Anonymous Group Research Articles

Lightweight and Anonymous Group Authentication Scheme Based on PUF in the Smart Grid

<p>As a new generation of electricity system, smart grid significantly improves electricity services’ efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. The smart meters, which are the essential terminals, help establish two-way communication between users and electricity providers. While enjoying the convenience of smart meters, users face many challenges. On the one hand, malicious adversaries could attack the smart meters and thus steal the users’ privacy. On the other hand, the computational overhead of electricity data verification is high for lightweight smart meters. To address above issues, a lightweight authentication and group key management scheme is proposed. In the proposed scheme, the physical properties of the Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) are exploited to defend against external attacks from adversaries. Moreover, the Chinese Remainder Theorem (CRT) is used to broadcast the updated group keys for the legitimate smart meters in the community. In addition, the aggregated signature is utilized to reduce the overhead of the data verification. Finally, the Random Oracle Model (ROM) is used to demonstrate that the proposed scheme meets many security requirements. Performance analysis shows that the proposed scheme is more suitable for smart grid compared to previous schemes.</p> <p> </p>

An Evaluation Framework for Construction Quality of Bridge Monitoring System Using the DHGF Method.

Aiming at comprehensively evaluating the status of a bridge monitoring system, an evaluation framework based on the improved Delphi, analytic Hierarchy process, Grey relations analysis and Fuzzy integrated evaluation (DHGF) is selected. Firstly, the evaluation indexes for the bridge monitoring system are determined by an anonymous group discussion and expert questionnaire using the improved Delphi method. Secondly, a comparison matrix of the evaluation indexes is constructed to determine the comprehensive weight via the analytic hierarchy process. Then, based on the gray relations analysis, the albino weight function is constructed, the evaluation gray class is determined, and the single-factor fuzzy evaluation matrix is obtained. Finally, the final evaluation result was obtained by the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. The evaluation results of a real bridge monitoring system show that the evaluation level of the monitoring system was level II, and the proposed framework could better reflect the construction and operation status of the monitoring system.

Methodological Investigation: Traditional and Systematic Reviews as Preliminary Findings for Delphi Technique

The Delphi method has been used as a way to reach consensus among experts established in the 1950s. The method was originally conceived to be used as a forecasting instrument for business in a mixed-method study. The Delphi method is usually conducted with elements of anonymity, iteration, controlled feedback and statistical group response. Delphi method had traditionally used expert opinions through methods such as interviews and brainstorming for the initial point of studies conducted. However, with the expanding volumes of research papers and articles in this age, can techniques such as Traditional Literature Review (TLR) and Systematic Literature Review (SLR) also be viable technique to be an initial point of studies for a Delphi study. As such this study aims 1) to examine and discover whether TLR and SLR are appropriate techniques to be used in a Delphi study and 2) construct a Delphi study process overview. This study adopts a methodology in which seven articles that have used TLR and SLR in their Delphi study will be analyzed. The results shows that TLR and SLR are appropriate techniques to be used in a Delphi study and that there are two types of processes to incorporate them into the study. We have also constructed a Delphi process overview through our analysis. We hope that the results of this study will be able help researchers who are interested in doing a Delphi study to know on what are the benefits of TLR and SLR in these studies along with how to incorporate them.

Implementering av DBT i en rural kontekst

Background and purpose: Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a widespread evidence-based method of treating emotionally unstable personality disorder, but the method has barely been studied in a rural context. The purpose of this study is to identify rural challenges for the four treatment channels of DBT, to pinpoint implicit urban starting points in DBT, and to suggest possible adaptations of DBT in rural areas, based on Finnmark as a case. Method: The authors, who are clinicians with extensive experience in psychiatric healthcare in Finnmark, integrates findings from previous research of culturally adapted DBT for rural cultures with local clinical experience in accordance with the declaration of evidence-based psychological practice. Our methodical basis is traditional literary study, case study, autoethnography and theory generation. Results: DBT in its original format falls short in rural areas without adaptations. We found that key challenges for implementations of DBT in our local clinical practise are geographical distances, lack of personnel, difficulties in maintaining anonymity in group therapy, difficulties with group guidance and lack of continuity in treatment due to high turnover. Vi lay out possible adjustments, such as sectional skill training, short periodic admissions at DPS with intensive skill training, pragmatic use of phone consultations, digital treatment (and guidance) and inclusion of other departments in treatments. Conclusion: DBT is a principle-driven method which is originally designed for an urban setting, but which is possible to adapt to a rural context such as Finnmark. Possible challenges are geographical distance, lack of continuity, personnel shortage and lack of anonymity (group treatment). Keywords: rural, DBT, pragmatic psychology, geographical narcissism, urban bias

"We'd really love to but we're really busy": Silence, precarity and resistance as structural barriers to anti-racism in nursing education.

To identify structural barriers to the uptake and practice of anti-racism in nursing education, specifically in the Canadian context. A deconstructive, critical, qualitative inquiry informed by critical race theory, critical whiteness, feminism and post-colonialism. This study employed an anonymous online open-ended questionnaire and online focus groups with Canadian nurse educators from April to June 2021. The data were analysed through a contextualist thematic analysis that accounts for data as essential experience and also a product of discourse. Structural barriers identified are organized into themes of: the academic environment; position and power; racism; program delivery; and Whiteness. Pervasive silence, especially white silence, can be interpreted in related contexts of precarity, self-interest and institutional violence. Overarching processes of precarity and resistance exert power over the environment of nursing education which act to destabilize, disrupt and discourage anti-racist efforts and education. The sustainability of anti-racism should be a primary focus. This entails attending to structures in nursing and higher education that make nursing education precarious work, especially for educators racialized as Other in the white supremacist racial binary of White: non-White. Explicit and ongoing attention to conditions that silence is necessary for any progress to be made. Strategies of applying anti-racism need to be as complex as the barriers. Many schools of nursing are engaged in attempts to include anti-racism as learning and environment. The structural barriers that interfere with effective integration of anti-racism as a lens for nursing education must be named and addressed so educators and schools can be successful. The implication of trying to incorporate anti-racism without addressing the barriers is a very superficial or pocketed application of anti-racism, and a continuation of the status quo that reproduces Whiteness and excludes and harms people racialized otherwise. The study addressed both strategies and barriers to anti-racism in nursing education. This article addressed structural barriers in anti-racism in Canadian nursing education. The main findings are that processes of precarity specific to nursing education in institutions of higher learning, and resistance through Whiteness, decision-making hierarchy and regulatory structures interfere with the application of anti-racism. This research impacts nurse educators in all nursing schools and leaders in higher education. It also impacts all current and future nursing students as the recipients of the education we provide. The paper adheres to COREQ checklist. No patient or public contribution.

Poland as Gilead. Pop culture fiction and performative protests in the era of the pandemic

The use of iconic popular culture symbols is an increasingly common strategy applied by social protest organizers. The Guy Fawkes mask from the ‘V for Vendetta’ comic book became a symbol of the Anonymous group, and later of the Occupy Wall Street movement. The Salvador Dalí mask, popularized in the ‘La casa de papel’ Netflix series, was used in street protests in Spain and Italy. Motifs taken from the HBO adaptation of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ novel gained high visibility in thousands of women’s protests against the introduction of the de facto abortion ban in Poland. Basing on images documenting the Polish protests published in social media, we demonstrate how popular culture symbols are transformed into cultural codes which bridge on-street and online protest actions. This connection has become crucial in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using qualitative visual content analysis, we prepared a classification of the symbols employed. Our contribution to the theory of performative protests is to reveal the importance of analogies with the political series that Polish protesters have used by means of the general connotation: Poland is Gilead.

Learning patterns and risks in distance learning during the COVID-19 lockdown – the pupils’ perspective in drama pedagogy-based focus groups

In this study, primary school pupils have been surveyed using the methodology of drama pedagogy, focusing on two research questions: what the risks of online activities are and how children cope with these, and what the experiences of children with distance learning were. This study investigated both areas jointly from the pupils’ perspective. Three anonymous online focus groups were conducted with 16 Hungarian pupils (4 boys and 12 girls; age range: 11–15 years) in July 2020, who joined to the research on a voluntary basis and have been recruited from three rural counties with different socioeconomic backgrounds. Respondents unequivocally recounted that during the lockdown, they had spent a significant part of their time in front of a screen, mostly without adult supervision. Whilst most only experienced different forms of teasing, some cyberbullying instances bordered on criminal cases and required the involvement of parents. High exposure to such risks was experienced during the months when online learning mainly consisted of receiving assignments to work on, and most teachers were almost unavailable. Future research could compare the experiences of pupils and teachers, creating an online safe space for them where they could respond to each other’s perceptions, interpretations and opinions anonymously.

Supernatural explanations across 114 societies are more common for natural than social phenomena.

Humans across the globe use supernatural beliefs to explain the world around them. This article explores whether cultural groups invoke the supernatural more to explain natural phenomena (for example, storms, disease outbreaks) or social phenomena (for example, murder, warfare). Quantitative analysis of ethnographic text across 114 geographically and culturally diverse societies found that supernatural explanations are more prevalent for natural than for social phenomena, consistent with theories that ground the origin of religious belief in a human tendency to perceive intent and agency in the natural world. Despite the dominance of supernatural explanations of natural phenomena, supernatural explanations of social phenomena were especially prevalent in urbanized societies with more socially complex and anonymous groups. Our results show how people use supernatural beliefs as explanatory tools in non-industrial societies, and how these applications vary across small-scale communities versus large and urbanized groups.

Building an Inclusive Pedagogy in Synchronous Online Learning Environments Focused on Social Justice Issues: A Case Study

In the spring of 2020, a global pandemic caused an immediate transition to online, synchronous learning platforms in much of the world. In discussion-based classrooms, where students construct learning from the material and their interactions with each other, the shift posed new challenges to educators and students. This mixed methods action research case study focused on the challenges and successes of teaching a university class about sensitive issues in the area of educational equity using a web-based platform. Over the course of two semesters, forty-eight pre-credential teacher education students were surveyed regarding their experiences taking part in equity-focused discussions over a synchronous Zoom platform. Semi-structured interviews with four instructors and five student volunteers were conducted to add depth to the survey data. A key finding is that Students of Color were significantly less comfortable discussing issues of race, gender, and equity with their cameras on than were White students. Additional findings pointed to race- and gender-based preferences in modes of engagement with the class material; the use of a multi-component pedagogy including anonymous discussion boards, chat posts, and group breakouts are suggested approaches for reaching all students when engaging an online class in discussions about race, gender, and sexuality.

AeRChain: An Anonymous and Efficient Redactable Blockchain Scheme Based on Proof-of-Work

Redactable Blockchain aims to ensure the immutability of the data of most applications and provide authorized mutability for some specific applications, such as for removing illegal content from blockchains. However, the existing Redactable Blockchains lack redacting efficiency and protection of the identity information of voters participating in the redacting consensus. To fill this gap, this paper presents an anonymous and efficient redactable blockchain scheme based on Proof-of-Work (PoW) in the permissionless setting, called "AeRChain". Specifically, the paper first presents an improved Back's Linkable Spontaneous Anonymous Group (bLSAG) signatures scheme and uses the improved scheme to hide the identity of blockchain voters. Then, in order to accelerate the achievement of redacting consensus, it introduces a moderate puzzle with variable target values for selecting voters and a voting weight function for assigning different weights to puzzles with different target values. The experimental results show that the present scheme can achieve efficient anonymous redacting consensus with low overhead and reduce communication traffic.

A novel method for the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of health-related quality of life patient-reported outcome measurements

BackgroundThis paper presents a novel methodology for translation and cross-cultural adaptation of health-related quality-of-life patient-reported outcome measures, incorporating the Delphi method. Specifically, we describe the process of translating the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7 from English to Norwegian using this method.MethodsThe multistep translation method combined the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life guidelines, an Expert Panel review, and the Delphi method. It comprised two independent forward- and back-translations. While the bilingual pelvic floor Expert Panel ensured rigorous cross-checking and effective cross-cultural adaptation, the addition of the Delphi method (comprising the attributes of anonymity, controlled feedback, and statistical group response) further established consensus on translated items.OutcomesThe application of the Delphi method in the Expert Panel phase proved adequate in producing comprehensible intermediate Norwegian versions ready for pilot testing. The Expert Panel reviewed the comments made by patients completing the instruments and offered advice to allow final translated versions to be produced and tested for measurement properties. This iterative approach, internal logic, and anonymity between rounds improved the evaluations that the panel members provided, which in turn enhanced the final translated Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs).ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this work represents the first demonstration of the application of an Expert Panel review incorporating a Delphi method to assess health-related quality-of-life instruments. The controlled feedback approach, iterative nature, internal logic, and anonymity of the Delphi consensus method appeared to ensure a good cross-cultural adaptation of these PROMs.

Attributional styles and self-concept as predictors of group spiritual care in group of alcoholics anonymous (AA)

BackgroundOne of the most common types of addiction after narcotic or stimulant materials is the alcohol addiction. This study investigated the relationship between self-concept and attributional styles with group spiritual care in the Alcoholics anonymous (AA) group in Mashhad city. MethodsThis correlation study was conducted on 300 persons of AA of Mashhad which were selected by the simple random sampling method. The data collection tools were Attributional Styles Questionnaire (ASQ) of Seligman & Singh, Self-concept Questionnaire (SCQ) of Raj Kumar Saraswat and Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS) Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 22) and Pearson's correlation statistic tests and multivariate regression analysis. ResultsThe results of regression variance analysis of attributional style and self-concept components with group spiritual care in the studied persons showed that the attributional styles and the self-concept components can explain together about 27 % of the group spiritual care in the studied persons, which was statistically significant (P <0.001 and 20/15 = F).Also, there is a positive and significant relationship between the attributional style and the self-concept component with group spiritual care in the studied persons. ConclusionsAccording to the results, it is suggested that the members of AA Association should be aware of the attributional styles, the self-concept components, and group spiritual care in order to discover their own suitable attributional styles and self-concept components and benefit from them to strengthen the group spiritual care.

A Blockchain-based Three-factor Mutual Authentication System for IoT using PUFs and Group Signatures

The widespread adoption of Internet of Things has brought many benefits to society, such as increased efficiency and convenience in various aspects of daily life. However, this has also led to a rise in security threats. Moreover, resource-constrained feature of IoT devices makes them vulnerable to various attacks that compromise the user's privacy and sensitive information confidentiality. It is therefore essential to address the security concerns of IoT devices to ensure their reliable and secure operation. This paper proposes a blockchain-based three-factor mutual authentication system for IoT using Elliptic Curve Cryptography, physical unclonable functions and group signatures. The main purpose is to achieve a secure mutual authentication among different involved entities while providing anonymous group member authentication and reliable auditing. The AVISPA tool is utilized in the paper to formally prove that the proposed system satisfies the security and privacy requirements.

Secure and Efficient Anonymous Group Data Sharing by SBIBD Technique in Cloud Environment

In recent decades, group data sharing in cloud systems has been a prominent issue. With the rise in popularity of cloud computing, achieving safe and efficient data exchange in cloud settings is a pressing issue that must be addressed. Furthermore, achieving both anonymity and traceability in the cloud for data exchange is a difficulty. This work focuses on providing anonymous data exchange and storage in the cloud for the same group with good security and efficiency. A unique traceable group data sharing strategy is developed to allow anonymous multiple users in public clouds by leveraging the key agreement and the group signature. On the one hand, group members can communicate anonymously with regard to the group signature, and on the other hand, group members can track the anonymous members, chat within the group, store and share for secure instant access and updates.

The Role of Economic Stress, Health Concerns, and Institutional Trust in Supporting Public Protests against COVID-19 Lockdown Measures in Denmark.

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, most governments around the world have adopted strict COVID-19 lockdown measures. In Denmark, mainly from January to March 2021, an anonymous protest group called Men in Black organized demonstrations against the Danish COVID-19 lockdown measures in the three major cities in Denmark. Based on an online survey that we carried out in March 2021 in the Danish population aged 16 years and above (n = 2692), we analyze the individual-level factors behind supporting these demonstrations. Based on ordered logit regressions, the results show that being Muslim and being self-employed (business owner) was positively related to supporting the demonstrations, and that age and living in a city municipality was negatively related to supporting the demonstrations. Based on structural equation modeling (SEM), the results showed that the municipal COVID-19 incidence rate mediates the effect of living in a city municipality, that institutional trust mediates the effect of being Muslim, and that COVID-19 health concerns and institutional trust mediate the effect of age. Overall, economic stress among business owners, health concerns, and institutional trust were found to be the main predictors of supporting the demonstrations against the COVID-19 lockdown measures in Denmark.

COMPARING STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES IN AN ONLINE PEER ASSESSMENT: DOES ANONYMITY MATTER?

Peer assessment is a fundamental activity aiming to involve students to participate actively in their own learning processes. In the context of EFL online learning, the peer assessment was conducted in the online mode as well. This study aimed to: 1) compare students’ attitudes in doing an online peer assessment in two different conditions of anonymity, 2) explore students’ perceptions of the anonymous and identifiable online peer assessment.  Seventy students of the English language education department in a private university participated in this study. Assigned to two different conditions, i.e anonymous and identifiable online peer assessment, the students were engaged in a Workshop activity, which was an asynchronous Moodle-based online peer assessment. Each student assessed three peers’ works as well as provide feedback comments. A questionnaire with close-ended and open-ended questions was used to investigate the students’ attitudes as well as perceptions of the different peer assessment formats. An independent samples t-test was performed to compare the attitude scores of both groups. The result indicated that students in the anonymous group showed a slightly better attitude compared to those in the identifiable group, yet the difference was not significant (t = 1.164, p &gt; .05). From the questionnaire result, it was also found that the students in the anonymous group had more positive perceptions towards online peer assessment activity. These findings imply that while the anonymous online peer assessment is more favoured by learners, it might not be able to guarantee positive development in students’ overall aspects of attitudes.

Comparison of the Quality of Life of Addicts Participating in Either Narcotics Anonymous or, Therapeutic Community Group Sessions or Receiving Methadone-Therapy a Cohort Study in Mashhad in 2013

Introduction: Chronic and prolonged illnesses and disorders, such as addiction, can create a crisis in the lives of people with disabilities and reduce in their quality of life. Therefore, in this study, we decided to compare the quality of life of individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) who received either Narcotics Anonymous, Therapeutic Community Session or Methadone Therapy.&#x0D; Methods: This cohort study was conducted on detoxified patients receiving either narcotics anonymous, therapeutic community sessions or methadone therapy. The quality of life of the subjects was measured by the SF36 Questionnaire at the baseline and 1.5 months after the start of treatment. Descriptive indicators (mean (SD), frequency (%)), ANOVA, paired t-test, Chi-square and Tukey post hoc analysis test were used for data analysis . Data were analyzed in SPSS19 software at the significance level of P&lt; 0.05.&#x0D; Results: Overall,81 patients were enrolled in three groups of 27 people. The mean ± SD of age was obtained as 34.77±8.49 years old, years of consumption as 7.48±2.87, daily consumption frequency as 3.85±2.14, and cessation of consumption frequency as 7.02±10.56. Of those who participated in the study, 57.5% had secondary school education or higher; 50.6% had a freelance job, and 14.9% were unemployed. The mean (SD) score of quality of life among individuals with SUD participating in the sessions of narcotics anonymous (85.7) and therapeutic community group (73.3) increased significantly 1.5 months after the start of the sessions compared to the baseline (P &lt;0.001 ).&#x0D; Conclusion: The results of this study indicated narcotics anonymous and therapeutic community group sessions were effective in improving the quality of life of individuals with SUD. However, this effect was greater in those attending narcotics anonymous sessions. Therefore, it is suggested that individuals with SUD participate in these sessions.

Anonymous Screening Increases Self Reported Symptoms Of Mental Health In College Athletes

PURPOSE: To identify the effect of anonymous vs identified screening for depression, anxiety and eating disorders in college student athletes. METHODS: NCAA student athletes were electronically screened for mental health disorders using the PHQ-9 (depression), GAD-7 (anxiety) and SCOFF (eating disorder) questionnaires. A positive result correlated with a score of 10 or more on the PHQ-9 and GAD-7, and 2 or more on the SCOFF. The screening tests were completed between the 2020 and 2021 academic years by students attending major universities in the Greenville, South Carolina area. Both surveys were completed from the same collegiate population via the same online platform with or without collection of names and demographic info as part of preparticipation paperwork and history taking. The results by both groups were collected in each of the 3 categories (Table 1) and reported as a percentage of the total number of athletes in the group. The percentage of positive screens in each category was compared between the identified and anonymous groups and the Chi-squared test was used for determination of statistical significance. RESULTS: 949 athletes participated. Two-thirds were male and 502 were identified while 447 reported anonymously. Positive screening captures were reduced in each category in the identified group compared to the anonymous screening. Percent positive screens dropped from 11.3% to 1.4% (p < 0.0001) on the PHQ-9, from 15.3% to 2.2% (p < 0.00001) on the GAD-7, and from 6.4% to 2.4% (p = 0.01) on the SCOFF. Overall, positive screening on any of the tools dropped from 22.6% to 4.4% (p < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of positive mental health screening in student athletes is dramatically lower when athletes are identified compared to anonymous screening. Considering the high prevalence of mental health disorders in athletes, it is important to identify athletes at risk accurately on screening to intervene appropriately.

Cryptocurrency and its Effect on the Electric Grid

Since the anonymous person or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto created Bitcoin in 2008, interest in the cryptocurrency has grown exponentially. In the past 14 years, thousands of additional cryptocurrencies have been created, some still active while others have faded into obscurity. Investors have flocked to cryptocurrencies for a variety of reasons from technology to decentralization to a hedge against inflation to simply chasing profits. For all the proponents that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have, they also have their share of critics. Recently, many people around the world have criticized cryptocurrencies for the amount of energy that they consume for new coins to be mined. This article aims to assess current data regarding energy usage for mining cryptocurrencies as well as, understand what actions are being taken to reduce the carbon footprint of these cryptocurrency mining activities around the world.

Platelet-Rich Plasma vs Autologous Blood Injection to Treat Plantar Fasciitis: A Prospective Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Trial.

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is the most common cause of heel pain. Previous work has shown promising results regarding platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for the treatment of PF. The aim of this study is to prospectively compare the efficacy of PRP and autologous blood injections in a randomized anonymized patient group to treat PF. PF patients who failed at least 6 weeks of noninvasive conservative treatment aged between 40 and 65 years were recruited to be in the study. Patients were randomly assigned into group A (PRP) or group B (autologous blood). Injections were performed under ultrasonographic guidance in a double-anonymized manner. The groups were compared according to preinjection and postinjection health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores measured with Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and visual analog scale (VAS). Intragroup comparative analysis was also performed at different time points. Independent t tests and repeated measures analyses of variance were used for statistical analysis, with P <.05 set for statistical significance. Group A (PRP) included 30 (19 female, 11 male) patients with mean age 52.2 ±6.3; group B (ABI) included 30 (20 female, 10 male) patients with mean age 52.7 ± 6.5. Both groups had similar body mass index (P = .719). No injection-related complications were recorded. After treatment, both groups had improved FADI and VAS scores compared to the baseline. Although the mean HRQoL scores were higher in the PRP group, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (PVAS = .589; PFADI = .742). Participants with plantar fasciitis improved statistically significantly after either PRP or ABI injections compared with baseline HRQoL scores, with no significant differences seen between the groups. Level I, prospective randomized double-anonymized clinical comparative study.