How to punish cyber criminals: A study to investigate the target and consequence based punishments for malware attacks in UK, USA, China, Ethiopia & Pakistan.

Numerous research studies have highlighted the exponential growth of malware attacks worldwide, posing a significant threat to society. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly merciless and show no signs of pity towards individuals or organizations. It is evident that cyber criminals will stop at nothing to gain unauthorized access to confidential information. To effectively combat malware attacks, strict cyber laws are necessary, and the use of malware is punishable in many countries. However, the literature has not addressed whether these penalties create deterrence or not. This research article has addressed this gap. In this study, the effectiveness of criminal laws related to malware-related crimes in various jurisdictions was analyzed using the doctrinal research methodology. The cyber laws of the USA, UK, Ethiopia, Pakistan, and China were examined to determine whether the penalties imposed for these crimes are appropriate given the severity of the harm caused. The study concludes that malware penalties should take into account the creation or use of malicious code, targeting individuals or organizations, and the magnitude of consequences, regardless of whether mens rea is present or not.

IoT-Based COVID-19 Diagnosing and Monitoring Systems: A Survey.

To date, the novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has infected millions and has caused the deaths of thousands of people around the world. At the moment, five antibodies, two from China, two from the U.S., and one from the UK, have already been widely utilized and numerous vaccines are under the trail process. In order to reach herd immunity, around 70% of the population would need to be inoculated. It may take several years to hinder the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Governments and concerned authorities have taken stringent measurements such as enforcing partial, complete, or smart lockdowns, building temporary medical facilities, advocating social distancing, and mandating masks in public as well as setting up awareness campaigns. Furthermore, there have been massive efforts in various research areas and a wide variety of tools, technologies and techniques have been explored and developed to combat the war against this pandemic. Interestingly, machine learning (ML) algorithms and internet of Things (IoTs) technology are the pioneers in this race. Up till now, several real-time and intelligent IoT-based COVID-19 diagnosing, and monitoring systems have been proposed to tackle the pandemic. In this article we have analyzed a wide range of IoTs technologies which can be used in diagnosing and monitoring the infected individuals and hotspot areas. Furthermore, we identify the challenges and also provide our vision about the future research on COVID-19.

Nematode community structure along elevation gradient in high altitude vegetation cover of Gangotri National Park (Uttarakhand), India.

The study was undertaken to understand the dynamics of soil nematode communities association along elevation gradient and associated variables in high-altitude regions of Western Himalaya. The diversity and distribution pattern of soil nematodes were investigated at four elevation ranges (Elv1, Elv2, Elv3, and Elv4 each of 500 m class) along altitudinal gradient (3000-5000 m). The nematode community comprised 58 genera of which 37 genera showed sensitivity towards altitudinal variation and the community structure also varied among elevation classes. It was found that elevation significantly affect the nematodes trophic group, diversity composition, and the nematode indices. Nematode generic richness and evenness index indicated a relatively low biodiversity of soil nematodes is supported at higher altitudes. Moreover, maturity indices reflected lower sustenance of k-strategic nematodes at higher elevations. Structure index depicted fewer connections in the soil food web at higher elevations. Nematode faunal profile showed low nutrient and low disturbance in the region. Carbon footprint of the whole nematode assemblage declined along the elevation. Overall substantial differences in the nematode composition, abundance, trophic structure, and contribution to belowground carbon cycling were observed with change in elevation. These findings could be utilized as useful tool in the long-term monitoring and to understand the region's soil health.