Application of Systems-of-Systems Theory to Electromagnetic Warfare Intentional Electromagnetic Interference Risk Assessment

Battlefields contain complex networks of electromagnetic (EM) systems, owned by adversary/allied military forces and civilians, communicating intentionally or unintentionally. Attacker’s strategies may include Intentional EM Interference (IEMI) to adversary target systems, although transmitted signals may additionally degrade/disrupt allied/civilian systems (called victims). To aid decision-making processes relating to IEMI attacks, Risk Assessment (RA) is performed to determine whether interference risks to allied/civilian systems are acceptable. Currently, there is no formalized Quantitative RA Method (QRAM) capable of calculating victim risk distributions, so a novel approach is proposed to address this knowledge gap, utilizing an Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) IEMI RA method modeling scenarios consisting of interacting EM systems within complex, dynamic, diverse, and uncertain environments, using Systems-of-Systems (SoS) theory. This paper aims to address this knowledge gap via critical analysis utilizing a case study which demonstrates the use of an Acknowledged SoS-based model as input to a QRAM capable of calculating victim risk distributions within EW IEMI RA-associated scenarios. Transmitter operators possess only uncertain/fuzzy knowledge of victim systems, so it is proposed that a Moot Acknowledged System-of-Fuzzy-Systems applies to EW IEMI RA scenarios. In summary, a novel SoS description feeding a novel QRAM (supported by a systematic literature review of RA mathematical modeling techniques)is proposed to address the knowledge gap

The purification of mesoscopic graphene flakes via eddy current separation

The exceptional properties of graphene are highly sensitive to impurities, which restrict its applications. Nearly all large-scale production methods fail to sufficiently control the impurities introduced during manufacturing. Given the significant differences in electrical conductivity between graphene and non-graphene impurities, we explored the application of eddy current separation for the purification process of graphene. Through numerical simulations and parametric study, our research investigates the eddy current forces, torques, and motion dynamics experienced by graphene flakes of different layers in an alternating magnetic field. The findings demonstrate that eddy current forces can overcome liquid-phase resistance, enabling controlled directional movement of graphene flakes. At a magnetic field frequency of 45 kHz, graphene flakes with fewer layers show enhanced settling velocities and quicker response times, suggesting a potential for statistically significant separation of graphene from impurities under the influence of the alternating magnetic field. This initial study supports the feasibility of integrating eddy current separation technology into the graphene purification process, providing valuable insights for future research in this field

The Positive Cycle of Breastfeeding-Mental Health Outcomes of Breastfeeding Mothers Following Birth Trauma.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: It is established that both birth and infant feeding experiences can impact maternal mental health, but little is known about how the two might interact. Potentially, a positive breastfeeding experience might help to mitigate feelings associated with birth trauma, but conversely, a difficult feeding experience might further compound birth trauma. The aim of this study was therefore to explore how mothers' experiences of breastfeeding following birth trauma might impact their mental health. METHODS: To explore this, mothers were invited to complete an online survey about their experiences of birth and breastfeeding and how they felt these affected their wellbeing. There were 501 responses, with 159 (32%) describing their birth experience as traumatic and therefore included in this analysis. A thematic analysis approach was used to explore themes around breastfeeding experiences and the impact on wellbeing. RESULTS: Mothers who described positive breastfeeding experiences felt that breastfeeding helped them to bond with their baby post birth trauma and that this protected their mental health. Conversely, mothers who had a difficult experience described how pain, exhaustion, and low milk supply further negatively impacted their wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS: The findings show the importance of enhanced support for breastfeeding mothers who have experienced birth trauma, as feeding experiences can potentially help heal or compound challenging memories, thoughts, and emotions around birth

The health system in Nepal's unique federalisation experiment.

Nepal’s introduction of its federal system in the 2015 Constitution changed the way society, including its health system, was organised. It meant that political changes and health systems changes occurred in parallel. Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen explores the impact of federalisation on Nepal’s health system as part of an interdisciplinary mixed-methods study* called ‘The Impact of Federalisation on Nepal’s Health System: A longitudinal Analysis’. First, implementing a new federal system is a slow, resource intensive process. While building new federal structures is important, challenging the status quo through strategic “unlearning and undoing” of old tendencies is also essential, as this creates spaces for new approaches that are more in line with federalism. This requires attention to emotional and political spheres, and not just structural or technical ones. Federalisation, generally, brought decision making, resources and service delivery closer to the people, yet the process remains challenging and incomplete. Importantly, at the same time as federalism was being introduced, Nepal’s health system had to respond to COVID-19, making it difficult to disentangle the effects of the pandemic from those of federalisation. The health system is also part of a broader, complex, and interdependent set of socio-political, economic, legal, and cultural systems. We found that the impact of federalisation varied across the six WHO building blocks and pre-existing conditions, e.g. wealthier regions often benefit disproportionately, exacerbating inequities in health. Our study further highlighted: (a) the importance of leadership and governance, combined with financing mechanisms; (b) insufficient planning and misalignment between central and local levels resulting in inefficiencies; (c) weak health information systems hinder the ability to measure long-term effects. Overall, unlocking the full potential of federalism will require political will and commitment at all three levels of government. • Funded by the UK Health Systems Research Initiative (Grant ref MR/T023554/1). Prof. van Teijlingen is part of the Nepal Federal Health System Team, see: https://www.nepalfederalhealthsystem.com/

Safeguarding Children and Young People from Gambling Harms: A Scoping Review of the Grey Literature

Purpose of Review This scoping review aims to assess the range and efectiveness of interventions in the UK or relevant to the UK context designed to prevent or reduce gambling-related harms among children and young people (CYP) aged up to 25 years based on grey literature. Grey literature captures practical strategies and innovations not documented in academic literature, ofering a comprehensive understanding of existing interventions. Recent Findings The review identifed fourteen organisations ofering interventions primarily focused on prevention and treatment. Educational interventions, delivered through workshops, online courses, and digital resources, were most prevalent. Innovative approaches, such as interactive web-based games, showed higher engagement levels among CYP. However, most interventions lacked rigorous evaluation data, especially concerning CYP’s developmental needs. Summary The review indicates the importance of multi-systemic approaches involving various stakeholders to mitigate gambling-related harms. It highlights the need for tailored, evidence-based strategies addressing CYP’s vulnerabilities, incorporating robust evaluation methods. Future research should include diverse linguistic and cultural contexts to ensure comprehensive protection for CYP from gambling-related harm

Macroalgal mat species diversity, composition, and seasonality at four coastal sites across the English Channel/La Manche region

Seaweed mats are a consequence of eutrophication in coastal waters and can have negative ecological impacts. Consequently, many European environmental assessment frameworks (e.g. the Water Framework Directive, Marine Strategy Framework Directive) monitor seaweed mat biomass. Ulva, commonly referred to as sea lettuce, is often assumed to be the dominant taxon, but mats can contain multiple Ulva species, and other taxa, and within-mat diversity is often poorly known. Understanding the composition of seaweed mats has implications for nutrient removal from coastal waters because seaweeds uptake and store nutrients differently between species, time of year and location. The use of traditional molecular methods to identify seaweed species cannot easily be applied to mats. In contrast, with the development of Next Generation Sequencing and Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Sequences assay, a bulk sampling approach for monitoring the seaweed species within mats can be applied. Here, we applied this bulk sampling approach to monitor seaweed species at four sites: three estuarine sites containing mudflats and one exposed sandy site across the English Channel/La Manche region that historically and currently have occurrences of seaweed mats. We assessed variability between sites with respect to biomass, entrainment, species composition and seasonality. The highest mat abundance was found at Holes Bay, Poole, UK and entrainment or burial of seaweed within the sediment was found at two sites, Holes Bay and the Ledano Estuary, France, correlating with similar sediment types and high seaweed biomass. Foliose Ulva lacinulata dominated at Holes Bay, while Langstone Harbour, Portsmouth, UK had many tubular and filamentous green species and one brown filamentous species. At the two French sites we identified foliose Ulva species. This study demonstrates the high seaweed species diversity and biomass that can be found within macroalgal mats, information that will be important in the refinement and development of model-based nutrient removal estimates as part of nutrient mitigation and management strategies

Mapping the landscape of employer value propositions in Asian hotels through online job postings analysis

This study explores how Asian hotels leverage job postings, an often-overlooked branding channel, to communicate Employer Value Propositions (EVPs) as an employer branding tactic. Analyzing 4603 job postings from Indeed, a prominent job search website, the research categorizes EVPs into Economic, Functional, and Psychological types (E−, F-, P-EVPs) and reveals their frequency of communication across five key Asian cities. The findings indicate that approximately three-quarters of job postings convey at least one type of EVP, with F-EVPs and P-EVPs being more prevalent than E-EVPs. Chain hotels demonstrate a higher frequency of EVP communication compared to independent hotels, with no discernible differences between non-managerial and managerial positions. These findings offer valuable resources for hotels to assess their EVP strategies through benchmarking and identifying areas for improvement. It also pioneers the application of signaling theory to job advertisements, contributing to the theoretical fields of employer branding, talent management, and recruitment research

Conceptualizing and Measuring Customer Luxury Experience in Hotels

Despite the growing significance of customer luxury experience in tourism and hospitality, research on defining and measuring it remains scarce. Existing studies fail to distinguish luxury from ordinary experiences or rely on unidimensional approaches that overlook the complexity of customer luxury experiences. To address this gap, this study develops a multidimensional six-factor, 20-item customer luxury experience scale specific to luxury hospitality. Drawing on luxury and customer experience literature, three studies are conducted to develop and validate this scale. Study 1 collected and examined a large dataset of customer reviews from the Tripadvisor website to inform the domain specification and item generation process. Study 2 involved both academic and industry experts to validate the dimensions, as well as to review, refine, and suggest new items. Study 3 was a large-scale survey to calibrate and validate the scale. Findings suggest that luxury customer experience should be based on six dimensions: service quality, authenticity, escapism, exclusivity, status, and aesthetic refinement to elevate the overall perception of luxury experience. Tourism and hospitality managers can use this scale to assess and enhance customer luxury experience. This contribution enriches luxury tourism and hospitality, offering insights into how consumers perceive and experience luxury in hotels

PFAS contamination: regulatory landscape and future perspectives for India

This article highlights the escalating concern of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances) contamination, which poses significant global concern and potentially serve implications for India. It offers a comprehensive overview of the types of PFAS, including sources, pathways, and regulatory challenges they present. Additionally, the article examines the regulatory limits proposed and followed by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), European Union (EU) and guidelines followed in United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Furthermore, it provides an update on the present status of PFAS research and contamination in India and outlines the necessary steps to mitigate this contaminant in the long-term following the non-sum zero approach derived from game theory