36 research outputs found
Inducible and Plasmid Mediated AmpC Beta-Lactamase among Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital of South India
No full textSome Aggregate ForwardSecure Signature Schemes, In:
No full textAbstract: Ordinary digital signatures have an inherent weakness: if the secret key is leaked, then all signatures, even the ones generated before the leak, are no longer trustworthy. Forward-secure digital signatures address this weakness, they ensure that the past signatures remain secure even if the current secret key is leaked. Following the notion of aggregate signatures introduced by Boneh et al, which provides compression of signatures, we have come up with aggregate signature schemes for ElGamal, DSA and BellareMiner forward-secure signatures. We describe two schemes of aggregation for the Bellare-Miner Scheme. The first is a aggregate signature scheme with aggregation done separately in different time periods.The second is a aggregate signature scheme with aggregation done for a set of time periods. All our schemes can be used for multiple signers. To avoid individual verification of signatures, we propose a method by which the verifier will be able to verify n signatures at a time using a single verification equation. We observe that our method saves approximately 160n modular multiplications when compared to individual signature verification of DSA. Keywords : Aggregate Signature, Forward-Security, Key evolution, Hash function, Digital Signature. I Introduction Aggregate signature schemes were introduced in 2003 by Boneh, Gentry, Lynn and Shacham [6]. Basically, an aggregate signature scheme is a digital signature that supports aggregation: Given n signatures on n distinct messages from n distinct users, it is possible to aggregate all these signatures into a single short signature. This single signature will convince the verifier that the n users did indeed sign the n original messages (i.e., user i signed message M i for i = 1, . . . , n). The advantage of these signatures is that they provide compression of signatures. In a general signature aggregation scheme each user i signs her message M i to obtain a signature σ i . Then anyone can use a public aggregation algorithm to take all n signatures σ 1 , . . . , σ n and compress them into a single signature σ. Moreover, the aggregation can be performed incrementally. Signatures σ 1 , σ 2 can be aggregated into σ 12 which can then be further aggregated with σ 3 to obtain σ 123 , and so on. Received December 22, 2008 There is also an aggregate verification algorithm that takes P K 1 , . . . , P K n , M 1 , . . . , M n and σ to decide whether the aggregate signature is valid. Thus, an aggregate signature provides non-repudiation at once on many different messages by many users. This is referred to as general aggregation since aggregation can be done by anyone and without the cooperation of the signers. In another type of aggregation called sequential aggregation scheme, signature aggregation can only be done during the signing process. Each signer in turn sequentially adds her signature to the current aggregate. Thus, there is an explicit order imposed on the aggregate signature and the signers must communicate with each other during the aggregation process. Operationally, sequential aggregation works as follows: U ser 1 signs M 1 to obtain σ 1 ; U ser 2 then combines σ 1 and M 2 to obtain σ 2 ; and so on. The final signature σ n binds U ser i to M i for all i = 1, . . . , n. In [6], the concept of an aggregate signature, security models for such signatures, and applications for aggregate signatures are presented. They construct an efficient aggregate signature from a recent short signature scheme based on bilinear maps due to Boneh, Lynn, and Shacham [6]. In 1554-1010 $ 03.50 Dynamic Publishers, Inc
Flood perception and mitigation: The role of severity, agency, and experience in the purchase of flood protection, and the communication of flood information
No full textProtection of human life and property from flooding is a strategic priority in
the UK. We examine how to encourage home owners to protect themselves and their
residences. A model of factors that influence the decision to buy flood
protection devices is tested using survey data from 2,109 home owners. The
results showed that the majority of respondents have not purchased domestic
flood protection (N=1,732; 82.1%). Purchase of flood protection devices was
influenced by age; perceived seriousness; and beliefs about, and trust in, the
role of regulators in managing flooding. In younger respondents, the perceived
seriousness of the dangers of flooding acted as precursors and barriers to
action depending on individual sense of responsibility and agency. The second
part of the study examined responsiveness to information. Information about
flooding alone was insufficient to promote behavioural change, particularly
among people who have not experienced a flood or who believe that they are not
in a flood zone. Implications for understanding flood protection, managing
agency issues, and flood communication campaigns are discussed
Integration of GIS and GPS as a Decision Support Tool in a GAMS Based Network Level Pavement Maintenance Optimisation System
No full textThe transportation system is crucial for a country's growth, with road transport connecting villages and cities, especially in developing countries like India. Neglecting road maintenance leads to severe pavement impairment and reconstruction expenses, affecting the economy. Government challenges include deteriorating urban roads and inadequate funding, resulting in subjective, ad-hoc maintenance decisions. An effective Pavement Management System is essential for optimal maintenance and rehabilitation. This study assesses urban road sections, clusters them, develops performance prediction models, and identifies maintenance treatments to create a decision support system. Distress data collected over six years, pre and post-monsoon, was used to calculate Pavement Condition Indices. Sections were grouped using the K-means algorithm for better modeling, and a deterministic deterioration model estimated pavement conditions over time. Optimized maintenance treatments for five years were determined using Generic Algebraic Modeling System software. A user-friendly GIS interface graphically represents the road network, incorporating collected data and optimized treatments.The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
Influence of Nitrogen Application Rates on Yield and Yield Attributes of Long Duration Varieties of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)
No full textA field experiment was carried out at ICAR- Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), Sreekariyam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India to investigate the effect of different nitrogen application rates on yield and yield attributes of two long-duration cassava varieties during March, 2021 to February, 2022. The experiment was set up in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications involving two factors- two cassava varieties (Sree Pavithra and Sree Reksha) and five different nitrogen application rates (0%, 25%, 50%, 100% and 125%) of recommended nitrogen dose of 100 kg ha-1. The study revealed that the application of super optimal dose of nitrogen (125%RD of nitrogen @ 125 kg ha-1) significantly increased the yield (52.61 t ha-1) and yield attributes namely number of tubers (3.55) plant-1, average lenth of tuber (25.48 cm), average diameter of the tuber (12 cm) and average tuber yield plant-1 (4.24 kg) in cassava. Also, super optimal dose of nitrogen positively influenced SPAD 502 chlorophyll meter reading (45.13), leaf chlorophyll a content (1.52, 1.72 mg g-1), chlorophyll b (0.64, 0.72 mg g-1) content and total chlorophyll content (2.20, 2.49 mg g-1), leaf carotene content (0.42, 0.48 mg g-1) in V1 (Sree Pavithra) V2 (Sree Reksha) respectively. Super optimal level of nitrogen positively influenced nitrogen content in leaf,stem and tuber along with phosphorous and potash content in both varieties of cassava
Attraction to Chance in Germany and Australia. An experimental study of cultural differences
No full textThis paper explores cultural differences in risky choices between Australian and German students. The focus is not on risk itself, but on tension which is a positive attribute of risky choices. Furthermore, the effects of real versus hypothetical payoffs are analysed. The experiment of this paper shows that in a given set of tension creating choices, Australians do choose tension more often than Germans, while Germans prefer higher tension. Additionally it is shown that real payoffs do make a difference in the data, but the real payoff even increases the effect.
Structural, iono and thermoluminescence properties of heavy ion (100 MeV Si7+) bombarded Zn2SiO4:Sm3+ nanophosphor
No full textStructural, iono (IL) and thermoluminescence (TL) studies of Zn2SiO4:Sm3+ (1-5 mol%) nanophosphor bombarded with swift heavy ions in the fluence range 3.91 x 10(12)-21.48 x 10(12) cm(-2) have been carried out. The average crystallite sizes for pristine and ion irradiated for 3.91 x 10(12) ions cm(-2) and 21.48 x 10(12) ions cm(-2) were found to be 34, 26 and 20 nm. With increase of ion fluence, the intensity of XRD peaks decreases and FWHM increases. The peak broadening indicates the stress induced point/clusters defects produced due to heavy ion irradiation. IL studies were carried out for different Sm3+ concentrations in Zn2SiO4 by irradiating with ion fluence of 15.62 x 10(12) ions cm(-2). The characteristic emission peaks at similar to 562, 599, 646 and 701 nm were recorded by exciting Si7+ ions in the fluence range 3.91 x 10(12)-21.48 x 10(12) ions cm(-2). These peaks were attributed to (4)G(5/2)-> H-6(5/2) (562 nm), (4)G(5/2)-> H-6(7/2) (599 nm), (4)G(5/2)-> H-6(9/2) (646 nm), and (4)G(5/2)-> H-6(5/2) (701 nm) transitions of Sm3+. The highest emission was recorded at 3 mol% of Sm3+ doped Zn2SiO4. TL studies were carried out for 3 mol% Sm3+ concentration in the fluence range 3.91 x 10(12)-21.48 x 10(12) ions cm(-2). Two U glow peaks at 152 and 223 degrees C were recorded. The kinetic parameters (E, b, and s), were estimated using Chen's peak shape method. Simple glow curve structure (223 degrees C), highly resistive, increase in TL. intensity up to 19.53 x 10(12) ions cm(-2), simple trap distribution makes Zn2SiO4:Sm3+ (3 mol%) phosphor highly useful in radiation dosimetry
Innovative approaches to AMR education: evaluating the impact of gamification on empowering ASHA workers’ knowledge and engagement in Mysuru, India
No full textAbstract Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a major threat to public health, especially in LMICs. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) are key community health workers in India who can be empowered to promote rational antibiotic use. Objective To compare the effectiveness of gamified versus conventional teaching methods in improving AMR-related knowledge among ASHAs in Mysuru, south India. Methods A prospective interventional study was conducted among 73 ASHAs during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2024. Group A (n = 31) received gamified training using interactive games, and Group B (n = 42) received conventional teaching through lectures and board-based instruction. Knowledge was assessed using a 25-item questionnaire before and after the intervention. Data were analysed via Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results Knowledge improved in both groups, but gains were markedly higher with gamification. The mean post-test score reached 86.08% in gamified training versus 54.48% for conventional teaching (p < 0.001; effect size r = 0.75). Gamified training consistently outperformed conventional methods across all infection domains, leading to predominantly good-to-excellent knowledge levels. Conclusion Gamified interventions substantially enhanced ASHAs’ knowledge compared to conventional teaching, offering a scalable and low-cost strategy to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship in community settings. Long-term studies are needed to assess retention and behavior change
Conhecimento de médicos pediatras sobre a composição dos medicamentos mais prescritos e os possíveis efeitos na cavidade bucal.
No full textTCC (graduação) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Centro de Ciências da Saúde. Odontologia.Introdução: O desenvolvimento da cárie ocorre com a perda de minerais dos dentes devido à ação de ácidos produzidos por fermentação bacteriana dos açúcares presentes na dieta. Além do consumo de bebidas e alimentos cariogênicos ingeridos pelas crianças, medicamentos contendo a sacarose podem ser outro fator relacionado à doença. A sacarose é um facilitador para adesão ao tratamento e muitas crianças necessitam da utilização prolongada desses medicamentos podendo gerar além do efeito terapêutico alguns efeitos adversos, como a cárie dental. Objetivo: Avaliar o potencial cariogênico dos medicamentos infantis mais prescritos pelos médicos pediatras atuantes no Estado de Santa Catarina e participantes do XIII Congresso Catarinense de Pediatria. Método: A primeira etapa da pesquisa consistitiu-se na realização de um questionário para verificar quais os medicamentos mais prescritos pelos médicos pediatras que participaram do Congresso em Florianópolis e que atuam no Estado de Santa Catarina. Dentre os fármacos mais prescritos foram selecionados 5 (cinco) de laboratórios diferentes para a etapa seguinte, os quais foram analisados quanto a composição, formas de administração e o pH endógeno. A composição e forma de administração foram verificadas através da bula do medicamento e o pH endógeno foi medido através de um pHmetro. Conclusão: Os analgésicos como Paracetamol e Dipirona são os medicamentos mais prescritos, seguidos dos antibióticos Amoxicilina e Cefalexina e do medicamento Sulfato de Salbutamol. Os pediatras ainda prescrevem poucos medicamentos sem sacarose e possuem pouca informação a respeito dos cuidados bucais frente ao uso desses medicamentos. Por conseguinte os profissionais pouco orientam os pais e/ou responsáveis
Sensores modificados com monocamadas auto-organizadas de tióis para determinação de dopamina, tiodicarbe e catequina
No full textTese (doutorado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Ciências Físicas e Matemáticas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Florianópolis, 2011Foi construído um biossensor para dopamina a partir da modificação de um eletrodo de ouro com SAM de L-cisteína, sobre a qual foi imobilizada peroxidase obtida de brotos de feijão (Vigna radiata). O biossensor apresentou resposta linear para dopamina de 9,91x10-6 a 2,21x10-4 mol L-1 com limite de detecção de 4,78x10-7 mol L-1. Os resultados obtidos na determinação de dopamina em fármacos com este sensor estão de acordo com aqueles obtidos com o método espectrofotométrico em um nível de 95% de confiança. Um segundo biossensor construído a base de SAM de L-cisteína e peroxidase de broto de alfafa (Medicago sativa) foi empregado para determinação de tiodicarbe em amostras de batatas, maçãs e morangos. Usando este sensor, a curva analítica foi linear para tiodicarbe nas concentrações entre 2,27x10-6 e 4,40x10-5 mol L-1 com limite de detecção de 5,75x10-7 mol L-1. Os resultados do método proposto estão de acordo em um nível de 95% de confiança com os resultados do procedimento de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Foi também desenvolvido um sensor para determinação de catequina em chá verde, no qual um complexo de níquel (II) foi imobilizado sobre SAM de ácido 3-mercaptopropiônico na superfície do eletrodo de ouro. Este eletrodo modificado apresentou uma resposta linear para catequina no intervalo de 3,31x10-6 a 2,53x10-5 mol L-1 com limite de detecção de 8,26x10-7 mol L-1. A determinação de catequina em chá verde utilizando o sensor proposto está de acordo com o método de eletroforese capilar em um nível de confiança de 95%
