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

An improved double-toroidal spectrometer for gas phase (e,2e) studies

A new spectrometer is described for measuring the momentum distributions of scattered electrons arising from electron-atom and electron-molecule ionization experiments. It incorporates and builds on elements from a number of previous designs, namely, a source of polarized electrons and two high-efficiency electrostatic electron energy analyzers. The analyzers each comprise a seven-element retarding-electrostatic lens system, four toroidal-sector electrodes, and a fast position-and-time-sensitive two-dimensional delay-line detector. Results are presented for the electron-impact-induced ionization of helium and the elastic scattering of electrons from argon and helium which demonstrate that high levels of momentum resolution and data-collection efficiency are achieved. Problematic aspects regarding variations in collection efficiency over the accepted momentum phase space are addressed and a methodology for their correction presented. Principles behind the present design and previous designs for electrostatic analyzers based around electrodes of toroidal-sector geometry are discussed and a framework is provided for optimizing future devices.The assistance of the AustralianGerman Research Cooperation Scheme and the Australian Research Council through Grant No. DP0452553 and a 1998 ARC RIEF grant is gratefully acknowledged

European American Cultural Values: Construct Clarification and Results From a Division 17 Survey

As the dominant culture in the United States, European Americans cultural values represent the beliefs that drive many aspects of our society. Authors have called for clinicians to be aware of how mainstream cultural values affect their worldview and practice with racial and ethnic minority individuals, but the counseling psychology literature lacks a cohesive framework defining these values with empirical support. This research attempts to first clarify the domains of European American cultural values through literature review and survey of APA members. Results indicate that seven domains make up the construct: autonomy, individual competitiveness, material achievement, mastery over nature, direct communication, future time orientation and individual class mobility. Implications for scale development and acculturation are discussed

European American Cultural Values: Construct Clarification and Results From a Division 17 Survey

As the dominant culture in the United States, European Americans cultural values represent the beliefs that drive many aspects of our society. Authors have called for clinicians to be aware of how mainstream cultural values affect their worldview and practice with racial and ethnic minority individuals, but the counseling psychology literature lacks a cohesive framework defining these values with empirical support. This research attempts to first clarify the domains of European American cultural values through literature review and survey of APA members. Results indicate that seven domains make up the construct: autonomy, individual competitiveness, material achievement, mastery over nature, direct communication, future time orientation and individual class mobility. Implications for scale development and acculturation are discussed

Revised Academic Hardiness Scale Factor Structure in College Students

The construct of academic hardiness has gained attention in recent literature as an antecedent of successful academic performance and enrollment in higher education. Although academic hardiness scales have been validated for use with elementary and high school students, none have been examined in college students. The current study investigated the factor structure of the Revised Academic Hardiness Scale using two college student samples. Exploratory analyses found a five-factor structure in a sample of 454 students at a large university. Confirmatory analyses indicated adequate to good model fit for this solution in a sample of 160 students at a small college

Elastic electron scattering from water vapor and ice at high momentum transfer

We compare the area, peak separation, and width of the H and O elastic peak for light and heavy water, as observed in spectra of keV electrons scattered over large angles. Peak separation is well reproduced by the theory, but the O:H area ratio is somewhat larger than expected and is equal to the O:D area ratio. Thus no anomalous scattering from H was observed. Only minor differences are observed for scattering from a gaseous or a solid target. The extracted mean kinetic energy of H and D agreed within 5% with the calculated ones for ice. For the more difficult vapor measurements agreement was on a 12% level. A preliminary attempt to extract the O kinetic energy in ice agreed within 10% with the calculated values.This work was made possible by financial support of the Australian Research Council

How Lean transforms relationships to empower employees and increase impact

The challenges of humanitarian leadership are well-studied by the social sciences. However, there is untapped potential in applying private sector management principles and best practices to humanitarian work. Some non- profit organisations have fruitful experience applying Lean Management, an innovative management system developed by Toyota, which is not just about manufacturing better cars or improving industrial processes. Lean focuses the organisation on providing more value to its customers which, in the case of the humanitarian sector, are its beneficiaries. Our panel shared their experience of using Lean Management to address common issues in humanitarian operations. Their stories demonstrate the potential of Lean to transform work and relationships by devolving power to lower-level workers and partners. By empowering staff and local entities, it also improves relationships, collaboration, and ultimately the outcomes of humanitarian missions