Comparing "challenge-based" and "code-based" internet voting verification implementations

Internet-enabled voting introduces an element of invisibility and unfamiliarity into the voting process, which makes it very different from traditional voting. Voters might be concerned about their vote being recorded correctly and included in the final tally. To mitigate mistrust, many Internet-enabled voting systems build verifiability into their systems. This allows voters to verify that their votes have been cast as intended, stored as cast and tallied as stored at the conclusion of the voting period. Verification implementations have not been universally successful, mostly due to voter difficulties using them. Here, we evaluate two cast as intended verification approaches in a lab study: (1) "Challenge-Based" and (2) "Code-Based". We assessed cast-as-intended vote verification efficacy, and identified usability issues related to verifying and/or vote casting. We also explored acceptance issues post-verification, to see whether our participants were willing to engage with Internet voting in a real election. Our study revealed the superiority of the code-based approach, in terms of ability to verify effectively. In terms of real-life Internet voting acceptance, convenience encourages acceptance, while security concerns and complexity might lead to rejection

Optical coherence tomography-based contact indentation for diaphragm mechanics in a mouse model of transforming growth factor alpha induced lung disease

This study tested the utility of optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based indentation to assess mechanical properties of respiratory tissues in disease. Using OCT-based indentation, the elastic modulus of mouse diaphragm was measured from changes in diaphragm thickness in response to an applied force provided by an indenter. We used a transgenic mouse model of chronic lung disease induced by the overexpression of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-a), established by the presence of pleural and peribronchial fibrosis and impaired lung mechanics determined by the forced oscillation technique and plethysmography. Diaphragm elastic modulus assessed by OCT-based indentation was reduced by TGF-a at both left and right lateral locations (p < 0.05). Diaphragm elastic modulus at left and right lateral locations were correlated within mice (r = 0.67, p < 0.01) suggesting that measurements were representative of tissue beyond the indenter field. Co-localised images of diaphragm after TGF-a overexpression revealed a layered fibrotic appearance. Maximum diaphragm force in conventional organ bath studies was also reduced by TGF-a overexpression (p < 0.01). Results show that OCT-based indentation provided clear delineation of diseased diaphragm, and together with organ bath assessment, provides new evidence suggesting that TGF-a overexpression produces impairment in diaphragm function and, therefore, an increase in the work of breathing in chronic lung disease

Targeting the hypoxic fraction of tumours using hypoxia activated prodrugs

The presence of a microenvironment within most tumours containing regions of low oxygen tension or hypoxia has profound biological and therapeutic implications. Tumour hypoxia is known to promote the development of an aggressive phenotype, resistance to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy and is strongly associated with poor clinical outcome. Paradoxically, it is recognised as a high priority target and one therapeutic strategies designed to eradicate hypoxic cells in tumours are a group of compounds known collectively as hypoxia activated prodrugs (HAPs) or bioreductive drugs. These drugs are inactive prodrugs that require enzymatic activation (typically by 1 or 2 electron oxidoreductases) to generate cytotoxic species with selectivity for hypoxic cells being determined by (i) the ability of oxygen to either reverse or inhibit the activation process and (ii) the presence of elevated expression of oxidoreductases in tumours. The concepts underpinning HAP development were established over 40 years ago and have been refined over the years to produce a new generation of HAPs that are under preclinical and clinical development. The purpose of this article is to describe current progress in the development of HAPs focusing on the mechanisms of action, preclinical properties and clinical progress of leading examples

Non-use of automated border control systems: identifying reasons and solutions

There are many reasons why passengers are unable or reluctant to use self-service e-gate systems. In order for designers to build better systems with higher uptake by end-users they need to have a more thorough understanding of the non-users. This paper investigates the reasons of non-use of Automated Border Control at European airports by applying Wyatt’s taxonomy and adding an “unawares” category. It also presents possible solutions to turn current non-users into future users of e-gates

Evaluation of research in context: a quick scan of an emerging field. Joint report by the Department of Science System Assessment, Rathenau Institute and the ERiC project

This Quick Scan is work in progress, a first step to collect information about contextual evaluation of research, that is evaluation that regards research in a broad context and includes all relevant output and the interaction of researchers with their social environment. We invite readers to add articles and other literature, methods, topics, conferences etc. and turn this into a joint enterprise. What we plan to do is through the ERiC website (www.eric-project.nl) organize a ‘living’ document – indeed something like the Wikipedia encyclopedia - containing organized information on evaluation, in particular contextual evaluation. We’ll form an editorial board with international members and will update the document regularly, at least four times per year. Next versions will be issued in September and December 2007. Both the ERiC-project and the Science System Assessment Department of the Rathenau Instituut will take responsibility for thi

Evaluation of research in context: a quick scan of an emerging field. Joint report by the Department of Science System Assessment, Rathenau Institute and the ERiC project

This Quick Scan is work in progress, a first step to collect information about contextual evaluation of research, that is evaluation that regards research in a broad context and includes all relevant output and the interaction of researchers with their social environment. We invite readers to add articles and other literature, methods, topics, conferences etc. and turn this into a joint enterprise. What we plan to do is through the ERiC website (www.eric-project.nl) organize a ‘living’ document – indeed something like the Wikipedia encyclopedia - containing organized information on evaluation, in particular contextual evaluation. We’ll form an editorial board with international members and will update the document regularly, at least four times per year. Next versions will be issued in September and December 2007. Both the ERiC-project and the Science System Assessment Department of the Rathenau Instituut will take responsibility for thi