| 1 |
Author(s):
Cory Hampton.
Page No : 1-5
|
Case Study: Current Suicide Prevention Initiatives in Construction
Abstract
Suicide prevention and mental health awareness and prevention are not new to the construction industry. In 1958 Los Angeles, California had the first suicide prevention center and in 1966 the National Institute of Mental Health established the Center for Studies of Suicide Prevention (National Library of Medicine, 2012). Subject matter experts such as Cal Beyer and Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas have been paving the way for this conversation since the 1990s. Their work, as well as the work of others, has been disseminated worldwide throughout the construction industry and helped organizations implement programs geared toward reducing the suicide rate.
This article will review what some of the industry leaders in this realm are doing in their organizations. Interviews were conducted with the individuals we discussed what they had seen, what has been done, and other insights on the topic.
| 2 |
Author(s):
dr Gabriela Malik.
Page No : 1-8
|
Modeling the Conditional Variance of Returns on Agricultural Commodity Futures Contracts
Abstract
In this paper various GARCH family models are examined to find the one best suited for modeling the conditional volatility of returns of soft commodity futures. The data came from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and covered the period from 1987 to 2022. Three different commodities were selected, namely corn, soybeans and wheat. The most striking finding of this study is that there is not much difference between the models of conditional volatility for a given commodity and across the commodities under consideration. This demonstrates possible difficulties that one could face while trying to choose out of the competing parameterizations.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Cory Hampton.
Page No : 1-8
|
Survey: Current Climate in the Construction Industry – Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness
Abstract
The construction industry has one of the highest rates of suicide compared to other industries. To provide a solution to this and reduce these numbers, it is important to determine what employers are currently doing to address suicide in the workplace and how these efforts are received by employees. Finding the root cause(s) and implementing proactive solutions to suicide in the construction industry is the goal. Before this can be achieved, an industry assessment is necessary.
This article evaluates the current perception of suicide in the construction industry. More specifically employee comfort levels on addressing challenges, crises, and persons that are suicidal. The information used is from construction employees at all levels from field workers to executives. The research will also address ways that an organization can spread suicide prevention awareness and conduct training. The studied population includes affected bodies from Utah, Colorado, Idaho, and Arizona.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Scott Van Hoy.
Page No : 1-10
|
Integrating Alternative Ultrasound Technology into Saturation Facility Operations
Abstract
It is widely accepted that the presence of venous gas emboli (VGE) is a necessary but insufficient condition for the development of decompression sickness (DCS) and that variability in physiological factors may contribute to DCS. With multiple organizations designing undersea saturation facilities that may see a substantial number of divers saturating, this creates an opportunity for the divers to volunteer as research participants to study the physiological factors influencing the inter-variability of VGE and DCS under identical dive profiles. Future large-scale saturation facilities will have an operations schedule that will make integrating VGE measurements more difficult than measurements during dedicated research dives. Alternative ultrasound technologies and methodologies should be explored to better integrate VGE measurements into busy operational environments and maintain continuous data collection. In this study, the O’DiveTM portable subclavian Doppler ultrasound was tested post-egress at Jules’ Undersea Lodge, an undersea habitat at a six-meter depth, for usability and operations integration of a pilot study measuring potential physiological factors contributing to VGE variability. Two research assistants measured the VGE of seven divers who saturated inside Jules’ Undersea Lodge and then rated the usability of O’DiveTM. The system received high usability scores and provided preliminary VGE data correlated with questionnaire data about lifestyle and physiological factors. The review and testing of O’DiveTM at a saturation facility showed that with additional bubble scoring validation, O’DiveTM could serve as a research tool for VGE measurements at future saturation facilities when operations prevent using gold standard VGE measurement methods.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Matthew Torpey, Dr. Michael E. Johnson MRAeS.
Page No : 1-10
|
Technical paper: The Wideband Challenge for RF Filters and SWAP-C
Abstract
There is a continuously evolving, unmet need for RF (Radio Frequency) Filters that operate contiguously over multiple frequency octaves or bands. Unlike traditional switched filter banks, these new filters require similar levels of RF performance but with more filters and a smaller overall footprint. Legacy systems typically operate over a sub-octave and filters meant to break down information from the aperture to sub-bands (octave wide) or a little less. These wideband filters, pre-LNA (low noise amplifier), were minimal loss but very large. This paper will examine two new solutions to miniature, wideband, and contiguous filtering, their different capabilities, and where the new filter technologies can enable new overall system capabilities. The commercial (cell phone) vs DoD (Department of Defense)
requirement differences which drive very different needs for RF filters highlight the SWAP-C (Size, Weight, and Power – Cost) challenge as wideband, contiguous vs. not, is considered.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Joshua Tata Jap.
Page No : 1-11
|
Technical Paper: Validating Successful Data Transmission and Data Integrity
Abstract
In today's digital age, the reliability and security of data transmission are crucial for businesses
and individuals alike. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the strategies and
obstacles involved in validating successful data transmission and maintaining data integrity. It
examines the role of encryption algorithms, error detection and correction techniques, and
authentication protocols in ensuring the secure transfer of data across networks. Moreover, the
article explores the challenges posed by emerging technologies such as IoT, 5G, quantum
computing, data transmission and data integrity, and discusses innovative solutions to mitigate
associated risks. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of regulatory compliance, user
awareness, and supply chain security in safeguarding data integrity throughout the transmission
process. By addressing these complexities comprehensively, organizations can strengthen their
data protection measures and uphold trust in the digital ecosystem.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Scott Van Hoy, Dr. Michael Johnson.
Page No : 1-12
|
Space Habitat Human Factors Testing Using Simulated Space Missions
Abstract
Usability, acceptability, and habitability questionnaires have previously been developed and
implemented by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to collect human
factors engineering feedback about both operational and prototype space habitats. During a
twelve-day simulated space mission at the Integrated Lunar/Mars Analog Habitat at the
University of North Dakota, three crew members submitted habitability feedback using an
adapted NASA questionnaire to measure the types, novelty, and priorities of feedback collected
using space simulation as a human-in-the-loop (HITL) testing method. Of the categories
surveyed, habitat equipment, environment, interface, and crew health were the most frequently
reported feedback, followed by operations, activities, and use errors. The crew reported no
feedback for recreation or group interaction. Most feedback for habitability items with the
priority ‘must be addressed’ occurred by the second mission day. However, novel feedback
with the priority ‘nice to have’ sustained new reports throughout the simulation. This study
showed that short-duration mission simulations can be a useful HITL testing method to solicit
actionable engineering feedback.
Keywords: Evaluation, Testing, Design, Space, Habitability, Usability, Acceptability
| 8 |
Author(s):
Ryan Silvia.
Page No : 1-12
|
Home Fire Sprinklers: Economic Incentives and Emerging Technologies
Abstract
The debate regarding the cost/benefit of home fire sprinklers remains a significant point of contention between supporters and opponents of the proliferation of this technology. Home fire sprinklers are opposed by many homebuilders’ groups, who see them as too costly for too little benefit and believe that they do not meet the required standards of affordability. With previous research indicating that the cost of sprinkler installation is the chief concern among potential homebuyers, it is reasonable that advocates for home fire sprinkler technology would have an interest in making it as affordable as possible while still maintaining its life safety benefits. The purpose of this article is to research economic incentives or emerging technologies that could potentially drive down the cost of home fire sprinkler installation. The research focused on three main areas: Jurisdictional incentives, insurance incentives, and alternative and emerging technologies. The research indicates that jurisdictional incentives such as financial tradeoffs and on-site and off-site design flexibility have the most potential to reduce the overall costs of home fire sprinkler installation. Homeowners’ insurance discounts are also widely available and can decrease the overall economic impact of sprinkler system installation on the homeowner, especially if they are to own the home for many years. Alternative technologies are currently limited to water misting systems meeting the NFPA 750 standard; these systems can provide equivalent levels of life safety compared to home fire sprinklers, but at a much higher cost. Recommendations made include encouraging jurisdictions to utilize reasonable incentives and tradeoffs to incentivize home fire sprinkler installation, encouraging insurance companies to offer full discounts to NFPA 13D-compliant systems, and conducting additional research into the potential applications of alternative fire suppression systems.
Keywords: sprinklers, fire service, fire protection systems, fire suppression technology, home fire safety
| 9 |
Author(s):
Dr. Gabriela Malik.
Page No : 1-13
|
Estimation of Parameters of Marginal Distributions of Return Rates of Selected Agricultural Products Listed on the Chicago Commodity Exchange
Abstract
The article aims to estimate and verify the correctness of the specification of tail distributions of return rates of agricultural products listed on the Chicago Commodity Exchange from 1987 to 2022. The selected products include corn, soybeans, and wheat. The analysis determined a model describing the examined series concerning mean and variance values, considering the relationships between the series. To describe the tail distributions, a GARCH model was utilized. In the subsequent stage, the quality of fit of the estimated model was assessed.
During the conducted research, it was found that the model best describing the analysed series of prices for agricultural futures contracts is the AR (1)-GARCH (1,1) model with a conditional t-Student distribution.
The conducted analysis is crucial for correctly determining the proper forms of estimated models. It is essential to emphasize that errors in the correctness of specifying tail distributions can consequently lead to incorrect parameter estimation in further studies conducted for agricultural products.
| 10 |
Author(s):
Cory Hampton, Marissa Gallegos.
Page No : 1-14
|
Case Study: Introducing Suicide Prevention and Mental Health in the Workplace
Abstract
Fifteen construction workers die by suicide every day nationwide. This statistic alone made it evident to the researchers’ organization that they could not take a passive role in reducing and preventing suicide in the workplace. The struggle was how to do this. There are organizations that researchers were able to learn from and receive guidance from, but it was found that there was no one size fits all program. Each organization is unique, and their needs reflect this.
This research maps out how researchers organized this information and implemented suicide prevention efforts within their own organization. The intent is to show what this process looked like for the researchers’ organization so that others can follow some of the same steps and adapt them to their own organizational needs.
| 11 |
Author(s):
Tal Pavel.
Page No : 1-15
|
Defining Digital Boundaries: A Study on Israel’s Cyber Sovereignty Policy
Abstract
Objectives – The research aims to shed light on Israel's official policy towards defining its cyber sovereignty and boundaries based on official Israeli documents published by the Government of Israel, the Israel National Cyber Directorate and the Israel Defense Forces.
Prior Work – The terms "Cyber" and "Sovereignty" define two different domains, the artificial and the physical, which may have broad definitions. Therefore, the literature defines "Cyber Sovereignty" differently while reflecting the term's complexity. Over the years, researchers have analysed Israel's cyberspace from broad aspects. However, the literature lacks examination of the Israeli official stand towards cyberspace sovereignty and, therefore, the ability to draw its cyber boundaries based on official Israel publications.
Approach – The study analysed 17 of Israel's official publications, looking for the terms "Sovereignty" and "Boundaries" and general references to cyber sovereignty.
Results – None of the analysed publications referred directly to the terms "Sovereignty" and "Boundaries" relating to cyberspace—four defined Israeli cyberspace concerning civilian space, excluding the defense establishment but including elements outside national borders.
Implications – The research suggests that a lack of clarity and a well-defined term for "cyber sovereignty" as part of Israeli official documents and a lack of dedicated publications drawing cyber boundaries may be due to (1) strategic ambiguity of Israel's government not referring and defining its cyber sovereignty publicly, (2) lack of cyber policy maturity of Israel's government regarding the definition of cyber-related terms, or a (3) combination of both. Therefore, the study emphasises the need for future research to analyse the definition of other cyber-related terms of Israeli cyberspace and compare with other states in the region and beyond to analyse the extent of the phenomenon and validate the current findings worldwide.
| 12 |
Author(s):
Tom Gallagher.
Page No : 1-17
|
Understanding How System-on-a-Chip Data Can Leak over Radio Transmissions
Abstract
The 2018 Screaming Channels research raised cybersecurity concerns about mixed-signal electronic devices. Fully appreciating those concerns requires background in electrical engineering, cybersecurity, and cryptography. This article provides the necessary foundation and presents the Screaming Channels phenomenon in a way that is understandable for the masses. Electronic devices are becoming smaller and denser, introducing risk that electronic noise from sensitive processing will leak into broadcasts from the device. The 2018 study showed that certain kinds of electronics, mixed-signal system-on-a-chip devices, are susceptible to this type of leak. Devices that leak digital data into their broadcasts jeopardize the security of their communication. This article will extend the Screaming Channels phenomenon to the context of small satellite communications.
| 13 |
Author(s):
Ryan Silvia.
Page No : 1-18
|
Homebuyer Opinions on Home Fire Sprinklers
Abstract
This research article aims to gather data regarding home buyer attitudes toward home fire
sprinkler systems. Specifically, the research article will seek to determine the price threshold
where home buyers would be willing to invest in a home fire sprinkler system. To that extent,
a survey instrument was developed to understand public opinion on home fire sprinklers,
including any demographic differences such as age, gender, and income, as well as preexisting
knowledge of home fire sprinkler technology as self-reported by the respondents. Furthermore,
it was desired to research whether receiving even minimal education regarding home fire
sprinkler technology could change the opinion of the survey participants. The initial ninequestion survey collected demographic data and baseline opinions on home fire sprinkler
systems. After answering the initial nine questions, survey respondents were directed to watch
a four-minute, 22-second education video from the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs. After
watching the video, two follow-up questions were asked to determine if the respondents’
opinions had changed. Before watching the video, a minority (44.5%) indicated that they would
spend 1% or more on home fire sprinklers. After watching the video, nearly three-quarters
(73.3%) stated they would spend 1% or more, reflecting a 28.8% swing in opinion. The study
revealed some demographic differences related to age, gender, and income that warrant further
study. Recommendations made as a result of this study include prioritizing home fire sprinkler
education as a component of fire departments’ Community Risk Reduction (CRR) programs,
creating home fire sprinkler educational messaging that targets specific populations, and
continuing to research ways to make home fire sprinkler technology more affordable.
Keywords: sprinklers, fire service, fire protection systems, fire suppression technology,
home fire safety
| 14 |
Author(s):
Sandra Moore, ScD, Richard W. Lightcap, PhD, EdD, William H. Butler, DSc.
Page No : 1-19
|
An Investigative Review: Smart Grid and Consumer Privacy Concerns
Abstract
Smart grid technology’s boundary of impact and security risk ranges from utility services, energy management services, manufacturers, law enforcement agencies, and consumers. As smart technology is deployed at a faster pace than regulation can keep up with as well as identifying vulnerabilities within smart technology; it becomes necessary to better understand what smart technology is currently available. To assist everyday consumers in better understanding how their data is collected, used, analyzed, and the potential implications stemming from the use of their data, we discuss multiple state and international privacy laws and examples of misuse cases.
| 15 |
Author(s):
Tom Gallagher.
Page No : 1-19
|
Identifying System-on-a-Chip Data Leaks over Radio Transmissions of Small Satellites
Abstract
Continuing the topics posed in “Understanding How System-on-a-Chip Data can Leak over Radio Transmissions”, this article extends the exploration of data leakage of system-on-a-chip transceivers to real world small satellites. With the emergence of Low Earth Orbit communications networks, small satellites are poised to become an integral part of the world’s communication fabric. The 2018 Screaming Channels research raised cybersecurity concerns about mixed-signal electronic devices including the transceivers used in small satellites. This article will propose a process for identifying data leaks in the broadcast of affected devices and then apply this framework to four target devices to demonstrate effectiveness. The results show how the proposed process identifies the known leak of a device from the 2018 Bluetooth research and potential concerns in additional devices associated with small satellite communications.
| 16 |
Author(s):
Anna Dereń Ph.D., Katarzyna Strojny Ph.D..
Page No : 1-28
|
The Impact of Unusual Events on the Financial Condition of Companies – A Case Study
Abstract
Globalization is ingrained in our lives. On one hand, it significantly facilitates life; on the other hand, it brings along a set of threats. One such threat is the rapid spread of crises. In economic terms, a crisis is defined as an economic downturn resulting in reduced production, decreased investment, and lower societal income. This phenomenon often accompanies a rise in unemployment. The coronavirus pandemic initiated socio-economic turbulence on an unprecedented scale. The spread of the coronavirus in early 2020 led to increased stock price volatility worldwide, a decline in nominal interest rates, and a decrease in real GDP. Immense uncertainty was associated with the ultimate scale of the epidemic, measured by the number of infected individuals and deaths from COVID-19. In the first phase of the pandemic, governments worldwide took various preventive actions primarily aimed at protecting the lives and health of citizens. Isolation, travel restrictions, and prohibitions on various activities were all primarily geared towards preventing the spread of infections. Unfortunately, these actions did not leave Polish companies unaffected. Restrictions, bans, and limitations most often had a negative impact on businesses, especially those operating in industries related to human contact. Problems were noted in gastronomy, tourism, and the entertainment industry. Conversely, companies operating in the areas of online commerce, courier services, medical services, and the production of hygiene or medical products flourished.
The aim of this article is to demonstrate the impact of unusual phenomena on the financial results of companies from different industries. The analysis covers the years 2019-2022, encompassing both the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The companies subjected to the study are from the gastronomy, clothing, and medical industries, listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.
To achieve this goal, a literature review was conducted, and a case study was utilized.
| 17 |
Author(s):
Steven Boyd, Dr. Drew Hinton.
Page No : 1-29
|
Understanding Manager Sentiment During America’s Movement Towards Cannabis Legalization
Abstract
This article examines the differences between federal, state, and jurisdictional recreational cannabis laws and how these differences are creating challenges and risks for organizations. Research for this article was conducted by surveying 118 managers and supervisors from varying businesses across the U.S. to gauge their perspective on current federal cannabis law, the increasing passage of state, district, and jurisdictional recreational cannabis laws, and how these laws may influence potential impairment in the workplace. This research revealed that manager and supervisor perception of various cannabis laws positions them to be sympathetic to individuals that use cannabis outside of the workplace and for recreational purposes. The younger the manager or supervisor the more sympathetic they are. This disposition to being sympathetic may pose concern for organizations when expecting managers and supervisors to enforce workplace drug and alcohol policies. While managers and supervisors may be sympathetic to increased recreational cannabis use within the US, this research revealed they are also concerned about the potential for increased impairment in the workplace. In understanding manager and supervisor perceptions of the increasing trend of recreational cannabis legalization, organizations should strongly consider amending their drug and alcohol policies both to comply with new laws protecting employee off-duty cannabis use and to align with manager and supervisor perceptions. This alignment will allow for greater support from managers and supervisors in implementing and enforcing organizational drug and alcohol policies and most importantly ensure employee safety.
Keywords: Cannabis Legalization, Management Cannabis Sentiment, Management Concerns with Cannabis, Workplace Safety and Cannabis, Cannabis Survey
| 18 |
Author(s):
Tom Gallagher, Michael Johnson .
Page No : 1-30
|
Measuring System-on-a-Chip Data Leaks over Radio Transmissions of Small Satellites
Abstract
Continuing the topics posed in “Identifying System-on-a-Chip Data Leaks over Radio Transmissions of Small Satellites”, this article extends the exploration of data leakage of system-on-a-chip transceivers to quantifying suspected leaks. Specifically, it poses a measurement for the impact of a data leak on the device’s cryptographic security. Cryptography is a key security element for satellite communication, so it is important to characterize the impact that data leaks could introduce. In particular, this research contributes to the work posed in “Screaming Channels: When Electromagnetic Side Channels Meet Radio Transceivers.” The results show how the proposed measurement is calculated for four system-on-a-chip transceivers.
| 19 |
Author(s):
Steven Boyd, Dr. Drew Hinton.
Page No : 1-39
|
Gaining Buy-In by Incorporating Manager Sentiment Towards Cannabis When Amending Organizational Drug and Alcohol Policies
Abstract
This article examines the differences between federal, state, and jurisdictional recreational cannabis laws and how these differences are creating challenges and risks for organizations. Research for this article was conducted by surveying 118 managers and supervisors from varying businesses across the U.S. to gauge their perspective on what components of a drug and alcohol policy are important to them. Realizing managers and supervisors may not be knowledgeable of rapidly evolving state, district and jurisdictional cannabis laws, a brief training was provided to managers and supervisors after which they were asked to answer some of the same questions to see if their responses were affected. This research revealed that manager and supervisor perceptions of changing cannabis law should in fact necessitate a careful review, and most likely an amendment of their organizations drug and alcohol policies. Organizations that review and amend their drug and alcohol policies to align with changing cannabis laws, and that consider manager and supervisor perceptions will maximize their potential for proper implementation and management of their drug and alcohol policy to ensure compliance and most importantly employee safety.
Keywords: Cannabis Legalization, Recreational Cannabis, Employer Cannabis Policies, Workplace Safety and Cannabis
| 20 |
Author(s):
Steven Boyd, Dr. Drew Hinton.
Page No : 1-46
|
Determining Manager Detection Confidence and Their Desire for Cannabis Impairment Detection Training
Abstract
This article examines the differences between federal, state, and jurisdictional recreational cannabis laws and how these differences are creating challenges and risks for organizations. Research for this article was conducted by surveying 118 managers and supervisors from varying businesses across the U.S. to gauge their perspective on training needs when determining and confronting potential cannabis impairment in the workplace. Realizing managers and supervisors may not be knowledgeable of rapidly evolving state, district and jurisdictional cannabis laws, a brief training was provided to managers and supervisors, after which they were asked to answer some of the same questions to see if their responses were affected. This research revealed that managers and supervisors overwhelmingly want impairment detection training, access to Subject Matter Experts (SME’s), and resource material when needing to determine potential cannabis impairment in the workplace. This research also revealed that managers and supervisors have a very low confidence level in their ability to detect cannabis impairment in an employee. Gender plays a role in manager and supervisor stress level and desire for access to resource material to detect cannabis impairment. Organizations that review and amend their drug and alcohol policies to align and comply with changing cannabis laws, educate employees on the dangers of working while impaired, and develop robust cannabis impairment detection training for managers and supervisors will be best positioned to comply with state, district and jurisdictional law, and most importantly, keep their employees safe within the workplace.
