aim of the first sub-objective focuses on examining Land Use and Land Cover Changes (LULCC) in the study area over a 20-year periods. Noteworthy observations included agricultural expansion and settlements encroaching on forests, driven by factors such as population pressure, landlessness, and diminishing farm plots. Nevertheless, the analysis discovered that the initiatives attempted on restoring vegetation and changing the environment by enhancing eco- system services. The study underscored the ineffectiveness of free labor campaigns in addressing environmental challenges, highlighting the minimal involvement of the local community in the planning, reviewing, implementation, and result-monitoring stages. Consequently, the lack of community engagement eroded the sense of ownership that community members initially had toward the schemes.The second specific objective of the research focused on reviewing the land preservation uptake. According to the findings of the research, farmers were driven to participate in SWC activities by various pivotal factors, including extreme weather conditions, the existence of SWC programs, declining soil fertility, as well as diminishing sizes of farm plots. Besides, most respondents believe that instances of land degradation are frequent. These elements collectively motivated farmers to invest in SWC, and this, in turn helped them to enhance yields on limited and scarce land they owe. Most popular SWCPs in the area were identified by considering their suitability and level of acceptance based on social, economic, and ecological indicators constructed from farm-level variables collected from literature and the community. Findings highlight the effectiveness of physical measures. Constraints of the uptake include lack of tenure security and poor community participation. Similarly, the program's overall efficacy is impeded by the uniform application of SWCPs without considering bio- physical features, neglecting factors such as material availability, slope, soil type, existing indigenous knowledge, and the wider socio- economic context.The third sub-objective identified a positive correlation between land certification and various outcomes, including a decrease in land disputes and an increase in the adoption of SWCPs. Remarkably, community-managed conflict resolution platforms were identified as both unique and effective. When land-related conflicts arose, the community demonstrated an adept mechanism for managing and resolving these disputes through cultural and religious arrangements. Research findings also revealed a reduction in the number of cases brought to court since the commencement of two rounds of land certification programs. The findings underscore the constructive impactSummary208of legally protected land rights on sustainable land management, land disputes, and agricultural productivity.In the end, the fourth sub-objective looked at the food security situations of households who took part in SLMP. A considerable proportion of households were found to be experiencing food insecurity. As the area is mostly dependent on rain-fed farming and vulnerable to a range of natural and man-made calamities, including crop pests, fluctuation in rainfall, and land degradation, the government should pay attention to addressing such calamities. The problem is further exacerbated by elements such as significant land degradation, steep slopes, low soil quality, few off-farm alternatives, and scarcity of land, inadequate inputs, and a lack of credit. Households use coping mechanisms, including cutting back on meal portions and looking for non-farm work.While agricultural expansion driven by population pressure poses challenges to land use and cover, the study reveals that community engagement is crucial for the success of land conservation efforts. The effectiveness of SWCPs is evident in enhancing yields, but challenges such as limited cooperation, lack of tenure security and uniform application SWCPs across agro ecologies hindered the overall success. On a positive note, the research establishes a positive correlation between land certification and reduced land disputes, increased SWCP adoption, and improved agricultural productivity. However, a considerable proportion of households participating in SLMP still experience food insecurity due to various factors. The overarching question is, how to further enhance the synergy between sustainable land management, land tenure security, and food security in Ethiopia, considering the multifaceted challenges faced by communities and the need for a comprehensive, community-centered approach.The researcher aspires other researchers to undertake parallel research focusing on gender and tenure security and the role of local institutions in reducing land-related disputes; disparity in the acquisition of food at household and individual levels, and trends in the improvement of crop productivity based on the crop data obtained from farm plots and the desire of farming community regarding the alteration or amendments of the existing tenure system. The study's conclusions offer insightful information for future research, development interventions, and policy. Suggestions focus on community-based and sustainable methods, tackling issues related to food security, land usage, preservation, and certification

In-line spectroscopy for the quantification of iodine in a breast perfusion phantom for dynamic contrast-enhanced dedicated breast CT imaging validation

In dynamic contrast-enhanced dedicated breast computed tomography (DCE-bCT), functional insights in the breast will potentially be assessed by evaluating the iodine contrast uptake and washout over time. This information is expected to be relevant for breast cancer treatment. However, the image-based quantitative estimates of iodine concentration (mg I/ml) at each time point will need to be validated. To achieve this, we are developing an in-line optical absorption spectroscopy setup that enables real-time iodine concentration monitoring in a dynamic breast phantom. Potassium iodide was used as the contrast agent. First, the relationship between the iodine concentration (0.5-7.6 mg I/ml) and light absorption was evaluated in a laboratory UV-VIS spectrophotometer (200-1000 nm). Thereafter, an in-line spectroscopy setup was built including a light source to illuminate the contrast, a light filter (521-543 nm), and a photodetector to capture the transmitted light. The system's precision was tested on nine different iodine concentrations (0.5-7.6 mg I/ml). The detectability of an iodine profile and applicability of the setup in combination with a DCE-bCT phantom was evaluated. The UV-VIS spectrophotometer showed a linear relationship between light absorption and iodine concentrations at wavelengths between 500-650 nm. The in-line spectroscopy setup showed a coefficient of variation of 0.29%. In combination with a dynamic breast phantom, time-varying iodine profiles could be detected quantitatively, with the injection time matching wash-in and wash-out visible in the transmission curves. The developed in-line absorption spectroscopy setup can quantify time-varying iodine concentrations and shows potential to be a tool for the validation of DCE-bCT imaging.</p

Exploring the Benefits and Acceptance of Blended Positive Psychotherapy as an Adjunctive Treatment for Clients with Residual Depressive Symptoms:A Mixed-Method Study

A proof-of-concept study was conducted to explore the acceptability and potential benefits of a blended positive psychotherapy intervention for clients with residual depressive symptoms. A single-arm pilot study was conducted in 2022 and 2023 with 24 Dutch adults experiencing residual depressive symptoms after treatment. Clients who had recently received an evidence-based treatment for depressive disorder were approached to participate in this study through opportunity sampling. The intervention consisted of nine sessions with a therapist and a six-week self-guided digital positive psychology intervention. Acceptability was examined using semi-structured interviews (n = 15). Participants filled out questionnaires pre- (n = 21), mid- (n = 14) and post-intervention (n = 8). Potential benefits were assessed in terms of changes in mental well-being (MHC-SF), depression (PHQ-9) and personal recovery (QPR). Quantitative data and qualitative data were analysed using linear mixed-effects models and framework analysis, respectively. The analyses were primarily based on Sekhon’s theoretical framework of acceptability. Linear mixed-effects analyses showed changes over time in most mental health indicators, including mental well-being (Hedge’s g = 1.58), depression (g = 1.43) and personal recovery (g = 1.96). Most of the interviewed participants considered blended positive psychotherapy a valuable adjunctive treatment; it connected well with their wish to become more positive in their daily life without ignoring difficult experiences. For some participants, shifting towards a positive treatment approach was difficult, resulting in early dropout. This study’s findings suggest that blended positive psychotherapy is acceptable to most people with residual depressive symptoms after treatment. Its impact is yet to be established in larger samples of studies involving more robust designs.</p

Hypotension Prediction Index Is Equally Effective in Predicting Intraoperative Hypotension during Noncardiac Surgery Compared to a Mean Arterial Pressure Threshold:A Prospective Observational Study

Background: The Hypotension Prediction Index is designed to predict intraoperative hypotension in a timely manner and is based on arterial waveform analysis using machine learning. It has recently been suggested that this algorithm is highly correlated with the mean arterial pressure itself. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the index with mean arterial pressure-based prediction methods, and it is hypothesized that their ability to predict hypotension is comparable. Methods: In this observational study, the Hypotension Prediction Index was used in addition to routine intraoperative monitoring during moderate- to high-risk elective noncardiac surgery. The agreement in time between the default Hypotension Prediction Index alarm (greater than 85) and different concurrent mean arterial pressure thresholds was evaluated. Additionally, the predictive performance of the index and different mean arterial pressure-based methods were assessed within 5, 10, and 15 min before hypotension occurred. Results: A total of 100 patients were included. A mean arterial pressure threshold of 73 mmHg agreed 97% of the time with the default index alarm, whereas a mean arterial pressure threshold of 72 mmHg had the most comparable predictive performance. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the Hypotension Prediction Index (0.89 [0.88 to 0.89]) and concurrent mean arterial pressure (0.88 [0.88 to 0.89]) were almost identical for predicting hypotension within 5 min, outperforming both linearly extrapolated mean arterial pressure (0.85 [0.84 to 0.85]) and delta mean arterial pressure (0.66 [0.65 to 0.67]). The positive predictive value was 31.9 (31.3 to 32.6)% for the default index alarm and 32.9 (32.2 to 33.6)% for a mean arterial pressure threshold of 72 mmHg. Conclusions: In clinical practice, the Hypotension Prediction Index alarms are highly similar to those derived from mean arterial pressure, which implies that the machine learning algorithm could be substituted by an alarm based on a mean arterial pressure threshold set at 72 or 73 mmHg. Further research on intraoperative hypotension prediction should therefore include comparison with mean arterial pressure-based alarms and related effects on patient outcome.</p

Designing Health Recommender Systems with a Health Equity Lens

Health Recommender Systems (HRS), which use Artificial Intelligence (AI), have made significant strides for human-centered care and prevention by providing personalized health advice on personal digital devices. HRS have demonstrated a unique role in the digital health field because they can offer relevant recommendations, not only based on what users themselves prefer and may be receptive to, but also using data about wider spheres of influence over human behavior, from peers, families, communities, and societies. Using the socioecological model, we identify how HRS could play a unique role in decreasing health inequities by targeting the interconnectedness of individuals and their environments. We then discuss the challenges and future research priorities. Despite the potential for targeting more complex systemic challenges in obtaining good health, current HRS are still focused on individual health behaviors, do not integrate experiences of users, and have had limited reach and effectiveness for individuals from low socioeconomic status (SES) and racial/ethnic minoritized backgrounds. In this perspective, we argue that a new design paradigm is necessary, in which future HRS focus on incorporating structural barriers to good health in addition to user preferences, and are designed from decolonial perspectives. If these steps are taken, HRS could play a crucial role in decreasing health inequities.<br/

Unifying Atoms and Colloids near the Glass Transition through Bond-Order Topology

In this combined experimental and simulation study, we utilize bond-order topology to quantitatively match particle volume fraction in mechanically uniformly compressed colloidal suspensions with temperature in atomistic simulations. The obtained mapping temperature is above the dynamical glass transition temperature, indicating that the colloidal systems examined are structurally most like simulated undercooled liquids. Furthermore, the structural mapping procedure offers a unifying framework for quantifying relaxation in arrested colloidal systems.</p