An Exploration of the Psychometric Properties of the Self-Sufficiency Matrix Among Individuals and Families Currently or At Risk of Experiencing Homelessness

The homeless service sector has moved toward the implementation of assessment tools to better understand the support service needs of individuals and families. While a variety of assessment tools are available, their psychometric evidence base is limited. The Self-Sufficiency Matrix (SSM) is one assessment that holds promise with regard to its reliability, validity, and potential use as an instrument for triaging services. However, research examining the factor structure of the SSM has been inconsistent across samples. Moreover, it has never been tested among a broad population of both those currently experiencing and at-risk of experiencing homelessness, or examined unaccompanied adults and families with minor children independently. The current study sought to explore the factor structure of the SSM using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis among a sample of unaccompanied individuals (N = 427) and families (N = 428) experiencing or at-risk of experiencing homelessness. Data were derived from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) from a Midwestern metropolitan area and included all individuals and families who participated in the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program. Results suggest the SSM is multidimensional and the relation between its items and latent constructs differs across individual and family subgroups. Further, study findings indicate the SSM holds promise with regard to its invariance across racial and gender groups. Results suggest further development and testing of the SSM is necessary to better serve individuals experiencing homelessness

A study on security grade assignment model for mobile users in urban computing

The relation between the information/knowledge expression and the physical expression can be involved as one of items for an ambient intelligent computing [2],[3]. Moreover, because there are so many contexts around user/spaces during a user movement, all appplcation which are using AmI for users are based on the relation between user devices and environments. In these situations, it is possible that the AmI may output the wrong result from unreliable contexts by attackers. Recently, establishing a server have been utilizes, so finding secure contexts and make contexts of higher security level for save communication have been given importance. Attackers try to put their devices on the expected path of all users in order to obtain users informationillegally or they may try to broadcast their SPAMS to users. This paper is an extensionof [11] which studies the Security Grade Assignment Model (SGAM) to set Cyber-Society Organization (CSO)

Temporal Changes in Ebola Transmission in Sierra Leone and Implications for Control Requirements: a Real-time Modelling Study.

BACKGROUND: Between August and November 2014, the incidence of Ebola virus disease (EVD) rose dramatically in several districts of Sierra Leone. As a result, the number of cases exceeded the capacity of Ebola holding and treatment centres. During December, additional beds were introduced, and incidence declined in many areas. We aimed to measure patterns of transmission in different regions, and evaluate whether bed capacity is now sufficient to meet future demand. METHODS: We used a mathematical model of EVD infection to estimate how the extent of transmission in the nine worst affected districts of Sierra Leone changed between 10th August 2014 and 18th January 2015. Using the model, we forecast the number of cases that could occur until the end of March 2015, and compared bed requirements with expected future capacity. RESULTS: We found that the reproduction number, R, defined as the average number of secondary cases generated by a typical infectious individual, declined between August and December in all districts. We estimated that R was near the crucial control threshold value of 1 in December. We further estimated that bed capacity has lagged behind demand between August and December for most districts, but as a consequence of the decline in transmission, control measures caught up with the epidemic in early 2015. CONCLUSIONS: EVD incidence has exhibited substantial temporal and geographical variation in Sierra Leone, but our results suggest that the epidemic may have now peaked in Sierra Leone, and that current bed capacity appears to be sufficient to keep the epidemic under-control in most districts

Radar satellite imagery for humanitarian response. Bridging the gap between technology and application

This work deals with radar satellite imagery and its potential to assist of humanitarian operations. As the number of displaced people annually increases, both hosting countries and relief organizations face new challenges which are often related to unclear situations and lack of information on the number and location of people in need, as well as their environments. It was demonstrated in numerous studies that methods of earth observation can deliver this important information for the management of crises, the organization of refugee camps, and the mapping of environmental resources and natural hazards. However, most of these studies make use of -high-resolution optical imagery, while the role of radar satellites is widely neglected. At the same time, radar sensors have characteristics which make them highly suitable for humanitarian response, their potential to capture images through cloud cover and at night in the first place. Consequently, they potentially allow quicker response in cases of emergencies than optical imagery. This work demonstrates the currently unused potential of radar imagery for the assistance of humanitarian operations by case studies which cover the information needs of specific emergency situations. They are thematically grouped into topics related to population, natural hazards and the environment. Furthermore, the case studies address different levels of scientific objectives: The main intention is the development of innovative techniques of digital image processing and geospatial analysis as an answer on the identified existing research gaps. For this reason, novel approaches are presented on the mapping of refugee camps and urban areas, the allocation of biomass and environmental impact assessment. Secondly, existing methods developed for radar imagery are applied, refined, or adapted to specifically demonstrate their benefit in a humanitarian context. This is done for the monitoring of camp growth, the assessment of damages in cities affected by civil war, and the derivation of areas vulnerable to flooding or sea-surface changes. Lastly, to foster the integration of radar images into existing operational workflows of humanitarian data analysis, technically simple and easily-adaptable approaches are suggested for the mapping of rural areas for vaccination campaigns, the identification of changes within and around refugee camps, and the assessment of suitable locations for groundwater drillings. While the studies provide different levels of technical complexity and novelty, they all show that radar imagery can largely contribute to the provision of a variety of information which is required to make solid decisions and to effectively provide help in humanitarian operations. This work furthermore demonstrates that radar images are more than just an alternative image source for areas heavily affected by cloud cover. In fact, what makes them valuable is their information content regarding the characteristics of surfaces, such as shape, orientation, roughness, size, height, moisture, or conductivity. All these give decisive insights about man-made and natural environments in emergency situations and cannot be provided by optical images Finally, the findings of the case studies are put into a larger context, discussing the observed potential and limitations of the presented approaches. The major challenges are summarized which need be addressed to make radar imagery more useful in humanitarian operations in the context of upcoming technical developments. New radar satellites and technological progress in the fields of machine learning and cloud computing will bring new opportunities. At the same time, this work demonstrated the large need for further research, as well as for the collaboration and transfer of knowledge and experiences between scientists, users and relief workers in the field. It is the first extensive scientific compilation of this topic and the first step for a sustainable integration of radar imagery into operational frameworks to assist humanitarian work and to contribute to a more efficient provision of help to those in need.Die vorliegende Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit bildgebenden Radarsatelliten und ihrem potenziellen Beitrag zur Unterstützung humanitärer Einsätze. Die jährlich zunehmende Zahl an vertriebenen oder geflüchteten Menschen stellt sowohl Aufnahmeländer als auch humanitäre Organisationen vor große Herausforderungen, da sie oft mit unübersichtlichen Verhältnissen konfrontiert sind. Effektives Krisenmanagement, die Planung und Versorgung von Flüchtlingslagern, sowie der Schutz der betroffenen Menschen erfordern jedoch verlässliche Angaben über Anzahl und Aufenthaltsort der Geflüchteten und ihrer natürlichen Umwelt. Die Bereitstellung dieser Informationen durch Satellitenbilder wurde bereits in zahlreichen Studien aufgezeigt. Sie beruhen in der Regel auf hochaufgelösten optischen Aufnahmen, während bildgebende Radarsatelliten bisher kaum Anwendung finden. Dabei verfügen gerade Radarsatelliten über Eigenschaften, die hilfreich für humanitäre Einsätze sein können, allen voran ihre Unabhängigkeit von Bewölkung oder Tageslicht. Dadurch ermöglichen sie in Krisenfällen verglichen mit optischen Satelliten eine schnellere Reaktion. Diese Arbeit zeigt das derzeit noch ungenutzte Potenzial von Radardaten zur Unterstützung humanitärer Arbeit anhand von Fallstudien auf, in denen konkrete Informationen für ausgewählte Krisensituationen bereitgestellt werden. Sie sind in die Themenbereiche Bevölkerung, Naturgefahren und Ressourcen aufgeteilt, adressieren jedoch unterschiedliche wissenschaftliche Ansprüche: Der Hauptfokus der Arbeit liegt auf der Entwicklung von innovativen Methoden zur Verarbeitung von Radarbildern und räumlichen Daten als Antwort auf den identifizierten Forschungsbedarf in diesem Gebiet. Dies wird anhand der Kartierung von Flüchtlingslagern zur Abschätzung ihrer Bevölkerung, zur Bestimmung von Biomasse, sowie zur Ermittlung des Umwelteinflusses von Flüchtlingslagern aufgezeigt. Darüber hinaus werden existierende oder erprobte Ansätze für die Anwendung im humanitären Kontext angepasst oder weiterentwickelt. Dies erfolgt im Rahmen von Fallstudien zur Dynamik von Flüchtlingslagern, zur Ermittlung von Schäden an Gebäuden in Kriegsgebieten, sowie zur Erkennung von Risiken durch Überflutung. Zuletzt soll die Integration von Radardaten in bereits existierende Abläufe oder Arbeitsroutinen in der humanitären Hilfe anhand technisch vergleichsweise einfacher Ansätze vorgestellt und angeregt werden. Als Beispiele dienen hier die radargestützte Kartierung von entlegenen Gebieten zur Unterstützung von Impfkampagnen, die Identifizierung von Veränderungen in Flüchtlingslagern, sowie die Auswahl geeigneter Standorte zur Grundwasserentnahme. Obwohl sich die Fallstudien hinsichtlich ihres Innovations- und Komplexitätsgrads unterscheiden, zeigen sie alle den Mehrwert von Radardaten für die Bereitstellung von Informationen, um schnelle und fundierte Planungsentscheidungen zu unterstützen. Darüber hinaus wird in dieser Arbeit deutlich, dass Radardaten für humanitäre Zwecke mehr als nur eine Alternative in stark bewölkten Gebieten sind. Durch ihren Informationsgehalt zur Beschaffenheit von Oberflächen, beispielsweise hinsichtlich ihrer Rauigkeit, Feuchte, Form, Größe oder Höhe, sind sie optischen Daten überlegen und daher für viele Anwendungsbereiche im Kontext humanitärer Arbeit besonders. Die in den Fallstudien gewonnenen Erkenntnisse werden abschließend vor dem Hintergrund von Vor- und Nachteilen von Radardaten, sowie hinsichtlich zukünftiger Entwicklungen und Herausforderungen diskutiert. So versprechen neue Radarsatelliten und technologische Fortschritte im Bereich der Datenverarbeitung großes Potenzial. Gleichzeitig unterstreicht die Arbeit einen großen Bedarf an weiterer Forschung, sowie an Austausch und Zusammenarbeit zwischen Wissenschaftlern, Anwendern und Einsatzkräften vor Ort. Die vorliegende Arbeit ist die erste umfassende Darstellung und wissenschaftliche Aufarbeitung dieses Themenkomplexes. Sie soll als Grundstein für eine langfristige Integration von Radardaten in operationelle Abläufe dienen, um humanitäre Arbeit zu unterstützen und eine wirksame Hilfe für Menschen in Not ermöglichen

Assembling evidence for identifying reservoirs of infection

Many pathogens persist in multihost systems, making the identification of infection reservoirs crucial for devising effective interventions. Here, we present a conceptual framework for classifying patterns of incidence and prevalence, and review recent scientific advances that allow us to study and manage reservoirs simultaneously. We argue that interventions can have a crucial role in enriching our mechanistic understanding of how reservoirs function and should be embedded as quasi-experimental studies in adaptive management frameworks. Single approaches to the study of reservoirs are unlikely to generate conclusive insights whereas the formal integration of data and methodologies, involving interventions, pathogen genetics, and contemporary surveillance techniques, promises to open up new opportunities to advance understanding of complex multihost systems

The development of an information management system at the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute of Hajj Research, Saudi Arabia

The main aim of the Two Holy Mosques Institute of the Hajj Research (CTHMIHR) is to establish an information resource about the pilgrimage to Makkah made by Muslims (Hajj) and services provided to them, which is one of the fifth pillar of Islam. In fact, that each Muslim should make the visit to Makkah at least once in his or her lifetime. When complete, this information resource will comprise a comprehensive scientific reference source that will provide factual evidence and anecdotes to assist in the planning of services and utilities required for the Hajj. Information management at CTHMIHR poses a number of problems; particularly in the rapid increase in the number of records (each individual making the Pilgrimage will have a record), duplication of records, disaggregated information throughout the Institute, and lack of information control. The Dean and Heads of Department are aware of these problems, but they cannot identify the root of the issues nor the people responsible for them. This research study aims to develop and implement an Information Management System (IMS) at CTHMIHR. This IMS would help staff and users to access information about the Hajj easily and more effectively at a time when it is needed. Soft Systems Methodology (SSM, mode 1) and Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) have been combined to develop a novel multi-methodology that has been applied to the problem issues exhibited within the CTHMIHR. The main reasons for combining methodologies (SSM and ISM) in this research study is to match the variety in the real world problem; situation at CTHMIHR, which is highly complex and multi-dimensional. SSM (Mode 1) was applied to discover and express the problem situation (Stages I and 2), to develop conceptual models (II separate systems are considered) and make comparisons with the real world (stages 2 and 5), and to study subsequent change (that is, change which is systemically desirable and culturally feasible) and then to take action to improve the problem situation (Stages 6 and 7). ISM was used to discover the relationships between these 11 systems in order to find a method of implementing them through interpretations with participants. Following implementation, both the staff development training system, which, in turn, will indicate the make-up of the staffing system, and the security system can be determined. When all of these are combined, the records management system can be described; this will indicate the design of the database management system, and consequently, this will satisfy user needs. Furthermore, the research study also suggests five types of change to improve the problem situation: structural, procedural, policy, attitudinal and cultural. The major findings of this research study are that CTHMIHR not only needs to develop clear information strategies, but it also needs to develop a system for strategic planning. In this way information strategies to establish an information resource about Hajj can be formulated

The Positive Functioning of Post-9/11 Student Service Members/Veterans as a Predictor of Academic Performance

There is a dearth of empirical evidence on post-9/11 student veterans and what makes them successful in their transition from military service to postsecondary education. This study primarily examined post-9/11 student service members\u27/veterans\u27 (SSM/Vs) positive functioning (i.e., the building blocks of well-being) as a predictor of their academic performance. Positive psychology through Seligman\u27s (2010) PERMA model and Ecological Systems Theory (Bronfenbrenner, 1993) were used as the guiding theoretical frameworks. An SSM/V sample of convenience (N = 199) was derived from seven colleges and universities in three U.S. states. The following hypotheses were tested mostly using logistic regression: SSM/Vs\u27 positive functioning will be positively related to their academic performance (i.e., self-reported GPA, perceptions of being on time towards program completion, and beliefs of meeting academic goals); SSM/Vs\u27 perceived positive university environment (i.e., social climate) and sense of belonging (i.e., psychological sense of community) will likely be positively related to their academic performance. Additionally, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to assess the factor structure of a well-being measure, Positive Functioning at Work Scale (PF-W, Donaldson 2019; Donaldson & Donaldson, 2021). The findings from the study indicate that positive functioning is a predictor of SSM/Vs\u27 academic performance and explain up to 18% of the variance. The findings also confirm the original factor structure of the PF-W scale. CFA model suggested a good fit for the data: [chi]2 =38.064, p \u3c 0.009, [chi]2 /df = 1.903 CFI=.969, TLI = .957, SRMR =0.045, RMSEA = 0.067. SSM/Vs\u27 positive perceptions of campus environment and sense of belonging only partially predicted academic performance. The results of this study serve to inform theory, research, and practice for institutions of higher learning specifically on the value of SSM/V well-being on academic performance. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of assessing and promoting well-being in SSM/Vs to facilitate a successful transition in and out of higher education. Future research and application of college/university-wide positive psychology interventions are recommended for further exploration

Sustainability focused decision-making in building renovation

An overview of recent research related to building renovation has revealed that efforts to date do not address sustainability issues comprehensively. The question then arises in regard to the holistic sustainability objectives within building renovation context. In order to deal with this question, the research adopts a multi-dimensional approach involving literature review, exploration of existing assessment methods and methodologies, individual and focus group interviews, and application of Soft Systems Methodologies (SSM) with Value Focused Thinking (VFT). In doing so, appropriate data about sustainability objectives have been collected and structured, and subsequently verified using a Delphi study. A sustainability framework was developed in cooperation with University of Palermo and Aarhus University to audit, develop and assess building renovation performance, and support decision-making during the project\u2019s lifecycle. The paper represents the results of research aiming at addressing sustainability of the entire renovation effort including new categories, criteria, and indicators. The developed framework can be applied during different project stages and to assist in the consideration of the sustainability issues through support of decision-making and communication with relevant stakeholders. Early in a project, it can be used to identify key performance criteria, and later to evaluate/compare the pros and cons of alternative retrofitting solutions either during the design stage or upon the project completion. According to the procedure of the consensus-based process for the development of an effective sustainability decision-making framework which was employed in this study, the outcome can also be considered as an outset step intended for the establishment of a Decision Support Systems (DSS) and assessment tool suited to building renovation context

Evaluating housing in urban planning using TOPSIS technique: cities of Isfahan province

The index of housing serves as an important tool in planning for housing so that the parameters affecting housing can be recognized and any planning process is facilitated.Aim. The purpose of the study is to investigate and to evaluate the situation of the housing in cities of Isfahan province. The study is applied and descriptive-analytic in terms of the method. 39 indices were collected in the housing sector. Then the rate of the prosperity and the ranking of the cities were evaluated using TOPSIS method. Prosperity has been defined here as an important index of housing which reflects the welfare of residents.  Cities were then categorized into six levels: Very important, Important, Partially important, Moderate, Poor, Very poor in terms of prosperity.Results and conclusions.  The results from the study indicate an imbalance in studied indices in the cities, and a clear disparity between the levels of prosperity in the cities, and only the city of Isfahan is in the group of very prosperous with a rate of 0.813