Strategies to Protect Against Security Violations During the Adoption of the Internet of Things by Manufacturers

Security violations have been one of the key factors affecting manufacturers in adopting the Internet of Things (IoT). The corporate-level information technology (IT) leaders in the manufacturing industry encounter issues when adopting IoT due to security concerns because they lack strategies to protect against security violations. Grounded in Roger’s diffusion of innovations theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies corporate-level IT leaders use in protecting against security violations while adopting IoT for manufacturers. The participants were senior IT leaders in the eastern region of the United States. The data collection process included interviews with corporate-level IT leaders (n = 6) and examination of company documents (n = 10). The data analysis process involved searching patterns for words, codes, or themes and their relationships to confirm the findings. During analysis, four major themes emerged: relevance of securing IoT devices in IoT adoption, identifying and separating personal and confidential data from analytical data, adequate budget for securing IoT network devices and infrastructure as key factors in IoT adoption, and risk mitigation policy relevant to securing IoT devices. The implications for positive social change include the potential for corporate-level IT leaders to develop tools that will detect threats, prevent malicious attacks, and monitor IoT networks for any IoT device vulnerabilities. Improved protection from security violations may result in more efficient ways for people to use natural resources. Additionally, there may be a wider usage of smartphones connected to IoT to simplify people’s lives

Semantics-driven Abstractive Document Summarization

The evolution of the Web over the last three decades has led to a deluge of scientific and news articles on the Internet. Harnessing these publications in different fields of study is critical to effective end user information consumption. Similarly, in the domain of healthcare, one of the key challenges with the adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) for clinical practice has been the tremendous amount of clinical notes generated that can be summarized without which clinical decision making and communication will be inefficient and costly. In spite of the rapid advances in information retrieval and deep learning techniques towards abstractive document summarization, the results of these efforts continue to resemble extractive summaries, achieving promising results predominantly on lexical metrics but performing poorly on semantic metrics. Thus, abstractive summarization that is driven by intrinsic and extrinsic semantics of documents is not adequately explored. Resources that can be used for generating semantics-driven abstractive summaries include: • Abstracts of multiple scientific articles published in a given technical field of study to generate an abstractive summary for topically-related abstracts within the field, thus reducing the load of having to read semantically duplicate abstracts on a given topic. • Citation contexts from different authoritative papers citing a reference paper can be used to generate utility-oriented abstractive summary for a scientific article. • Biomedical articles and the named entities characterizing the biomedical articles along with background knowledge bases to generate entity and fact-aware abstractive summaries. • Clinical notes of patients and clinical knowledge bases for abstractive clinical text summarization using knowledge-driven multi-objective optimization. In this dissertation, we develop semantics-driven abstractive models based on intra- document and inter-document semantic analyses along with facts of named entities retrieved from domain-specific knowledge bases to produce summaries. Concretely, we propose a sequence of frameworks leveraging semantics at various granularity (e.g., word, sentence, document, topic, citations, and named entities) levels, by utilizing external resources. The proposed frameworks have been applied to a range of tasks including 1. Abstractive summarization of topic-centric multi-document scientific articles and news articles. 2. Abstractive summarization of scientific articles using crowd-sourced citation contexts. 3. Abstractive summarization of biomedical articles clustered based on entity-relatedness. 4. Abstractive summarization of clinical notes of patients with heart failure and Chest X-Rays recordings. The proposed approaches achieve impressive performance in terms of preserving semantics in abstractive summarization while paraphrasing. For summarization of topic-centric multiple scientific/news articles, we propose a three-stage approach where abstracts of scientific articles or news articles are clustered based on their topical similarity determined from topics generated using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), followed by extractive phase and abstractive phase. Then, in the next stage, we focus on abstractive summarization of biomedical literature where we leverage named entities in biomedical articles to 1) cluster related articles; and 2) leverage the named entities towards guiding abstractive summarization. Finally, in the last stage, we turn to external resources such as citation contexts pointing to a scientific article to generate a comprehensive and utility-centric abstractive summary of a scientific article, domain-specific knowledge bases to fill gaps in information about entities in a biomedical article to summarize and clinical notes to guide abstractive summarization of clinical text. Thus, the bottom-up progression of exploring semantics towards abstractive summarization in this dissertation starts with (i) Semantic Analysis of Latent Topics; builds on (ii) Internal and External Knowledge-I (gleaned from abstracts and Citation Contexts); and extends it to make it comprehensive using (iii) Internal and External Knowledge-II (Named Entities and Knowledge Bases)

2004 Sixteenth Annual IMSA Presentation Day

Students who attend the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy do not have to wait until they graduate from college to begin to make significant contributions to science, mathematics, the humanities and the world around them.https://digitalcommons.imsa.edu/archives_sir/1012/thumbnail.jp

A Middle School Standards-based Science Curriculum Handbook

As teachers implement the National Science Education Standards (1996) many must change the instructional methods they have used throughout their careers. This handbook will assist teachers to be facilitators in inquiry-based classrooms. The nine units of this handbook have been implemented for three years in an eighth grade classroom and have been used and modified by three different teachers to meet their own needs. The units in this handbook were chosen by MSAD #3, Unity, Maine, to reflect the curriculum requirements of The State of Maine Learning Results (1997). Included in this handbook are physics units covering motion, forces, work, and energy, with an in-depth study of electromagnetic and chemical energy, and a unit in human anatomy and physiology. An emphasis is placed on teens and their health during the discussion of the systems of the body. This handbook relies on the mandate from Benchmarks for Science Literacy (1993) and National Science Education Standards (1996) for science education to be inquiry-based. Students must do science - which means students observe, collect, compare, hypothesize, experiment, interpret, classify, and communicate what they learn. Learning science becomes an active process of students interacting with materials and sharing conversations about their discoveries. The guided inquiries of this handbook reflect this recommendation. The classroom that follows this handbook will be an active classroom of engaged students exploring the tools and techniques of a scientist. The inquiry units in this handbook are a compilation of my classroom experiences and readings from the internet, workshops attendance, and textbooks gleanings. Every unit in this handbook is explained in full with the goals and objectives of the unit and an explanation of the pitfalls and strengths of each activity. The guided inquiries form the backbone of the units, but projects and presentations along with end-of-the-unit lab practicums form other forms of assessments. Throughout the set of nine units, there are ample opportunities for students to communicate their findings

The use and effectiveness of behavioural modification techniques in achieving and maintaining normal weight and fitness – the lifestyle changes for adults in Cyprus

BACKGROUND and AIM: Research showed that behavioural modification techniques were the most effective way to achieve and maintain a healthy weight compared to diet and exercise alone. If behavioural modification was the most effective technique, then at least the two thirds of the candidates (Weight Loss Candidate with Behaviour Modification-WLCB) who used the specific behavioural modification techniques regarding eating and physical activity would achieve a weight loss of average ½ -1kg per week for the 18 weeks of the treatment and then maintain it or continue to lose after treatment termination with a total treatment period of 36 weeks. The treatment was efficient and long-lasting compared to the control candidates who followed a diet plan only. Furthermore, if the use of behavioural modification was the most effective way for diet and exercise, then the weight loss and maintenance would be more efficient and long-lasting. The principal aim of this project was to develop behaviour modification techniques (protocol and guidelines) in order to promote effective weight management for sedentary and active Cypriot adults, concentrating on nutrition and exercise. STUDY DESIGN: The study was quantitative and qualitative in nature using an action research approach. Furthermore, it was observational and longitudinal using structured methods and a representative sample of adults 19-50 years of age is investigated for 36 weeks. METHODS: Anthropometric data and health and diet history were taken using standard methods from 315 (the control and intervention group (1:1) Cypriot adults from rural and urban areas. Individualised diet plans, personalised physical activities as well as behavioural modification parameters were assessed with the aid of a questionnaire, interview, food and exercise diary and behavioural checklist. Obesity and overweight were defined using the current International Obesity Task Force definition. The validated questionnaires for Physical Activity (IPAQ) and the nutritional assessment (National Integrated Health Associates) were used for initial assessment and the behavioural checklists were used for the follow up. Behavioural checklists were completed by the candidates on a bi-weekly basis along with the food and exercise diary. The questionnaire reliability (test-retest), internal consistency and ability to differentiate obese vs. normal-weight adult behaviours were tested using a pilot population of 50 adults not enrolled in a formal weight loss programme. Its reliability (checklists, food and exercise diary) and predictive validity were tested using a selective population: 265 adults of the observational group enrolled in behavioural modification treatment vs. diet. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: Τhe objectives of the research were a) The study of every aspect of weight management and thus be capable of making suggestions for the development of guidelines and protocols for behavioural modification to health professionals working with the public. b) The identification and adjustment of eating and exercise behaviour related to body weight in order to achieve an efficient weight management in Cypriot overweight/obese adults. c) The evaluation of the effectiveness of the modest lifestyle changes in weight management induced by short-term energy/calorie restriction and behaviour modification in overweight and obese Greek Cypriots with Body Mass Index (BMI) above 25 or 30 respectively, or body weight 20% or above of Ideal Body weight (IBW), or body fat above normal levels. d) The development of education and counselling protocols and guidelines for professionals for weight management protocols based on the Mediterranean Diet and the eating and exercise habits of Cypriot Adults. e) The implementation of the protocols to intervention groups in order to identify the efficiency. OUTCOMES: The outcomes of the project was the development of an education and counselling protocol/manual which included teaching tools and guidelines for professionals for weight management with the title “Protocol and Guidelines for professional users for weight management for Adults: assessment, categorization, therapy/ follow up of overweight and obesity”. The development of an eating behaviour and physical activity protocol/manual based on the Mediterranean Diet and the demonstrated eating and exercise habits of Cypriot Adults can be used by the stakeholders and the public for efficient and effective weight management. RESULTS: The average length of weight loss treatment was 18 weeks for the intervention and the control groups, and the average weight loss for the intervention group was 11.96kg (t-test, p-value ≤ 0.001) and for the control group was 5.56kg (t-test, p-value≤ 0.002). During the 18 weeks of the maintenance period the 50% of the intervention group continued to lose while, an additional 48% of them maintained the weight and only 2% of them gained weight. CONCLUSIONS: To conclude, the prevalence of obesity worldwide has reached epidemic proportions. Physical inactivity and poor diet have been identified as primary contributors to the leading causes of death in developed countries including Cyprus. It is unfortunate that more emphasis is given to calorie restriction dieting rather than behavioural modification for diet and physical activity in achieving and maintaining weight loss. The fact is that incorporating appropriate behavioural modification techniques for diet and sufficient physical activity into one’s life is an essential component of achieving a healthy body weight. The research project aimed at developing a behavioural approach and behavioural modification techniques for the treatment of obesity and weight management adjusted to the needs of the Cypriot adult population. The difference of this approach underlines the emphasis that has to be given to the follow-up programme for the maintenance of the weight loss through behavioural modification. This approach evolved from the environmental control of eating behaviour to a broader approach characterized by systematic manipulation of all factors associated with eating and exercise patterns. The need for the project derives from the fact that obesity is a chronic condition with a substantial potential for relapse; therefore long–term treatments are needed. The expected outcomes of this project are the development of guidelines and protocols to be used by health professionals. The ultimate goal is the reduction of the obesity epidemic in Cyprus

Texas EMS Magazine

Bimonthly magazine containing news and information that pertains to Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers. "The magazine's goals are to help organizations function professionally as EMS providers, to educate individuals so they can perform lifesaving prehospital skills under stressful conditions, and to help the public get into the EMS system when they need it" (p. 4)

Clinical assessment of body composition after spinal cord injury. An observational study.

Background: Persons who sustain a spinal cord injury (SCI) experience a dramatic loss of muscle and bone, and a dramatic increase in adipose tissue. It has been suggested that the muscle atrophy, obesity, and sublesional osteoporosis (SLOP) that occurs after SCI is due in part to the loss of voluntary control of the skeletal muscles in the lower extremities, impaired energy metabolism below the level of the lesion, and cessation of sufficient mechanical strain on bone. The prevalence of obesity and SLOP after SCI leads to increased cardiovascular disease and fracture risk, respectively. Current body composition screening procedures for the general population fail to identify individuals with SCI who are obese or have SLOP. Muscle contractions provide physiological loads on bone; thereby a muscle-bone relationship is proposed with proportional declines in muscle and bone after SCI. In addition, both positive and negative relationships have been proposed between adipose tissue and bone; increased skeletal load bearing from excess adipose tissue mass may account for the positive associations reported to date. Due to a lack of load bearing activity after SCI, there should be a negative association between adipose tissue and bone. Objectives: The primary objective is to characterize body composition among adults with chronic SCI using valid, reliable, and interpretable measures, and to suggest screening procedures for the detection of obesity and SLOP in this population. The secondary objectives are to explore the associations between: 1) muscle and bone, and 2) adipose tissue and bone. Design and Setting: Cross sectional observational. Population: A sample of 16 individuals (13 men, 3 women) with chronic SCI participated in this study. The neurological level of lesion ranged from C3-T12, with 9 motor complete and 7 incomplete SCI. Average±standard deviation for age was 51.12±12.37 years, and duration of injury 16.5±7.87 years. An additional 29 individuals with chronic SCI were included when exploring the relationship between muscle and bone. Forty-one individuals (31 men, 9 women) were included in this analysis; the neurological level of lesion ranged from C2-T12, with 13 motor complete and 28 incomplete SCI. Average±standard deviation for age was 48.7±13.36 years, and duration of injury 114.22±10.4 years. Methods: Lean tissue, adipose tissue, and bone tissue were measured via surrogates of body adiposity, as well as two different scanning technologies. Lean tissue was assessed via muscle cross sectional area (CSA) (mm2) and muscle density (mg/cm3), and measured using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Adipose tissue was assessed via body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2), waist circumference (WC) (cm), and % body fat, and measured using a floor scale, tape measure, and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), respectively. Bone tissue was assessed via hip, distal femur, and proximal tibia areal bone mineral density (aBMD) (g/cm2) using DXA, as well as cortical thickness (mm) and total volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) (mg/cm3) at the 1/3 proximal tibia, and trabecular vBMD (mg/cm3) and total vBMD (mg/cm3) at the distal tibia using pQCT. The relationships between muscle and bone, and adipose tissue and bone, were determined by correlating muscle CSA with indices of bone strength, and indices of obesity with indices of SLOP, respectively. Results: The majority of participants had lean tissue values below able-bodied norms (67-100%). When using the able-bodied definition of BMI >30 kg/m2, 19% of individuals were obese, whereas 63% and 81% were obese when using SCI-specific definitions of BMI >25 kg/m2 or >22 kg/m2, respectively. One hundred percent of individuals had SLOP using distal femur Z-score, and over 50% were at risk of fracture using distal femur fracture threshold of <0.78 g/cm2. Weak (r=0.42) to moderate (r=0.57) correlations were found between muscle CSA and indices of bone strength, supporting the theory of a muscle-bone unit. No correlations were found between adipose tissue and bone. Conclusions: Based on the cohort data, we propose that individuals with ≥2 risk factors (female, ≥60 years of age, duration of injury (DOI) ≥10, tetraplegia, motor complete) should be screened for obesity using % body fat from DXA as well as a combination of carefully interpreted SCI-specific BMI and WC. In addition, these same individuals should be screened for SLOP using a distal femur Z-score and fracture threshold from DXA. It is clear that due to the prevalence of obesity and SLOP in this population, intervention for prevention or treatment is essential. The presence of a muscle-bone unit indicates that muscle atrophy contributes to a reduction in bone strength; this is clinically important, as muscle strength is potentially amenable to rehabilitation intervention. No correlation was found between adipose tissue and bone. Future work should continue to explore these relationships using appropriate technology

Exploring moderators between perceived stress and well-being of chinese entrepreneurs

At present, entrepreneurs have received unprecedented recognition and attention from both the government and the society. Although stress can increase the driving force of innovation to a certain extent, excessive stress can still lead to serious outcomes. While bringing stress, characteristics such as high independence and task diversity can also enhance entrepreneurs' well-being. How can entrepreneurs maintain a high level of well-being in a stressful situation? It is a problem worthy of attention. Although a large number of studies have examined the moderators of the relationship between perceived stress and stress outcomes in the general population, there are few studies on the moderators between entrepreneurial perceived stress and well-being. Therefore, on the basis of exploring the stressors of Chinese entrepreneurial entrepreneurs, this study focuses on one research question: What factors can moderate entrepreneurs’ perceived stress and well-being? This paper mainly uses qualitative method and Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel (CMH) to analyze the data. The study found that stress coping strategies, entrepreneurial motivation, organizational identity and social capital within the entrepreneurial team play a moderating role between perceived stress and life satisfaction. Specifically, the study found that: (1) problem-solving strategies can alleviate the negative impact of perceived stress on life satisfaction; (2) entrepreneurs with internal entrepreneurial motivation can achieve higher happiness; (3) entrepreneurs without clear organizational identity can achieve higher happiness; (4) high TMT social capital can cushion the negative impact of perceived stress on life satisfaction. The study has taken a step forward in exploring Chinese entrepreneurs' entrepreneurial stressors as well as the moderators of perceived stress and well-being, laying a theoretical foundation for further empirical examinations.Hoje, tanto no nível do governo quanto no nível social, o valor dos empresários empreendedores tem recebido reconhecimento e atenção sem precedentes. Embora a pressão aumente a força motriz para a inovação em certa medida, a pressão excessiva ainda pode causar sérias consequências. Enquanto traz a pressão, as características de alta independência autônoma, diversidade de tarefas e outras de empreendedorismo também podem aumentar a felicidade dos empresários. Como os empresários empreendedores podem manter um alto nível de felicidade sob uma situação de alta pressão é um problema real que merece atenção. Quanto à pesquisa teórica, embora um grande número de estudos tenha estudado os fatores reguladores da relação entre pressão percebida e resultados causados pela pressão na população em geral, ainda existem poucos estudos sobre os fatores reguladores entre a pressão percebida e a felicidade dos empresários. Por isso, com base na das fontes de pressão de empresários empreendedores na China, este estudo concentra-se em uma pergunta de estudo: Quais fatores regulam a relação entre a pressão percebida e a satisfação com a vida dos empresários empreendedores? O texto utiliza principalmente métodos qualitativos e Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel (CMH) para analisar os dados. O estudo descobriu que a estratégia de enfrentamento à pressão, motivação empreendedora, identidade de organização e capital social dentro da equipa empreendedora desempenham uma função reguladora entre a pressão percebida e a satisfação com a vida. Em termos, o estudo descobriu que (1) o uso da estratégia de solução de problemas pode aliviar o impacto negativo da pressão percebida na satisfação com a vida; (2) os empresários com motivação empreendedora interna podem alcançar maior sensação de felicidade; (3) os empresários sem identidade de organização clara podem obter uma maior sensação de felicidade; (4) O alto capital social TMT pode aliviar o impacto negativo da pressão percebida na satisfação com a vida. A conclusão deste texto tenta explorar as fontes de pressão dos empresários empreendedores na China e os fatores regulatórios na relação entre a pressão percebida e a sensação de felicidade, estabelecendo uma base teórica para os futuros testes comprobatórios