A generic framework for process execution and secure multi-party transaction authorization

Process execution engines are not only an integral part of workflow and business process management systems but are increasingly used to build process-driven applications. In other words, they are potentially used in all kinds of software across all application domains. However, contemporary process engines and workflow systems are unsuitable for use in such diverse application scenarios for several reasons. The main shortcomings can be observed in the areas of interoperability, versatility, and programmability. Therefore, this thesis makes a step away from domain specific, monolithic workflow engines towards generic and versatile process runtime frameworks, which enable integration of process technology into all kinds of software. To achieve this, the idea and corresponding architecture of a generic and embeddable process virtual machine (ePVM), which supports defining process flows along the theoretical foundation of communicating extended finite state machines, are presented. The architecture focuses on the core process functionality such as control flow and state management, monitoring, persistence, and communication, while using JavaScript as a process definition language. This approach leads to a very generic yet easily programmable process framework. A fully functional prototype implementation of the proposed framework is provided along with multiple example applications. Despite the fact that business processes are increasingly automated and controlled by information systems, humans are still involved, directly or indirectly, in many of them. Thus, for process flows involving sensitive transactions, a highly secure authorization scheme supporting asynchronous multi-party transaction authorization must be available within process management systems. Therefore, along with the ePVM framework, this thesis presents a novel approach for secure remote multi-party transaction authentication - the zone trusted information channel (ZTIC). The ZTIC approach uniquely combines multiple desirable properties such as the highest level of security, ease-of-use, mobility, remote administration, and smooth integration with existing infrastructures into one device and method. Extensively evaluating both, the ePVM framework and the ZTIC, this thesis shows that ePVM in combination with the ZTIC approach represents a unique and very powerful framework for building workflow systems and process-driven applications including support for secure multi-party transaction authorization

Advanced Grid programming with components: a biometric identification case study

Component-oriented software development has been attracting increasing attention for building complex distributed applications. A new infrastructure supporting this advanced concept is our prototype component framework based on the Grid component model. This paper provides an overview of the component framework and presents a case study where we utilise the component-oriented approach to develop a business process application for a biometric identification system. We then introduce the tools being developed as part of an integrated development environment to enable graphical component-based development of Grid applications. Finally, we report our initial findings and experiences of efficiently using the component framework and set of software tools

Influence of contour scans on surface roughness and pore formation using Scalmalloy® manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (PBF‐LB)

The scandium modified aluminium alloy Scalmalloy® is specifically developed for the use in laser‐based powder bed fusion (PBF‐LB). It is supposed to show potential in the production of lightweight structures due to its high specific strength compared to other aluminium alloys. A limiting factor is the high surface roughness of additively manufactured parts, which has a negative influence on its mechanical properties, especially under cyclic loads. In order to reduce the surface roughness, methods of design of experiments (DoE) are applied to develop contour parameters. Additionally, the formation of pores in keyhole‐mode welding and strategies to reduce the porosity in the contour area are investigated. The surface roughness of vertical walls can be reduced down to Ra 0.9 J mm⁻¹ but keyhole pores start to form applying EL >0.6– 0.75 J mm⁻¹. Two contour parameter sets in different EL‐ranges are developed that can be used to reduce the surface roughness compared to parameter sets without contour scans, without increasing the porosity in the contour area. Their impact on the mechanical properties has to be further investigated

Microscopics of meson degrees of freedom in nucleons and mesons in nuclei - what can be seen in the process of quasielastic knockout of mesons by high-energy electrons

Developed earlier concept of quasielastic knock out of pions from nucleons by high-energy electrons is propounded as a tool for checking microscopical model ($^3P_0$ - fluctuation) for decay of N to different channels $\pi+B$ and Preparata model of nucleus structure.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figures, Talk given at 16 Baldin Symposium in June 200

A quasi classical approach to electron impact ionization

A quasi classical approximation to quantum mechanical scattering in the Moeller formalism is developed. While keeping the numerical advantage of a standard Classical--Trajectory--Monte--Carlo calculation, our approach is no longer restricted to use stationary initial distributions. This allows one to improve the results by using better suited initial phase space distributions than the microcanonical one and to gain insight into the collision mechanism by studying the influence of different initial distributions on the cross section. A comprehensive account of results for single, double and triple differential cross sections for atomic hydrogen will be given, in comparison with experiment and other theories.Comment: 21 pages, 10 figures, submitted to J Phys

Ionization of Atoms with Spin Polarized Electrons

The most detailed insight into the process of electron impact-induced ionization of atomic species is provided by measurements in which both kinematical and quantum mechanical variables are determined. Here we describe recent (e,2e) experimental and theoretical studies involving the ionization of xenon and argon by spin-polarized electrons in which the fine-structure levels of the ion are energetically resolved. Such investigations shed light on the mechanisms driving the ionization reaction and the role of exchange and relativistic processes

Intestinal Protists in Captive Non-human Primates and Their Handlers in Six European Zoological Gardens. Molecular Evidence of Zoonotic Transmission

We assessed the occurrence, genetic diversity, and zoonotic potential of four protozoan (Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, Giardia duodenalis), one stramenopile (Blastocystis sp.), one microsporidia (Enterocytozoon bieneusi), and two ciliate (Balantioides coli, Troglodytella abrassarti) intestinal parasite or commensal protist species in captive non-human primates (NHP) and their zookeepers from six European zoological gardens in France (n = 1), Germany (n = 1), and Spain (n = 4). Faecal samples from NHP (n = 454) belonging to 63 species within 35 genera and humans (n = 70) were collected at two sampling periods in each participating institution between October 2018-August 2021. Detection and species identification was accomplished by PCR and Sanger sequencing of the ssu rRNA and/or ITS genes. Sub-genotyping analyses using specific markers were conducted on isolates positive for G. duodenalis (gdh, bg, tpi) and Cryptosporidium spp. (gp60). Overall, 41.0% (186/454) and 30.0% (21/70) of the faecal samples of NHP and human origin tested positive for at least one intestinal protist species, respectively. In NHP, Blastocystis sp. was the most prevalent protist species found (20.3%), followed by G. duodenalis (18.1%), E. dispar (7.9%), B. coli and T. abrassarti (1.5% each), and Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi (0.9% each). Occurrence rates varied largely among NHP host species, sampling periods, and zoological institutions. The predominant protist species found in humans was Blastocystis sp. (25.7%), followed by Cryptosporidium spp. (2.9%), E. dispar (1.4%), and G. duodenalis (1.4%). Sequencing of PCR-positive amplicons in human and/or NHP confirmed the presence of Cryptosporidium in six isolates (C. hominis: 66.7%, C. parvum: 33.3%), G. duodenalis in 18 isolates (assemblage A: 16.7%, assemblage B: 83.3%), Blastocystis in 110 isolates (ST1:38.2%, ST2:11.8%, ST3: 18.2%, ST4: 9.1%, ST5: 17.3%, ST8: 2.7%, ST13: 0.9%), and E. bieneusi in four isolates (CM18: 75.0%, Type IV: 25.0%). Zoonotic transmission events involving Blastocystis ST1-ST4 were identified in four zoological institutions. Zoonotic transmission of C. hominis was highly suspected, but not fully demonstrated, in one of them. Monitoring of intestinal protist species might be useful for assessing health status of captive NHP and their zookeepers, and to identify transmission pathways of faecal-orally transmitted pathogens.This study was funded by the Health Institute Carlos III (ISCIII), Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness under project PI16CIII/00024. DG-B was recipient of a Sara Borrell Postdoctoral Fellowship (CD19CIII/00011) funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. AD was recipient of a PFIS contract (FI20CIII/00002) funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and Universities.S

Measurement invariance of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale–Short-Form (IGDS9-SF) between Australia, the USA, and the UK

The Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short-Form (IGDS9-SF) is widely used to assess Internet Gaming Disorder behaviors. Investigating cultural limitations and implications in its applicability is imperative. One way to evaluate the cross-cultural feasibility of the measure is through measurement invariance analysis. The present study used Multigroup Confirmatory Factor Analysis (MGCFA) to examine the IGDS9-SF measurement invariance across gamers from Australia, the United States of America (USA), and the United Kingdom (UK). To accomplish this, 171 Australian, 463 USA, and 281 UK gamers completed the IGDS9-SF. Although results supported the one-factor structure of the IGD construct, they indicated cross-country variations in the strength of the relationships between the indicators and their respective factor (i.e., non-invariant loadings of items 1, 2, 5), and that the same scores may not always indicate the same level of IGD severity across the three groups (i.e., non-invariant intercepts for items 1, 5, 7, 9)

The development and validation of the Leiden Bother and Needs Questionnaire for patients with pituitary disease: the LBNQ-Pituitary

Background Patients report persisting impairment in quality of life (QoL) after treatment for pituitary disease. At present, there is no questionnaire to assess (a) whether patients with pituitary disease are bothered by these consequences, and (b) their needs for support. Objective To develop and validate a disease-specific questionnaire for patients with pituitary disease which incorporates patient perceived bother related to the consequences of the disease, and their needs for support. Methods Items for the Leiden Bother and Needs Questionnaire for patients with pituitary disease (LBNQ-Pituitary) were formulated based on results of a recent focus group study (n = 49 items). 337 patients completed the LBNQ-Pituitary and six validated QoL questionnaires (EuroQoL-5D, SF-36, MFI-20, HADS, AcroQol, CushingQoL). Construct validity was examined by exploratory factor analysis. Reliabilities of the subscales were calculated with Cronbach’s alphas, and concurrent validity was assessed by calculating Spearman’s correlations between the LBNQ-Pituitary and the other measures. Results Factor analyses produced five subscales (i.e., mood problems, negative illness perceptions, issues in sexual functioning, physical and cognitive complaints, issues in social functioning) containing a total of 26 items. All factors were found to be reliable (Cronbach’s alphas all ≥.765), and the correlations between the dimensions of the LBNQ-Pituitary and other questionnaires (all P ≤ .0001) demonstrated convergent validity. Conclusions The LBNQ-Pituitary can be used to assess the degree to which patients are bothered by the consequences of the pituitary disease, as well as their needs for support. It could also facilitate an efficient assessment of patients’ needs for support in clinical practice. We postulate that paying attention to needs for support will lead to optimal patient care (e.g., improvement in psychosocial care), and positively affect QoL