4,929 research outputs found

    A Graph-Based Approach to Address Trust and Reputation in Ubiquitous Networks

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    The increasing popularity of virtual computing environments such as Cloud and Grid computing is helping to drive the realization of ubiquitous and pervasive computing. However, as computing becomes more entrenched in everyday life, the concepts of trust and risk become increasingly important. In this paper, we propose a new graph-based theoretical approach to address trust and reputation in complex ubiquitous networks. We formulate trust as a function of quality of a task and time required to authenticate agent-to-agent relationship based on the Zero-Common Knowledge (ZCK) authentication scheme. This initial representation applies a graph theory concept, accompanied by a mathematical formulation of trust metrics. The approach we propose increases awareness and trustworthiness to agents based on the values estimated for each requested task, we conclude by stating our plans for future work in this area

    Evolution of magnetic fields and energetics of flares in active region 8210

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    To better understand eruptive events in the solar corona, we combine sequences of multi-wavelength observations and modelling of the coronal magnetic field of NOAA AR 8210, a highly flare-productive active region. From the photosphere to the corona, the observations give us information about the motion of magnetic elements (photospheric magnetograms), the location of flares (e.g., Hα\alpha, EUV or soft X-ray brightenings), and the type of events (Hα\alpha blueshift events). Assuming that the evolution of the coronal magnetic field above an active region can be described by successive equilibria, we follow in time the magnetic changes of the 3D nonlinear force-free (nlff) fields reconstructed from a time series of photospheric vector magnetograms. We apply this method to AR 8210 observed on May 1, 1998 between 17:00 UT and 21:40 UT. We identify two types of horizontal photospheric motions that can drive an eruption: a clockwise rotation of the sunspot, and a fast motion of an emerging polarity. The reconstructed nlff coronal fields give us a scenario of the confined flares observed in AR 8210: the slow sunspot rotation enables the occurence of flare by a reconnection process close to a separatrix surface whereas the fast motion is associated with small-scale reconnections but no detectable flaring activity. We also study the injection rates of magnetic energy, Poynting flux and relative magnetic helicity through the photosphere and into the corona. The injection of magnetic energy by transverse photospheric motions is found to be correlated with the storage of energy in the corona and then the release by flaring activity. The magnetic helicity derived from the magnetic field and the vector potential of the nlff configuration is computed in the coronal volume. The magnetic helicity evolution shows that AR 8210 is dominated by the mutual helicity between the closed and potential fields and not by the self helicity of the closed field which characterizes the twist of confined flux bundles. We conclude that for AR 8210 the complex topology is a more important factor than the twist in the eruption process

    Classification of lower extremity movement patterns based on visual assessment: reliability and correlation with 2-dimensional video analysis

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    CONTEXT: Abnormal movement patterns have been implicated in lower extremity injury. Reliable, valid, and easily implemented assessment methods are needed to examine existing musculoskeletal disorders and investigate predictive factors for lower extremity injury. OBJECTIVE: To determine the reliability of experienced and novice testers in making visual assessments of lower extremity movement patterns and to characterize the construct validity of the visual assessments. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: University athletic department and research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of 30 undergraduate and graduate students who regularly participate in athletics (age = 19.3 ± 4.5 years). Testers were 2 experienced physical therapists and 1 novice postdoctoral fellow (nonclinician). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): We took videos of 30 athletes performing the single-legged squat. Three testers observed the videos on 2 occasions and classified the lower extremity movement as dynamic valgus, no change, or dynamic varus. The classification was based on the estimated change in frontal-plane projection angle (FPPA) of the knee from single-legged stance to maximum single-legged squat depth. The actual FPPA change was measured quantitatively. We used percentage agreement and weighted κ to examine tester reliability and to determine construct validity of the visual assessment. RESULTS: The κ values for intratester and intertester reliability ranged from 0.75 to 0.90, indicating substantial to excellent reliability. Percentage agreement between the visual assessment and the quantitative FPPA change category was 90%, with a κ value of 0.85. CONCLUSIONS: Visual assessments were made reliably by experienced and novice testers. Additionally, movement-pattern categories based on visual assessments were in excellent agreement with objective methods to measure FPPA change. Therefore, visual assessments can be used in the clinic to assess movement patterns associated with musculoskeletal disorders and in large epidemiologic studies to assess the association between lower extremity movement patterns and musculoskeletal injury

    Comparative legal analysis of domestic worker’s legal status under international and Russian law

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    Purpose: The article aims to identify the international legal mechanisms for protecting the labour rights of domestic workers and determine the extent of their conformity with the Russian legislation. Structure / Methodology / Approach: To determine the mechanisms for protecting the labour rights of domestic workers, it seems necessary: first, to estimate the efficiency of the international legal mechanisms; second, to analyze the labour standards of the Russian legislation aimed at the legal registration of such labour relations; third, to study the provisions of the legislation in a number of states; fourth, to formulate recommendations on the implementation of the provisions of the international labour law in part of regulation of domestic workers' labour; fifth, to determine the legal prospects for the Russia's participation in ILO Convention No. 189 concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers. Results: The conducted comparative legal analysis showed that the Russian legislation in general complies with the provisions of ILO Convention No. 189 concerning Decent Work. However, in practice labour relations with domestic workers are rarely subject to legal formalization, which results in the violation of rights of such workers without further consequences. The authors propose to enshrine in the legislation the employer's obligation to conclude written employment contracts. Besides, the authors have developed proposals for improving the existing labour legislation in accordance with the international standards. Practical Implications: The results can be used to improve international legal regulations, as well as in the formulation of policies aimed to protect and promote the labour rights. Originality / Value. The main contribution of this study is the elaboration of ways aimed at progressive development of international and national legal regulation of relations associated with the legal status and labour of domestic workers.peer-reviewe

    Increases in wellbeing in the transition to retirement for the unemployed: catching up with formerly employed persons

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    This paper examines the extent to which wellbeing levels change in the transition to retirement depending on transitioning from being employed, unemployed or economically inactive. Whereas transitioning from employment to unemployment has been found to cause a decrease in subjective wellbeing with more time spent in unemployment, it is not clear how transitioning from unemployment to retirement affects wellbeing levels. We use the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe to monitor the life satisfaction of respondents who retire in between two waves. We portray wellbeing scores before and after retirement and then identify the change in life satisfaction during the retirement transition using a First Difference model. Results indicate that being unemployed before retirement is associated with an increase in life satisfaction, but presents mainly a catching-up effect compared to employed persons transitioning to retirement. These results are still significant if we control for selection into unemployment and country differences. Retirement from labour market inactivity does not lead to significant changes in wellbeing. As the wellbeing of unemployed persons recovers after transitioning to retirement, especially the currently unemployed population should be supported to prevent detrimental consequences of economically unfavourable conditions and lower wellbeing

    AN OUTLOOK ON THE MECHANISMS OF DRUG INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS, FRUITS, HERBS AND THEIR PREVENTIVE MEASURES

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    Drugs taken by a person are affected by a number of ways. A number of interactions are known to affect the drugs, change its efficacy or result intoxicity. Habits of a common person could also cause such interactions. Most of the people have habits of smoking, consumption of alcohol and takingdietary supplements without the advice of their physicians. Some drug interactions such as those between drug-herbs and drug-citrus fruit wouldbring us shock; even small fruit could sometimes bring adverse drug reactions to occur in our body. Due to drug interactions, there would sometimesbe an increase or decrease in the efficacy of a drug. Being a pharmacist, it would be their ultimate role to check at a person's hygienic record, lookingand gathering information of the past recorded drugs, dietary supplements, hereditary diseases, etc. They would have to gather information aboutthe recently releasing drugs and know complete information on the reactions which occur on their administration. Knowledge to people about herbaland food-drug interactions is very less. They take them to be natural and do not care about its consequences. However, this interaction depends on theamount and the potency of pharmacologically active ingredient present in the compounds. These herbal drugs are known to contain a varying numberof phytochemicals which may cause a change to the transporters, enzymatic systems, causing failure of the therapeutic effect of the drug interactions.The elimination of some particular drugs is also affected due to these interactions. As a result of this interaction, a number of drugs which had takenbirth had quickly been removed from the US markets. Thus, the ways for a person to avoid these interactions can only be the above mentionedadvices given by the health practitioners, not to administer drugs by self-medication methods, taking a note of all the additional supplements takenby a patient to his physician, so that there is a clear picture about the interactions at their initial stage. (1) There are various drug interactions with anumber of factors. (2) Unless there is clear knowledge about the pathway of drug elimination, drug interaction stands to be very difficult to be avoided.Keywords: Drug-food interactions, Pharmacokinetic, Pharmacodynamic, Drug-drug interactions.Â

    Pengaruh Capital Adequacy Ratio (Car), Likuiditas, Efesiensi Operasional Terhadap Profitabilitas Bank Perkreditan Rakyat Di Pekanbaru Tahun 2013-2015

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    This research is performed in order to test the influence of the variable Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR) and BOPO toward Return on Asset (ROA). Sampling technique used is purposive sampling with criteria as Rural Bank in Pekanbaru who provide financial report and traded during period 2013 through 2015 and forwarded to Bank Indonesia. The Data is based on publicity Financial Fervices Authority since 2013 to 2015. Obtained by amount sampel as much 12 company from 16 Rural Bank in Pekanbaru 2013-2015 period. Analysis technique used is doubled regression with smallest square equation and hypothesis test use t-statistic to test coefficient of regression partial and also fstatistic to test the truth of collectively influence in level of significance 5%. Others also done a classic assumption test covering normality test, multicolinierity test, heteroscedastisity test and autocorrelation test. The test result of the study indicate that Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) affect of Return on Asset (ROA) with tcount˃ttable that is 6,950>1,977 and Pvalue˂α that is 0,000˂0,05. Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR) has no effect on Return on Asset (ROA), this shown by the result of tcountα that is 0,083>0,05. And BOPO affect of Return on Asset (ROA) with tcount˃ttable that is 3,047>1,977 and Pvalue˂α that is 0,003˂0,05
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