Online Surveillance Research Articles

Stakeholders’ views of online surveillance capabilities: a comparative analysis of the debates in UK, Finland and Norway

AbstractWe examine how stakeholders (n = 74) in the United Kingdom, Finland and Norway perceive security authorities’ online surveillance capabilities, and how these perceptions form patterns transcending national borders and organisational boundaries. Using a Q-methodological approach, we found variation within and between nations that is usually obscured in the polarised public debates. Furthermore, our stakeholders presented areas of consensus not usually apparent in public discourses. We argue for using awareness of this nuance and areas of convergence as platforms on which to build more effective public debates to further principles of deliberative democracy.

“Instagram is like a karela”: transnational digital queer politics and online censorship and surveillance in India

Abstract This article explores transnational queer political flows and negotiations in Indian queer/trans communities on Instagram, situating this in its limits and restrictions as a public sphere that is corporate- and state-governed and subject to conditions of profitability, censorship, regulation, and algorithmic disciplining. Using insights from 23 in-depth interviews with queer/trans women and non-binary Instagram users and community organizers across India, I argue that binaries of Western/Indigenous, global/local, authentic/inauthentic are insufficient to understand Indian queer digital politics. I instead explore the political utility of agentic reclamations and negotiations of queer/trans identity by marginal queer/trans users. At the same time, drawing on participant experiences of content moderation, censorship, and corporate and state surveillance, I examine how the potentials of Instagram as a site to mediate articulations of a radical politics of queer liberation are restricted, thwarted, and reconfigured by platform design and policing.

Multi-level glowworm swarm convolution neural networks for abnormal event detection in online surveillance video

Multi-level glowworm swarm convolution neural networks for abnormal event detection in online surveillance video

Online Surveillance of IoT Agents in Smart Cities Using Deep Reinforcement Learning

In the context of today's smart cities, the effective operation of online surveillance of IoT agents is crucial for maintaining public safety and security. To achieve this, collaboration and cooperation among these autonomous IoT agents are indispensable. While the existing research has focused on collaboration amongst the neighboring agents or implicit cooperation, real-world scenarios often necessitate broader forms of collaboration. In response to this need, we introduce a novel framework that leverages visual signals and observations to facilitate collaboration among online surveillance. Our proposed framework incorporates the Multi-Agent POsthumous Credit Assignment (MA-POCA) algorithm as a training mechanism. The empirical results demonstrate that our framework consistently outperforms the base model in various performance metrics. Specifically, it exhibits superior performance in group cumulative reward, cumulative reward, and episode length. Furthermore, our proposed model excels in policy loss performance measures when compared to base model.

Navigating the Cyber Front: Belarus' State Control and Emerging Cyber Threats

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the cyber landscape in Belarus, with a focus on the Belarus government's use of cyber activities from an offensive and defensive context, the emergence of opposition cyber activities, and the broader implications for cybersecurity and legal compliance. In the course of the research, researchers try to assess Belarus as a source of cyber-threats, both domestically and to neighbouring states (especially those supporting Ukraine). The first section of the paper outlines the Belarusian government's engagement in cybercrimes against its citizens, especially under President Lukashenko's regime, highlighting extensive online surveillance, repression, and the escalation of these activities following the 2020 presidential elections. In this political context, Belarus is also examined as a country initiating and/or contributing to Information Warfare activities, which are mainly directed at western countries. The second section of the paper delves into Belarus's cybersecurity legal framework, examining various national strategies and concepts, the absence of a formal cybersecurity strategy, and the focus on 'information security' as part of national security. The third section presents case studies of cyber activities in Belarus, contrasting government-backed hacking efforts with those of opposition groups like the Belarus Cyber Partisans. It explores the Partisans' attacks on state infrastructure and information leaks as a form of protest against the government, and the pro-government hackers' disinformation / information campaigns website defacements, and data breaches, particularly targeting Ukraine. This section highlights the evolving nature of cyber conflict in Belarus, where both government and opposition forces use cyber tools for political ends, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions in the region. This part of the report compares the Belarusian pro-government hacktivist and Cyber Partisans groups, their activities and manifestations within the country (inside), as well as the cyber threats they pose to foreign countries. The article attempts to answer the question of what kind of threat Belarus as a country poses in the context of cybersecurity, hybrid-cyber threats. This country is often included in Russian hybrid-cyber threats strategies, Belarus entities also work with Russian and sometimes Chinese groups in undertaking cyber activities against other countries.

The Future of Democracy in the Digital Era: Internet Shutdowns, Cyber Laws and Online Surveillance in Zimbabwe

The Future of Democracy in the Digital Era: Internet Shutdowns, Cyber Laws and Online Surveillance in Zimbabwe

The behavior economy: The creation of behavior as an object of online surveillance

While it’s well known that behavior is the target of systems of online surveillance, explanations of what behavior actually is are much harder to come by. This article provides a brief account of behavior’s twentieth century appearance and journey to a position of centrality in common-sense understandings of who we are. Given that traditional understandings of the right to privacy and self-determination are founded on a liberal humanist understanding of the subject, dominant critiques of online surveillance are seriously compromised by the fact that behavior cannot, strictly speaking, be accommodated within this intellectual framework.

International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) report of health care-associated infections, data summary of 25 countries for 2014 to 2023, Surgical Site Infections Module

Surgical site infection (SSI) rates are higher in low-resource countries (LRC) than in high-income counterparts. Prospective cohort study using the INICC Surveillance Online System, from 116 hospitals in 75 cities across 25 Latin-American, Asian, Eastern-European, and Middle-Eastern countries: Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Honduras, India, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mexico, Mongolia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey, Venezuela, Vietnam. CDC/NHSN definitions were applied. Surgical procedures (SPs) were categorized according to the International Classification of Diseases criteria. From 2014 to 2023, we collected data on 1,251 SSIs associated with 56,617 SPs. SSI rates were significantly higher in SPs of INICC compared to CDC/NHSN data: hip prosthesis (3.68% vs 0.67%, relative risk [RR]=5.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]=3.71-8.03, P<.001), knee prosthesis (2.02% vs 0.58%, RR=3.49, 95% CI=1.87-6.49, P<.001), coronary artery bypass (4.16% vs 1.37%, RR=3.03, 95% CI=2.35-3.91, P<.001), peripheral vascular bypass (15.69% vs 2.93%, RR=5.35, 95% CI=2.30-12.48, P<.001), abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (8.51% vs 2.12%, RR=4.02, 95% CI=2.11-7.65, P<.001), spinal fusion (6.47% vs 0.70%, RR=9.27, 95% CI=6.21-13.84, P<.001), laminectomy (2.68% vs 0.72%, RR=3.75, 95% CI=2.36-5.95, P<.001), among others. Elevated SSI rates in LRCs emphasize the need for effective interventions.

Freedom of Speech and Expression in Pakistan

Due to Pakistan's diverse cultural and political landscape, essential democratic pillars like freedom of speech and expression remain challenging. This study investigates the status of free expression in Pakistan by qualitatively analyzing scholarly literature, legal papers, news stories, and interviews. In this study, we have discussed the fundamental right pertaining to free speech which is guaranteed in the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973. We also have Examined that how religious beliefs and political unrest are sociocultural elements affecting self-censorship. Online censorship regulations and surveillance provide additional issues in the digital world, which are explored in the paper. Critics of the have endured threats, harassment, and job losses, according to primary evidence gathered from interviews with journalists and legal experts. Although the Constitution of Pakistan promises the right to free expression, the results show that open debate and dissent have been severely limited over the years due to practical restrictions, and even more limits have just come into effect.

A LETTER FROM SPECIAL EDITION EDITOR IN CHIEF - DR. SHIVA SHANKARAN KR

Dear Readers and Contributors,The Department of Journalism &amp; Mass Communication, Faculty of Science &amp; Humanities, SRM Institute of Science &amp; Technology, Kattankulathur organized a Two- Day National Conference on Journalistic and Creative Freedom: Prospects and Challenges on 21, &amp; 22 September 2023. The conference had eight sessions, including two hybrid mode sessions; the conference has papers across India.The conference included eight different panel experts in the field of our conference themes, such as Press freedom, Media independence, Free speech, Editorial independence, Censorship, Information access, Journalistic ethics, Media pluralism, Artistic expression, Creative autonomy, Freedom of imagination, Intellectual property, Cultural diversity, Creative license, Copyright protection, Artistic integrity, Unrestricted creativity, Online censorship, Social media moderation, Content filtering, Information control, Digital censorship, Content moderation policies, Online speech restrictions, Content removal, Online surveillance. During the research presentation, the experts and participants discussed and cultivated knowledge on the specific topic among the audience.Significantly, the keynote speaker Dr. Debi Chatterjee, Former Professor, Department of International Relations, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, emphasized the role of media in safeguarding democracy in a nation. Transparency and accountability are essential for the functioning of a healthy democracy. Investigative journalism exposes corruption, abuse of power, and other threats to democratic principles. The notable speaker has highlighted the important factor that Media plays a fundamental role in providing citizens with accurate and timely information about political events, policies, and issues. She also asked the media students as well as professionals to be torch bearers for media as well as creative freedom. The valedictory speaker Mr. Nandakummar R, Director, Directorate of Communication, SRM Institute of Science and Technology has incited a diverse and pluralistic media landscape ensures that a variety of perspectives and opinions are represented. And Media diversity is crucial for preventing the concentration of power and fostering a more inclusive democracy.The conference research papers had Sixty-Seven research papers have presented during the two days National conference: Forty-Seven (47) papers on the physical mode and twenty (20) on hybrid mode, including special sessions. Few papers related to scope were selected to be published in the UGC Care-Listed Journal "ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts" as a special issue titled "National Conference on Journalistic and Creative Freedom: Prospects and Challenges”. I express my sincere thanks to the publisher of Granthaalayah Publications for their noble partnership with our institution, inspiring and acknowledging researchers.

Validation of WINROP algorithm as screening tool of retinopathy of prematurity among Egyptian preterm neonates

BackgroundRetinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness worldwide. Proper screening for ROP can prevent loss of vision. WINROP (weight, insulin-like growth factor 1, neonatal, retinopathy of prematurity) is an online surveillance system based on gestational age, birth weight and weekly weight gain that can predict infants at risk of sight-threatening retinopathy of prematurity.AimsTo evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of WINROP algorithm in detecting sight-threatening ROP in Egyptian preterm neonates.MethodsBirth weight (BW), gestational age (GA) and weekly weight measurement of 365 preterm infants were prospectively entered into WINROP algorithm. Based on these inputs, the algorithm would output and a screening was performed as is standard. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated by comparing WINROP outcomes with ROP screening outcomes.ResultsOf the infants included in the study the mean GA was ±31.24 and mean BW was ±1508.78. A high risk WINROP alarm was triggered in 62 infants of whom 16 infants develop type 1 or type 2 ROP. These infants had associated comorbidities including sepsis, Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), history of transfusion of packed red blood cells (RBCS) and history of platelet transfusion. A low risk WINROP alarm was triggered in 303 infants of whom 15 infants developed type 1 or type 2ROP. WINROP showed a sensitivity of 51.6%, a specificity of 86.2%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 52.8% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 95% for detection of type 1 or type 2 ROP.ConclusionWINROP has low sensitivity and high specificity for detection of ROP. It may help in ROP prediction but can’t be used alone. Modification of WINROP algorithm taking into account other risk factors may improve sensitivity and reduce number for ROP examination.

When the Dust Has Settled: What Was the Archival Turn, and Is It Still Turning? 1

The archive has been one of the most persistent buzz-words in the international artworld since the turn of the twenty-first century. While some claim that it has been used with such abandon that its usefulness is questionable at best, others view it as indicative of an important theoretical framework, necessary to make sense of some of the most important contemporary artworks and artistic practices. Several decades after the proposed “turn” to the archive, it is now possible to examine the phenomenon with the benefit of some historical distance, and ask: what was the archival turn, and is it still turning? The first part of this essay argues that an important explanation for the ubiquity of references to archives in the artworld was that elements of the notion theorized by philosophers, historians, and others lined up with a number of issues already of interest to artists and art writers. Two such intersecting interests are considered: first, the focus on institutional structures and a break with traditional forms of history, and second, a concern with critical research practices. In the essay’s second part, the author takes stock of how the archive has been rearticulated in artistic practices that deal with some of the most pressing concerns of the present moment such as the socio-political climate of post-truth; engagement with microhistories and local knowledges; looming environmental catastrophe; and current conditions of AI assisted online surveillance.

IoT-based parking surveillance scheme: Emerging a smart, effective, and secured solution for urban parking management and performance improvement

Parking spots have become a prevalent concern in urban growth. The number of automobiles is increasing faster than accessible parking spaces. This problem is addressed by implementing an Internet of Things (IoT)-based Parking Surveillance Scheme (IoT-PSS) for the smart campus. The system aims to efficiently match vehicles with available parking spaces, resulting in time savings, improved parking space usage, reduced management expenses, and decreased traffic congestion. Edge computing provides a new answer to data processing in monitoring systems by using advancements in IoT, artificial intelligence, and transmission technologies to analyze data regionally at the edge. This research explores the viability of using edge computing for smart parking monitoring, focusing on detecting parking occupancy via a real-time video stream. The structure operating pipeline to prioritize adaptability, online surveillance, data transfer, detection precision, and system dependability. The experimental findings show that the final detection approach achieves more than 95% accuracy in real-world situations with outstanding effectiveness and reliability. The IoT-PSS system is essential for smart cities and is a strong basis for future use in smart transportation networks.

International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) report of health care associated infections, data summary of 45 countries for 2015 to 2020, adult and pediatric units, device-associated module

Reporting on the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium study results from 2015 to 2020, conducted in 630 intensive care units across 123 cities in 45 countries spanning Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Prospective intensive care unit patient data collected via International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium Surveillance Online System. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Health Care Safety Network definitions applied for device-associated health care-associated infections (DA-HAI). We gathered data from 204,770 patients, 1,480,620 patient days, 936,976 central line (CL)-days, 637,850 mechanical ventilators (MV)-days, and 1,005,589 urinary catheter (UC)-days. Our results showed 4,270 CL-associated bloodstream infections, 7,635 ventilator-associated pneumonia, and 3,005 UC-associated urinary tract infections. The combined rates of DA-HAIs were 7.28%, and 10.07 DA-HAIs per 1,000 patient days. CL-associated bloodstream infections occurred at 4.55 per 1,000 CL-days, ventilator-associated pneumonias at 11.96 per 1,000 MV-days, and UC-associated urinary tract infections at 2.91 per 1,000 UC days. In terms of resistance, Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed 50.73% resistance to imipenem, 44.99% to ceftazidime, 37.95% to ciprofloxacin, and 34.05% to amikacin. Meanwhile, Klebsiella spp had resistance rates of 48.29% to imipenem, 72.03% to ceftazidime, 61.78% to ciprofloxacin, and 40.32% to amikacin. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus displayed oxacillin resistance in 81.33% and 53.83% of cases, respectively. The high rates of DA-HAI and bacterial resistance emphasize the ongoing need for continued efforts to control them.

ADMIRATION, SKEPTICISM, INDECISIVENESS? ATTITUDES TOWARD AI IN CHINESE MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS

Abstract In recent years, AI is increasingly visible in daily lives from chatbots in banking apps and SIRI, and generative AI such as ChatGPT, to more controversial usage concerning facial recognition, online surveillance, and even self-driving cars. Attitudes toward AI may predict acceptance of AI-facilitated applications and the Web 3.0 at-large. In June 2023, we conducted a survey with 750 smartphone users aged 45 years or older (Max = 78) in Hong Kong as a part of a wider effort to elucidate the digital divide post-pandemic. Using principal component analysis with varimax rotation, we found three components from the General Attitude to Artificial Intelligence Scale - Negative, Positive, and Powerful (compared to humans). Subsequently, with latent profile analysis we revealed three profiles: (i) Admiration (18.4%; high on positive and powerful but low on negative); (ii) Skepticism (12.3%; high on negative but low on positive and powerful), and (iii) Indecisiveness (69.3%; moderate on all three components). Admiration was more likely to be male, with higher income, better self-rated health, and greater mobile device proficiency, optimism, innovativeness, but also insecurity with technology, compared to Indecisiveness, and then Skepticism. Corroborating these quantitative findings, AI, or generative AI in specific, were only sparsely featured in a concurrent focus group study on smartphone usage with a similar cohort of smartphone users. Those who mentioned were appreciative of their superior power to provide information beyond traditional search engines; yet apprehension toward associated fraud and deception was also highlighted.

Research on IoT-based hybrid electrical vehicles energy management systems using machine learning-based algorithm

Electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly becoming a staple of smart transportation in applications involving smart cities due to their ability to reduce carbon footprints. However, the widespread use of electric vehicles significantly strains the nation's electrical system. In-depth descriptions of the EV's energy management system (EMS) should highlight the vehicle's powertrain's vital role. The energy for propulsion in electric automobiles comes from a rechargeable battery. The safe and dependable operation of batteries in electric vehicles relies heavily on online surveillance and status estimations of charges. An energy management strategy (EMS) that considers the electric vehicle's battery and ultra-capacitor may lessen the vehicle's reliance on external power sources and extend the battery's lifespan. A machine learning-based mathematical dynamic programming algorithm is used in designing the energy management system to teach the system how to respond appropriately to various situations without resorting to predefined rules. Therefore, this research aims to use Machine Learning to create a Smart Energy Management System for Hybrid Electrical Vehicles (SEMS-HEV) with energy storage. Energy optimization techniques and algorithms are necessary in this setting to reduce expenses and length of charging and appropriately arrange the EV charging process to prevent bursts in the electrical supply that may impact the transmission network. To improve the performance of an energy management system, this study employs an IoT-based smart charging system for scheduling V2G connections for hybrid electrical vehicles. It allows for more precise and effective control and greater efficiency by enabling the system to learn from its surroundings.

Understanding the temptation to cheat in online exams

Online proctored exams have become a common experience for a significant number of higher education students. The rationale behind employing online surveillance revolves around the belief that these measures are essential for upholding academic integrity. However, discussions on assessment integrity often focus on comparing the motivations, conditions, and values of cheaters and non-cheaters. This binary approach potentially oversimplifies the complex nature of human motivation and behavior (Henderson et al., 2023). Cheating is influenced by a multitude of factors and motivations that can either encourage or discourage such behaviors (Brimble, 2016; Jenkins et al., 2022; Noorbehbahani et al., 2022). Merely comparing the two groups may overlook the intricacies that push students from one category to another. Therefore, this study aims to shed light on an underexplored group: students who were tempted to cheat but chose not to. These students can be viewed in two ways. Firstly, they represent a group at risk of cheating, necessitating research to develop targeted strategies supporting their integrity decisions. Secondly, they exhibit integrity despite the temptation, potentially offering insights into the nuanced 'tipping points' that go beyond existing binary comparisons. This Pecha Kucha reports on a large-scale study conducted within a single institution that explores the implications of online exams and the integrity behaviours and motivations of three groups of students: those who did not cheat and were not tempted to do so, those who did not cheat but who were tempted to cheat, and those who cheated. The data draws on an anonymous and voluntary student survey conducted in both semester 1 and semester 2 of 2022. Institutional research ethics approval was granted. The data comprises 11,333 fully completed surveys and offers interesting, and sometimes counter-intuitive findings which can help guide institutional responses. Broad insights will be offered in the Pecha Kucha presentation. This abstract offers preliminary findings based on ongoing analysis regarding the 28 motivating factors identified by the students that encouraged or discouraged cheating behaviours. Factors that encouraged cheating: Both the tempted and cheated groups identified similar motivating factors, such as the fear of failure and the financial burden of repeating a course. Surprisingly, the students who cheated chose fewer encouraging factors than those who were tempted but did not cheat. The importance of these motivations was similar for both groups. Factors that discouraged cheating: Regarding factors that discouraged cheating, all three groups (not tempted, tempted, and cheated) were asked their opinions. The non-cheating group listed more reasons and considered them more significant compared to the other two groups. The tempted group selected fewer reasons than the non-tempted group but more than the cheated group. However, the tempted and cheated groups rated the importance of these factors similarly. The Pecha Kucha will expand on the above and comment on some of these somewhat counterintuitive results.

Foreign Movies and TV Dramas as the Source of Political Argot in an Authoritarian Context: Memes and Creative Resistance in Chinese Social Media

ABSTRACT In the Web 2.0 era, memes have emerged as playful and versatile forms of communication in the daily interactions of social media users. In countries that embrace digital authoritarianism, memes have been deployed as a vehicle of political communication under the online surveillance system. Based on long-term observation of Chinese cyberspace, the author adopts a deep China approach and conducts multimodal critical discourse analysis (MCDA) of a series of political memes which poach transnational TV series and movie scenarios or characters. The remix of symbols from foreign TV dramas and movies with indigenous Chinese symbols devotes to three fundamental dimensions of meaning-making strategies: direct captures, reproduction of the original scene, and the reworking of specific elements. By producing, deploying, and proliferating ironic political memes, Chinese netizens have the capacity to engage in innovative discursive guerrilla wars under the rapidly evolving landscape of surveillance.

Neighborhood Disadvantage and Clinical Outcome Following Concussion in Adolescents.

Whether social determinants of health are associated with clinical outcome following concussion among adolescents is not well established. The present study examined whether neighborhood-level determinants are associated with clinical recovery time following concussion in adolescents. Participants included adolescent student athletes (n = 130; mean age = 16.6, standard deviation = 1.2; 60.8% boys, 39.2% girls) who attended one of nine selected high schools in Maine, USA. The Area of Deprivation Index (ADI), an indicator of neighborhood disadvantage was used to group high schools as either high or low in neighborhood disadvantage. Athletic trainers entered injury and recovery dates into an online surveillance application between September 2014 and January 2020. Chi-squared analyses and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to compare the groups on two clinical outcomes: days to return to school and days to return to sports. Results of chi-squared tests did not reveal between-group differences in return to school at 21 or 28 days. However, groups differed in the percentage of adolescents who had returned to sports by 21 days (greater neighborhood disadvantage, 62.5%, lesser neighborhood disadvantage 82.0%, χ2 = 4.96, p = 0.03, odds ratio [OR] = 2.73, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-6.74) and 28 days (greater neighborhood disadvantage, 78.6%, lesser neighborhood disadvantage 94.0%, χ2 = 5.18, p = 0.02, OR = 4.27, 95% CI, 1.13-16.16) following concussion. A larger proportion of adolescents attending schools located in areas of greater neighborhood disadvantage took more than 21 and 28 days to return to sports. These results indicate an association between a multi-faceted proxy indicator of neighborhood disadvantage and clinical outcome following concussion. Further research is needed to better characterize factors underlying group differences in time to return to sports and the interactions between neighborhood disadvantage and other correlates of clinical recovery following concussion.

A Systematic Literature Review on Consequences of Social Media on Intimate Relationships

Technology advancement is imminent and has changed the way of communication nature. The high penetration of the Internet has contributed to the changes. People nowadays no longer need to meet each other to communicate physically. They can simply communicate with the usage of technology, such as social media. The Internet has helped with the emergence of social media. The usage of social media is beyond communicating with someone we know. The features such as creating a profile, sharing content, meeting strangers and more; has led it to be one of the most visited and consumed sites on the Internet. There are many effects of social media; effect on relationship is one of it. This paper adopts a systematic literature review to examine the effect of social media on intimate relationships. The findings reveal eight themes which are jealousy, online surveillance, sexting, self-disclosure, sexual function, relationship commitment, convenience, and infidelity.