Efficient GF(p m ) Arithmetic Architectures for Cryptographic Applications

Recently, there has been a lot of interest on cryptographic applications based on fields OF(p"), for p > 2. This contribution presents OF(p TM) multipliers architectures, where p is odd. We present designs which trade area for performance based on the number of coefficients that the multiplier processes at one time. Families of irreducible polynomials are introduced to reduce the complexity of the modulo reduction operation and, thus, improved the efficiency of the multiplier. We, then, specialize to fields OF(3 TM) and provide the first cubing architecture pre- sented in the literature. We synthesize our architectures for the special case of OF(397) on the XCV1000-8-FG1156 and XC2VP20-7-FF1156 FPGAs and provide area/performance numbers and comparisons to previous OF(3 TM) and OF(2 TM) implementations. Finally, we provide tables of irreducible polynomials over OF(3) of degree m with 2 _< m _< 255

Determination of the bond percolation threshold for the Kagome lattice

The hull-gradient method is used to determine the critical threshold for bond percolation on the two-dimensional Kagome lattice (and its dual, the dice lattice). For this system, the hull walk is represented as a self-avoiding trail, or mirror-model trajectory, on the (3,4,6,4)-Archimedean tiling lattice. The result pc = 0.524 405 3(3) (one standard deviation of error) is not consistent with the previously conjectured values.Comment: 10 pages, TeX, Style file iopppt.tex, to be published in J. Phys. A. in August, 199

Orbit structure and (reversing) symmetries of toral endomorphisms on rational lattices

We study various aspects of the dynamics induced by integer matrices on the invariant rational lattices of the torus in dimension 2 and greater. Firstly, we investigate the orbit structure when the toral endomorphism is not invertible on the lattice, characterising the pretails of eventually periodic orbits. Next we study the nature of the symmetries and reversing symmetries of toral automorphisms on a given lattice, which has particular relevance to (quantum) cat maps.Comment: 29 pages, 3 figure

Stochasticity of flow through microcirculation as a regulator of oxygen delivery

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>Observations of microcirculation reveal that the blood flow is subject to interruptions and resumptions. Accepting that blood randomly stops and resumes, one can show that the randomness could be a powerful means to match oxygen delivery with oxygen demand.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>The ability of the randomness to regulate oxygen delivery is based on two suppositions: (a) the probability for flow to stop does not depend on the time of uninterrupted flow, thus the number of interruptions of flow follows a Poisson distribution; (b) the probability to resume the flow does not depend on the time for flow being interrupted; meaning that time spent by erythrocytes at rest follows an exponential distribution. Thus the distribution of the time to pass an organ is a compound Poisson distribution. The Laplace transform of the given distribution gives the fraction of oxygen that passes the organ.</p> <p>Result</p> <p>Oxygen delivery to the tissues directly depends on characteristics of the irregularity of the flow through microcirculation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>By variation of vasomotion activity it is possible to change delivery of oxygen to a tissue by up to 8 times.</p

Interprofessional Education: An evaluation of a joint learning workshop for podiatry and pharmacy students

"Interprofessional Education occurs when two or more professionals learn with, from and about each other to improve collaboration and the quality of care" (CAIPE 2002). Interprofessional education forms part of the Standards for the Initial Education and Training of Pharmacists. Working with and understanding the role of another profession has been shown to positively impact on the quality of care of the patient. Following positive pharmacy student feedback from visits to podiatry clinics an interprofessional learning workshop with case - based scenarios was developed. These were based on patients with high risk medical conditions that would impact on the work of both professions. Data from the feedback forms was evaluated and analysed to determine whether the workshop increased knowledge of the British National Formulary (BNF), the prescribing process and gave an insight in to the role of other healthcare professionals. We discuss how the student’s learning has been enhanced by the contribution of another professional group. The workshop was positively received. Students were observed working together discussing the patients’ conditions and issues relating to their care. This initially revolved around the students’ area of knowledge; however, as the session progressed it became apparent that the students were learning with, from and about each other for the benefit of patient care

Characteristics of Sexual Abuse in Childhood and Adolescence Influence Sexual Risk Behavior in Adulthood

Childhood and adolescent sexual abuse has been associated with subsequent (adult) sexual risk behavior, but the effects of force and type of sexual abuse on sexual behavior outcomes have been less well-studied. The present study investigated the associations between sexual abuse characteristics and later sexual risk behavior, and explored whether gender of the child/adolescent moderated these relations. Patients attending an STD clinic completed a computerized survey that assessed history of sexual abuse as well as lifetime and current sexual behavior. Participants were considered sexually abused if they reported a sexual experience (1) before age 13 with someone 5 or more years older, (2) between the ages of 13 and 16 with someone 10 or more years older, or (3) before the age of 17 involving force or coercion. Participants who were sexually abused were further categorized based on two abuse characteristics, namely, use of penetration and force. Analyses included 1177 participants (n=534 women; n=643 men). Those who reported sexual abuse involving penetration and/or force reported more adult sexual risk behavior, including the number of lifetime partners and number of previous STD diagnoses, than those who were not sexually abused and those who were abused without force or penetration. There were no significant differences in sexual risk behavior between nonabused participants and those who reported sexual abuse without force and without penetration. Gender of the child/adolescent moderated the association between sexual abuse characteristics and adult sexual risk behavior; for men, sexual abuse with force and penetration was associated with the greatest number of episodes of sex trading, whereas for women, those who were abused with penetration, regardless of whether the abuse involved force, reported the most episodes of sex trading. These findings indicate that more severe sexual abuse is associated with riskier adult sexual behavior

How and why might interprofessional patient- and family-centered rounds improve outcomes among healthcare teams and hospitalized patients? A conceptual framework informed by scoping and narrative literature review methods

Poor communication within healthcare contributes to inefficiencies, medical errors, conflict, and other adverse outcomes. A promising model to improve outcomes resulting from poor communication in the inpatient hospital setting is Interprofessional Patient- and Family-Centered rounds (IPFCR). IPFCR brings two or more health professions together with hospitalized patients and families as part of a consistent, team-based routine to share information and collaboratively arrive at a daily plan of care. A growing body of literature focuses on implementation and outcomes of IPFCR to improve healthcare quality and team and patient outcomes. Most studies report positive changes following IPFCR implementation. However, conceptual frameworks and theoretical models are lacking in the IPFCR literature and represent a major gap that needs to be addressed to move this field forward. The purpose of this two-part review is to propose a conceptual framework of how IPFCR works. The goal is to articulate a framework that can be tested in subsequent research studies. Published IPFCR literature and relevant theories and frameworks were examined and synthesized to explore how IPFCR works, to situate IPFCR in relation to existing models and frameworks, and to postulate core components and underlying causal mechanisms. A preliminary, context-specific, conceptual framework is proposed illustrating interrelationships between four core components of IPFCR (interprofessional approach, intentional patient and family engagement, rounding structure, shared development of a daily care plan), improvements in communication, and better outcomes

Bolus characteristics based on Magnetic Resonance Angiography

BACKGROUND: A detailed contrast bolus propagation model is essential for optimizing bolus-chasing Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA). Bolus characteristics were studied using bolus-timing datasets from Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) for adaptive controller design and validation. METHODS: MRA bolus-timing datasets of the aorta in thirty patients were analyzed by a program developed with MATLAB. Bolus characteristics, such as peak position, dispersion and bolus velocity, were studied. The bolus profile was fit to a convolution function, which would serve as a mathematical model of bolus propagation in future controller design. RESULTS: The maximum speed of the bolus in the aorta ranged from 5–13 cm/s and the dwell time ranged from 7–13 seconds. Bolus characteristics were well described by the proposed propagation model, which included the exact functional relationships between the parameters and aortic location. CONCLUSION: The convolution function describes bolus dynamics reasonably well and could be used to implement the adaptive controller design

Gender Inequity Norms Are Associated with Increased Male-Perpetrated Rape and Sexual Risks for HIV Infection in Botswana and Swaziland

There is limited empirical research on the underlying gender inequity norms shaping gender-based violence, power, and HIV risks in sub-Saharan Africa, or how risk pathways may differ for men and women. This study is among the first to directly evaluate the adherence to gender inequity norms and epidemiological relationships with violence and sexual risks for HIV infection.Data were derived from population-based cross-sectional samples recruited through two-stage probability sampling from the 5 highest HIV prevalence districts in Botswana and all districts in Swaziland (2004-5). Based on evidence of established risk factors for HIV infection, we aimed 1) to estimate the mean adherence to gender inequity norms for both men and women; and 2) to model the independent effects of higher adherence to gender inequity norms on a) male sexual dominance (male-controlled sexual decision making and rape (forced sex)); b) sexual risk practices (multiple/concurrent sex partners, transactional sex, unprotected sex with non-primary partner, intergenerational sex).A total of 2049 individuals were included, n = 1255 from Botswana and n = 796 from Swaziland. In separate multivariate logistic regression analyses, higher gender inequity norms scores remained independently associated with increased male-controlled sexual decision making power (AORmen = 1.90, 95%CI:1.09-2.35; AORwomen = 2.05, 95%CI:1.32-2.49), perpetration of rape (AORmen = 2.19 95%CI:1.22-3.51), unprotected sex with a non-primary partner (AORmen = 1.90, 95%CI:1.14-2.31), intergenerational sex (AORwomen = 1.36, 95%CI:1.08-1.79), and multiple/concurrent sex partners (AORmen = 1.42, 95%CI:1.10-1.93).These findings support the critical evidence-based need for gender-transformative HIV prevention efforts including legislation of women's rights in two of the most HIV affected countries in the world