Predeployed secure key distribution mechanisms in sensor networks: current state-of-the-art and a new approach using time information

In this article we survey a number of predeployed secure key distribution (PSKD) schemes proposed in the technical literature. We also propose a new time-based PSKD (TPSKD), which operates under the assumption of loose time synchronization, and discuss the performance of the scheme. Since the TPSKD scheme uses time information, which would typically already be available in sensor nodes, the cost of the scheme?s implementation is low.     

Evolution of BET internal surface area in glassy carbon powder during thermal oxidation

It is demonstrated that glassy carbon powder can be thermochemically activated. During activation, a film with open pores is created on the glassy carbon particles. This film has a large internal surface area, which is accessible to liquids and gases. A simple model for the evolution of the internal surface area in glassy carbon powder during thermochemical gas-phase oxidation is also presented and compared with experimental data. Experimental results are in qualitative agreement with the model. We found that a sharp particle size distribution is desirable with regard to potential technical applications.     

E-BAMA vs. RAMA [multiple access protocols]

The article presents a performance comparison of two random access protocols for wireless mobile signaling in which a single channel is dedicated to the signaling function, enhanced beacon assisted multiple access (E-BAMA) and resource auction multiple access (RAMA). Data traffic is transported separately on a set of orthogonal channels. The beacon assisted multiple access (BAMA) protocol was first presented as a method of providing mobility management functions, e.g., handover, while minimizing the processing burden placed on the mobile. In BAMA, throughout the duration of its call, an active user repeatedly and quasi-periodically broadcasts a beacon containing its ID using the Aloha protocol. Quasi-periodicity prevents a pair of users from repeatedly colliding with each other. When a base successfully receives the beacon and assigns a channel, it uses a separate downstream channel to send to the mobile an acknowledgement that contains the number of the assigned channel. The BAMA protocol includes a scheme to maintain lists of active mobiles in nearby cells and to exchange periodically these lists among the base-stations. The authors evaluate the capacity and delay performance of E-BAMA and RAMA. Then, they present a numerical comparison of the parameters. Finally, the results are summarized qualitatively. Some additional derivation is included in the appendix     

Creating advanced functions on network processors: experience and perspectives

In this article we present five case studies of advanced networking functions that detail how a network processor (NP) can provide high performance and also the necessary flexibility compared with ASIC. We first review the basic NP system architectures, and describe the IBM PowerNP architecture from the data plane as well as the control plane point of view. We introduce models for the programmer's views of NP that facilitate a global understanding of NP software programming. Then, for each case study, we present results from prototypes as well as general considerations that apply to a wider range of system architectures. Specifically, we investigate the suitability of NP for QoS (active queue management and traffic engineering), header processing (GPRS tunneling protocol), intelligent forwarding (load balancing without flow disruption), payload processing (code interpretation and just-in-time compilation in active networks), and protocol stack termination (SCTP). Finally, we summarize the key features as revealed by each case study, and conclude with remarks on the future of NP.     

Zeolite coated interdigital capacitors as a new type of gas sensor

The adsorption of a gas influences the dielectric constant of zeolites. This property is used as the sensitive component of a gas sensor.

Planar interdigital capacitors were coated with thin films of zeolites. When gas molecules are adsorbed, the dielectric constant of the zeolite is altered, which causes a change in the capacitance of the interdigital capacitor. This change is strongly dependent on the concentration of adsorbate in the gas phase.     

Health education lessons learned: the H.A.P.I. Kids Program

Challenges exist for effective health communication and health education within diverse populations of the United States. This article addresses the development process for educational materials and lessons learned from the Healthy Asian and Pacific Islander (H.A.P.I.) Kids Program, a vaccination demonstration project funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to promote catch-up hepatitis B vaccination for older American Asian and Pacific Islander children. Simplicity and a common message were incorporated in multiple strategies to disseminate information to a diverse population. Community representatives from the Cambodian, Hmong, Filipino, Lao, and Vietnamese communities were instrumental in the material development process, which included needs assessment, design, and translation. By making the target community part of the development process, important health messages can be disseminated effectively, carrying great impact to an otherwise hard-to-reach community.     

Gossip-based ad hoc routing

Many ad hoc routing protocols are based on some variant of flooding. Despite various optimizations of flooding, many routing messages are propagated unnecessarily. We propose a gossiping-based approach, where each node forwards a message with some probability, to reduce the overhead of the routing protocols. Gossiping exhibits bimodal behavior in sufficiently large networks: in some executions, the gossip dies out quickly and hardly any node gets the message; in the remaining executions, a substantial fraction of the nodes gets the message. The fraction of executions in which most nodes get the message depends on the gossiping probability and the topology of the network. In the networks we have considered, using gossiping probability between 0.6 and 0.8 suffices to ensure that almost every node gets the message in almost every execution. For large networks, this simple gossiping protocol uses up to 35% fewer messages than flooding, with improved performance. Gossiping can also be combined with various optimizations of flooding to yield further benefits. Simulations show that adding gossiping to AODV results in significant performance improvement, even in networks as small as 150 nodes. Our results suggest that the improvement should be even more significant in larger networks.     

Factor affecting the cooling rate of lettuce in vacuum cooling installations

Commercial-scale experiments carried out during the last five years have shown that the cooling time of a head of lettuce, wrapped in PVC film and packed in a carton, can vary from 25 to 65 min, depending on the design of the vacuum installation. Experiments were, therefore, carried out with a commercial four pallet vacuum cooler, provided in accordance with the requirements of the Agricultural Engineering Institute, with three vacuum pumps and two compressors. The influence of pumping speed, cooling unit capacity and initial temperature on the cooling time and on the final temperature of lettuce leaves and butts was investigated. The results were compared with the cooling rate obtained with other vacuum cooling installations. Design data are proposed.     

Mirror or Molder? A Study of Media Coverage,Stock Prices,and Trading Volumes in Germany

This article investigates the short‐term relationship between media coverage, stock prices, and trading volumes of eight listed German companies. A content analysis of news reports about the selected companies and a secondary analysis of the daily changes in closing prices and the trading volumes of these companies were combined in a time‐series design. After ARIMA‐modeling each of them, the results suggest that media coverage rather reflects than shapes the development at stock exchanges from a short‐term perspective (2 months). There were almost no hints for a widespread media effect, that is, an impact on so many investors that it will result in a measurable change in stock prices or trading volumes. Finally, theoretical and methodological consequences for exploring widespread media effects are discussed.