bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attack countermeasure trees (ACT): towards unifying the constructs of attack and defense trees
Authors: Roy Arpan , Kim Dong Seong , Trivedi Kishor S. 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTAttack tree (AT) is one of the widely used non‐state‐space models for security analysis. The basic formalism of AT does not take into account defense mechanisms. Defense trees (DTs) have been developed to investigate the effect of defense mechanisms using measures such as attack cost, security investment cost, return on attack (ROA), and return on investment (ROI). DT, however, places defense mechanisms only at the leaf nodes and the corresponding ROI/ROA analysis does not incorporate the probabilities of attack. In attack response tree (ART), attack and response are both captured but ART suffers from the problem of state‐space explosion, since solution of ART is obtained by means of a state‐space model. In this paper, we present a novel attack tree paradigm called attack countermeasure tree (ACT) which avoids the generation and solution of a state‐space model and takes into account attacks as well as countermeasures (in the form of detection and mitigation events). In ACT, detection and mitigation are allowed not just at the leaf node but also at the intermediate nodes while at the same time the state‐space explosion problem is avoided in its analysis. We study the consequences of incorporating countermeasures in the ACT using three case studies (ACT for BGP attack, ACT for a SCADA attack and ACT for malicious insider attacks). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MSN: mutual secure neighbor verification in multi‐hop wireless networks
Authors: Khalil Issa M. , Awad M. , Bouktif S. , Awwad F. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn a wireless network, mutual secure neighbor verification (MSN) is defined as the capability of a node (verifier) to verify the claim by another node (claimer) that it exists within a certain physical distance from the verifier. This problem has received great attention because it has numerous practical applications. Current state‐of‐the‐art approaches to solve this problem, such as the use of time of flight, signal strength, and angle of arrival, suffer from impracticality in terms of application and computation cost. In this work, we propose two algorithms to mitigate the MSN problem during the incremental deployment phase of static senor networks. Each node should announce its location and the power level it uses for transmission. Cooperative and base station verifications are used to detect nodes that lie about their locations. The simulation results show that we can achieve high detection (>90%) of nodes that forge their location information using either high power transmission or by colluding with other malicious nodes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Smoothing across time in repeated cross‐sectional data
Authors: Lockwood J. R. , McCaffrey Daniel F. , Setodji Claude Messan , Elliott Marc N. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractRepeated cross‐sectional samples are common in national surveys of health like the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Because population health outcomes generally evolve slowly, pooling data across years can improve the precision of current‐year annual estimates of disease prevalence and other health outcomes. Pooling over time is particularly valuable in health disparities research, where outcomes for small groups are often of interest and pooling data across groups would bias disparity estimates. State‐space modeling and Kalman filtering are appealing choices for smoothing data across time. However, filtering can be problematic when few time points are available, as is common with annual cross‐sectional data. Problems arise because filtering relies on estimated variance components, which can be biased and imprecise when estimated with small samples, especially when estimated in tandem with linear trends. We conduct a simulation study showing that even when trends and variance components are estimated poorly, smoothing with these estimates can improve the mean squared error (MSE) of estimated health states for multiple racial/ethnic groups when the variance components are estimated with the pooled sample. We consider frequentist estimators with no trends, one common trend across groups, and separate trends for every group, as well as shrinkage estimators of trends through a Bayesian model. We show that the Bayesian model offers the greatest improvement in MSE, and that Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC)‐based model averaging of the frequentist estimators with different trend assumptions performs nearly as well. We present empirical examples using the NHIS data. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Health indicators: Eliminating bias from convenience sampling estimators
Authors: Hedt Bethany L. , Pagano Marcello 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPublic health practitioners are often called upon to make inference about a health indicator for a population at large when the sole available information are data gathered from a convenience sample, such as data gathered on visitors to a clinic. These data may be of the highest quality and quite extensive, but the biases inherent in a convenience sample preclude the legitimate use of powerful inferential tools that are usually associated with a random sample. In general, we know nothing about those who do not visit the clinic beyond the fact that they do not visit the clinic. An alternative is to take a random sample of the population. However, we show that this solution would be wasteful if it excluded the use of available information. Hence, we present a simple annealing methodology that combines a relatively small, and presumably far less expensive, random sample with the convenience sample. This allows us to not only take advantage of powerful inferential tools, but also provides more accurate information than that available from just using data from the random sample alone. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimizing the response to surveillance alerts in automated surveillance systems
Authors: Izadi Masoumeh , Buckeridge David L. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAlthough much research effort has been directed toward refining algorithms for disease outbreak alerting, considerably less attention has been given to the response to alerts generated from statistical detection algorithms. Given the inherent inaccuracy in alerting, it is imperative to develop methods that help public health personnel identify optimal policies in response to alerts. This study evaluates the application of dynamic decision making models to the problem of responding to outbreak detection methods, using anthrax surveillance as an example. Adaptive optimization through approximate dynamic programming is used to generate a policy for decision making following outbreak detection. We investigate the degree to which the model can tolerate noise theoretically, in order to keep near optimal behavior. We also evaluate the policy from our model empirically and compare it with current approaches in routine public health practice for investigating alerts. Timeliness of outbreak confirmation and total costs associated with the decisions made are used as performance measures. Using our approach, on average, 80 per cent of outbreaks were confirmed prior to the fifth day of post‐attack with considerably less cost compared to response strategies currently in use. Experimental results are also provided to illustrate the robustness of the adaptive optimization approach and to show the realization of the derived error bounds in practice. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variable selection using the optimal ROC curve: An application to a traditional Chinese medicine study on osteoporosis disease
Authors: Zhou X. H. , Chen B. , Xie Y. M. , Tian F. , Liu H. , Liang X. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn biomedical studies, there are multiple sources of information available of which only a small number of them are associated with the diseases. It is of importance to select and combine these factors that are associated with the disease in order to predict the disease status of a new subject. The receiving operating characteristic (ROC) technique has been widely used in disease classification, and the classification accuracy can be measured with area under the ROC curve (AUC). In this article, we combine recent variable selection methods with AUC methods to optimize diagnostic accuracy of multiple risk factors. We first describe one new and some recent AUC‐based methods for effectively combining multiple risk factors for disease classification. We then apply them to analyze the data from a new clinical study, investigating whether a combination of traditional Chinese medicine symptoms and standard Western medicine risk factors can increase discriminative accuracy in diagnosing osteoporosis (OP). Based on the results, we conclude that we can make a better diagnosis of primary OP by combining traditional Chinese medicine symptoms with Western medicine risk factors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
System analysis in different social settings
Authors: Chen Kan 
Published: February 2011

AbstractA one‐year project was conducted jointly in 1981‐2, between the University of Michigan and Qinghua University, with participation from the Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB), to compare and improve system analysis methodologies and utilization in the different social settings of the United States and China. The research was done in the context of the comprehensive planning for water pollution control of the Huangpu River in Shanghai. Four system analysis methodologies were applied in an interrelated manner to the case study:—water quality modeling—cost minimization of wastewater treatment—cost‐benefit analysis—decision analysis.Attention was also given to both the de jure and the de facto decision processes, especially in regard to knowledge utilization and technology transfer in these processes. The first two methodologies are more physically and instrumentally oriented than the latter two. Therefore the first two were easily adapted to different social settings although their proper use required close cooperation. The third, cost‐benefit analysis, is anchored more upon economic theory. It was more difficult to adapt, especially to a nonmarket economy or a mixed (planned and market) economy, in which many important prices are administered. The fourth, decision analysis, is basically culturally independent. However, the specific techniques for its practical applications requires a style of interpersonal skills and relationships which are predicted on certain Western traditions. The adaption of decision analysis techniques to the Oriental culture remains a great challenge.
An application of ashby's law to the skewness of income and output distributions
Authors: De Raadt J. D. R. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAshby's homeostat model and Ashby's law of requisite variety are applied to an organizational situation involving insurance agents. It is argued that Ashby's model may explain the skewness found in the output distribution of work. An empirical study using sales figures of insurance agents is included.
A dynamic living‐systems model of work motivation
Authors: Tracy Lane 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAlthough there are many theories of motivation, none of them is comprehensive and each is couched in different terms that obscure possible links between them. Furthermore, although motivation is clearly a dynamic process, many of the existing theories are static. A dynamic model is presented here which integrates several existing theories of motivation. The model is developed within a framework of living‐systems concepts; thus it is applicable to all living systems. Motivational interaction between systems is discussed and some implications are drawn for further research.
Problems of increasing competence
Authors: De Zeeuw Gerard 
Published: February 2011

AbstractSocieties maintain many systems that help order individuals' activities. Some are technical, some economical, etc. Systems designed to remove or prevent social ills form a special class. They restrict or enhance certain types of collective competence: To help solve, variedly and flexibly, individuals' problems. Finding ways for systematic enhancement turns out to be difficult. In this paper the concept of a support system is described, as a research tool to strengthen such collective competence. The concept focuses on the users of systems. How can they achieve or increase specific forms of collective competence—either by themselves, or helped by research? The paper stresses a design point of view in research, which is user‐oriented and application‐driven.
The future of general systems research: Obstacles, potentials, case studies
Authors: Troncale L. Raphael 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis paper attempts to provide an evaluative and prescriptive overview of the young field of systems science as exemplified by one of its ‘specialties’ general systems theory (GST). Subjective observation and some data on seven vital signs are presented to measure the progress of the field over the last two decades. Thirty‐three specific obstacles inhibiting current research in systems science are presented. Suggestions for overcoming these obstacles are cited as a prescription for improved progress in the field. A sampling of some of the potential near‐term developments that may be expected in the three rather distinct areas of research on systems isomorphies, improvement of systems methodologies, and the utility of systems applications are illustrated with mini‐case studies. Throughout, there is an attempt to identify ‘key’ questions and practical mechanisms that might serve as a stimulus for research. Finally, a set of criteria defining a general theory of systems is suggested and illustrated with a case study. The paper concludes with a projection of the long‐term contributions that systems science may make toward a resolution of the growing chasm between high‐tech solutions and high‐value needs in human systems.
Measurement and the structure of scientific analysis
Authors: Kinston Warren 
Published: February 2011

AbstractExamination of the objectives of measurement reveals it to be part of a series or system of interlocking purposeful activities required to describe the world. The system is analysed as a five‐level hierarchical structure which is complete in that the fifth level is reflective. This model may be useful in the social sciences where much measurement is either not believable or not socially relevant. In particular, the model emphasizes the need for adequate conceptualization, observation, assignment of quantity, and appreciation of relations in association with measurement; and restates the truism that measurement depends on the choice of a universally applicable natural unit with an appropriate relation to the phenomenon under study.
Toward the application of general systems theory in humanistic psychology
Authors: Krippner Stanley , A. James  , Engelman Suzanne R. , Granger Dennis L. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractHumanistic psychology arose in reaction to the restrictive paradigms of behaviorism and orthodox psychoanalysis. However, humanisitic psychology has yet to provide a consistent philosophical and methodological framework for the development and evaluation of models, methods, research, theories and therapies. Additionally, there exists no commonly shared structure for the translation and communication of intuitive recognitions and clinical findings. General systems theory offers a comprehensive methodology, rooted in the natural sciences, which may be applied to clarify and communicate many aspects of humanistic psychology. This paper demonstrates the common philosophical perspectives of general systems theory and humanistic psychology, describes general systems theory in terms of the challenges to humanistic psychology, and presents the concerns expressed by humanistic psychologists regarding the use of general systems theory. Selected areas are discussed in detail: The unity of mental and physical processes; the phenomenologically‐based views of experience that encompass conscious, unconscious and transpersonal dimensions; and the growth paradigms of personal change described by such concepts as equifinality, anamorphosis and differentiation. Also, the humanistic psychologist is urged to be wary of inappropriate methodologies that complicate, rather than clarify, the issues at hand, and directions for future research are outlined.
Flexible quality control system—theory and application
Authors: Furukawa Osamu , Ikeshoji Hideomi , Ishizu Syohei 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis paper is a study of quality control systems with flexible adaptivity in the presence of new kinds of uncertainty, due to the changes of the environment as well as a higher aspiration of systems performance. The uncertainties lead both to the diversity of quality and engineering information and to that of quality control activities, and the essential problems there are how to manipulate diversified information and how to coordinate diversified activities. In this paper we introduce the concept of common items of information in order to manipulate diversified quality and engineering information and propose a coordination system which integrates diversified quality control activities. We also present a successful application of the coordination system to a company in heavy industry.
Strategic planning for research and management of the albacore tuna fishery
Authors: Mackett David J. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) employed the principles of interactive management, supported by consensus building techniques for facilitating meetings, to produce a strategic plan for research on and management of an important fishery. A technically oriented task force aided by a planner was assigned the task of facilitating the production of the plan; an important first step was the production of a probable future scenario of the fishery. Interested citizens, informed by the scenario, were invited to state their goals for the fishery and to list what they considered desirable future trends and events. An options field for the research and management strategy consisting of 17 design categories was produced by the task force and knowledgeable members of NMFS management. The pros and cons for including each option in the NMFS strategy were discussed in a meeting of NMFS Headquarters, Regional and Laboratory management. A set of options was chosen by consensus to represent the NMFS strategic plan for its research and management of the north Pacific albacore fishery.
Some experiences with fluid modeling of economic systems
Authors: Rupnik Viljem 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis paper deals with a new approach to modeling of economic systems, called fluid modeling. The main feature of this approach amounts to a revised concept of dynamics. After having established a set of requirements towards economic modeling we represent a practical example on fluid dynamic modeling of a particular macroeconomic system and discuss the extent to which the basic requirements of fluid modeling have been fulfilled.
A “physical” model of world politics
Authors: Williamson Paul R. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis article sketches a geometric model of international relations and uses it to derive an empirically testable relationship connecting dominant‐dependent ties between nations to internal development within them. Nations are idealized as objects located in a continuum and as exerting forces on each other. A characteristic modern structure of pairwise behavior between nations is hypothesized and empirical evidence is offered to support it. Specific concepts and mathematical elements are used to idealize this characteristic structure in the geometric terms of the model. The concept of a dominant‐dependent tie is identified with this same geometric structural abstraction. Internal national development is idealized, also, in geometric terms. Dominant and dependent nations are distinguished and an approximate estimate of the number of dimensions of the geometric continuum is inferred from the number of the former. Additional propositions of the power transition theory, including the capacity of national development to polarize the system into opposing blocs, are inferred from the resulting geometric framework. Certain novel propositions are also inferred. The ability, within the model, to plausibly infer the empirically observed structure of pairwise behavior as a consequence of internal development is taken as the deciding criterion in concluding that this model warrants attention.
The hierarchy of objectives: Toward an integrating construct in systems science
Authors: Rahmatian Sasan 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe field of systems suffers from theoretical fragmentation. Different researchers and practitioners seem to understand and use the phrase “systems approach” in somewhat unrelated senses. This state of affairs bothers the theoreticians who themselves preach integration and unity. It disturbs the practitioners who are confused about which version of the approach to employ in a given situation. Finally, it gives the enemies of the systems approach a potent weapon to use against it. This paper offers a conceptual synthesis. First, it identifies the various concepts of the systems approach found in the literature. Emphasis is placed on those concepts which emerge from various applications of the systems approach. These concepts are classified into three broad categories, with examples from each category cited. The notion of the hierarchy of objectives is then explicated, and it is argued that the proposed framework is capable of integrating the various approaches to the systems approach.
Towards new epistemological foundations for information systems
Authors: Le Moigne Jean Louis 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe practices used to design information systems reveal the weaknesses of present scientific theories which justify them (information theory, automata theory, cybernetic theory, mathematical logic, decision‐making theory). The study of a specific information processing science shows the acuteness of the contemporary crisis of epistemology, and the relevance of questions brought up by information theory and computation theory. Three promising areas of development to improve the quality of “practices” are discussed: An epistemology of a science of design, a development of research in logic (particularly deontic and self‐referential), and a systematic consideration of memorization processes, in order to integrate, in the modeling process, both the functions (synchronic) and the transformations (diachronic) of organizational information systems.
Giving back some freedom to the system designer
Authors: De Cindio F. , De Michelis G. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractOrganizational abstraction is proposed, together with functional abstraction, as a suitable means for disciplining concurrent system design by means of Superposed Automata (SA) nets, a subclass of Petri nets.Organizational abstraction is based on the notion of EB‐equivalence, a less restrictive derivative of Milner's Observation Equivalence, and allows to disregard the internal organization of a system, taking into account the behaviour it exhibits to its environment only.Using both functional and organizational abstraction, it is possible to design a concurrent system without imposing any order in the way the subsequent SA net models are designed. The designed system in fact is independent, under very general conditions, from the intermediate steps that have been followed.