The role of center of mass kinematics in predicting peak utilized coefficient of friction during walking

Slips frequently occur when the friction required between the foot and floor exceeds available surface slip resistance. To date, the ability to identify variables that predict an individual's friction needs during walking, or utilized coefficient of friction (COFU), remains limited. Understanding COFU in the context of pedestrian/walkway accidents is important as individuals who demonstrate higher COFU are at a greater risk of slipping. This study determined if whole body center of mass (CM) kinematics were predictive of peak COFU during walking. Ground reaction forces and kinematic data were recorded simultaneously as subjects walked. Stepwise regression analysis determined that the combination of the subject's CM-to-center-of-pressure angle and CM anterior (i.e., forward) velocity predicted 62% of the variance in peak COFU during weight acceptance (p < 0.001). The identified relationships between CM kinematics and peak COFU provide insight into how gait and individual anthropometric characteristics may increase risk for slip initiation.     

Regulatory Design for Scientific Uncertainty: Acknowledging the Diversity of Approaches in Environmental Regulation and Public Administration

Environmental regulatory design addresses scientific uncertaintythrough a range of regulatory design tools. The seven approachesidentified and considered in this article are termed (1) theacknowledgement of scientific uncertainty (2) the burden shiftingapproach (3) the ‘sound science’ approach (4) theconsequences approach (5) the consensus approach (6) the estimationapproach and (7) the adaptive management approach. Analysisof some common environmental legislative frameworks suggeststhat, rather than occurring in isolation, these seven approachesare frequently incorporated into legislative regimes in a multitudeof combinations. The article also highlights the implicationsof expressly embedding a precautionary approach within pre-existingenvironmental regulatory frameworks, such as has occurred withinAustralian environmental regimes. Finally, the article exploresthe advantages and disadvantages of each approach and the variouscircumstances that favour the adoption of a particular regulatoryapproach to scientific uncertainty. In doing so, it suggestsan agenda for future empirical research on approaches to regulatorydesign for scientific uncertainty.     

Why do young people start and continue with ethical hacking? A qualitative study on individual and social aspects in the lives of ethical hackers

Research Summary

This qualitative interview study examined individual and social aspects in the lives of 15 hackers who started with ethical hacking before the age of 18. We examined what motivated and stimulated them to start with ethical hacking and how and why they continued. Results show that individual aspects, such as an early interest in ICT (Information and Communication Technology), the motivation to make systems more secure, and thinking of reporting vulnerabilities as a moral duty, contribute to the initiation of ethical hacking. Social aspects, such as role models, mainly play a role in the further development of the ethical hacking career. For example, peers, parents, friends, and hacker communities have a motivating and stimulating effect on young ethical hackers. Similarly, positive reactions from public and private system owners can further stimulate the development and self-image of ethical hackers.

Policy Implications

In contrast to criminal hackers, ethical hackers improve cybersecurity, for example, by reporting weaknesses or errors in computer systems. Nowadays, an increasing number of public and private organizations around the world are creating cybersecurity policies and practices around ethical hacking. The interest in hacking usually arises at an early age, making it important to gain knowledge about what stimulates and motivates young people to start and continue with ethical hacking, to inform these policies and practices. Our results show that recognition and reactions from system owners are important in the ethical hacking career. Our recommendations based on these results could stimulate more young people to take the ethical path. Simultaneously, this increases the security of public and private organizations, reducing opportunities for criminal hackers.