DolphinAtack: Inaudible Voice Commands

Speech recognition (SR) systems such as Siri or Google Now have become an increasingly popular human-computer interaction method, and have turned various systems into voice controllable systems(VCS). Prior work on attacking VCS shows that the hidden voice commands that are incomprehensible to people can control the systems. Hidden voice commands, though hidden, are nonetheless audible. In this work, we design a completely inaudible attack, DolphinAttack, that modulates voice commands on ultrasonic carriers (e.g., f > 20 kHz) to achieve inaudibility. By leveraging the nonlinearity of the microphone circuits, the modulated low frequency audio commands can be successfully demodulated, recovered, and more importantly interpreted by the speech recognition systems. We validate DolphinAttack on popular speech recognition systems, including Siri, Google Now, Samsung S Voice, Huawei HiVoice, Cortana and Alexa. By injecting a sequence of inaudible voice commands, we show a few proof-of-concept attacks, which include activating Siri to initiate a FaceTime call on iPhone, activating Google Now to switch the phone to the airplane mode, and even manipulating the navigation system in an Audi automobile. We propose hardware and software defense solutions. We validate that it is feasible to detect DolphinAttack by classifying the audios using supported vector machine (SVM), and suggest to re-design voice controllable systems to be resilient to inaudible voice command attacks.Comment: 15 pages, 17 figure

CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION: A SERIOUS THREAT TO GLOBAL SECURITY

Climate change and environmental degradation are significant threats to the survival of humanity. However, existing research focuses on the nexus between climate change and environmental degradation, highlighting the causes that strengthen the relationship. Despite experts expressing strong sentiments about the two phenomena being risks to global security, the assertions have drawn inadequate attention from scholars and practitioners, who prioritize illustrating the causes and impacts of climate change and environmental degradation instead. This narrative review aims to fill the gap by presenting evidence that affirms the theory about climate change and environmental degradation being primary security concerns for contemporary society. Climate change and environmental degradation cause security concerns through threats to military infrastructure and installations, depletion of resources leading to conflicts over disputed claims, and displacement of people, causing migration and refugees. Therefore, mitigating the causes of climate change is the most plausible strategy for reducing the threat to national and global security.  Article visualizations

Climate Change and Ocean Acidification: Unraveling the Complex Interactions and Implications for Marine Ecosystems

Purpose: The study aims to investigate the intricate relationship between ocean acidification and climate change, providing insights into their impacts on marine ecosystems. It seeks to identify sources of greenhouse gases, assess reef vulnerability, and analyze temperature changes\u27 effects on marine biodiversity. Methodology: Quantitative research methods are employed, utilizing data from Bangladesh, the USA, India, and the UK. Dynamic patterns in coral reef health, ocean acidification, greenhouse gas emissions, and marine ecosystem health are assessed between 2019 and 2023. Qualitative analysis supplements the quantitative findings, enhancing understanding of climate change\u27s impacts on marine ecosystems and mitigation strategies. Findings: The study reveals clear patterns in the countries studied, emphasizing the urgency for continuous monitoring and protection of marine ecosystems. It provides insights into how climate change affects marine ecosystems, triggers ocean acidification, and identifies sources of greenhouse gas emissions. The research underscores the necessity for collaborative efforts to address climate change impacts and promote ecosystem resilience. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice, and Policy: The study contributes to a better understanding of the complex dynamics between ocean acidification, climate change, and marine ecosystems. It offers valuable insights to inform conservation initiatives, policy decisions, and strategies aimed at mitigating adverse impacts on marine species. By highlighting the importance of collective action, the research advocates for a comprehensive approach to address climate change\u27s effects on ecosystems and oceans, fostering resilience and sustainability

The Nexus of Water Scarcity and Climate Change: Understanding Interconnected Challenges and Formulating Resilient Strategies

Purpose: This research explores the intricate relationship between water scarcity and climate change, recognizing their interconnected challenges and the need for resilient strategies. Through a multifaceted approach, the study examines global impacts, socio-economic ramifications, and strategies for mitigation. Methodology: Using qualitative research methods, diverse perspectives from 40 individuals across various sectors are captured through interviews. Thematic analysis of these insights reveals the nuanced dynamics of the nexus between water scarcity and climate change. Findings: The results underscore the urgent need for comprehensive understanding and action. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and melting glaciers exacerbate water stress, threatening ecosystems, societies, and economies globally. Socioeconomic implications include reduced agricultural productivity, compromised food security, and increased vulnerability of marginalized communities. Resilient strategies are proposed, including Integrated Water Resource Management, Climate Resilient Infrastructure, and Sustainable Agricultural Practices. Additionally, fostering Community Engagement, Policy Reform, and International Cooperation are vital. Nature-based solutions offer promise in mitigating impacts, while education and awareness-raising efforts are crucial for building resilience. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This research provides a roadmap for addressing the interconnected challenges of water scarcity and climate change, emphasizing the importance of coordinated action and sustained commitment at all levels. By implementing these strategies, we can pave the way for sustainable water management and adaptation to a changing climate, ensuring the well-being of present and future generations

LOCAL RESPONSES TO CLIMATIC DISASTERS: ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS IN SATKHIRA, NAOGAON, AND KURIGRAM, BANGLADESH

This study investigates the diverse livelihood options and adaptive strategies in response to disasters in the Satkhira, Naogaon, and Kurigram districts. The research identifies distinctive livelihoods in Satkhira, such as crab collection and shrimp culture, and in Naogaon, mango-related businesses. Disasters significantly impact income and livelihood opportunities, with Satkhira and Kurigram experiencing more severe disruptions than Naogaon. Adaptation strategies vary by district: in Satkhira, loan-taking, savings use, and diversification of income sources are predominant, whereas, in Naogaon and Kurigram, multiple earning sources and alternative livelihoods are prioritised. The study reveals low overall livelihood support, with Kurigram receiving the most effective and sustainable aid. Knowledge and demand for climate-resilient livelihoods remain low across all districts, underscoring the need for financial, technical, and training support to enhance resilience. The research highlights the critical necessity for targeted interventions to bolster livelihood resilience in these vulnerable regions.  Article visualizations

Functional analysis of human RPS14 null alleles

Previously we described a large collection of cloned human DNAs that encode chemically defined missense mutations within the ribosomal protein S14 sequence. We determined that biologically inactive (i.e. null) alleles resulted primarily from point mutations targeted to two internal segments of the S14-coding sequence and designated these functionally critical regions as domains B and D. Further, we inferred that structural determinants within domains B and D are required for proper incorporation of the S14 protein into nascent 40 S ribosomal particles and/or for the normal function of mature cytoplasmic ribosomes. In this study we have used immunofluorescence to monitor the intracellular trafficking of epitopically labeled human S14 protein isoforms transiently expressed by cultured Chinese hamster cells. Data obtained distinguish null alleles of RPS14 which encode proteins that are not incorporated into pre-ribosomal subunit particles from null alleles whose products are compatible with normal ribosome assembly processes but result in functionally inactive cytoplasmic 40 S ribosomal subunits. Mutations assigned to the first allele class involve amino acid replacements located within S14 domains B and D; whereas mutations assigned to the second class are distributed throughout the S14 protein-coding sequence.This research was supported by grants GM23013 and GM38932 from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and a postdoctoral research fellowship to J.M.N. from the Kansas Health Foundation (Wichita, KS)

Importance Scores are Important When Examining Customer Satisfaction

Through recent years consumer research has extensively analyzed the psychological determinants of customer satisfaction attitudes. However, customer satisfaction with a particular service factor (e.g., “friendly service”) does not necessarily reflect the customer’s evaluation of the factor with respect to its importance. The hypothesis that “Importance” ratings contain valuable information about customer attitudes was explored with data collected over a four-year period with onboard patrons of a public transportation utility. The items were grouped into two sections: Service Factors (18 items) and Driver Behavior (9 items). Factor analysis suggests that Importance and Satisfaction load largely on separate factors, with a third factor representing “Driver Behaviors”. Evidence to support that gender and sex differences significantly affect what customers determine to be important in service are commonly seen in factors of Safety (on the bus; at bus stops), Cleanliness, and Driver Courtesy. Implications of these findings are discussed

LEARNING WINDOWS FOR THE COOLING LOAD OF THE BUILDING

The present research comprises the design of a scientific educational program by computer, it is represented by preparing a group of main windows and other secondary windows, this program was written via using visual basic language to educate students the multi-types of thermal cooling load sources and how to calculate it for different buildings for both the students and the designing engineer by using the equations and tables which were prepared for this purpose. This program consists of (15) main windows and (10) secondary windows for help, the first one is specified for the title of the program and the purpose of its preparing, the second main window until the eleventh are specified to enter the required data, while the main windows from number twelfth to fifteenth are specified to review the results as tables and graphs and to review a summary report about the peak cooling load of the building. The user can enter the secondary windows from the main windows which are specified to produce the help to the students or the users of the program about the meaning of the cooling load and its sources and how to calculate it in an explicit by using equations and the required tables