Non-technical Aspects Research Articles

A Simulation-based Education Platform for Security Investments Through Culture and Knowledge Convergence

Cybersecurity is one of the most critical sectors of information systems and is considered a strategic priority for many Organizations. Information security investments are a crucial aspect of cybersecurity. However, it often happens that the economic decisions, which aim to improve information security, have poor efficiency. One reason is the lack of background on economics of the Chief Information Security Officers who are often not familiar with the evaluation of the non-technical aspects of security, e.g. economics. The other reason is the cultural gap between the different persons related to business management and administration. In this paper we present an interactive - simulation software designed to familiarize the aforementioned persons with information security investments. The software is actually a game that aims to boost learning for all the stakeholders who are involved in the investment process. Α better understanding of the processes, the technical, economic and human factors, along with the cultural convergence of the stakeholders will help boost the efficiency of investments. Design Science is used as the research method. The creative method, a brainstorming technique, is combined with the five steps of Design Science, i.e. explicate the problem, define the requirements, design and develop the artefact, demonstrate the artefact, and evaluate the artefact, to develop a process framework that will be able to cope with this problem. The artefact is an interactive-simulation platform in which a person could take the decision maker role and (a) deal with events that happen and (b) investigate different aspects of information security investment complexity. The evaluation of the artefact is made with a case study in the Industry, where real world data are used to feed the simulation and real-world decision makers play the game in order to better understand the different aspects of the problem and help us trim and enhance the functioning of the platform. Finally, limitations are elaborated and future work is also discussed.

Utilization of recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring during thyroid surgery in china: a point prevalence survey (2015-2023).

The survey aimed to elucidate the complete range of national practices, including all technical and non-technical aspects, as well as surgical stratification and maturation, of the use of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) during thyroid surgery in China. Six national questionnaires, developed by the Chinese Neural Monitoring Study Group (CNMSG) between 2015 and 2023, were used to collect and analyze data regarding the clinical application, education, and scientific research related to IONM in Chinese medical institutions. Among the surveyed hospitals, 45% reported an average annual surgical volume exceeding 3,000 cases, with 82.5% performing more than 80% of the surgeries for malignant thyroid tumors. Additionally, 97.5% of the hospitals reported a<3% incidence of postoperative hoarseness with IONM. Statistical analysis from 2011 to 2015 found that the incidence of postoperative hoarseness decreased by 30% in 2013 compared with 2011, when the technology was introduced. Preoperative and postoperative laryngoscopies were routinely performed by 82.5% and 15% of the hospitals, respectively. For 65% of the hospitals, the publication of the Chinese edition of neuromonitoring guidelines in 2013 prompted the utilization of IONM technology. An average annual number of IONM applications exceeding 500 cases (18.5% the average volume) was reported by 80% of the hospitals, while 62.5% reported a cumulative number of applications greater than 5,000 cases (47.1% the average cumulative volume). Regarding technical parameters, 75% of the hospitals reported an intraoperative V1 amplitude of >500µV, and 70% reported an intraoperative loss of signal (LOS) rate of<3%. 92.5% of the surveyed hospitals believed that IONM could help identify dissociated nerves, and 95% of the surveyed hospitals believed that IONM could reduce nerve damage. However, 72.5% of the respondents thought that cost was the main limitation. Furthermore, 67.5% of the hospitals reported that half of their thyroid surgical team members were trained in IONM, with 17.5% reporting that all team members were trained. Areas for reinforced training included IONM research methods and directions (72.5%), and analysis and treatment of abnormal EMG signals (72.5%). Research projects related to IONM were conducted by 42.5% of the hospitals, while 52.5% had published papers on neuromonitoring. IONM was independently and incrementally associated with the annual surgical volume. This survey emphasized the importance of national collaboration and/or a registry for the uptake, consolidation, and development of CNMSG consensus.

Bridging the ecological–economic–social nexus: sustainability in radioactive waste management

Safe deep geological disposal of radioactive waste is a socio-technical endeavour and connects to different aspects of sustainability. Compared to other long-term infrastructure projects it is unique in terms of time and scope. It affects long temporal dimensions, has an impact on diverse ecological and economic resources, and involves different stakeholder groups. Waste management organizations (WMOs) tasked with the implementation of radioactive waste disposal have to respect these sustainability aspects and meet the respective challenges. This paper provides an introduction to the concept of sustainability and a general overview of the ecological, economic and social challenges and related initial approaches and strategies for the WMOs of deep geological disposal of radioactive waste. With a literature review, sustainability programmes of selected European WMOs are analysed to identify which approaches are being implemented to tackle the various challenges. The various approaches and measures illustrate the broad scope of sustainability in the geological disposal of radioactive waste. Corresponding activities combining technical and non-technical aspects need to be regularly reviewed and adapted to current circumstances and requirements. Differences in the approaches can be explained by differences in the implementation in terms of procedure and time. It is concluded that there is no silver bullet.

Qualitative studies involving users of clinical neurotechnology: a scoping review

BackgroundThe rise of a new generation of intelligent neuroprostheses, brain-computer interfaces (BCI) and adaptive closed-loop brain stimulation devices hastens the clinical deployment of neurotechnologies to treat neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. However, it remains unclear how these nascent technologies may impact the subjective experience of their users. To inform this debate, it is crucial to have a solid understanding how more established current technologies already affect their users. In recent years, researchers have used qualitative research methods to explore the subjective experience of individuals who become users of clinical neurotechnology. Yet, a synthesis of these more recent findings focusing on qualitative methods is still lacking.MethodsTo address this gap in the literature, we systematically searched five databases for original research articles that investigated subjective experiences of persons using or receiving neuroprosthetics, BCIs or neuromodulation with qualitative interviews and raised normative questions.Results36 research articles were included and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Our findings synthesise the current scientific literature and reveal a pronounced focus on usability and other technical aspects of user experience. In parallel, they highlight a relative neglect of considerations regarding agency, self-perception, personal identity and subjective experience.ConclusionsOur synthesis of the existing qualitative literature on clinical neurotechnology highlights the need to expand the current methodological focus as to investigate also non-technical aspects of user experience. Given the critical role considerations of agency, self-perception and personal identity play in assessing the ethical and legal significance of these technologies, our findings reveal a critical gap in the existing literature. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the current qualitative research landscape on neurotechnology and the limitations thereof. These findings can inform researchers on how to study the subjective experience of neurotechnology users more holistically and build patient-centred neurotechnology.

The role of data governance in a high-level approach of data migration to open data

Data quality issues are still a challenge in data migration. Existing methods mainly focus on technical issues. However, the problem of data quality is not only a technical problem, but the main one is the non-technical aspect. This paper aims to identify the role of data governance in the data migration process. The qualitative research method uses two primary references, namely the high-level data migration approach from Kazimir et al. and the DAMA-DMBOK framework. Both are highly compatible with data migration processes focusing on data quality and referencing governance roles. The case study was conducted in a central government working on data migration to the new One Data application. The results show that eight data governance roles are involved in 20 migration processes (65%). Non-technical activities related to data quality involve more than half of the data migration process. This paper proposes the role of data governance for non-technical aspects of the migration process. This paper presents a case study of the high-level data migration process and how data governance comes into play. This research can help the government and practitioners overcome problems that often occur in data migration, especially related to data quality.

Improving the understandability of flood warning messages – Explorative study on design preferences

Early warning systems (EWS) are effective if they prevent loss of lives, injuries and structural damage. Optimization of EWS is often focused on technical aspects such as the dissemination of warnings. Since the audience's response is key for the effectiveness of an EWS, non-technical aspects that improve perception and understandability of warning messages deserve attention, too. German warning messages have been criticized, particularly after fatal and destructive floods in July 2021, as being insufficient and not understandable. Data from an exploratory online survey in Germany (n = 131) reveal insights on preferences in flood warning message (FWM) design. The survey focused on structural appearance of recommendations on action and on graphic support like maps, symbols and photos. Respondents showed clear preferences of including graphics into FWMs (96 %) and structuring recommendations on action in a bullet point format (85 %). Maps were the most favored among the offered graphic options, as they offer visual information on e.g., intensity and extent of inundation. Display of real time flood maps is often not feasible yet, but flood hazard maps are available in Germany and could be integrated into future FWM as an intermediate solution.

The Security Threat and Precautionary Measures of QR Code of Internet of Things Technology

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the expansion and extension of the traditional network. It is a network that connects goods and objects, which has been widely used in today's social development process. It occupies an important position in various industries. The emergence of the Internet of Things has greatly improved the refinement level of human management. The QR code (Quick Response Code) is a part of the perception layer of the IoT, which belongs to the perception and recognition technology of the IoT. The QR code not only brings convenience to users but also becomes the carrier and disseminator of malware, phishing, and other attacks. Therefore, it is of great significance for the security of the IoT to understand the potential threats of the QR code, analyze its potential attack methods, and put forward defense plans. This paper briefly introduces the basic characteristics of the QR code, as well as some attack methods and potential threats against the QR code, and put forward some preventive measures from both technical and non-technical aspects. The technical aspect includes the combination of cryptography and the introduction of third-party management. The non-technical aspects are discussed at the national and individual user levels.

Applying the multi-level perspective to climate geoengineering: Sociotechnical bottlenecks for negative emissions and cloud seeding technologies

Carbon dioxide removal and negative emissions technologies, such as bioenergy with carbon capture (BECCS) and direct air capture with carbon storage (DACCS), may have an important role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). Cloud seeding (CS), a controversial form of weather modification, might also help to reduce the severity and intensity of storms and address widespread drought from climate change. Nevertheless, costs, technical complexity, social acceptance, and other unknown risks have so far kept these climate geoengineering interventions at uncertin levels of research and deployment in the response to climate change. Although a large corpus of literature sufficiently deals with the technical aspects underlying such interventions, the nontechnical and social aspects of geoengineering mark fertile research territory. This study applies the sociotechnical concept of the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP)—commonly used for analysis of sustainability transitions—to explore the risks, costs, uncertainties, and complexities of rolling out BECCS in the United Kingdom, DACCS in the United States, and cloud seeding in Australia. We examine the interaction of the MLP across three levels (niche, regime, and landscape), then explore windows of opportunity and technological transition bottlenecks. Specifically, we show that BECCS align with the “stretch-and-transform” transition, DACCS can be construed as “fit-and-conform”, and CS can be seen as within the “stretch-and-conform.”

Educational value of a novel telestration device for surgical coaching-a randomized controlled trial.

Communication is fundamental to effective surgical coaching. This can be challenging for training during image-guided procedures where coaches and trainees need to articulate technical details on a monitor. Telestration devices that annotate on monitors remotely could potentially overcome these limitations and enhance the coaching experience. This study aims to evaluate the value of a novel telestration device in surgical coaching. A randomized-controlled trial was designed. All participants watched a video demonstrating the task followed by a baseline performance assessment and randomization into either control group (conventional verbal coaching without telestration) or telestration group (verbal coaching with telestration). Coaching for a simulated laparoscopic small bowel anastomosis on a dry lab model was done by a faculty surgeon. Following the coaching session, participants underwent a post-coaching performance assessment of the same task. Assessments were recorded and rated by blinded reviewers using a modified Global Rating Scale of the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS). Coaching sessions were also recorded and compared in terms of mentoring moments; guidance misinterpretations, questions/clarifications by trainees, and task completion time. A 5-point Likert scale was administered to obtain feedback. Twenty-four residents participated (control group 13, telestration group 11). Improvements in some elements of the OSATS scale were noted in the Telestration arm but there was no statistical significance in the overall score between the two groups. Mentoring moments were more in the telestration Group. Amongst the telestration Group, 55% felt comfortable that they could perform this task independently, compared to only 8% amongst the control group and 82% would recommend the use of telestration tools here. There is demonstrated educational value of this novel telestration device mainly in the non-technical aspects of the interaction by enhancing the coaching experience with improvement in communication and greater mentoring moments between coach and trainee.

Enhancement of L. Voleti LSB technique applied to Image Steganography

In today’s world, the progress of communication technology plays a role in our everyday lives. The internet and the conversion of data into forms have significantly expanded the sharing of information leading to fast-paced growth. Despite having secure methods available, safeguarding data remains a top priority. This study aims to improve the security and durability of data transmission by combining steganography and cryptography techniques. Steganography, which involves hiding messages within another medium, and cryptography which entails encrypting messages using keys are both effective ways to ensure data security. The research delves into combinations of algorithms that integrate steganography and cryptography examining their impact on enhancing security. It categorizes methods based on technical and non-technical aspects as well as their domains. Moreover, it underscores the importance of data security in media formats such as images, videos, and audio. In analyzing message lengths noticeable character patterns were observed in both Vigenère Cipher and Elliptic Curve Cryptography. In short messages "s" was prominent in the Vigenère Cipher accounting for 26.3% of occurrences while Elliptic Curve Cryptography showed a prevalence of "t" at 3.9%. Medium-length messages continued to show the dominance of "s" in the Vigenère Cipher at 22.5% while Elliptic Curve Cryptography highlighted "p" as a character at 4.3%. Lastly, longer messages maintained the prevalence of "s" in the Vigenère Cipher at 24.3% with "v" emerging as dominant in Elliptic Curve Cryptography at 3.9%. These findings show that combining steganography and cryptography methods can greatly enhance the protection of multimedia data.

Review of ISO 45001:2018 Implementation as Prevention Effort from Fire Occurred in PT Pertamina (Persero) Refinery Unit VI Balongan

Abstract PT Pertamina Refinery Unit VI Balongan has made a significant contribution in providing good income for PT Pertamina and the state. A large number of petroleum processing products produced daily cause a high risk of fire. Fires and explosions at oil refineries are still common even though major oil companies have occupational safety and health systems in place. Monitoring errors and the absence of re-evaluation of established companies for a long time are the reasons why this can happen. This research uses a descriptive approach through literature studies to collect data and obtain the necessary information by studying various journals, conference proceedings, books, and written references. The results of the research were obtained by PT Pertamina Refinery Unit VI Balongan, which applies several rules regarding work safety from ISO 45001: 2018 based on technical and non-technical aspects. In the technical aspect, the rules include the installation of warning signs and signs, noise, temperature, lighting intensity and personal safety equipment. Meanwhile, the regulations include administration and licensing as Safe Work Permits in non-technical aspects. However, based on several parameters of the application of ISO 45001: 2018, aspects that do not meet the standards are found and can be a problem, resulting in the potential for fire. This study concluded that PT Pertamina Refinery Unit VI Balongan must be able to provide firmness in implementing work safety rules or procedures for its employees.

Getting Ready for Multi-Vendor and Multi-Terminal HVDC Technology

Interoperable multi-vendor High-Voltage Direct-Current (HVDC) grids are a key enabler for the integration of renewable energy (in particular offshore wind) and its transmission over longer distances to consumers. However, most HVDC systems today are single-vendor and point-to-point. Various technical and non-technical aspects need to be considered, for example, (real-time) testing, legal aspects (intellectual property and regulation), and the multi-vendor interoperability process. This paper presents findings from the READY4DC project, which is a larger and open European effort involving diverse stakeholders, including HVDC manufacturers, transmission system operators, wind developers, academia, and research institutes. It summarizes key technical recommendations, emphasizing comprehensive interaction studies and the development of a structured legal framework to facilitate the development and operation of a multi-vendor, multi-terminal HVDC grid. The READY4DC project highlights the need for increased harmonization, transparent communication among stakeholders, and future-oriented research to ensure the robustness and interoperability of interconnected grids. Collaborative efforts are key for addressing technical complexities and advancing the deployment of multi-vendor multi-terminal HVDC technology.

PETRAS: a socio-technical framework for Internet of Things research and development

This paper presents a case application of a socio-technical framework for Internet of Things (IoT) research and development in the United Kingdom. Applying a socio-technical system approach to IoT, this paper seeks to provide a clear understanding of the interplay between technical and non-technical aspects of IoT research and development. It describes the socio-technical requirements for IoT design and development and provides the current snapshot of research in the United Kingdom to meet these requirements. Finally, the paper provides useful information on how to conceptualize IoT research within human-centered contexts and a useful guide for centre design and evaluation to those developing new research centres or seeking to reinvigorate existing ones.

Creative Movement and Anti-Gentrification: Learning from Los Tjihapit Market's Coffee in Bandung

The phenomenon of gentrification, driven by the presence of the creative class, is a consequence of the global implementation of the Creative City concept. Bandung has adopted this concept, and one of the areas developed by the creative class is the Cihapit Market area. This article examines how the "creative" community, specifically Kopi Pasar Los Tjihapit, sustains its business amidst gentrification through a placekeeping strategy. Participatory qualitative descriptive research methods were employed to explore the role of architectural space as part of the placekeeping strategy. Five strategies were identified: 1) zoning to support maintenance, 2) collaboration spaces for various partnerships, 3) space flexibility through collective decision-making, 4) collaborative spaces to encourage community involvement, and 5) coordination of all aspects to preserve the public market character. In conclusion, the success of creative placekeeping strategies in architectural spaces combines non-technical aspects such as community enthusiasm with technical aspects such as the arrangement of physical architectural elements.

Evaluation of The Success of Using a SAP-Based ERP System With Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) Model

PT. XYZ has implemented System Application and Product in data processing (SAP) software to support business processes in the company. The success or failure of system implementation can be assessed from non-technical aspects, namely that users can accept and use the SAP system well. The aim of this research is to evaluate the use of SAP software through Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) modeling. Attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intentions, and behavior are the variables used in this modeling. This TPB modeling explains the factors that influence an individual's interest and behavior in using SAP software. An individual's intention to use SAP software is influenced by attitudinal variables, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms, while a person's influence to use SAP software is influenced by intention. This type of research is quantitative research through data collection using a questionnaire with 30 respondents coming from SAP users at PT. XYZ. Data analysis was carried out using the SmartPLS application. The results obtained are that attitudes have a positive and significant effect on behavioral intentions, behavioral intentions have a positive and significant effect on behavior, subjective norms have a positive and significant effect on behavioral intentions, and perceived behavioral control has a negative effect on behavioral intentions in using SAP software.

Exploring the use of Information and Communication Technology in Open and Distance Learning: The Case study of Botswana Open University

This qualitative study investigated the utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) university located in Botswana. The sampling technique employed was judgmental sampling, which involved the selection of 16 participants comprising of a lecturer, students, and officers responsible for managing the Learning Management System (LMS). The data collection process incorporated face-to-face interviews with the lecturer and officers, as well as open-ended e-questionnaires administered to the students. Narrative data analysis was conducted separately for the lecturer, officers, and students. By applying the Attrition theory, the findings disclosed that students of the Botswana Open University encounter challenges with the ODL mode due to limited resources, inadequate or non-existent internet services, and the remoteness of areas where access to BOU campuses is impracticable. According to the lecturers, they also require technical support when assessing students' work, as these students often encounter difficulties when uploading their assignments onto the university's LMS. Consequently, the study recommends that BOU should ensure the availability of ICT tools for the students, as well as address issues related to connectivity and bandwidth by providing reliable data services. Additionally, it is proposed that students undergo comprehensive training on the LMS systems, encompassing both technical and non-technical aspects, prior to the commencement of the academic year, in order to adequately prepare them for their studies.

The Implementation Strategy of Flood Control Program Based on Multi Criteria Assessment in Pangkalpinang City, Bangka Belitung Islands Province

Flood event is occurred almost every year in Pangkalpinang City with the most devastating flood event was occurred in 2016 historically. Irrespective of being caused by extreme rainfall and high tides, the flooding occurred due to a decrease in the hydrological condition of the watershed due to illegal tin mining activities in the upstream area. This paper discusses the flood control strategies in Pangkalpinang City which is based on Multi Criteria Assessment (MCA). The MCA considering the technical aspects (i.e. hydraulic model) and non-technical aspects (i.e. risk assessment, economic, social, and environmental aspects) to prioritize the infrastructure conbstruction. Therefore, some areas are already identified as the focal problems that need to be applied by the concept of integrated flood control program. At the moment in 2023, the first construction priority is in PDAM-Jelana Detention Pond Flow Diversion from Pedindang River in the upstream area. For the future plan, it is planned to carry out the flood control construction according to the priority analysis namely Perak Retention Pond, River Training, Rangkui Tidal Gates, Pasir Padi Sea Wall and New-Tin Detention Pond.

A view on the state of practice in transportation geotechnics in Australia

A transport project typically involves design and construction of pavements, track, earthworks, ground improvement and structures. In addition, there are a host of other factors that practitioners need to consider such as ground modelling, sustainability and management of uncertainties. This paper attempts to provide an insight into the many factors that practitioners need to address in order to present a snapshot of the state of practice at this point in time. Some data is obtained via a survey distributed mainly to Australian practitioners. The author provides some interpretation of the survey data and commentary based on his experience in the Australian context.Fundamental attributes of a practitioner are considered to be understanding ground behaviour, applied mechanics including various forms of analysis and experience. It is argued that our ability to develop ground models has regressed in recent decades during which time our analytical capability has increased. However, although significant advancements in analysis have been made, often design uses simple methods for a range of reasons. Our knowledge of the ground is always imperfect and hence experience is required to understand the implications of what we know and do not know.The host of other factors include sustainability, resilience, digital methods, standards and legislation, litigation and claims, and education. These are discussed partly as emerging areas of practice and partly because there are non-technical aspects of practice that are as important as the technical aspects.Geotechnical practice will evolve into the future. Transport infrastructure will get bigger, heavier, faster and longer and practice will need to evolve to match these changes. While practitioners currently often use simple methods these may not be applicable in the future and hence practitioners will need to have a deep understanding of their subjects to succeed including ground modelling, applied mechanics, sustainability, resilience, artificial intelligence and human skills.

Platform Design of Passive Target Perception and Localization Based on Sensor Networks

With the rapid development, extensive knowledge, and diverse application scenarios of target perception and positioning technology in sensor networks, a passive target perception and localization platform based on Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) has been designed. The platform is mainly applied for the teaching of electronic information, communication, and Internet of Things (IoT) engineering. The platform follows the teaching concept of “developing students’ ability to solve complex engineering problems” in the emerging engineering discipline and combines experimental simulation with real-world testing, as well as integrating scientific research and teaching. It encompasses technical elements such as perception and localization theory, sparse representation classification modeling, solving underdetermined equations, data analysis, and sparse coding, as well as nontechnical aspects such as team collaboration and cost budgeting. The platform boasts high fidelity and scalability, providing students with the opportunity to develop comprehensive practical and innovative skills in solving complex engineering problems.

Abdominal normothermic regional perfusion in the United States: current state and future directions.

Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) is a novel procurement technique for donation after circulatory death (DCD) in the United States. It was pioneered by cardiothoracic surgery programs and is now being applied to abdominal-only organ donors by abdominal transplant programs. Liver and kidney transplantation from thoracoabdominal NRP (TA-NRP) donors in the United States was found to have lower rates of delayed kidney graft function and similar graft and patient survival versus recipients of cardiac super rapid recovery (SRR) DCD donors. The excellent outcomes with NRP have prompted the expansion of NRP technology to abdominal transplant programs. Excellent early outcomes with liver and kidney transplantation have prompted the growth of NC-NRP procurement for abdominal-only DCD donors across the US, and now requires standardization of technical and nontechnical aspects of this procedure.