The Balanced Scorecard to Measure Information Technology Performance

The Balanced Scorecard (BS) is a powerful framework to assess Information Technology (IT) performance. The BS is useful because it uses multiple perspectives and distinguishes between outcomes (effects) and drivers (causes). This study is divided into two stages. The first stage uses a case study methodology to explore the use of the BS within different organizations. The second stage uses a quantitative approach to test the relationship between drivers and outcomes. This study will contribute to the understanding of assessing the performance of the IT function. Results will suggest different drivers depending on the strategic role of the IT function within an organization

Identity Meanings and Online Interactions of Hybrid Transnational Communities of Immigants

This paper investigates identity in Hybrid Transnational Communities of Immigrants. As predicted by the integrated theory of identity, members enact different salient identities based on situational factors. Community members do enact their placebased identity. However, their role-based identities in the physically community are also brought over to the virtual community. The connection of the virtual community to a geographic location provides members with a tool to verify the identity of others. Members ask or disclose information that can only be known to locals providing a natural filter to screen insiders from outsiders. Members deny their support to any mechanisms to verify the identity of people participating. Even if such mechanisms were enforced, the identity verification is limited because virtual communities have no power, authority or means to verify the identity disclosed

Data Science for All: Apache Spark & Jupyter Notebooks

The Nation\u27s research enterprise faces a shortage of data scientists. Expanding the pipeline of data science students, particularly from underrepresented populations, requires educational institutions to increase awareness of data science and inspire a passion for data in students as they begin their academic careers. In this tutorial we discuss the development and delivery of a free seminar designed to provide hands-on lessons in the use of both Apache Spark and Jupyter notebooks to students from any academic background in an approachable, no-risk environment. An explanation of the seminar resources, exercises, and implementation guidelines are included, as are lessons learned from several successful seminars held both in-person and virtually at two institutions of high education

Unstructured data for cybersecurity and internal control

This paper proposes a research framework for studying the connections-realized and potential-between unstructured data (UD) and cybersecurity and internal controls. In the framework, cybersecurity and internal control goals determine the tasks to be conducted. The task influences the types of UD to be accessed and the types of analysis to be done, which in turn influences the outcomes that can be achieved. Patterns in UD are relevant for cybersecurity and internal control, but UD poses unique challenges for its analysis and management. This paper discusses some of these challenges including veracity, structuralizing, bias, and explainability

Unstructured Data for Cybersecurity and Internal Control

This paper proposes a research framework for studying the connections--realized and potential--between unstructured data and cybersecurity and internal controls. In the framework, cybersecurity and internal control goals determine the tasks to be conducted. The task influences the types of unstructured data to be accessed and the types of analysis to be done, which in turn influences the outcomes that can be achieved. Patterns in unstructured data are relevant for cybersecurity and internal control, but unstructured data poses unique challenges for its analysis and management. This paper discusses some of these challenges including veracity, structuralizing, bias, and explainability

A cybersecurity control framework for blockchain ecosystems

This paper proposes a cybersecurity control framework for blockchain ecosystems, drawing from risks identified in the practitioner and academic literature. The framework identifies thirteen risks for blockchain implementations, ten common to other information systems and three risks specific to blockchains: centralization of computing power, transaction malleability, and flawed or malicious smart contracts. It also proposes controls to mitigate the risks identified; some were identified in the literature and some are new. Controls that apply to all types of information systems are adapted to the different components of the blockchain ecosystem

Sewage sludge application as a vehicle for microplastics in eastern Spanish agricultural soils

Microplastic pollution is becoming a major challenge with the growing use of plastic. In recent years, research about microplastic pollution in the environment has become a field of study with increased interest, with ever expanding findings on sources, sinks and pathways of microplastics. Wastewater treatment plants effectively remove microplastics from wastewater and concentrate them in sewage sludge which is often used to fertilise agricultural fields. Despite this, quantification of microplastic pollution in agricultural fields through the application of sewage sludge is largely unknown. In light of this issue, four wastewater treatment plants and 16 agricultural fields (0–8 sewage sludge applications of 20–22 tons ha−1 per application), located in the east of Spain, were sampled. Microplastics were extracted using a floatation and filtration method, making a distinction between light density microplastics (ρ −3) and heavy density microplastics (ρ > 1 g cm−3). Sewage sludge, on average, had a light density plastic load of 18,000 ± 15,940 microplastics kg−1 and a heavy density plastic load of 32,070 ± 19,080 microplastics kg−1. Soils without addition of sewage sludge had an average light density plastic load of 930 ± 740 microplastics kg−1 and a heavy density plastic load of 1100 ± 570 microplastics kg−1. Soils with addition of sewage sludge had an average light density plastic load of 2130 ± 950 microplastics kg−1 and a heavy density plastic load of 3060 ± 1680 microplastics kg−1. On average, soils’ plastic loads increased by 280 light density microplastics kg−1 and 430 heavy density microplastics kg−1 with each successive application of sewage sludge, indicating that sewage sludge application results in accumulation of microplastics in agricultural soils. Microplastics concentrations in soils are highly proportional to the number of sludge applications.</p

Current Overview of Occupational Vaccinations in Spain: “Vaccination profile in the Occupational Risk Prevention Services”

Artículos originales[ES] En términos económicos y preventivos, la vacunación se ha demostrado como la medida más eficaz y rentable para prevenir enfermedades infecciosas inmunoprevenibles, tanto a nivel individual como comunitario. La gestión de los riesgos biológicos en el entorno laboral requiere de un sistema integral de gestión del riesgo, donde la vacunación juega un papel fundamental como elemento clave de protección personal. Se considera como un Equipo de Protección Individual (EPI) específico, y su suministro y uso obligatorio están regulados por normas legislativas que establecen la responsabilidad del empleador en su entrega, así como la capacitación en prevención y su utilización por parte del trabajador. Las vacunas también constituyen la medida más efectiva en términos de salud pública y aportan grandes beneficios a la humanidad en la prevención de enfermedades. Este hecho ha sido evidente durante la reciente pandemia del COVID-19. La vacunación abarca una amplia gama de objetivos estratégicos que deben abordarse, como las enfermedades transmisibles, las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, los accidentes, los factores de riesgo, la equidad, el fortalecimiento del sector de la salud, la calidad de la atención y los desastres, las emergencias y las epidemias. Por lo tanto, es fundamental aprovechar todos los recursos disponibles en el ámbito de la salud para garantizar la mayor cobertura vacunal posible en la población. Además, es crucial contar con un registro adecuado para no perder información relevante en relación con el proceso de vacunación. De esta manera, se puede asegurar una protección efectiva contra enfermedades y promover la salud y el bienestar de la sociedad en su conjunto. [EN] In economic and preventive terms, vaccination has proven to be the most efficient and cost-effective measure to prevent immuno-preventable infectious diseases, both at individual and community level. The management of bio-logical risks in the work environment requires a comprehensive risk management system, where vaccination plays a fundamental role as a key element of personal protection. It is considered as a specific Personal Protective Equip-ment (PPE), and its provision and mandatory use are regulated by legislative norms that establish the employer’s responsibility in its delivery, as well as the prevention training and its use by the worker.Vaccines are also the most effective measure in terms of public health and bring great benefits to humanity in the prevention of diseases. This has been evident during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccination covers a wide range of strategic objectives to be addressed, such as communicable diseases, chronic non-communicable diseas-es, accidents, risk factors, equity, health sector strengthening, quality of care and disasters, emergencies and epi-demics.It is therefore essential to take advantage of all available health resources to ensure the highest possible vaccination coverage in the population. In addition, proper record keeping is crucial in order not to lose relevant information regarding the vaccination process. In this way, effective protection against diseases can be ensured and the health and well-being of society as a whole can be promoted.[ES] En términos económicos y preventivos, la vacunación se ha demostrado como la medida más eficaz y rentable para prevenir enfermedades infecciosas inmunoprevenibles, tanto a nivel individual como comunitario. La gestión de los riesgos biológicos en el entorno laboral requiere de un sistema integral de gestión del riesgo, donde la vacunación juega un papel fundamental como elemento clave de protección personal. Se considera como un Equipo de Protección Individual (EPI) específico, y su suministro y uso obligatorio están regulados por normas legislativas que establecen la responsabilidad del empleador en su entrega, así como la capacitación en prevención y su utilización por parte del trabajador. Las vacunas también constituyen la medida más efectiva en términos de salud pública y aportan grandes beneficios a la humanidad en la prevención de enfermedades. Este hecho ha sido evidente durante la reciente pandemia del COVID-19. La vacunación abarca una amplia gama de objetivos estratégicos que deben abordarse, como las enfermedades transmisibles, las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, los accidentes, los factores de riesgo, la equidad, el fortalecimiento del sector de la salud, la calidad de la atención y los desastres, las emergencias y las epidemias. Por lo tanto, es fundamental aprovechar todos los recursos disponibles en el ámbito de la salud para garantizar la mayor cobertura vacunal posible en la población. Además, es crucial contar con un registro adecuado para no perder información relevante en relación con el proceso de vacunación. De esta manera, se puede asegurar una protección efectiva contra enfermedades y promover la salud y el bienestar de la sociedad en su conjunto. [EN] In economic and preventive terms, vaccination has proven to be the most efficient and cost-effective measure to prevent immuno-preventable infectious diseases, both at individual and community level. The management of bio-logical risks in the work environment requires a comprehensive risk management system, where vaccination plays a fundamental role as a key element of personal protection. It is considered as a specific Personal Protective Equip-ment (PPE), and its provision and mandatory use are regulated by legislative norms that establish the employer’s responsibility in its delivery, as well as the prevention training and its use by the worker.Vaccines are also the most effective measure in terms of public health and bring great benefits to humanity in the prevention of diseases. This has been evident during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccination covers a wide range of strategic objectives to be addressed, such as communicable diseases, chronic non-communicable diseas-es, accidents, risk factors, equity, health sector strengthening, quality of care and disasters, emergencies and epi-demics.It is therefore essential to take advantage of all available health resources to ensure the highest possible vaccination coverage in the population. In addition, proper record keeping is crucial in order not to lose relevant information regarding the vaccination process. In this way, effective protection against diseases can be ensured and the health and well-being of society as a whole can be promoted.N