A Quantitative Study of Risk Scores and the Effectiveness of AI-Based Cybersecurity Awareness Training Programs

Cybersecurity awareness training plays a dynamic role for organizations in certifying resources\u27 accessibility. This paper determines the correlation between an employee\u27s risk score and the effectiveness of AI-based security awareness training that deals with cyber threats. The research uses the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology to update prior research, revealing that at-risk employees\u27 behavior and information security awareness training implementation make up successful interventions. However, those studies did not discuss AI training, and so this research fills that literature gap. This study used a quantitative research design. The researcher analyzed survey responses using Pearson\u27s Correlation and an independent t-test to determine statistically significant relationships and differences between employees\u27 risk scores and an AI-based security awareness training programs\u27 effectiveness. The calculations came from a sample of 200 participants from two different organizations. The Pearson product correlation of employee\u27s risk scores and the effectiveness of the security awareness training program was statistically significant. The researcher also conducted an independent-samples t-test to compare the employees\u27 risk scores by gender. There were no significant differences in scores. Male was higher than female ones. The mean difference was minimal. The findings herein help interpret the role of information security awareness training in the workplace, promoting behavioral changes that would impede data violations by including the users\u27 vulnerability and the severity of intimidation, and the response to a threat in prognosticating behavior intentions

Prevention of Phishing Attacks Using AI-Based Cybersecurity Awareness Training

Machine learning has been described as an effective measure in avoiding most cyberattacks. The development of AI has therefore promoted increased security for most computer attacks. Phishing attacks are risky and can be prevented through AI-based solutions. This factor suggests the need for increased awareness of cybersecurity through AI. Developing awareness for most people will prevent these types of attacks. The research paper describes how the awareness of AI-based cybersecurity could ensure a reduction of phishing attacks. The paper, therefore, showcases the effectiveness of AI-based cybersecurity awareness training and how it may influence cyber-attacks

Determination of Mental Stress Effects on the Cognitive Function in Medical Students of LUMHS at the time of Examination

BACKGROUND: Cognition function refers to memory, the ability to learn new information, language, and reading conception. Mental stress may disrupt cognitive function. The medical students are exposed frequently to emotional disturbance and stress and these may adversely affect the cognition. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the extent of impairment of cognitive function due to mental stress during examination of medical students by implicates the application of Stroop test. STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional comparative study SETTING: The study was conducted at the Department of Physiology LUMHS Jamshoro over 6 months duration from August 2015 to February 2016. METHODOLOGY: The volunteer information brochures / leaflets were posted on the main notice board of the LUMHS campus. Total 150 participants (n=100 having their examination within a week, n=50 not preparing for examination) were selected by simple random sampling technique. All four test of Stroop test were performed (Power lab T-125 AD-instrument australia) and time taken by participants were noted and compared between both groups. RESULTS: Breathing rate, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between two groups. The differences in the results of all four test for Stroop effect; Monochrome reading, color naming, reading color words and color naming were highly significant between those having their examination ahead (group A) within one week and those having no examination ahead (group B). Congruent Stroop test – exercise 1 and 2 showed significant differences for time domain per single word in group A and B respectively. Incongruent Stroop test showed time per single word of 2.3000 vs. 1.7500 seconds in exercise 3 (t-value 23.13, p-value 0.0001). Time taken per single word was noted as 2.1000 vs. 1.6100 seconds in exercise 3 (t-value 16.56, p-value 0.0001). CONCLUSION: As the results showed increased reaction time and interferences for Stroop effect among medical students under examination stress, it may be concluded that the mental stress adversely affects the cognitive functions

Genetic Characterization of Carbapenem Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in Tertiary care settings of Lahore, Pakistan

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is major cause of ventilator associated pneumoniae (VAP) as it is an opportunistic nosocomial organism. The current study was to find out the antibiotic resistance pattern of Acinetobacter baumannii, its phenotype and the genetic characterization of Metallo-β-Lactamase (MBL) genes that are responsible for carbapenem resistance.Methods: One hundred and fifty Carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) specimens were isolated and PCR amplification of organism specific bla-OXA-51gene was performed and antibiotic susceptibility was checked. Phenotypic susceptibility analysis was performed by Modified Hodge Test (MHT) and Imipenem-EDTA Double Disc Synergy Test (IMP-EDTA DDST). The carbapenemases and MBL producing genes were amplified by PCR.Results: CRAB showed high resistance against piperacillin/tazobactam (99.3%), cefepime and ceftazidime (99.3% each), amikacin (91.3%), ciprofloxacin (96.7%) and levofloxacin (96.7%). Only one isolate showed resistance to colistin. The isolates positive for both MHT and DDST (n=70) were further characterized to detect metallo-β-lactamase genes. Molecular characterization revealed the presence of bla-OXA-51 gene in all tested isolates (100%) followed by bla-VIM 89%, bla-OXA-23 64%, respectively and so on. Few genes coexisted with each other including bla VIM, bla OXA 23, bla OXA 51 and bla NDM-1.  None of the isolate was found positive for bla-IMP gene.Conclusion: It is concluded that CRAB isolates exhibited a high rate of resistance towards antimicrobials because of the presence of drug hydrolyzing enzymes, carbapenemases and MBLs. This is among the rare study reported recently indicating CRAB isolates co-harboring many resistant genes are very difficult to treat. There is a dire need to develop novel antibiotics against resistant A. baumannii to minimize its prevalence. Moreover, it is recommended that colistin treatment in the clinical settings should be continuously monitored in order to prevent the development of resistance

Cervical cancer vaccination awareness and acceptance among the females of Punjab, Pakistan

Background: In developing countries like Pakistan, it is essential for health care professionals to have comprehensive knowledge regarding cervical cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional self-administered paper-based questionnaire was administered to patients from 2016 to 2018. This study included 200 females who attended the gynecological OPD of Lady Willingdon Hospital Lahore, Punjab. We evaluated cervical cancer knowledge, screening, prevention, and acceptance towards the vaccination. Data entry and analysis were performed using SPSS version 20. Results: The perception and knowledge related to cervical cancer (28%), screening (3%), prevention (3%), and vaccination (1%) among the females were poor, but a positive attitude was observed towards cervical cancer screening, vaccination, and awareness programs. An extreme lack of knowledge was observed regarding the risk factors associated with cervical cancer and the availability of the cervical cancer vaccine (99%). A significant association (p \u3e 0.005) was noted among the level of education and awareness of cervical cancer, its mode of transmission, and screening tests. Conclusion: The knowledge and perception of cervical cancer and its vaccine among the females of Punjab, Pakistan were inadequate. Efforts should be made to prevent and control cervical cancer in Pakistan by establishing proper strategies, such as health education programs through health care providers and media support

Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activity of bark of Gardenia latifolia

Gardenia latifolia (Rubiaceae) is commonly known as Indian boxwood or Ceylon boxwood, is a densely foliaceous small tree that occurs throughout the greater parts of Indian common in deciduous forests along the streams. The stem bark and fruits are reported to be used in the treatment of various ailments such as snake bite, skin diseases, stomach pains, caries in humans and ephemeral fever in live stocks. Many beneficial medicinal products are used to treat various serious diseases and disorders like diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases without side effects. Hence our study focused to investigate the phytochemical analysis, quantification of bioactive compounds, in vitro free radical scavenging activity (DPPH radical method), anti-inflammatory activity (Carrageenan induced hind paw oedema ), in vitro anti-diabetic activity by enzyme inhibition activity of bark of Gardenia latifolia (hydroalcoholic extract) which has boundless medicinal properties. The results of this study showed the evidence that the extracts when tested for their phytochemicals and free radical scavenging activity were found to have considerable antioxidant potential. This plant also exhibit better in vitro enzyme inhibitory activity and anti-inflammatory activity. The results of this study indicate that the hydroalcoholic extract of Gardenia latifolia bark has significant pharmacological properties. Keywords: Gardenia latifolia, Phytochemical analysis, DPPH radical method, Anti-inflammatory activity, Anti-diabetic activit

Bacterial contamination of Saudi Arabian paper currency: A report from Al-Kharj

Background: Currency is a public support tool for exchange of commodity and services. It’s prevalent practice for acquiring bread to broast and bath to bed has connected all human being together irrespective of race and occupation. Currency notes along with their denomination values also carry pathogens if contaminated and will act as an agent for infection transference. Therefore the objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the load microbial pathogens of paper currency collected in selected public places of Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.Methods: Currency notes under study were assessed through microbiological culture, microscopic and biochemical visualization techniques.Results: The results from this cross-sectional study suggested that lower the currency denominations higher was the microbial contaminations, frequency percentage was lower with higher isolations. Small eateries were the biggest source of contaminated currency from the ten selected centres. Percentage microorganism occurrence for Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Klebsiella sp. and E. coli was 56.84%, 25.03%, 13.40% and 04.71% respectively in all currency notes under study.Conclusions: The outcomes of this study revealed that currency notes can be a source for microbe transmission causing infectious diseases represent public health hazards to the community and individuals

Staphylococcus aureus carrying lukS/F Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) toxin genes in hospitals of Lahore city

Introduction: Panton Valentine-Leukocidin (PVL) toxin is secreted by Staphylococcus aureus and is mostly associated with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI). This study aims to find out the prevalence of lukS/F-PV gene, which encode PVL toxin from strains of SSTI, burn wounds and nasal colonizers of out-patients and to measure the antimicrobial susceptibility of S. aureus isolates. Methodology: This is an analytical observational cross-section study and was conducted from July 2014 to June 2015 at four tertiary care hospitals and PCSIR Laboratories Complex, Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 376 random clinical swabs were collected from SSTI (n = 179), nasal nares (n = 134) and burn wounds (n = 63) from out-patients’ departments (OPD). The specimens were cultured on nutrient and mannitol salt agar (MSA) and the organism was identified by catalase, coagulase, and DNase tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility, methicillin, inducible clindamycin, and high-level mupirocin (HLMR) resistance were determined as per CLSI guidelines. Molecular identification of mecA and lukS/F-PV genes was performed by PCR. Results: We isolated 127 S. aureus, where 41 (32.3%) were MRSA and 86 (67.7%) were MSSA. All MRSA carried mecA gene whereas lukS/F-PV gene was found in 21 MRSA and 31 MSSA strains. Overall, a high antimicrobial resistance was found against MRSA and lukS/F-PV positive MSSA. Inducible clindamycin and high-level mupirocin resistance (HLMR) was 23.6% and 19.5% respectively. Conclusions: A high rate of PVL toxin gene was detected among S. aureus strains and a high prevalence of antimicrobial resistant strains was observed

2D nanostructures: Potential in diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have garnered enormous attention seemingly due to their unusual architecture and properties. Graphene and graphene oxide based 2D nanomaterials remained the most sought after for several years but the quest to design superior 2D nanomaterials which can find wider application gave rise to development of non-graphene 2D materials as well. Consequently, in addition to graphene based 2D nanomaterials, 2D nanostructures designed using macromolecules (such as DNAs, proteins, peptides and peptoids), transition metal dichalcogenides, transition-metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXene), black phosphorous, chitosan, hexagonal boron nitrides, and graphitic carbon nitride, and covalent organic frameworks have been developed. Interestingly, these 2D nanomaterials have found applications in diagnosis and treatment of various diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although AD is one of the most debilitating neurodegenerative conditions across the globe; unfortunately, there remains a paucity of effective diagnostic and/or therapeutic intervention for it till date. In this scenario, nanomaterial-based biosensors, or therapeutics especially 2D nanostructures are emerging to be promising in this regard. This review summarizes the diagnostic and therapeutic platforms developed for AD using 2D nanostructures. Collectively, it is worth mentioning that these 2D nanomaterials would seemingly provide an alternative and intriguing platform for biomedical interventions

Glucose‐lowering medication associated with weight loss may limit the progression of diabetic neuropathy in type 2 diabetes

Aim: Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study investigated the effect of glucose lowering medication associated with weight change on DPN. Methods: Participants with T2D were grouped based on whether their glucose lowering medications were associated with weight gain (WG) or weight loss (WL). They underwent clinical, metabolic testing and assessment of neuropathic symptoms, vibration perception threshold (VPT), sudomotor function and corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) at baseline and follow‐up between 4 and 7 years. Results: Of 76 participants, 69.7% were on glucose lowering medication associated with WG, and 30.3% were on glucose lowering medication associated with WL. At baseline, participants in the WG group had a significantly longer duration of diabetes (p < .01), higher douleur neuropathique en 4 (DN4) score (p < .0001) and VPT (p = .01) compared with those in the WL group. Over a 56‐month period, participants in the WG group showed no significant change in body weight (p = .11), HbA1c (p = .18), triglycerides (p = .42), DN4 (p = .11), VPT (p = .15) or Sudoscan (p = .43), but showed a decline in corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD) and corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) (p < .0001). Participants in the WL group showed a reduction in weight (p = .01) and triglycerides (p < .05), no change in DN4 (p = .30), VPT (p = .31) or Sudoscan (p = .17) and a decline in the corneal nerve branch density (p < .01). Conclusions: Participants treated with glucose lowering medication associated with weight gain had worse neuropathy and greater loss of corneal nerves during follow‐up, compared to patients treated with medication associated with weight loss