16417 research outputs found
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Post-Quantum Migration of the Tor Application
Get PDFThe efficiency of Shor's and Grover's algorithms and the advancement of quantum computers implies that the cryptography used until now to protect one's privacy is potentially vulnerable to retrospective decryption, also known as the harvest now, decrypt later attack in the near future. This dissertation proposes an overview of the cryptographic schemes used by Tor, highlighting the non-quantum-resistant ones and introducing theoretical performance assessment methods of a local Tor network. The measurement is divided into three phases. We start with benchmarking a local Tor network simulation on constrained devices to isolate the time taken by classical cryptography processes. Secondly, the analysis incorporates existing benchmarks of quantum-secure algorithms and compares these performances on the devices. Lastly, the estimation of overhead is calculated by replacing the measured times of traditional cryptography with the times recorded for Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) execution within the specified Tor environment. By focusing on the replaceable cryptographic components, using theoretical estimations, and leveraging existing benchmarks, valuable insights into the potential impact of PQC can be obtained without needing to implement it fully
Training manual for law enforcement of cials on HIV service provision for people who inject drugs
No full textWhen and how is abusive supervision enacted toward competent subordinates? The role of supervisors' power loss concern and downward envy
No full textIn general, supervisor abuse is directed toward low-performing subordinates. Similarly, envy is typically felt by professionals in lower ranks toward those in higher positions. By contrast, this study investigates the counterintuitive relationship between the abusive behavior of envious leaders toward their competent subordinates. Specifically, we argue that supervisors become envious of competent employees when they are anxious about losing power. Multisource, time-lagged data collected from dyads (198 supervisors and 198 subordinates) in Pakistan-based organizations support the proposed hypotheses. The findings show a positive relationship between perceptions of subordinate competence, supervisors' downward envy, and abusive supervision. In addition, the relationship between perceived subordinates' competence and supervisors' envy is strong when supervisors' power loss concerns are high. This study provides useful theoretical and practical insights for human resource managers dealing with unethical workplace behavior
Evaluating the benefits of professional events and venues for academic scholars and institutions & their host cities
No full textThis study is response to a gap in knowledge regards higher education institutions – and their subject or discipline areas - and the motivations for hosting conferences in professional and purpose-built venues, as well any perceived barriers in doing so. Further, the research also seeks to gauge the importance given to the hosting of conferences within and for the host city . A Key Informant research method is applied, i.e., primary research was undertaken in 2024 with key research leaders in universities. Key informants are those whose social positions in a research setting give them specialist knowledge about other people, processes or happenings that is more extensive, detailed or privileged than ordinary people, and who are therefore particularly valuable sources of information to a researcher, not least in the early stages of a project (Payne & Payne, 2011)
Upcycling Alum Sludge as a Reinforcement in PBAT Composites: A Sustainable Approach to Waste Valorisation
Get PDFThis study explores the valorisation of alum sludge, a byproduct of water treatment processes, as a sustainable reinforcement material in Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) composites. The research aims to address industrial waste challenges by developing eco-friendly composite materials while promoting circular economy principles. Alum sludge particles, classified into two size distributions (<63 µm and <250 µm), were incorporated into PBAT matrices at varying concentrations. The composites were characterised for their mechanical, thermal, crystallographic, and moisture adsorption properties; and their biodegradation behaviour was evaluated through soil burial tests over 60 days. The results revealed that the 63 µm particle size fraction exhibited superior performance compared to the 250 µm fraction, demonstrating improved mechanical properties, reduced degradation rates, and enhanced interfacial bonding. Composites with 5 wt.% alum sludge achieved a balance between reinforcement and processability, outperforming the other filler concentrations examined. This innovative approach highlights the potential of upcycling alum sludge into functional materials, advancing sustainable waste management and composite manufacturing. Furthermore, the observed variation in degradation rates suggests that these composites can be tailored for applications requiring controlled compostability
Advancing Cardiovascular Health: Photoplethysmography as a Tool for ECG Signal Acquisition
No full textRheological Behavior of Bitumen Modified by Synthesized Polyurethane Based on MDI–PPG Reactive Prepolymers
No full textBitumen without modification is prone to suffer from damage under extreme temperature and traffic conditions, leading to distress such as rutting, fatigue cracking, and thermal cracking. Polyurethane-modified bitumen can effectively be prepared at lower temperatures and combine low-carbon and environmental-protection concepts. The resulted polyurethane can also improve the in-service performance of bitumen, such as rutting resistance. In this study, a polyurethane prepolymer (PU) based on polypropylene glycol (PPG) and diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) as the soft and hard segments and 3,3’-dichloro-4,4’-diaminodiphenylmethane (MOCA) as a chain extender was synthesized and used to modify the viscoelastic behavior of bitumen. The interaction between the PU prepolymer and unreacted MDI and the polar groups present on the base bitumen provides a route to enhancing the miscibility between the blend components. The rheological behavior of the bitumen, with varying PU content, was investigated from strain sweep and time sweep measurements, with particular attention given to the analysis of Lissajous-Bowditch (LB) curves and the normalized third relative intensities (3/1). Three different methods based on strain sweep tests were employed to determine the critical strain at which the viscoelastic behavior transitions from the linear to nonlinear regime. The distinct rheological behavior observed for bitumen with different PU content was supported from observations of the blend morphology and confirmation of interactions between blend components from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. This study reveals that the rheological behavior of a PU-modified bitumen is closely related to the combined effects of interfacial interaction, phase morphology, and phase distribution of the blend components. Illustrating this relationship can enable the design of tailored bituminous materials with excellent in-service performance
2D metal-organic framework Cu3(HHTP)2 composite electrode for flexible energy storage applications
Get PDFHydrothermally synthesized 2D metal-organic framework (MOF) Cu3(HHTP)2 was modified with carbon black (CB) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) to develop a flexible energy storage device. The efficiency of electron transfer and ionic diffusion within the pristine MOF was enhanced in the composites of MOFs. The MOF/CB/PEDOT: PSS (20 %) composite demonstrated more than 110 times higher capacitance compared with pristine MOF-based devices, reaching 336.93 mF cm−2 (146.51 F g−1) at 0.1 mA cm−2. The developed device exhibited energy and power densities of 29.31 μW h cm−2 (12.86 Wh.kg−1) and 39.38 μW cm−2 (17.28 W kg−1), respectively. The addition of CB and PEDOT: PSS into the Cu3(HHTP)2 MOF decreased the pore structure due to the incorporation of solid materials in the pores and an excellent conductive channel for ion transfer. The study reveals that modifying the electrical, mechanical, and electrochemical properties of a 2D MOF can lead to the design of a high-performance flexible energy storage device for portable and wearable electronics
The trouble with trauma: Interconnected forms of violence in the lives of repeatedly criminalised men
Get PDFFocus on the interconnection of interpersonal violence, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma and justice‐involvement has increased interest internationally among policymakers and practitioners working within criminal justice contexts for ‘trauma‐informed’ approaches and interventions which facilitate recovery. This article discusses limitations of employing these concepts to make sense of the lives of criminal‐justice involved people. Drawing on UK‐based research using interviews and collage‐workshops to gather autobiographical narratives of 16 repeatedly‐criminalised men, a case vignette is presented to show the institutional and structural contexts of interpersonal violence, and the critical role of the criminal justice system (CJS) in obscuring and perpetuating violence. This raises doubt about the CJS's capacity to respond to trauma. The contribution of this article is to integrate theoretical conceptualisations of violence and empirical findings to critique the possibility of trauma‐informed practice (TIP) within a criminal justice context
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