Exploiting Direct Links for Physical Layer Security in Multi-User Multi-Relay Networks

We present two physical layer secure transmission schemes for multi-user multi-relay networks, where the communication from M users to the base station is assisted by direct links and by N decode-and-forward relays. In this network, we consider that a passive eavesdropper exists to overhear the transmitted information, which entails exploiting the advantages of both direct and relay links for physical layer security enhancement. To fulfill this requirement, we investigate two criteria for user and relay selection and examine the achievable secrecy performance. Criterion I performs a joint user and relay selection, while Criterion II performs separate user and relay selections, with a lower implementation complexity. We derive a tight lower bound on the secrecy outage probability for Criterion I and an accurate analytical expression for the secrecy outage probability for Criterion II. We further derive the asymptotic secrecy outage probabilities at high transmit signal-to-noise ratios and high main-to-eavesdropper ratios for both criteria. We demonstrate that the secrecy diversity order is min (MN, M + N) for Criterion I, and N for Criterion II. Finally, we present numerical and simulation results to validate the proposed analysis, and show the occurrence condition of the secrecy outage probability floor

How to promote professional competence and identity in social work students

Background: Field placement experiences are frequently cited in the literature as having most impact on a student social worker’s learning as they emerge into the profession. Placements are integral to the development of practice competence and in acquiring a sense of social work identity. However research on the effectiveness of educational strategies used to deliver learning and assess competence during placement are scarce. Internationally, pressures to meet increasing numbers of student enrolments have raised concerns about the potential impact on the quality of placements and practice teaching provided. These pressures may also impact on the appropriate transfer and application of learning to the student’s practice.
Aim: To identify learning activities rated most useful for developing professional practice competence and professional identity of social work students.
Method: Data were collected from 396 students who successfully completed their first or final placement during 2013-2014 and were registered at one of two Universities in Northern Ireland. Students completed a self-administered questionnaire which covered: placement setting and service user group; type of supervision model; frequency of undertaking specific learning activities; who provided the learning; which activities contributed to their developing professional competence and identity and their overall satisfaction.
Our findings confirmed the centrality of the supervisory relationship as the vehicle to enable quality student learning. Shadowing others, receiving regular supervision and receiving constructive feedback were the tasks that students reported as ‘most useful’ to developing professional identity, competence and readiness to practice. Disturbingly over 50% of students reported that linking practice to the professional codes, practice foci and key roles were not valued as ‘useful’ in terms of readiness to practice, feeling competent and developing professional social work identity. These results offer strong insights into how both the University and the practice placement environment needs to better prepare, assess and support students during practice placements in the field.

Learning about probability from text and tables: Do color coding and labeling through an interactive-user interface help?

Learning from visual representations is enhanced when learners appropriately integrate corresponding visual and verbal information. This study examined the effects of two methods of promoting integration, color coding and labeling, on learning about probabilistic reasoning from a table and text. Undergraduate students (N = 98) were randomly assigned to learn about probabilistic reasoning from one of 4 computer-based lessons generated from a 2 (color coding/no color coding) by 2 (labeling/no labeling) between-subjects design. Learners added the labels or color coding at their own pace by clicking buttons in a computer-based lesson. Participants' eye movements were recorded while viewing the lesson. Labeling was beneficial for learning, but color coding was not. In addition, labeling, but not color coding, increased attention to important information in the table and time with the lesson. Both labeling and color coding increased looks between the text and corresponding information in the table. The findings provide support for the multimedia principle, and they suggest that providing labeling enhances learning about probabilistic reasoning from text and tables

An Evaluation of the Drug and Alcohol Service User Network in NI

Objectives:
The process evaluation will consider the views of the appointed SUN workers and representatives from selected service user groups as regards the setting up and maintenance of the SUN network. This component of the evaluation will also examine the perceptions of stakeholders from a number of relevant organisations.

The outcome evaluation will assess the effectiveness of the SUN project in achieving the intended outcomes as outlined in the original Action Plans.
The following outcomes will be evaluated:
To ascertain the level to which the SUN has provided support, information and advice to existing service user groups.
To examine the SUN co-ordination of Trust and regional networks of service user groups.
To consider how the SUN assists organisations to establish and maintain service user groups.
To examine the level of current and future membership of service users on relevant groups, with a particular focus on engagement of hard to reach populations.
To gauge service user perceptions of the Service User Network.
To examine the levels of training provided and consider the efficacy of training.

Applying the motivation-hygiene theory as a means of measuring learner satisfaction with blended learning courses in higher education

This study describes research on a postgraduate blended learning programme within the Department of Education at the University of Aveiro in Portugal. It is based on a multi-philosophical paradigm and examines students‟ satisfaction levels through the application of Herzberg‟s Motivation and Hygiene Theory. The main question being addressed in this research is: “Can the Motivation and Hygiene Theory be adopted as a means to measure student satisfaction with their blended learning environment?” Embedded within this research question are four fundamental questions which set the scene for the development of this research study and are explored in greater detail in Chapters 4 and 5 respectively: 1. What are the factors responsible for bringing about learning satisfaction with their b-Learning course? 2. What are the factors responsible for bringing about learning dissatisfaction with their b-Learning course? 3. Can these factors be represented as Motivation and Hygiene factors? 4. Will this method of measuring learning satisfaction lead to a set of guidelines that could be considered as a framework for the development of b-Learning courses? The results indicate that the Motivation and Hygiene Theory or an adapted version such as the Enricher and Enabler Theory proposed in this study could be considered as a plausible means of analysing an institution‟s b-Learning processes. The opportunity to carry out future research is evident and can be varied depending on the research objectives in mind. Examples where further exploration would be beneficial lay within the application of this theory to the wider sector; the use of larger samples, focusing on the teachers, as well as the learners and the application of Web 2.0 technologies as means of gathering information. The results of this research will be of great significance to those areas of education that are interested in locating quick and efficient means by which to evaluate their b-Learning and to no lesser extent e-Learning environments.

Tecnologias de informação e comunicação e o cidadão sénior : estudo sobre o impacto em variáveis psicossociais e a conceptualização de serviços com e para o cidadão sénior

Perante uma sociedade em célere envelhecimento demográfico e permanente avanço tecnológico, justifica-se a aposta em estudos que potenciem a ação comunicativa e a diminuição do isolamento social decorrente das perdas biopsicossociais associadas à idade sénior. Esta tese possui quatro objetivos de estudo: i) pretende-se investigar qual é o impacto da utilização das Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TIC) no autoconceito (AC), no ânimo e na qualidade de vida (QV) de um grupo de seniores; ii) perceber se existe e qual a relação entre as variáveis independentes sexo, idade, estado civil, escolaridade, profissão, IPSS, regime de frequência, tempo na IPSS, orientação para frequentar a IPSS, visita de familiares e visita de amigos e as variáveis dependentes AC, ânimo, QV e respetivos fatores e domínios, nos momentos de pré e pós-teste; iii) perceber se a sua participação no processo de conceptualização de um serviço de comunicação assíncrona, email, influencia a sua usabilidade ao nível das componentes eficácia, eficiência e satisfação; iv) e sugerir a componente política da comunidade online sénior em desenvolvimento no âmbito do Projeto SEDUCE. Para o desenvolvimento do estudo estabeleceram-se parcerias com quatro Instituições Particulares de Segurança Social do concelho de Aveiro, integradas no âmbito do projeto SEDUCE. Os instrumentos utilizados para a avaliação do autoconceito, do ânimo e da qualidade de vida foram o Inventário Clínico de Auto-Conceito, a Escala de Ânimo do Centro Geriátrico de Philadelphia e a Escala de Qualidade de Vida da Organização Mundial de Saúde WHOQOL-Bref, respetivamente. No processo de conceptualização do serviço de email e da componente política da comunidade online utilizou-se a observação participativa e o contextual design. O estudo envolveu a participação de 42 seniores distribuídos por duas condições experimentais: 22 seniores do grupo experimental utilizaram as TIC duas vezes por semana (em sessões de 90 minutos cada, num total de 80 sessões) e 19 seniores do grupo de controlo passivo não experimentaram qualquer intervenção. Para a avaliação das variáveis psicossociais realizaram-se dois momentos de avaliação, antes e depois de 11 meses de intervenção, de Agosto de 2011 a Julho de 2012. Ao longo das sessões de envolvimento com as TIC observou-se que os seniores apresentam, continuamente, dificuldades em: manipular o rato e percecionar a sua ação no monitor; fazer a distinção entre teclas (enter, spacebar, delete, caps lock entre outras); em utilizar duplas teclas para colocar pontuação e acentuação; iniciar atividades no Microsoft Office Word; selecionar a informação disponibilizada em motores de pesquisa; perceber quais as zonas clicáveis; falta de confiança em efetivar ações; receio em iniciar nova atividades, pela falta de conhecimento e pelo medo de errar; memorizar endereços de email e passwords; e dar continuidade às tarefas. Na utilização do serviço de email consideram importante receber resposta quando enviam uma mensagem, assim como responder sempre aos remetentes; raramente colocam assunto nas mensagens; e expressam grande satisfação ao receber mensagens de familiares e/ou amigos. O processo de desenvolvimento de serviços com a participação ativa dos seniores revela-se exequível mas é necessário adaptar as práticas: os processos devem ser iterativos; evitar linguagem formal; clarificar o objetivo; deixar os seniores pensar em voz alta; dar-lhes tempo; mantê-los focados e não conduzi-los nas tarefas. Os resultados sugerem que houve aumento significativo do domínio físico da qualidade de vida do grupo experimental. Os participantes que exprimiram maiores níveis de satisfação ao utilizar as TIC apresentam uma perspetiva mais positiva sobre a maturidade psicológica e menos solidão e insatisfação. No grupo experimental e no grupo de controlo passivo verificam-se relações entre as variáveis independentes e as variáveis dependentes, quer no momento de pré-teste como de pós-teste. Conclui-se que a participação dos seniores no processo de conceptualização do serviço de email permitiu fomentar a componente eficácia da usabilidade mas não a satisfação ao utilizar o mesmo. Os resultados sobre a eficiência são inconclusivos. Sobre a componente política os seniores validam a existência de termos de utilização que orientem o comportamento de todos os utilizadores, assim como de uma política de privacidade. A área de registo proposta é adequada ao utilizador sénior.

A Methodological Approach to User Evaluation and Assessment of a Virtual Environment Hangout

Innovation in virtual reality and motion sensing devices is pushing the development of virtual communication platforms towards completely immersive scenarios, which require full user interaction and create complex sensory experiences. This evolution influences user experiences and creates new paradigms for interaction, leading to an increased importance of user evaluation and assessment on new systems interfaces and usability, to validate platform design and development from the users’ point of view. The REVERIE research project aims to develop a virtual environment service for realistic inter-personal interaction. This paper describes the design challenges faced during the development process of user interfaces and the adopted methodological approach to user evaluation and assessment.

Strategic Human Resource Management of Volunteers and the Link to Hospital Patient Satisfaction

This article uses strategic human resource management theory to consider the ways in which volunteers can potentially enhance hospital patient satisfaction. Results of a structural equation modeling analysis of multi-source data on 107 U.S. hospitals show positive associations between hospital strategy, volunteer management practices, volunteer workforce attributes, and patient satisfaction. Although no causality can be assumed, the results shed light on the volunteer–patient satisfaction relationship and have important implications for hospital leaders, volunteer administrators, and future research.

Hybrid authentication systems: towards robust user authentication on wireless and mobile devices using biometric technologies

Adequate user authentication is a persistent problem, particularly with mobile devices, which tend to be highly personal and at the fringes of an organisation's influence. Yet these devices are being used increasingly in various business settings, where they pose a risk to security and privacy, not only from sensitive information they may contain, but also from the means they typically offer to access such information over wireless networks. User authentication is the first line of defence for a mobile device that falls into the hands of an unauthorised user. However, motivating users to enable simple password mechanisms and periodically update their authentication information is difficult at best. This paper examines some of the issues relating to the use of biometrics as a viable method of authentication on mobile wireless devices. It is also a critical analysis of some of the techniques currently employed and where appropriate, suggests novel hybrid ways in which they could be improved or modified. Both biometric technology and wireless setting based constraints that determine the feasibility and the performance of the authentication feature are specified. Some well known biometric technologies are briefly reviewed and their feasibility for wireless and mobile use is reviewed. Furthermore, a number of quantitative and qualitative parameters for evaluation are also presented. Biometric technologies are continuously advancing toward commercial implementation in wireless devices. When carefully designed and implemented, the advantage of biometric authentication arises mainly from increased convenience and coexistent improved security.

Carers and Co-Production: Enabling Expertise through Experience?

Purpose To provide a brief overview of the literature to date which has focussed on co-production within mental healthcare in the UK, including service user and carer involvement and collaboration. Design The paper presents key outcomes from studies which have explicitly attempted to introduce co-produced care in addition to specific tools designed to encourage co-production within mental health services. The paper debates the cultural and ideological shift required for staff, service users and family members to undertake co-produced care and outlines challenges ahead with respect to service redesign and new roles in practice. Findings Informal carers (family and friends) are recognised as a fundamental resource for mental health service provision, as well as a rich source of expertise through experience, yet their views are rarely solicited by mental health professionals or taken into account during decision-making. This issue is considered alongside new policy recommendations which advocate the development of co-produced services and care. Research Limitations Despite the launch of a number of initiatives designed to build on peer experience and support, there has been a lack of attention on the differing dynamic which remains evident between healthcare professionals and people using mental health services. Co-production sheds a light on the blurring of roles, trust and shared endeavour (Slay and Stephens, 2013) but, despite an increase in peer recovery workers across England, there has been little research or service development designed to focus explicitly on this particular dynamic. Practical Implications Despite these challenges, coproduction in mental healthcare represents a real opportunity for the skills and experience of family members to be taken into account and could provide a mechanism to achieve the ‘triangle of care’ with input, recognition and respect given to all (service users, carers, professionals) whose lives are touched by mental distress. However, lack of attention in relation to carer perspectives, expertise and potential involvement could undermine the potential for coproduction to act as a vehicle to encourage person-centred care which accounts for social in addition to clinical factors. Social Implications The families of people with severe and enduring mental illness (SMI) assume a major responsibility for the provision of care and support to their relatives over extended time periods (Rose et al, 2004). Involving carers in discussions about care planning could help to provide a wider picture about the impact of mental health difficulties, beyond symptom reduction. The ‘co-production of care’ reflects a desire to work meaningfully and fully with service users and carers. However, to date, little work has been undertaken in order to coproduce services through the ‘triangle of care’ with carers bringing their own skills, resources and expertise. Originality/Value This paper debates the current involvement of carers across mental healthcare and debates whether co-production could be a vehicle to utilise carer expertise, enhance quality and satisfaction with mental healthcare. The critique of current work highlights the danger of increasing expectations on service providers to undertake work aligned to key initiatives (shared decision-making, person-centred care, co-production), that have common underpinning principles but, in the absence of practical guidance, could be addressed in isolation rather than as an integrated approach within a ‘triangle of care’.

Development of user-friendly, high throughput screening for ligands and inhibitors of carbohydrate modifying enzymes

This paper describes the impact of cloud computing and the use of GPUs on the performance of Autodock and Gromacs respectively. Cloud computing was applicable to reducing the ‘‘tail’’ seen in running Autodock on desktop grids and the GPU version of Gromacs showed significant improvement over the CPU version. A large (200,000 compounds) library of small molecules, seven sialic acid analogues of the putative substrate and 8000 sugar molecules were converted into pdbqt format and used to interrogate the Trichomonas vaginalis neuraminidase using Autodock Vina. Good binding energy was noted for some of the small molecules (~-9 kcal/mol), but the sugars bound with affinity of less than -7.6 kcal/mol. The screening of the sugar library resulted in a ‘‘top hit’’ with a-2,3-sialyllacto-N-fucopentaose III, a derivative of the sialyl Lewisx structure and a known substrate of the enzyme. Indeed in the top 100 hits 8 were related to this structure. A comparison of Autodock Vina and Autodock 4.2 was made for the high affinity small molecules and in some cases the results were superimposable whereas in others, the match was less good. The validation of this work will require extensive ‘‘wet lab’’ work to determine the utility of the workflow in the prediction of potential enzyme inhibitors.

Do human resource practices enhance organizational commitment in SMEs with low employee satisfaction?

This paper considers a large matched employee–employer data set to estimate a model of organizational commitment. In particular, it focuses on the role of firm size and management formality to explain organizational commitment in British small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high and low levels of employee satisfaction. It is shown that size ‘in itself’ can explain differences in organizational commitment, and that organizational commitment tends to be higher in organizations with high employee satisfaction compared with organizations of similar size with low employee satisfaction. Crucially, the results suggest that formal human resource (HR) practices can be used as important tools to increase commitment and thus, potentially, effort and performance within underperforming SMEs with low employee satisfaction. However, formal HR practices commonly used by large firms may be unnecessary in SMEs which benefit from high employee satisfaction and positive employment relations within a context of informality.