Some (in)sufficient conditions for secure hybrid encryption

In hybrid public key encryption (PKE), first a key encapsulation mechanism (KEM) is used to fix a random session key that is then fed into a highly efficient data encapsulation mechanism (DEM) to encrypt the actual message. A well-known composition theorem states that if both the KEM and the DEM have a high enough level of security (i.e., security against chosen-ciphertext attacks), then so does the hybrid PKE scheme. It is not known if these strong security requirements on the KEM and DEM are also necessary, nor if such general composition theorems exist for weaker levels of security.Using six different security notions for KEMs, 10 for DEMs, and six for PKE schemes, we completely characterize in this work which combinations lead to a secure hybrid PKE scheme (by proving a composition theorem) and which do not (by providing counterexamples). Furthermore, as an independent result, we revisit and extend prior work on the relations among security notions for KEMs and DEMs.     

Electrical transport properties of low-stage AsF5-intercalated graphite

The in-plane resistivity of stage 1 and stage 2 AsF₅-graphite intercalation compounds was measured using a contactless r.f. eddy current technique from 1.6 to 290 K. The magnetoresistance of a stage 1 compound was similarly measured from 4.2 K to 290 K. The low temperature stage 2 resistivity data show a well-defined intermediate T ² region in addition to the usual T high temperature region, in qualitative agreement with the Kukkonen theory and indicative of a small, elongated cylindrical Fermi surface. Stage 2 resistivity data also show, for the first time in a graphite-acceptor compound, an apparent low temperature phase transition at 21 K. Magnetoresistance data were used to determine a stage 1 carrier concentration of 9×10²⁰ holes cm^–3. Resistive anomalies were observed at 200 K and 220 K for stage 1 and stage 2 compounds, respectively.     

Concept-based querying in mediator systems

One approach to overcoming heterogeneity as a part of data integration in mediator systems is the use of metadata in the form of a vocabulary or ontology to represent domain knowledge explicitly. This requires including this meta level during query formulation and processing. In this paper, we address this problem in the context of a mediator that uses a concept-based integration model and an extension of the XQuery language called CQuery. This mediator has been developed as part of a project for integrating data about cultural assets. We describe the language extensions and their semantics as well as the rewriting and evaluation steps. Furthermore, we discuss aspects of caching and keyword-based search in support of an efficient query formulation and processing.Received: 23 December 2002, Accepted: 15 September 2003, Published online: 6 February 2004Edited by: V. Atluri.     

Precracked pipe under waterhammer action

We numerically simulate a full scale test in several computational steps with the finite element method and compare all calculated data with the experimental findings. First, we compute the deflection under static loading and the spectrum of eigenfrequencies of an integer piping, attached to a nuclear reactor pressure vessel (RPV). Then we consider a sudden pipe break at some distance from the vessel, immediately followed by an undamped closure of a check valve close to the break on the RPV side, and calculate the elastic and plastic transient dynamic response of the integer piping part between the RPV and the break. Finally, we consider a circumferential internal surface crack, fairly close to the vessel; after extensive testing of our fracture mechanics calculation procedure we investigate the stress in the crack region under the waterhammer action.     

Konzeption einer Kollaborationsplattform für die zwischenbetriebliche Softwareerstellung

The development of business application software is increasingly based on the development of different components by various suppliers. In the next step, system vendors integrate these components. Hereby, inter-organizational collaboration becomes more and more important for the software industry. In order to strengthen the value-added processes within these established software supply chains, the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Baden-Württemberg funded the project TASK that aims at fostering inter-organizational design, integration, and implementation of software components. The present article on the one hand provides an insight into the structure as well as the progress of this project and, on the other hand, presents academic research results in terms of an empirical analysis of barriers and drivers of interorganizational collaboration and of the purposeful design of a collaboration platform. The article concludes with a summary and a discussion of current and upcoming issues in establishing and sustaining inter-organizational collaboration structures within the software industry.     

Electron microscopy may reveal structure of docosahexaenoic acid-rich oil within Schizochytrium sp

Schizochytrium sp. is an algae-like microorganism utilized for commercial production of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich oil and dried microalgae for use as a source of DHA in foods, feeds, and nutritional supplements. Electron microscopic analysis of whole cells of Schizochytrium sp. employing sample preparation by high-pressure freeze substitution suggests the presence of secondary and tertiary semicrystalline structures of triacylglycerols within the oil bodies in Schizochytrium sp. A fine secondary structure consisting of alternating light- and dark-staining bands was observed inside the oil bodies. Dark bands were 29 +/- 1 A in width, and light bands were 22 +/- 1 A in width. The tertiary (three-dimensional) structure may be a multilayered ribbon-like structure which appears coiled and interlaced within the oil body. In freeze-fracture photomicrographs, Schizochytrium oil bodies exhibited fracture planes with terraces averaging 52 +/- 7 A in height which could correspond to the combined width of two halves of two light bands and one dark band observed in the high-pressure freeze substitution photomicrographs. The results suggest that triacylglycerols within Schizochytrium sp. oil bodies may be organized in a triple chain-length structure. High-pressure freeze substitution electron micrographs of two other highly unsaturated oil-producing species of microalgae, Thraustochytrium sp. and Isochrysis galbana, also revealed this fine structure, whereas microalgae containing a higher proportion of saturated oil did not. The results suggest that the staining pattern is not an artifact of preparation and that the triple chain-length conformation of triacylglycerols in Schizochytrium sp. oil bodies may be caused by the unique fatty acid composition of the triacylglycerols.