Experiences with Establishment of a Multi-University Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense

The National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in response to an unmet workforce need for cybersecurity program graduates, jointly sponsor a program by which a post-secondary education institution may achieve recognition as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense (CAE IA/CD). The program identifies standards, criteria, and an evaluation process. Many individual institutions have achieved recognition. The University of Maine System, composed of seven universities, is the first multi-university entity to achieve the CAE IA/CD recognition. The purpose of this paper is to share the key challenges, opportunities, and experiences that contributed to this achievement, and offer recommendations

A Correction of the Termination Conditions of the Henschen-Naqvi Technique

Henschen and Naqvi described a technique for translating queries on recursively defined relations of a Datalog database into iterative programs that invoke a query processor for conventional select-project-join queries of the relational algebra. Although the technique has been cited as one of the most efficient available, it will in some cases fail to produce all answers defined by the usual semantics for such databases. The technique is reviewed, a recursive query is exhibited where it fails, the cause of failure is noted, and a correction is described. A graphical representation of the computation based on a formal representation of rule expansions is employed

Algebraic Specification Techniques for Parametric Types with Logic-based Constraints

Mainstream object-oriented languages now offer capabilities of generic types with bounded type parameters, but they typically do not provide support for specifying semantic requirements on the type parameters\u27 methods beyond conformance of signatures. Regrettably, even object-oriented assertion languages, such as JML, have nontrivial limitations in this regard. Yet many interesting parameterized types require additional semantic features if they are to function as intended. We illustrate the issues with a case study of project scheduling based on the Project Management Institute\u27s generic characterization of task breakdowns. We consider algebraic techniques for instantiating parametric types in such a way that the semantic requirements expressed by logic-based constraints propagate to the instantiating types. These techniques argue for more general bindings of actual type parameters for the formal ones which do not have the restrictions of current programming languages. We show that types equipped with constraints should be viewed as theories, and the bindings as morphisms of types as theories. We translate these software specifications into theories in the PVS specification language. These proposals lead to conclusions about language features for more general, semantic bindings of the actual for the formal type parameters, at least in the assertion languages

Semantics of Objectified XML Constraints

The core of a model theory for a functional object-oriented data model extended with XML-like types is presented. The object-oriented component of this integrated paradigm is based on Featherweight Java and XML is represented by regular expression types. The main contributions are in extending both with general logic-based constraints and establishing results on schema and database evolution by inheritance that respects database integrity requirements. The paper shows that formally defined semantics of this integrated paradigm does indeed exist and in fact may be constructed in a model-theoretic fashion. The generality of the developed model theory and its relative independence of a particular logic basis makes it applicable to a variety of approaches to XML (as well as object-oriented) constraints. A pleasing property of this model theory is that it offers specific requirements for semantically acceptable evolution of these sophisticated schemas and their databases

Verification Technology for Object-Oriented/XML Transactions

Typically, object-oriented schemas are lacking declarative specification of the schema integrity constraints. Object-oriented transactions are also typically missing a fundamental ACID requirement: consistency. We present a developed technology based on object-oriented assertion languages that overcomes these limitations of persistent and database object systems. This technology allows specification of object-oriented integrity constraints, their static verification and dynamic enforcement. Proof strategies that are based on static and dynamic verification techniques as they apply to verification of object-oriented transactions are presented in the paper. Most of this work has been motivated by the problems of object-oriented interfaces to XML that have not been able to express typical XML Schema constraints, database constraints in particular. The components of this technology are an object-oriented constraint language, a verification system with advanced typing and logic capabilities, predefined libraries of object-oriented specification and verification theories, and an extended virtual platform for integrating constraints into the run-time type system and their management

Program Verification Techniques for XML Schema-based Technologies

Representation and verification techniques for XML Schema types, structures, and applications, in a program verification system PVS are presented. Type derivations by restriction and extension as defined in XML Schema are represented in the PVS type system using predicate subtyping. Availability of parametric polymorphism in PVS makes it possible to represent XML sequences and sets via PVS theories. Powerful PVS logic capabilities are used to express complex constraints of XML Schema and its applications. Transaction verification methodology developed in the paper is grounded on declarative, logic-based specification of the frame constraints and the actual transaction updates. A sample XML application given in the paper includes constraints typical for XML schemas such as keys and referential integrity, and in addition ordering and range constraints. The developed proof strategy is demonstrated by a sample transaction verification with respect to this schema. The overall approach has a model theory based on the view of XML types and structures as theories

Dynamic Approach to Integrating Oceanographic and Biogeographical Data in the Gulf of Maine\u27

Forward This workshop was not carried out as a formal DFO Science Advisory Process; however, it is being documented in the CSAS Proceedings series as it presents some topics of interest related to the advisory process. The purpose of these proceedings is to archive the activities and discussions of the meeting, including research recommendations, uncertainties, and to provide a place to formally archive official minority opinions. As such, interpretations and opinions presented in this report may be factually incorrect or misleading, but are included to record as faithfully as possible what transpired at the meeting. No statements are to be taken as reflecting the consensus of the meeting unless they are clearly identified as such. Moreover, additional information and further review may result in a change of decision where tentative agreement had been reached. Avant-propros Cet atelier n’a pas été tenu dans le cadre officiel du Processus de consultation scientifique de secteur des Sciences du MPO. Il est toutefois documenté dans la série des Comptes rendus du SCCS, car il couvre certains sujets en lien avec ce processus. Le présent compte rendu fait état des activités et des discussions qui ont eu lieu à la réunion, notamment en ce qui concerne les recommandations de recherche et les incertitudes; il sert aussi à consigner en bonne et due forme les opinions minoritaires officielles. Les interprétations et opinions qui y sont présentées peuvent être incorrectes sur le plan des faits ou trompeuses, mais elles sont intégrées au document pour que celui-ci reflète le plus fidèlement possible ce qui s’est dit à la réunion. Aucune déclaration ne doit être considérée comme une expression du consensus des participants, sauf s’il est clairement indiqué qu’elle l’est effectivement. En outre, des renseignements supplémentaires et un plus ample examen peuvent avoir pour effet de modifier une décision qui avait fait l\u27objet d\u27un accord préliminaire

HLA Alleles Cw12 and DQ4 in Kidney Transplant Recipients Are Independent Risk Factors for the Development of Posttransplantation Diabetes

Background. The association between specific HLA alleles and risk for posttransplantation diabetes (PTDM) in a contemporary and multiethnic kidney transplant recipient cohort is not clear. Methods. In this single-center analysis, data were retrospectively analyzed for 1560 nondiabetic kidney transplant recipients at a single center between 2007 and 2018, with median follow-up of 33 mo (interquartile range 8–73). HLA typing methodology was by DNA analysis and reported at the resolution required for the national allocation scheme. Diagnosis of PTDM was aligned with International Consensus recommendations. Results. PTDM developed in 231 kidney transplant recipients. Exploring 99 HLA alleles, the presence of Cw12, B52, B38, B58, DQ4, A80, and DR13 and the absence of DQ3 and DR04 were associated with significant increases in PTDM risk. In a multivariable Cox regression model, adjusting for other clinical risk factors for PTDM, the presence of Cw12 (hazard ratio [HR], 1.57; 95% CI, 1.08-2.27; P = 0.017) and DQ4 (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.07-2.96; P = 0.026) were found to be independent risk factors for PTDM. There was also evidence that the presence of B58 increases PTDM risk within the subgroup of recipients of White ethnicity (HR, 5.01; 95% CI, 2.20-11.42; P < 0.001). Conclusion. Our data suggest that specific HLA alleles can be associated with PTDM risk, which can be used pretransplantation for PTDM risk stratification. However, association is not causality, and this work requires replication and further investigation to understand underlying biological mechanisms

Maternal and neonatal outcomes after caesarean delivery in the African Surgical Outcomes Study: a 7-day prospective observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Maternal and neonatal mortality is high in Africa, but few large, prospective studies have been done to investigate the risk factors associated with these poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: A 7-day, international, prospective, observational cohort study was done in patients having caesarean delivery in 183 hospitals across 22 countries in Africa. The inclusion criteria were all consecutive patients (aged ≥18 years) admitted to participating centres having elective and non-elective caesarean delivery during the 7-day study cohort period. To ensure a representative sample, each hospital had to provide data for 90% of the eligible patients during the recruitment week. The primary outcome was in-hospital maternal mortality and complications, which were assessed by local investigators. The study was registered on the South African National Health Research Database, number KZ_2015RP7_22, and on ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03044899. FINDINGS: Between February, 2016, and May, 2016, 3792 patients were recruited from hospitals across Africa. 3685 were included in the postoperative complications analysis (107 missing data) and 3684 were included in the maternal mortality analysis (108 missing data). These hospitals had a combined number of specialist surgeons, obstetricians, and anaesthetists totalling 0·7 per 100 000 population (IQR 0·2-2·0). Maternal mortality was 20 (0·5%) of 3684 patients (95% CI 0·3-0·8). Complications occurred in 633 (17·4%) of 3636 mothers (16·2-18·6), which were predominantly severe intraoperative and postoperative bleeding (136 [3·8%] of 3612 mothers). Maternal mortality was independently associated with a preoperative presentation of placenta praevia, placental abruption, ruptured uterus, antepartum haemorrhage (odds ratio 4·47 [95% CI 1·46-13·65]), and perioperative severe obstetric haemorrhage (5·87 [1·99-17·34]) or anaesthesia complications (11·47 (1·20-109·20]). Neonatal mortality was 153 (4·4%) of 3506 infants (95% CI 3·7-5·0). INTERPRETATION: Maternal mortality after caesarean delivery in Africa is 50 times higher than that of high-income countries and is driven by peripartum haemorrhage and anaesthesia complications. Neonatal mortality is double the global average. Early identification and appropriate management of mothers at risk of peripartum haemorrhage might improve maternal and neonatal outcomes in Africa. FUNDING: Medical Research Council of South Africa.Medical Research Council of South Africa