Case Study Research Articles

Optimal Strictly Stealthy Attack Design on Cyber-Physical Systems: A Data-Driven Approach.

In this article, an issue of data-driven optimal strictly stealthy attack design for the stochastic linear invariant systems is investigated, with the aim of maximizing the system performance degradation under an energy bounded constraint and bypassing the parity-space-based attack detector. Importantly, the proposed attack policy refrains from the assumption that the system knowledge is known to attackers. A novel strictly stealthy attack sequence (SSAS), coordinating the sensor and actuator signals simultaneously, is proposed with a sufficient and necessary condition for the existence of such an attack presented. Specifically, the SSAS is parameterized as a vector in the null space of a specific matrix which is constructed by a parity matrix and the system Markov parameters. For the purpose of data-driven attack realization, modified subspace identification methods are utilized to achieve an unbiased estimation of the required parameters via the closed-loop data. On this basis, the attack design is formulated as a constrained optimization problem, an explicit solution to which is given to characterize the optimal strictly stealthy attack. Finally, the vulnerability of the cyber-physical systems is analysed from the perspective of the parameter selection for the parity space-based detector. A case study on a three-tank model verifies the efficiency of the proposed approach.

Immune dysfunction prior to and during vaccination in multiple myeloma: a case study based on COVID-19

Infection is the leading cause of death in multiple myeloma (MM). However, the cellular composition associated with immune dysfunction is not defined. We analyzed immune profiles in the peripheral blood of patients with MM (n = 28) and B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (n = 53) vs. health care practitioners (n = 96), using multidimensional and computational flow cytometry. MM patients displayed altered distribution of most cell types (41/56, 73%), particularly within the B-cell (17/17) and T-cell (20/30) compartments. Using COVID-19 as a case study, we compared the immune response to vaccination based on 64,304 data points generated from the analysis of 1099 longitudinal samples. MM patients showed limited B-cell expansion linked to lower anti-RBD and anti-S antibody titers after the first two doses and booster. The percentages of B cells and CD4+ T cells in the blood, as well as the absolute counts of B cells and dendritic cells, predicted vaccine immunogenicity at different time points. In contrast with the humoral response, the percentage and antigen-dependent differentiation of SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+ T cells was not altered in MM patients. Taken together, this study defined the cellular composition associated with immune dysfunction in MM and provided biomarkers such as the B-cell percentage and absolute count to individualize vaccination calendars.

Comparative landslide susceptibility assessment using information value and frequency ratio bivariate statistical methods: a case study from Northwestern Himalayas, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Comparative landslide susceptibility assessment using information value and frequency ratio bivariate statistical methods: a case study from Northwestern Himalayas, Jammu and Kashmir, India

State obligation and landmines: human rights of the disabled in the Islamic Republic of Iran

ABSTRACT Many individuals in Iran continue to fall victim to landmine explosions, even decades after the Iran-Iraq war ended. While the Islamic Republic of Iran has made certain efforts to demine affected areas and establish a compensation system, individuals still suffer injuries from mines that the state has failed to remove or clear and struggle to get compensated following an incident. This research relies on data, case studies, legal analysis, and testimonies to provide a comprehensive assessment of the state’s victim compensation system. The findings reveal that the compensation process is lengthy and arduous, with state agencies prioritising the interests of the state over those of the victims and their families. Consequently, victims and their families are left in increasingly dire economic and psychological circumstances, as not all receive compensation, and those who do receive minimal amounts after significant delays. During this time, victims deplete their meagre savings, exacerbating their already precarious situations.

Challenges of Hip Arthroplasty in a Paretic, Spastic Limb: A Case Study on Managing Femoral Neck Fracture Following Fixation Failure in a Hemiparetic Patient

Challenges of Hip Arthroplasty in a Paretic, Spastic Limb: A Case Study on Managing Femoral Neck Fracture Following Fixation Failure in a Hemiparetic Patient

Response of Grain-Size Distribution Characteristics of a Gravel Bar to Topographic and Hydraulic Conditions: A Case Study from the Upper Yangtze River in China

Response of Grain-Size Distribution Characteristics of a Gravel Bar to Topographic and Hydraulic Conditions: A Case Study from the Upper Yangtze River in China

Changes in livelihood assets due to the intervention of a development project: A case study at Khutamara Union, Bangladesh

Changes in livelihood assets due to the intervention of a development project: A case study at Khutamara Union, Bangladesh

The Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence for Improving Health Literacy in Reproductive Health: A Case Study.

Patients find technology tools to be more approachable for seeking sensitive health-related information, such as reproductive health information. The inventive conversational ability of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, such as ChatGPT, offers a potential means for patients to effectively locate answers to their health-related questions online. A pilot study was conducted to compare the novel ChatGPT with the existing Google Search technology for their ability to offer accurate, effective, and current information regarding proceeding action after missing a dose of oral contraceptive pill (OCP). A sequence of eleven questions, mimicking a patient inquiring about action to take after missing a dose of OCP, were input into ChatGPT as a cascade, given the conversational ability of ChatGPT. The questions were input into four different ChatGPT accounts, with the account holders being of various demographics, to evaluate potential differences and biases in the responses given to different account holders. The leading question, "what should I do if I missed a day of my oral contraception birth control?", alone was then input into Google Search, given its non-conversational nature. The results from the ChatGPT questions and the Google Search results to the leading question were evaluated on their readability, accuracy, and effective delivery of information. The ChatGPT results were determined to be at an overall higher grade reading level, longer reading duration (Table 2), less accurate, less current, and a less effective delivery of information. In contrast, the Google Search resulting answer box and snippets were at a lower grade reading level, shorter reading duration, more current, able to reference the origin of the information (transparent), and provided the information in various formats in addition to text. ChatGPT has room for improvement in accuracy, transparency, recency, and reliability before it can equitably be implemented into healthcare information delivery and provide the potential benefits it poses. However, AI may be used as a tool for providers to educate their patients in preferred, creative, and efficient ways, such as using AI to generate accessible short educational videos from healthcare provider-vetted information. Larger studies representing a diverse group of users are needed.

A conceptual framework for characterization of agricultural heritage in desert-prone areas

PurposeThis study aims to propose a comprehensive conceptual framework for the characterization of agricultural heritage in desert-prone areas, with a focus on Siwa Oasis in Egypt.Design/methodology/approachThe research utilizes a multidimensional approach, integrating perspectives from sustainability principles, stakeholders and the agricultural heritage frameworks of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). It involves thematic analysis of qualitative data collected through focus group discussions and interviews with a diverse range of participants, including community members, government officials, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and researchers.FindingsThe study identifies five key elements of agricultural heritage in Siwa Oasis: cultural, ecological, economic, social and scientific. Cultural elements include traditional farming practices, irrigation systems and architectural features, while ecological elements encompass crop biodiversity, wildlife habitats and traditional landraces. Economically, date palm cultivation, olive production and agritourism activities play crucial roles in livelihood security and local economies. Socially, community cohesion, gender roles and cultural practices shape the social fabric of the oasis, with festivals and rituals fostering a sense of belonging. From a scientific perspective, the integration of traditional knowledge with modern agricultural practices enhances sustainability and resilience.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focused solely on Siwa Oasis as a case study, limiting generalizability to other desert-prone areas. Further research could explore additional regions to enhance the understanding of agricultural heritage in diverse contexts. Additionally, the qualitative nature of the study may limit statistical analysis. Future studies could employ mixed-methods approaches for a more comprehensive understanding of agricultural heritage dynamics.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the multifaceted aspects of agricultural heritage in Siwa Oasis can inform sustainable development initiatives, tourism planning and cultural preservation efforts. Local policymakers and stakeholders can utilize these insights to develop policies that support traditional farming practices, ecotourism and community development. Furthermore, the promotion of agricultural heritage can enhance economic opportunities, food security and environmental sustainability in desert-prone regions.Social implicationsRecognition of the social elements embedded within Siwa Oasis’s agricultural heritage highlights the importance of community cohesion, gender roles and cultural practices. By acknowledging and preserving these aspects, initiatives can be developed to empower local communities, promote gender equality and preserve cultural identity. Such efforts can enhance social cohesion, strengthen cultural bonds and promote inclusivity in the development agenda of desert-prone areas.Originality/valueThis study contributes a novel conceptual framework that bridges multifunctionality concepts, sustainability principles and stakeholder perspectives to characterize agricultural heritage in desert-prone areas. It offers insights into the complex interplay of cultural, ecological, economic, social and scientific dimensions of agricultural heritage systems.

Construction of Ecological Security Patterns and Evaluation of Ecological Network Stability under Multi-Scenario Simulation: A Case Study in Desert–Oasis Area of the Yellow River Basin, China

Construction of Ecological Security Patterns and Evaluation of Ecological Network Stability under Multi-Scenario Simulation: A Case Study in Desert–Oasis Area of the Yellow River Basin, China

Evaluating the social return on investment of a mental health disorders club: a case study

Purpose The growth of mental disorders and their costs represents a public health challenge. This study aims to explore how a social club can help mitigate its impact through arts and sports workshops. Design/methodology/approach Using the social return on investment (SROI) methodology, the impact of the social club is evaluated by identifying stakeholders and quantifying their contributions. In addition, the relationship between patients’ attendance and the reduction of relapses and medication consumption is explored. Findings The SROI showed a positive return on investment, €12.12 per euro invested. This ratio indicates that the social club generates social value well above its initial costs. On the other hand, two stakeholders were identified as higher impact generators, and it was confirmed that sports activities generate more social and economic impact than art activities – however, the positive effects of art activities last longer over time. The study revealed a positive relationship between social club attendance and relapse reduction. Almost 90% of the participating users reported no relapses or emergency hospitalizations during the past year of attendance. In addition, a substantial decrease in medication dosage was observed. These results suggest that social clubs help stabilize mental health and reduce the burden on health-care systems. Originality/value The case study highlights the vital role of social clubs in supporting people facing mental health issues. Policymakers and health-care providers can use this knowledge to invest in more effective and sustainable mental health support activities.

The Detectability of Post-Seismic Ground Displacement Using DInSAR and SBAS in Longwall Coal Mining: A Case Study in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland

The Detectability of Post-Seismic Ground Displacement Using DInSAR and SBAS in Longwall Coal Mining: A Case Study in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland

Development and validity testing of a matrix to evaluate maturity of clinical pathways: a case study in Saskatchewan, Canada

BackgroundHealthcare systems are transforming into learning health systems that use data-driven and research-informed approaches to achieve continuous improvement. One of these approaches is the use of clinical pathways, which are tools to standardize care for a specific population and improve healthcare quality. Evaluating the maturity of clinical pathways is necessary to inform pathway development teams and health system decision makers about required pathway revisions or implementation supports. In an effort to improve the development, implementation, and sustainability of provincial clinical pathways, we developed a clinical pathways maturity evaluation matrix. To explore the initial content and face validity of the matrix, we used it to evaluate a case pathway within a provincial health authority in Saskatchewan, Canada.MethodsBy using iterative consensus-based processes, we gathered feedback from stakeholders including patient and family partners, policy makers, clinicians, and quality improvement specialists, to rank, retain, or remove enablers and sub-enablers of the draft matrix. We tested the matrix on the Chronic Pain Pathway (CPP) for primary care in a local pilot area and revised the matrix based on feedback from the CPP development team leader.ResultsThe final matrix contains five enablers (i.e., Design, Ownership and Performer, Infrastructure, Performance Management, and Culture), 20 sub-enablers, and three trajectory definitions for each sub-enabler. Supplemental documents were created for six sub-enablers. The CPP scored 15 out of 40 possible points of maturity. Although the pathway scored highest in the Design enabler (10/12), it requires more attention in several areas, specifically the Ownership and Performer and the Performance Management enablers, each of which scored zero. Additionally, the Infrastructure and Culture enablers scored 2/4 and 3/8 points, respectively. These areas of the CPP are in need of improvement in order to enhance the overall maturity of the CPP.ConclusionsWe developed a clinical pathways maturity matrix to evaluate the various dimensions of clinical pathways’ development and implementation. The goals of this initial work were to develop and validate a tool to assess the maturity and readiness of new or existing pathways and to track pathways' revisions and improvements.

The role of hydrogen as long-duration energy storage and as an international energy carrier for electricity sector decarbonization

With countries and economies around the globe increasingly relying on non-dispatchable variable renewable energy (VRE), the need for effective energy storage and international carriers of low-carbon energy has intensified. This study delves into hydrogen’s prospective, multifaceted contribution to decarbonizing the electricity sector, with emphasis on its utilization as a scalable technology for long-duration energy storage and as an international energy carrier. Using Japan as a case study, based on its ambitious national hydrogen strategy and plans to import liquefied hydrogen as a low-carbon fuel source, we employ advanced models encompassing capacity expansion and hourly dispatch. We explore diverse policy scenarios to unravel the timing, quantity, and operational intricacies of hydrogen deployment within a power system. Our findings highlight the essential role of hydrogen in providing a reliable power supply by balancing mismatches in VRE generation and load over several weeks and months and reducing the costs of achieving a zero-emission power system. The study recommends prioritizing domestically produced hydrogen, leveraging renewables for cost reduction, and strategically employing imported hydrogen as a risk hedge against potential spikes in battery storage and renewable energy costs. Furthermore, the strategic incorporation of hydrogen mitigates system costs and enhances energy self-sufficiency, informing policy design and investment strategies aligned with the dynamic global energy landscape.

Chronical Soil Pollution with Chromium in the Tanneries Area: a Case Study in Damascus, Syria

Chronical Soil Pollution with Chromium in the Tanneries Area: a Case Study in Damascus, Syria

Assessing the Accuracy and Efficiency of Free Energy Differences Obtained from Reweighted Flow-Based Probabilistic Generative Models.

Computing free energy differences between metastable states characterized by nonoverlapping Boltzmann distributions is often a computationally intensive endeavor, usually requiring chains of intermediate states to connect them. Targeted free energy perturbation (TFEP) can significantly lower the computational cost of FEP calculations by choosing a set of invertible maps used to directly connect the distributions of interest, achieving the necessary statistically significant overlaps without sampling any intermediate states. Probabilistic generative models (PGMs) based on normalizing flow architectures can make it much easier via machine learning to train invertible maps needed for TFEP. However, the accuracy and applicability of approaches based on empirically learned maps depend crucially on the choice of reweighting method adopted to estimate the free energy differences. In this work, we assess the accuracy, rate of convergence, and data efficiency of different free energy estimators, including exponential averaging, Bennett acceptance ratio (BAR), and multistate Bennett acceptance ratio (MBAR), in reweighting PGMs trained by maximum likelihood on limited amounts of molecular dynamics data sampled only from end-states of interest. We carry out the comparisons on a set of simple but representative case studies, including conformational ensembles of alanine dipeptide and ibuprofen. Our results indicate that BAR and MBAR are both data efficient and robust, even in the presence of significant model overfitting in the generation of invertible maps. This analysis can serve as a stepping stone for the deployment of efficient and quantitatively accurate ML-based free energy calculation methods in complex systems.

Lifecycle assessment on construction and demolition waste management-an Indian case study

Lifecycle assessment on construction and demolition waste management-an Indian case study

Peer governance practices: an alternative approach to the education of young people in vulnerable contexts

ABSTRACT This paper presents the experience of 6 months of work (January to June 2022) with educators and young people aged 16–18 years from a socio-educational organisation in Raval, a vulnerable neighbourhood of Barcelona. It explores how peer governance practices could help young people to acquire conflict resolution skills. It also analyses the role of adults in the application of these practices, thus furthering the understanding of peer governance as a practice that enables people to co-decide, set limits by establishing specific rules and co-manage conflicts [Kostakis, V. (2010). Peer governance and Wikipedia: Identifying and understanding the problems of Wikipedia’s governance. First Monday, 15(3)]. An action research methodology was developed for this purpose, based on the application and analysis of participatory workshops and ethnographic work. The results show how the process helps adolescents acquire conflict resolution skills in areas such as negotiation of interests, reaching consensus and distribution of roles. It also identifies how educators overestimate the need for an adult mediator. This article is part of a case study that was conducted in the framework of the Horizon 2020 project SMOOTH that explores educational commons as a catalyst for reversing social inequalities among young people in vulnerable contexts.

“The camera got through safely”: photography and women’s memory activism after the Irish Civil War and Spanish Civil War

ABSTRACT This article takes a comparative approach to gendered legacies of civil war and militant women’s post-war memory activism in Ireland and Spain, and highlights a shared practice of photographic memory-keeping as a means of constructing counter-narratives of war. It focuses specifically on the testimonial memoirs “Blaze Away with your Little Gun” (1968–69) by Siobhán and Mairead de Paor and Cárcel de Mujeres (Vol. 1 and 2, 1985) and Mujeres en la Resistencia (1968) by Tomasa Cuevas, which commemorated women’s experiences of activism and imprisonment in the Irish Civil War and Spanish Civil War respectively. This article unpacks how militant women on the losing side of civil war navigated the gendered repression and enforced erasure of the post-war Irish Free State and Francoist dictatorship and uses the two case studies to demonstrate that women’s photographic practices enabled them to contest national narratives of war. It thus highlights how women’s testimonial photographic practices, the ways in which they created, re-defined, and circulated images within written memoirs, allowed them to reclaim agency over their experiences of activism and imprisonment and commemorate women who were otherwise erased from official remembrance.

Selection of low impact development technical measures in the distribution area of expansive soil: a case study of Hefei, China

Selection of low impact development technical measures in the distribution area of expansive soil: a case study of Hefei, China