Security threat probability computation using Markov Chain and Common Vulnerability Scoring System

© 2018 IEEE. Security metrics have become essential for assessing the security risks and making effective decisions concerning system security. Many security metrics rely on mathematical models, but are mainly based on empirical data, qualitative method, or compliance checking and this renders the outcome far from accurate. This paper proposes a novel approach to compute the probability distribution of cloud security threats based on Markov chain and Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS). The paper gives an application on cloud systems to demonstrate the use of the proposed approach

Instantaneous Decentralized Poker

We present efficient protocols for amortized secure multiparty computation with penalties and secure cash distribution, of which poker is a prime example. Our protocols have an initial phase where the parties interact with a cryptocurrency network, that then enables them to interact only among themselves over the course of playing many poker games in which money changes hands. The high efficiency of our protocols is achieved by harnessing the power of stateful contracts. Compared to the limited expressive power of Bitcoin scripts, stateful contracts enable richer forms of interaction between standard secure computation and a cryptocurrency. We formalize the stateful contract model and the security notions that our protocols accomplish, and provide proofs using the simulation paradigm. Moreover, we provide a reference implementation in Ethereum/Solidity for the stateful contracts that our protocols are based on. We also adopt our off-chain cash distribution protocols to the special case of stateful duplex micropayment channels, which are of independent interest. In comparison to Bitcoin based payment channels, our duplex channel implementation is more efficient and has additional features

Food chain inefficiency (FCI) : accounting conversion efficiencies across entire food supply chains to re-define food loss and waste

Achieving global food security requires a new approach that integrates not only all aspects of the growing, harvesting and processing of food (necessary to ensure sufficient affordable and sustainable production to alleviate hunger) but also the complexities associated with food consumption including deterring unhealthy overconsumption. Inefficiencies occur at various points along the agri-food supply chain but at present they are inadequately conceptualized via separate accounts of food loss, food waste, supply chain management, and public health. Here we re-define food loss and waste through the concept of conversion efficiency applied to the entire system, an approach up to now only applied to the primary processes of crop productivity. Nine conversion efficiencies are defined: sunlight capture efficiency; photosynthesis use efficiency; biomass allocation efficiency; harvesting efficiency; storage and distribution efficiency; processing efficiency; retailing efficiency; consumption efficiency; and dietary efficiency. Using the production and consumption of bread in the UK as an example, we demonstrate how efficiencies may be estimated and thus where the main inefficiencies lie, so indicating where the most significant improvements could be made. We suggest that our approach, which introduces the term Food Chain Inefficiency (FCI) to re-define food loss and waste, provides a rational and effective way to devise the practical interventions and policies needed to deliver a sustainable agri-food system

Aid Nexus : A Blockchain Based Financial Distribution System

Blockchain technology has emerged as a disruptive force with transformative potential across numerous industries, promising efficient and automated solutions that can revolutionize traditional systems. By leveraging decentralized ledger systems, blockchain offers enhanced security, transparency, and transaction verification without the need for intermediaries. The finance sector is exploring blockchain-based solutions for payments, remittances, lending, and investments, while healthcare adopts the technology for medical record keeping, supply chain tracking, and data management. Similarly, supply chain management benefits from blockchain's ability to enhance transparency, traceability, and accountability from raw materials to finished products. Other sectors, including real estate, energy, and government, are also investigating blockchain-based solutions to improve efficiency, security, and transparency. Furthermore, smart contracts within the blockchain enable process automation, reducing manual intervention in distribution workflows. AidNeux, a consortium-based blockchain DApp, reimagines the distribution of financial assistance by addressing inefficiencies and opaqueness. Using smart contracts ensures the security and directness of money transfers. Its robust digital identity verification and real-time auditability reduce fraud risks and strengthen accountability, thereby presenting a scalable, transparent solution to problems inherent to conventional financial aid systems

Perception of Performance Indicators in an Agri-Food Supply Chain: A Case Study of India\u27s Public Distribution System

Availability of nutritious, safe food, and guaranteed resources for a household to acquire food at all times results in food security. Availability of food at affordable price remains the greater challenge. Currently, the Indian government runs the Public Distribution System to provide commodity subsidies to households. Various government and private stakeholders are involved in making this procurement, storage, processing and distribution process work. The involvement of a large number of stakeholders, each with different interests, increases the complexity and difficulty to identify performance indicators of the supply chain. Current research evaluates the relationship among the participating stakeholders in the public distribution system and ways in which these stakeholders construct the definition of performance measurements. This is done by utilizing a case study of Public distribution system: rice supply chain management in Chhattisgarh, India. To investigate the role and relationship of the stakeholders, first the rice supply chain is mapped. Once the stakeholders are identified, the study then focuses on comprehending relevant performance indicators and how they are defined in the supply chain