Key processing with control vectors

A method is presented for controlling cryptographic key usage based on control vectors. Each cryptographic key has an associated control vector that defines the permitted uses of the key within the cryptographic system. At key generation, the control vector is cryptographically coupled to the key by way of a special encryption process. Each encrypted key and control vector are stored and distributed within the cryptographic system as a single token. Decryption of a key requires respecification of the control vector. As part of the decryption process, the cryptographic hardware verifies that the requested use of the key is authorized by the control vector. This article focuses mainly on the use of control vectors in cryptosystems based on the Data Encryption Algorithm.     

Optical properties of amorphous carbon thin films prepared by plasma deposition in a graphite hollow cathode

Carbon films have been produced using a graphite hollow cathode and an r.f. plasma of hydrogen or hydrogen and argon. No hydrocarbon gas was used. The films were subjected to heat treatments up to 700 °C in air. The optical properties of the films were studied using Fourier transform IR, UV-visible, Raman, ellipsometry and photoluminescence techniques before and after the annealing. Films prepared without argon have a narrower band gap and a different photoluminescence response from films prepared with argon. The index of refraction was seen to have values between 1.7 and 2.2 depending on the preparation conditions. The optical band gap of the films was generally greater than 2 eV and the annealing process both increased the gap and reduced the density of states responsible for the large photoluminescence signal.     

Cellular automata model of gravity-driven granular flows

A cellular automata model is used to simulate a variety of granular chute flows. The model is tested against several case studies: flow down a chute, flow past an obstacle, chute flow in which complex, counter-rotating vortices result in streamwise surface stripes and flow near a boundary. The model successfully reproduces experimental observations in all of these cases. These results lead us to propose that simple, rule-based, models such as this can improve our detailed understanding of dynamics and flow within an opaque granular bed.     

Signature analysis and defect detection in layered manufacturing of ceramic sensors and actuators

This paper presents the concept of a process signature for the use of online signature analysis and defect detection in the layered manufacturing (LM) of ceramic sensors and actuators. To achieve the high quality of parts built by the fused deposition of ceramics (FDC), an online process-monitoring system is implemented to detect the processing defects. Using a process signature extracted from the image of a layer captured by the monitoring system, an ideal image is created that is then compared to the original image to detect and identify the defects. Some results of signature analysis and defect detection for single-material and multi-material parts are also presented.Received: 22 July 1999, Accepted: 21 October 2001, Published online: 29 October 2003 Correspondence to: Mohsen A. JafariThis work was supported by the Office of Naval Research under grant # N-0014-96-1-1175. Ref. US Patent # S-5738817, April 14, 1998.     

Review of Can Love Last? The Fate of Romance Over Time.

Review of book: Stephen Mitchell. Can Love Last? The Fate of Romance Over Time. New York: Norton, 2002, 223 pp. Reviewed by Timothy J. Zeddies. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Recognizing, assessing, and intervening with problems of professional competence.

Working collaboratively, psychologist educators and trainers at the doctoral, internship, and postdoctoral levels; credentialers; practitioners; and students offer 8 proposals for psychologists to consider in recognizing, assessing, and intervening with problems of professional competence in students and practicing professionals. In the proposals, the authors address the following topics: definitions and categories; preparing the system; self-assessment; remediation; diversity; communication across various levels of the system; confidentiality; and ethical, regulatory, and legal underpinnings. They also propose future directions for the assessment of problems in professional competence in both students and practicing psychologists. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A Daily Diary Validity Test of Drinking to Cope Measures.

Data from 2 daily diary studies of stress, negative affect, and drinking were used to examine the correspondence between global self-reports of drinking to cope (DTC) and within-person stress/negative affect-drinking associations. In Study 1, 83 community-residing drinkers recorded data in nightly booklets on negative events, perceived stress, negative affect, and drinking for 60 consecutive days. In Study 2, 88 community-residing drinkers recorded data on negative events and negative interpersonal exchanges nightly and negative affect and drinking in near-real time on palmtop computers for 30 consecutive days. Both studies showed only modest correspondence between self-reported DTC and between-person differences in within-day, daily, and weekly associations between stress/negative affect and drinking. The findings indicate that individuals who report higher DTC simply may drink across a wider variety of conditions than those who report relatively lower DTC. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Expert identification and selection: Legal liability concerns and directions

Legal liabilities pertaining to the identification and selection of domain experts is an issue that could adversely impact expert systems developers. Problems pertaining to flawed knowledge, improperly defined expertise, and behavioural and psychological impediments are just some of the issues. This paper examines the torts of strict products liability and negligence that system developers could incur as a result of expert-related difficulties. Parallels from legal scholars and federal and state court decisions are discussed relevant to expert system projects and developers. The paper concludes with a presentation of steps that systems developers can take to minimize potential legal liability.