Cybersecurity challenges in blockchain technology : a scoping review

Blockchain technology (BCT) is an emerging technology. Cybersecurity challenges in BCT are being explored to add greater value to business processes and reshape business operations. This scoping review paper was aimed at exploring the current literature's scope and categorizing various types of cybersecurity challenges in BCT. Databases such as Elsevier, ResearchGate, IEEE, ScienceDirect, and ABI/INFORM Collection (ProQuest) were searched using a combination of terms, and after rigorous screening, 51 research studies were found relevant. Data coding was performed following a framework proposed for scoping review. After careful analysis, thirty different types of cybersecurity challenges in BCT were categorized into six standardized classes. Our results show that most of the studies disclose cybersecurity challenges in BCT generally without pointing to any specific industry sector, and to a very little extent, few papers reveal cybersecurity challenges in BCT related to specific industry sectors. Also, prior studies barely investigated the strategies to minimize cybersecurity challenges in BCT. Based on gap identification, future research avenues were proposed for scholars

Efficacy of memantine in treating patients with migraine and tension-type headache

Objective: To assess the efficacy of Memantine as a preventive and therapeutic intervention for migraine and tension-type headache. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted over a period of 3 months. A total of 44 subjects, with diagnosed migraine and/or tension-type headache, presenting to a private neurology clinic in Karachi, Pakistan were selected through purposive sampling technique. Patients were treated with incremental doses of Memantine. Adult patients belonging to both genders were included in the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 and associations were made using Chi square test with p-value of less than 0.05 taken as significant. Results: Out of 44 patients, 35 (79.5%) were females and 9 (20.5%) were males which shows a very high occurrence of migraine and tension-type headache in females. Average age was found to be 32.6 ≈ 33 years. Efficacy of the drug was observed to be 81.8% which is significantly high. The baseline MIDAS score when compared with the score at 3-month follow-up by applying Wilcoxon signed rank test showed mean ± S.D (39.52±21.27 vs. 6.72±6.41) where p=0.000 (\u3c0.05) which shows a highly significant result. All 44 patients were known cases of migraine while 25% (11) of them also suffered from tension-type headache. Patients were treated with incremental doses of Memantine and were observed for the efficacy of the drug. Patients maintained their diaries of intensity of pain, distressing influence of the pain and how it hindered their daily routine. Results showed that intensity of pain decreased significantly by the end of the 3rd month of treatment and majority of the patients felt less distressed on their final follow-up visit. By the end of the 3rd month, the level of hindrance in the daily routines of the patients caused by the headache also fell significantly. Conclusion: Memantine has significant beneficial effects in reducing intensity of pain and disability in patients with migraine and tension type headache

Comparison of Workforce Diversity in Public and Private Business Organizations

Potential of human resource has always been considered as at the heart of a business organization. An effective human resource can not only ignite the organizational excellence but it also is a cornerstone for the consistency of optimal level of business performance. This research paper aims at one of the most discussed areas in the literature related to human resource management called “Workforce diversity”. Right from the start of modern business practices public and private business organizations came into existence and so the difference in human resource focus of both of these types of business organizations. Focus of this study is to explore the difference among employees of both types of above mentioned business organizations keeping in view the level of workforce diversity in their respective organizations. Study is unique because it addresses the research gap found after extensive literature review. The said research gap is that no such study has been done before in literature keeping in view Pakistani business environment. Target population comprising of banking sector, health and medical services sector was studied and brought under light by taking a sample of 150 employees. In order to analyze the acquired data statistical tools like independent t test and frequency test were also applied for better results and findings. Findings of the study states that there exists huge difference among employees working in public and private sector organizations due to conception and application of workforce diversity in both of these business organization types. It was also found that middle and operational levels of workforce are more diverse in comparison with top levels of workforce. Workforce diversity is properly planned in most of the private organizations while public sector organizations are still lagging behind. Due to significantly highlighted importance of organizational performance in public sector organizations; public sector is now improving application of workforce diversity in its practices. Keywords: Workforce Diversity, Public & Private Sector, Culture, Organizational Performance

Preliminary Insights on the Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan

This study aims to investigate the perceptions of accountants regarding the possible adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for SMEs in Pakistan. IFRS for SMEs were issued by the IASB in 2009. The adoption of the IFRS for SMEs in Pakistan has been proposed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) and in 2015 the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has approved the adoption of the 'International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium Sized Entities. We conducted seven semi-structured interviews with the chartered accountants based in Multan that were providing accounting and consultancy services to various SMEs. The findings of the research confirmed the reasonable level of awareness among chartered accountants regarding IFRS for SME. Our respondents perceive high-quality comparable financial information as the most significant advantage of applying IFRS for SMEs whereas cost burdens on firms and lack of trained personnel were perceived as major obstacles for the adoption decision. The findings also suggest that diligent IFRS awareness and training programs must be organized by all regulatory and professional bodies (like SECP and ICAP) on both country and firm level to achieve the true purpose of this adoption

Data Resource Profile: Understanding the patterns and determinants of health in South Asians-the South Asia Biobank.

Funder: Singapore Ministry of Health's National Medical Research CouncilFunder: National Institute for Health ResearchFunder: Wellcome Trust or the Department of HealthFunder: NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Cambridge: Nutrition, Diet, and Lifestyle Research Theme; Grant(s): IS-BRC-1215-2001

Synthesis of calcium propionate from indigenous limestone from Swat area in Pakistan

In this study, native limestone from the Swat area of Pakistan was used for the synthesis of calcium propionate. The powdered limestone was allowed to react with propionic acid and the effect of the synthesis parameters, that is, the particle size (50, 100, 150, and 200 mesh), propionic acid (10, 15, and 30 %), solid-liquid ratio (0.1:10, 0.12:1, 0.14:1, and 0.16:1), reaction time (1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 hours) and the temperature (60, 80, 90, and 100 °C) on the percentage yield and purity of calcium propionate was studied. The results showed that the optimum synthesis parameters were 200 mesh particle size, 15% propionic acid concentration, 0.14:1 solid-liquid ratio, 2.5 hours reaction time, and 80 °C temperature. The product obtained under optimal conditions was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that a product having ≥ 99.8% purity with 85% yield can be obtained by this process

Adsorption studies of hexavalent chromium ions on the dead biomass of Cystoseira indica

The biosorption of hexavalent chromium ions from aqueous solution was investigated using acid-modified dead biomass of the abundantly available brown marine alga Cystoseira indica from Karachi coastal area of Pakistan. The biosorbent was characterized by infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The optimum biosorption conditions, i.e., biosorbent dosage, contact time, initial metal ion concentration, pH, and temperature, were determined by carrying out batch-mode experiments. The sorption behavior was established by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, which showed that although the uptake of metals was more feasible on a heterogeneous surface, homogeneous surface conditions seemed to exist at the same time. The thermodynamic parameters ∆G°, ∆H° and ∆S° calculated at different temperatures ranging from 298 to 318 K demonstrated that the biosorption was a spontaneous and exothermic process under the experimental conditions applied

Countermeasure Strategies to Address Cybersecurity Challenges Amidst Major Crises in the Higher Education and Research Sector: An Organisational Learning Perspective

Purpose: The purpose of this research paper was to analyse the counterstrategies to mitigate cybersecurity challenges using organisational learning loops amidst major crises in the Higher Education and Research Sector (HERS). The authors proposed the learning loop framework revealing several counterstrategies to mitigate cybersecurity issues in HERS. The counterstrategies are explored, and their implications for research and practice are discussed. Methodology: The qualitative methodology was adopted, and semi-structured interviews with cybersecurity experts and top managers were conducted. Results: This exploratory paper proposed the learning loop framework revealing introducing new policies and procedures, changing existing systems, partnership with other companies, integrating new software, improving employee learning, enhancing security, and monitoring and evaluating security measures as significant counterstrategies to ensure the cyber-safe working environment in HERS. These counterstrategies will help to tackle cybersecurity in HERS, not only during the current major crisis but also in the future. Implications: The outcomes provide insightful implications for both theory and practice. This study proposes a learning framework that prioritises counterstrategies to mitigate cybersecurity challenges in HERS amidst a major crisis. The proposed model can help HERS be more efficient in mitigating cybersecurity issues in future crises. The counterstrategies can also be tested, adopted, and implemented by practitioners working in other sectors to mitigate cybersecurity issues during and after major crises. Future research can focus on addressing the shortcomings and limitations of the proposed learning framework adopted by HERS

Pentachlorophenol-induced hemotoxicity diminishes antioxidant potential and oxidizes proteins, thiols, and lipids in rat blood: An in vivo study

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is an excessively used wood preservative and pesticide, which has resulted in human exposure raising concerns about its potential toxic effects. This study is designed to evaluate the hemotoxicity of PCP in adult rats. Wistar rats were orally administered PCP (25–150 mg/kg bw) for five days while untreated (control) rats received corn oil. Animals were sacrificed, blood was taken and fractionated into plasma and red blood cells (RBC). PCP administration increased methemoglobin formation but decreased methemoglobin reductase activity. Significantly increased hydrogen peroxide level indicates initiation of oxidative stress condition in blood. PCP increased the oxidation of thiols, proteins and lipids, lowered glutathione levels, and compromised the antioxidant status of RBC in treated rats. Enzymes of the pathways of glucose breakdown, glycolysis and phosphogluconate pathway, were inhibited. Markers of liver damage were increased in the plasma of PCP-treated rats suggesting hepatotoxicity. This was confirmed by histopathological analysis of stained liver sections. Activity of xanthine oxidase, a reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating pro-oxidant enzyme, was increased. These hematological changes could be a result of the increased generation of ROS or direct chemical transformation by transient reaction species. These results show that PCP induces redox imbalance, diminishes antioxidant potential, inhibits metabolic pathways, and oxidizes cellular components in rat blood.This study suggests an elaborated possible molecular mechanism of PCP toxicity, and similar compounds so that methods can be devised to minimize its damaging effect

Comparative study of natural and modified biomass of Sargassum sp. for removal of Cd2+ and Zn2+ from wastewater

Abstract Natural as well as acid modified dead biomass of brown marine alga Sargassum sp. was employed for the elimination of cadmium and zinc ions from synthetic wastewater; batch mode experiments were carried out to optimize various factors like adsorbent dosage, contact time, pH, agitation speed and primary metal ions concentration at room temperature (298.15 K) for both types of adsorbents i.e. natural and acid treated. Application of Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms suggested that the modified biomass adsorbed better as compared to the natural one; though sorption on the natural biomass was a physical process while that on the modified one was a physico-chemical process and thus was relatively difficult. The quantity of cadmium ions adsorbed was greater than that of zinc ions. Adsorption equilibrium for the metal ions sorption on treated Sargassum sp. biomass was established within 60 min for both cadmium and zinc ions with 95.3 and 90.1% removal efficiencies, respectively, but it was greatly influenced by the pH of the solution. The optimal conditions in the batch experiments were as follows: cadmium ions were removed effectively using 0.5 g of adsorbent and 5 mg/L initial metal ions concentration at pH 4 and 150 rpm agitation speed whereas the best results for zinc ions were obtained with 1 g of adsorbent and 5 mg/L initial metal ions concentration at pH 3 and 200 rpm agitation speed. The experimental data fitted well to the pseudo first order model as the values of metal uptake capacities were in good agreement with the experimental values. Thermodynamic studies show that the process is spontaneous and endothermic in nature. Desorption and regeneration studies reveal that recovery of biosorbent is low