Recommending privacy preferences in location-sharing services

Location-sharing services have become increasingly popular with the proliferation of smartphones and online social networks. People share their locations with each other to record their daily lives or satisfy their social needs. At the same time, inappropriate disclosure of location information poses threats to people's privacy. One of the reasons why people fail to protect their location privacy is the difficulty of using the current mechanisms to manually configure location-privacy settings. Since people's location-privacy preferences are context-aware, manual configuration is cumbersome. People's incapability and unwillingness to do so lead to unexpected location disclosures that violate their location privacy. In this thesis, we investigate the feasibility of using recommender systems to help people protect their location privacy. We examine the performance of location-privacy recommender systems and compare it with the state-of-the-art. We also conduct online user studies to understand people's acceptance of such recommender systems and their concerns. We revise our design of the systems according to the results of the user studies. We find that user-based collaborative filtering can accurately recommend location-privacy preferences and outperform the state-of-the-art when training data are insufficient. From users' perspective, their acceptance of location-privacy recommender systems is affected by the openness and the context of recommendations and their privacy concerns about the systems. It is feasible to use data obfuscation or decentralisation to alleviate people's concerns and meanwhile keep the systems robust against malicious data attacks

Allopathic Medicine’s Influence on Indigenous Peoples in the Kumaon Region of India

This paper focuses on the use of western medicine in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. The goal of this research is to understand which healing practices are preferable in rural villages. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 53 participants, including two spiritual healers, two doctors, and one pharmacist. Results indicate that allopathic medicine, otherwise known as modern medicine or western medicine, has become the go-to remedy for even the most remote people in India. Nearly all participants use allopathic medicine, but less than half of the participants experiment with other forms of healing, such as Ayurveda, homeopathy, meditation, and yoga. This study explores the problems that result from becoming too dependent on western medicine; these issues stem from a lack of knowledge patients have about the dosage and intensity of the drugs they take. It is important to educate rural villagers about the dangers that various medicines can cause, as well as establish more medical facilities that promote alternative treatments alongside modern medicine

Message and Medium: The Role of Social and Individual Factors in Using Computer Mediated Communications

The proliferation of computers and technology has resulted in increased use of computer mediated communications. However, the effective use of technology like bulletin boards and e-mail based communications can only be obtained if we understand how to enhance employee usage. Although human-computer interface has been a topic of considerable studies, most research has been done with students and under controlled conditions. In addition, field research has been limited in its inclusion of both social and individual factors that affect usage. In order to expand this research we report the results of a longitudinal study conducted within an entrepreneurial software company that used an innovative bulletin-board communication system. Our study uses employee survey data to measure social and individual factors that encompass attitudes toward the computer system. In addition, we obtained actual employee usage (copies of all postings to the bulletin board system) for the 12-month period of time following our survey. In addition to reporting the results of our study, we discuss implications of this work for other forms of computer mediated communications

Symbolism knowledge and city perception in Saudi social life

Architecture is the mirror of people and nations with their own traditions, customs, political and economic systems. It is also an historic document narrating the developments and changes that have occurred in the society. Saudi cities have been affected by a cultural revolution created by tremendous social changes that have taken place during the third decade of the 20th century due to the economic boom triggered by the discovery of oil. These changes have brought about the rejection of the Saudi social, architectural and technical heritage. In addition, the adopted modem architecture fails to respond to the symbolic values of today's Saudi society, which should be vigorously supported by the built environment. This research intends to find out how people respond to these changes. It also aims at demonstrating the role of symbolism and the methods people use in order to express and appreciate the aesthetics of their indigenous environment. By doing this it seeks to develop a needs -centred architectural framework which will be offered to architects, planners and decision makers. In order to achieve these aims, the research undertakes a thorough investigation in theories of cultural symbolism and perception. It has also devised an open -ended questionnaire to understand people's attitudes, memories and behaviours towards the built environment. A number of facts and results relevant to the perception of people are observed, analysed and formulated on the basis of the hypothesis that directs this thesis. This hypothesis is supported by reference to a range of literature and theory relevant to this subject area, mediated through the author's twenty years experience in the field. This personal and professional background enables the author to reinforce the discussions that occur in the course of the research by making use of his own awareness of the past and his detailed observations of social life at the present moment. Focusing on qualitative interpretations provides a route towards appreciating the deep motivations that inspired the responses to the answers. A number of steps were taken to interpret the data collected with the aim of deriving the framework sought and to respond to the aims of the research

Development and Marketing of a Repurposed Textile Product for Homeless Individuals in Northwest Arkansas

Growing concerns over waste disposal methods have led to a greater focus on recycling efforts in the textile industry. Second only to the oil industry, the textile industry continues to be one of the most wasteful among leading businesses around the world and determining ways to repurpose fashion materials could be a reasonable solution to this growing problem (Dobilaite, V., Mileriene, G., Juciene, M., & Sacevičienė, 2017). In addition to alleviating disposal issues, repurposed materials could serve the humanitarian needs of local communities, and even more importantly, could specifically benefit homeless populations. The purpose of this project was to design, execute, analyze, critique and report on the development of a sleeping bag prototype using repurposed materials created to benefit homeless populations in Northwest Arkansas. The product logo for the sleeping bag, identified by the name, “HIP”, was established to represent the slogan, “Homelessness Is Personal.” Using the design methodology established, the HIP prototype could be distributed to individuals living in homeless communities in Northwest Arkansas. By using repurposed materials for the end product, waste reduction of textile products may result. Further, engagement of the community could be accomplished by using the design methodology to establish work groups for production of the sleeping bags. Ultimately, this design methodology was designed so that distribution to other communities outside of the Northwest Arkansas region could be a foreseeable future goal of the committee. Materials collected from Goodwill in Fayetteville, Arkansas were used in creating the prototype and production was completed at the University of Arkansas Apparel Merchandising and Product Development (AMPD) design and development labs. Projections indicate that the design, development, and marketing efforts surrounding the HIP prototype are potentially conducive to the creation of a lasting and sustainable project, which might continue to creatively engage students for many years to come

Alleviating Academic Stress Among 18-19-year-old Older Adolescents Through The Use Of Natural Elements In Indoor Spaces

Mental stress is particularly prevalent among adolescents between the ages of 13-19, and long-term stress can lead to more serious problems such as anxiety and depression. The link between nature and adolescent health has long been a subject of interest. This research study is an exploration related to the theme “mental health protection,” exploring how a design intervention could inject natural elements into the interior spaces where stressful adolescents spend their time. This research paper reviews previous literature regarding mental health and adolescents, expounds on the causes and effects of adolescents’ stress, how adolescents are exposed to the natural environment, and multiple correlations between natural factors and adolescents’ psychological well-being. Based on student feedback, this study proposes a strategy for a prototype design that makes use of gutta-percha, a kind of bio-material from Eucommia Ulmoides. In order to verify the reliability of the design, alternative yet similar structural material was used for assembly and testing. The result of my testing was positive. In addition, I was able to define a research gap that separates this work from previous scholarship. Through my work, I also proposed a speculative prospect of integrating plant-human interaction and biofeedback through plant bionics responses to stress

Alleviating Academic Stress Among 18-19-year-old Older Adolescents Through The Use Of Natural Elements In Indoor Spaces

Mental stress is particularly prevalent among adolescents between the ages of 13-19, and long-term stress can lead to more serious problems such as anxiety and depression. The link between nature and adolescent health has long been a subject of interest. This research study is an exploration related to the theme “mental health protection,” exploring how a design intervention could inject natural elements into the interior spaces where stressful adolescents spend their time. This research paper reviews previous literature regarding mental health and adolescents, expounds on the causes and effects of adolescents’ stress, how adolescents are exposed to the natural environment, and multiple correlations between natural factors and adolescents’ psychological well-being. Based on student feedback, this study proposes a strategy for a prototype design that makes use of gutta-percha, a kind of bio-material from Eucommia Ulmoides. In order to verify the reliability of the design, alternative yet similar structural material was used for assembly and testing. The result of my testing was positive. In addition, I was able to define a research gap that separates this work from previous scholarship. Through my work, I also proposed a speculative prospect of integrating plant-human interaction and biofeedback through plant bionics responses to stress

An Overview of Individualized Management of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Dementia

Background: It is estimated that about 11% of adults 65 and older have dementia in the United States. Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common in the presentation of dementia. These symptoms often result in increased morbidity and mortality, negative patient outcomes, caregiver burden, institutionalized care, and diminished quality of life. The focus of this paper is to analyze the therapeutic effectiveness of nonpharmacologic interventions in the management of neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia. Methods: A literature review was conducted to critique current evidence on the use of nonpharmacologic interventions in managing neuropsychiatric symptoms in older adults with dementia. Searches were performed using PubMed, UpToDate, and Google Scholar. Results: Pharmacotherapy should be cautiously considered in treating neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia due to adverse effects and black box warnings. Although further studies are needed, music therapy, tailored bathing routines, bright light therapy, multisensory stimulation, and eliminating the use of elderspeak language are nonpharmacologic interventions that contain some evidence in improving quality of life in dementia. The validation technique is still an ethically controversial approach to communication. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation has worsened in people with dementia. Conclusion: Dementia is a disease that requires multifactorial care in approaching management. Nonpharmacologic interventions are the first-line plan of treatment in managing neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia and present with fewer side effects and are person-centered in implementing. Future research in developing measures for quality of life is needed to study effectiveness of nonpharmacologic therapy

Outsourcing Security and the Reconfiguration of State Power after the Arab Uprisings

Since the 2010-2011 uprisings, several Arab countries have witnessed considerable reconfiguration of their market for force. Alongside continuous reshuffle and reform schemes affecting the public security institutions, the market for force has experienced a notable expansion of the private security industry, initially in the private sector and increasingly through an expanding outsourcing process. Acknowledging the enduring centrality of the security institutions to state power and regime stability in the Arab region, this research explores how increased privatization and outsourcing of security, amid wider reconfigurations of the market for force, has contributed to the reconfiguration of state power in some of the Arab region’s security states since the 2010-2011 uprisings. Particularly, how has the outlined phenomenon impacted internal regime structure and state-society relations? This enquiry is pursued in two case studies: Egypt and Tunisia. Unlike other Arab countries equally affected by the uprisings, Egypt and Tunisia experienced a quick change in leadership followed by a relatively stable transitional period. Despite their distinct histories and divergent post-uprisings political development, both countries share a long history of being prominent security states. The considerable historical and contemporary similarities between both countries offer rich grounds for comparative analysis while the particularities of each case present unique elements of analysis and grounds to draw different conclusions to test in other cases. Drawing upon interviews, official documents and fieldwork, the study argues that the post-uprisings reconfiguration of the market for force, amid intensifying security threats and persisting popular unrest, fits into an ongoing framework of authoritarian adaption pursued by the Arab region’s ruling regimes to ensure their survival and prosperity following the 2010-2011 uprisings. Beyond its roots in neo-liberal governance, this phenomenon effectively serves to enhance regime security by providing alternative agents and strategies for social control while offering new venues to expand regime interests through networks of patronage that nurture broad-based authoritarian coalitions and attach the interests of diverse social groups to regime survival

From ‘Prisoners of Conscience’ to ‘Prisoners of Poverty:’ Naming and Shaming Economic and Social Rights

In this paper, I examine the effectiveness of ‘naming and shaming’ by human rights organizations (HROs) on the enforcement of economic and social rights. I ask whether this method, initially developed to address civil and political rights, contributes to the realization of economic and social rights and to the reduction of economic and social inequities. To answer my research question, I focus on the right to housing in the case of Kenya. I do a qualitative analysis of naming and shaming efforts by HROs and the varied responses of the state to these efforts. In this case, I find that while naming and shaming encourages the state to make tactical concessions and even comply with certain norms, violations continue de facto. Moreover, noting that HROs have targeted the right to housing generally as well as specific violations, I find that while Kenya moves towards more progressive policies, laws and even Constitutions in general, this does not necessarily translate into progress at the level of specific violations. My research, then, reveals the benefits and limitations of naming and shaming on the enforcement of economic and social rights that I hope will help HROs understand the effects of their actions and allocate resources accordingly