Database Users Research Articles

Exploring adult hearing aid user experiences: meaning extraction methods, content patterns, and associations with demographic and outcome variables

Objective Employing automated language analysis, specifically Meaning Extraction Method (MEM) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), to identify key factors in open-text responses about hearing aid experiences. Design Exploratory, cross-sectional design, using an online questionnaire. Responses to a single open-ended question were analysed using MEM, PCA, regression, and correlation analyses. Study sample Participants (n = 538) included adult hearing aid users sampled from the Hearing Tracker website community and Lexie Hearing user databases in the United States. Results The MEM-derived items revealed six factors related to hearing aid experiences: (1) life change, (2) social situation, (3) quality of life, (4) impact and speech understanding, (5) communication and interaction, and (6) music and environmental sounds. IOI-HA item 3 had the most statistically significant correlations with PCA factors. Quantile regression revealed that factors one and two significantly predicted the IOI-HA total score. Positive correlations were observed between self-reported hearing difficulty and factors one, four, and five, as well as between factor one and general health and factor two and physical activity. Conclusion Natural language analysis of open-ended textual responses can offer valuable insights into hearing aid users’ experiences. Future studies should aim to refine this methodology to enhance clinical relevance and generalisability.

Personal Goals, User Engagement, and Meal Adherence within a Personalised AI-Based Mobile Application for Nutrition and Physical Activity.

Mobile applications have been shown to be an effective and feasible intervention medium for improving healthy food intake in different target groups. As part of the PeRsOnalized nutriTion for hEalthy livINg (PROTEIN) European Union H2020 project, the PROTEIN mobile application was developed as an end-user environment, aiming to facilitate healthier lifestyles through artificial intelligence (AI)-based personalised dietary and physical activity recommendations. Recommendations were generated by an AI advisor for different user groups, combining users' personal information and preferences with a custom knowledge-based system developed by experts to create personalised, evidence-based nutrition and activity plans. The PROTEIN app was piloted across different user groups in five European countries (Belgium, Germany, Greece, Portugal, and the United Kingdom). Data from the PROTEIN app's user database (n = 579) and the PROTEIN end-user questionnaire (n = 446) were analysed using the chi-square test of independence to identify associations between personal goals, meal recommendations, and meal adherence among different gender, age, and user groups. The results indicate that weight loss-related goals are more prevalent, as well as more engaging, across all users. Health- and physical activity-related goals are key for increased meal adherence, with further differentiation evident between age and user groups. Congruency between user groups and their respective goals is also important for increased meal adherence. Our study outcomes, and the overall research framework created by the PROTEIN project, can be used to inform the future development of nutrition mobile applications and enable researchers and application designers/developers to better address personalisation for specific user groups, with a focus on user intent, as well as in-app features.

Relative sensitivity of plastic scintillator: A comparative analysis with 60Co gamma rays, deuterium-deuterium, and deuterium-tritium neutrons.

A plastic scintillator has found extensive application in the realm of high-energy physics and national security science. Many applications in those fields often involve the simultaneous production of photons, neutrons, and charged particles, which makes the relative sensitivity information for these different radiation types important. In this study, we have adopted a multi-head detector comprised of a plastic scintillator and high gain phototubes, which provides a large dynamic range and linearity. A comparative study on the relative sensitivities of plastic scintillators was facilitated by adopting three distinct radiation calibration sources (i.e., 60Co γ rays, DD neutrons, and DT neutrons). Neutrons from a DD source generate a comparable level of scintillation to gamma rays emitted by 60Co (i.e., 60Co-γ/DD-n = 0.92 ± 16%). DT neutrons induce ∼3.5 times the scintillation observed with DD neutrons (i.e., DT-n/DD-n = 3.5 ± 28%). In addition, the Geant4 simulation granted us valuable insights into the relative sensitivity of the scintillator. This comparative study will provide a useful database for users in diverse applications.

Systemic effects of anti-VEGF intravitreal injection in patients with age-related macular degeneration: A multi-institutional real-world study.

In individuals aged >50 years, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Intravitreal injections of antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents (bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept) show good efficacy and similar incidences of systemic adverse events (SAEs). However, comparative studies between agents are limited. Our study aimed to compare the real-world SAE risks of bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept users. This retrospective cohort study identified new bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept users in a multi-institutional database in Taiwan between 2014 and 2019. Inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTW) with propensity scores was conducted to achieve homogeneity among groups. The Fine and Gray model was utilized to estimate the subdistribution hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval. This study included 701 bevacizumab, 463 ranibizumab, and 984 aflibercept users. After IPTW, all covariates were well-balanced. All three anti-VEGF agents had a low and comparable number per 100 person-years of major adverse cardiac events, heart failure, thromboembolic events, major bleeding, all-cause admission, and all-cause death (all P > 0.05). No significant differences in long-term change of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and alanine transaminase (all P for interaction > 0.05) were observed among groups. Bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept had a good systemic safety profile in this study. All groups showed a low and similar SAE risk and no differences in their long-term change of laboratory data. Therefore, these anti-VEGF agents could be prescribed safely to patients with AMD.

Symposium 1: Analyzing Special Needs Support through Networks and Learning Analytics in Primary Education

In this short paper, analytical issues of networked learning are related to special needs support and learning analytics research in primary education. Very brief suggestions for these analytical issues are discussed for the networked learning research field to continue to expand upon. In part, the discussion is intended to form the underpinnings of a work-in-progress research project with cross-disciplinary networked connections across multiple universities. Currently, teachers are faced with an expansion of their professional role that may be too economically demanding, which may result in consequences that is not beneficial for children with special needs. Researchers that aim to study inclusive education face the challenge to represent findings in a way that does not increase workload for teachers in primary education. Any failings in this regard may strengthen the intertwining of educational results and economical interest, which to a large extent could be considered as opposed to networked learning theory, dualistically separated from pedagogical concerns. The inclusive goal of addressing diversity for children with special needs may be promoted by providing an educational setting with networked connections that enhances variation to modes of behavior, by addressing specific and contextual strengths and challenges of students appropriately. With learning analytics, specific and contextual strengths and challenges of students might be easier to highlight with new database schemas, algorithms, and user interfaces to represent networked data. Radical behaviorist methodology may further emphasize specific contextual findings from primary education through strictly defined events of behavior, which may be of interest to the networked learning research community to further expand upon. Thus, this paper proposes suggestions for networked learning research of primary education, with approaches commonly implemented in special education, such as radical behaviorist methodology. The suggestions are based on networked consequences from three social dimensions: political, economic, and technology-developmental. 1 The political dimension is discussed through the notion of inclusive education for children with special needs and its current state, 2 the economic dimension is discussed through the 21st century role expansion of teachers, 3 the technology-developmental dimension is discussed through learning analytic research and its connection to bodily and biological associations. This dimension is especially noteworthy, as learning analytics is currently underutilized in primary education research as opposed to common higher education research.

Fast and Efficient UserID Lookup in Distributed Authentication: A Probabilistic Approach Using Bloom Filters

Purpose: User authentication in distributed systems presents unique challenges due to the decentralized nature of these environments and the potential for high-volume login attempts. This paper proposes an efficient method for UserID existence checking during the login process using Bloom filters, a space-efficient probabilistic data structure. Our approach aims to reduce authentication latency and minimize network traffic while maintaining a high level of security. Methodology: We present a novel system architecture that incorporates Bloom filters at strategic points within the distributed system to perform rapid preliminary checks on UserID existence. This method allows for quick rejection of non-existent UserIDs without querying the main user database, significantly reducing the load on central authentication servers. The paper details the implementation of Bloom filters optimized for UserID storage and lookup, including considerations for filter size, hash function selection, and false positive rate management. We also describe the integration of this method into a typical authentication workflow, highlighting the points at which Bloom filter checks are performed and how they interact with existing security measures. Findings: To evaluate the effectiveness of our approach, we conducted extensive experiments simulating various scales of distributed systems and login attempt patterns. Our results demonstrate that the Bloom filter-based UserID existence checking method reduces authentication latency by an average of 37% compared to traditional database lookup methods. Additionally, we observed a 42% decrease in network traffic related to authentication processes, indicating improved scalability for large-scale distributed systems. The paper also discusses the trade-offs inherent in using probabilistic data structures for security-critical operations, addressing potential vulnerabilities and proposing mitigation strategies. We conclude by outlining future research directions, including adaptive Bloom filter sizing and the potential application of this method to other aspects of distributed system security. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This research contributes to the field of distributed systems security by providing a practical, efficient, and scalable solution for UserID existence checking, potentially improving the performance and user experience of large-scale authentication systems.

Analysis and Design of a Web Based Fixed Asset Processing System in PT. Suka Maju

financial reports issued by the finance department Problems that often occur at PT. Suka Maju is the whereabouts of fixed assets that are unknown, whether they are still in the warehouse or have been moved to another outlet/center. This is because sometimes the company opens a new branch or the head of the outlet needs fixed assets, then HR/GA moves the fixed assets from the warehouse to the outlet. Without communicating/reporting with central management so that central management does not know the position of the fixed assets. This results in central management not knowing the position of these assets and fixed asset reports not being in accordance with actual conditions. The main objective of this research is to design and develop a system that can manage company fixed assets effectively and efficiently by utilizing web technology. This system is expected to be able to increase accuracy and speed in the process of recording, tracking and managing fixed assets at PT Suka Maju. The research methodology used includes the needs analysis, system design, development and testing stages. At the needs analysis stage, interviews and observations were conducted to identify the needs and problems faced in managing fixed assets in the company. The results of this analysis become the basis for system design which includes database design, user interface, and system functionality. The research results show that this web-based fixed asset management system is able to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of asset management at PT Suka Maju. System users report improvements in the speed of access to information, accuracy of asset data, and ease of reporting and auditing assets. Thus, it is hoped that this system can be the right solution for PT Suka Maju in managing their fixed assets better

In support of a broad concept of Paepalanthus (Eriocaulaceae)

AbstractWe here evaluate the conflicting recent splitter and lumper strategies concerning the generic classification system of the Eriocaulaceae, and whether Paepalanthus s.str. and its proposed segregate genera are morphologically recognizable. To this end, we examine evidence from inflorescence branching patterns, seed coat, and phylogeny in detail, and contrast circumscriptions of genera with the available data. We also indicate possible consequences of the proposed system for herbarium curators, keepers and users of large databases, and generalist users of identification keys. We argue that the morphological circumscriptions of Paepalanthus s.str. and of most of the other 11 segregate genera lack coherence. The majority of characters used as potential synapomorphies or in diagnoses are not sufficient to support the genera because they conflict with or do not represent the morphology of all the included species. The information regarding inflorescence branching patterns and seed coat are interpreted ambiguously or represent preliminary results, and some characters are known for only a limited number of species. Inflorescences are difficult to interpret in herbarium specimens, and the seed coat mostly requires SEM analysis for proper visualization, thus hindering identification. On the other hand, Paepalanthus s.l. can be identified by a combination of floral characters, as can the remaining genera of the family. We therefore endorse the recognition of Paepalanthus s.l. as a single, nomenclaturally stable, and monophyletic entity. This is the best‐fitting solution to reflect both evolutionary and morphological aspects of this recently diversified lineage. Finally, we provide a new identification key for the 7 genera of the Eriocaulaceae, characterizing Paepalanthus s.l. by floral characters that can be observed in any flowering specimen.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Science Clips

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Science Clips is an online weekly bibliographical digest showcasing over 46,000 scientific articles and publications from 2009 to present. The digest is curated by the Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library to bring awareness to relevant and quality public health literature. This overview describes how users can access and navigate the database, and evaluates the database usability and relevance in public health.

Multiple graphical views for automatically generating SQL for the MycoDiversity DB; making fungal biodiversity studies accessible.

Fungi is a highly diverse group of eukaryotic organisms that live under an extremely wide range of environmental conditions. Nowadays, there is a fundamental focus on observing how biodiversity varies on different spatial scales, in addition to understanding the environmental factors which drive fungal biodiversity. Metabarcoding is a high-throughput DNA sequencing technology that has positively contributed to observing fungal communities in environments. While the DNA sequencing data generated from metabarcoding studies are available in public archives, this valuable data resource is not directly usable for fungal biodiversity investigation. Additionally, due to its fragmented storage and distributed nature, it is not immediately accessible through a single user interface. We developed the MycoDiversity DataBase User Interface (https://mycodiversity.liacs.nl) to provide direct access and retrieval of fungal data that was previously inaccessible in the public domain. The user interface provides multiple graphical views of the data components used to reveal fungal biodiversity. These components include reliable geo-location terms, the reference taxonomic scientific names associated with fungal species and the standard features describing the environment where they occur. Direct observation of the public DNA sequencing data in association with fungi is accessible through SQL search queries created by interactively manipulating topological maps and dynamic hierarchical tree views. The search results are presented in configurable data table views that can be downloaded for further use. With the MycoDiversity DataBase User Interface, we make fungal biodiversity data accessible, assisting researchers and other stakeholders in using metabarcoding studies for assessing fungal biodiversity.

Surveillance System with Human Intrusion Detection

Security in restricted areas is essential for protecting valuable assets, sensitive information, ensuring the safety from intruders. Traditional security systems have many limitations, where they cannot authenticate whether the entered person is an intruder or not. To address this challenge by implementing a real-time face recognition- based surveillance system, is the goal of this project. Realtime Intrusion detection system provides surveillance for restricted and confidential areas with help of face recognition and detection, when an intruder or unauthorized person enters the area, this system will give an alert to the respective in charge through various channels, including email, messaging services, and direct phone calls. In this system, the OpenCV python library along with several algorithms are used to abstract the facial features and to take the input dataset. For face detection, the system utilizes SCRFD and YOLO, and it employs Arcface for accurate face recognition. This technique ensures the system can distinguish between an intruder and an authorized individual entering the secured area. This proactive approach enhances surveillance efficiency and reinforces the safety and integrity of restricted areas. For instance, when an individual enters the restricted area, the system captures and analyses their face. It then verifies whether the detected face matches any authorized faces in the registered user database. If there’s no match, the system identifies the person as an intruder and promptly sends an alert to the designated authority. To enhance accessibility, a user-friendly graphical interface (GUI) has been developed using Python’s Tkinter.

Consumer Perspectives on Improving Hearing Aids: A Qualitative Study.

Hearing aids play a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of hearing loss, yet their adoption and consistent usage remains suboptimal. Understanding the hearing aid needs of individuals with hearing loss is important to support uptake, use, and outcomes. The current study describes users' perspectives on how hearing aids can be improved. A cross-sectional, qualitative, content analysis design was used for an open-ended question from an online survey, exploring user perspectives on hearing aid improvements. Participants were adult hearing aid users in the United States, surveyed from the HearingTracker and Lexie Hearing user database. A total of 628 participants (Mage = 66 years) were surveyed. The majority of participants used bilateral, behind-the-ear hearing aids that were obtained either through a hearing health care professional or online. Three domains, highlighting areas for hearing aid improvement, were identified. (a) The hearing aid features domain described user issues surrounding physical appearance and fit, general features, streaming, battery functionality, adjustments, smartphone applications, and hearing aid-related accessories. There was dissatisfaction with aesthetics and functionality, with a notable desire for improvements in physical appearance and fit (n = 161), and features to improve self-efficacy. (b) The sound quality domain described user issues surrounding sound perception and difficult situations. Participants highlighted unmet needs for clarity, especially in noisy environments (n = 143). (c) The service-delivery domain described user issues surrounding audiology services and general satisfaction, with criticisms centered on the high cost of hearing aids (n = 193) and the credibility of hearing health care professionals. Hearing aid users appreciated current technological advances but expressed a need for improvements, to better align devices with their requirements. Key areas included physical aesthetics, user control over device adjustments, sound clarity, cost accessibility, and trust between the user and hearing health care professional. Future designs should focus on features enhancing user autonomy and self-efficacy.

What is the MAUDE Database Telling us about 510(k) Authorization? Evaluation of Two Generations of Endovascular Arteriovenous Fistula Devices

In 2019, Bard Peripheral Vascular Inc (BV; now Becton, Dickinson and Company; Sparks, Maryland) received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to begin marketing the WavelinQ EndoAVF System through a process known as 510(k) authorization. Such authorization relies on BV proving that the new WavelinQ EndoAVF System was of "substantial equivalence" to the WavelinQ 4F EndoAVF System. We set forth to analyze patient problems and device issues reported for the new device and determine if they were significantly different from the predicate device its 510(k) approval was based on. FDA database Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience was queried for all adverse report events for the WavelinQ EndoAVF System and WavelinQ 4F EndoAVF System. Data were collected on patient issues and device issues. Fisher's exact test was used. There were a total of 125 reports for the WavelinQ 4F EndoAVF System and 78 for the WavelinQ EndoAVF System. There was a significant increase in patient problem "hypertension" (0% vs. 5.1%; P=0.02) for the WavelinQ EndoAVF System but a statistically significant decrease in device issue "failure to align" for the WavelinQ EndoAVF System (24.8% vs. 10.3%; P ≤ 0.01). There were changes in device and patient outcomes between the WavelinQ EndoAVF System and WavelinQ 4F EndoAVF System. While we noted a decrease in device problem "failure to align", there was an overall increase in patients' "hypertension" rates. This highlights the importance of the FDA Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience reporting in ensuring that device safety is maintained when devices are approved for marketing through the 510(k) process.

Analysis and prediction of personality traits using a self-generated database of Moroccan instagram users: impact of gender on image content and quantity on prediction accuracy

Analysis and prediction of personality traits using a self-generated database of Moroccan instagram users: impact of gender on image content and quantity on prediction accuracy

The Paradox of Power: Securing User Data in the Cloud's Shadow

Whilst the blessing of the cloud, which provides for adaptability and easy data sharing as well as storage, comes with some security doubts. We place a major responsibility on our backs of protecting the data provided by our users from any evil attempts to sneak in and also risks of being accidentally exposed and the ones that exist through shared infrastructure. This paper traverses this complex terrain by noting the need for targeted security solutions which are aimed towards dealing with the compounded nature of the fast-growing problem. By exploring such threats as data breaches, the possible encryption breaks and the nature of server sharing we will analyze the safety of cloud-based services. We position that the existing security methods, though very necessary, are not exclusive in responding to the ones posed by the new threats. This means we will therefore be rather flexible in our design of the data security in the cloud. By the way, we will employ innovative strategies, maybe, by replacing a word for words such as homomorphic encryption, zero-knowledge proofs, and federated learning, presenting how it holds promise for private and confidential assets. Furthermore, we investigate the exploding influence of blockchain technology, regarding the wages it might deserve in providing manipulated data authentication and creating trust. The work in this paper creates a path towards a future when database users' virtual information in the cloud is safe and certified. Through proposing a wide-ranged approach, which equates realized ideas with well-established security frameworks, we shall lead a cloud infrastructure where stability and power would prevail. Keywords – Cloud Computing, Security Issues, Security Challenges

E014 Migration of the large complex dataset of the UK Juvenile Dermatomyositis Cohort Biomarker Study: challenges and lessons

Abstract Background/Aims In rare disease research, longitudinal prospective cohort studies are important tools to generate invaluable real-world evidence to inform treatment choices and understand outcomes. The Juvenile Dermatomyositis Cohort Biomarker Study & Repository (JDCBS) is a multi-centre, prospective longitudinal cohort study with linked biobank, established in 2000, with 17 active UK-Centres contributing data and samples. It supported over 60 projects generating new evidence, treatments and biomarkers in the field of juvenile myositis. The database in use until March 2023 used aged technology which did not sufficiently meet current needs of the study. REDCap is secure web application for hosting online databases, able to support online longitudinal data capture for multi-centre research studies. The aim of this project was to build and deliver a future-proofed environment and migrate the large JDCBS dataset into the REDCap platform. Methods Clinical, laboratory and outcome data at clinic visits were previously captured through a web interface which loaded data into an MS-Access back-end database. In this project, an internationally agreed set of data elements for use in research in juvenile myositis was adopted and a new data entry platform built, using REDCap and a Trusted Research Environment hosted at Great Ormond Street Digital Research Environment. A multidisciplinary team was formed to deliver migration, including clinicians, study investigators, systems analysts, and health informatics data scientists. Careful comparison of fields in the existing database to those in the internationally agreed dataset before delivery of the new REDCap database and migration of the legacy data took place. Results Key steps to deliver the REDCap interface and migrate the data included: 1. Agreement of data elements to be included, dropped or added, compared to the legacy dataset; 2. Design of study forms and fields within REDCap; 3. Testing new interface; 4. Script design and testing for migration; 5. Data cleaning of legacy dataset; 6. Training 15 collaborators and REDCap accounts management for 63 collaborators; 6. Migration of legacy dataset and quality control of migrated data; 7. Post-migration data checking and feedback on use of the new platform; 8. Summary reports of process, data quality and audit trail of project. In total, 670 patient records and 7431 clinical forms, with data from 338 data fields, were successfully migrated to the new REDCap database. A median value of 11 clinical forms (IQR: 6-18), and 3,718 data points (IQR: 2,028-6084) were migrated per patient. Conclusion Migration of a multi-dimensional longstanding study data set is a complex multi-step task requiring multi-disciplinary engagement of stakeholders. Key elements to achieve success include early agreement of data fields for inclusion, strict definitions of fields, regular engagement with database users, providing robust training, enabling feedback, and acceptance that research datasets should strive to be parsimonious in fields collected. Disclosure D. Cancemi: None. R. Hamilton: None. S. Varakliotis: None. H.D. Nguyen: None. N. Sabire: None. N. Martin: None. L. McCann: None. C. Papadopoulou: None. L. Wedderburn: Other; LW has non-renumerated collaboration with Novartis Inc, relevant to this work.

Public Perspectives on Investigative Genetic Genealogy: Findings from a National Focus Group Study

Background Investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) is a technique that involves uploading genotypes developed from perpetrator DNA left at a crime scene, or DNA from unidentified remains, to public genetic genealogy databases to identify genetic relatives and, through the creation of a family tree, the individual who was the source of the DNA. As policymakers demonstrate interest in regulating IGG, it is important to understand public perspectives on IGG to determine whether proposed policies are aligned with public attitudes. Methods We conducted eight focus groups with members of the public (N = 72), sampled from four geographically diverse US regions, to explore general attitudes and perspectives regarding aspects of IGG practices, applications, and policies. Five major topics were explored in each focus group: when IGG should be used; who should perform IGG; how to approach consent for genetic database users; what systems of oversight should govern IGG practitioners; and whether to notify database users if their data are involved in law enforcement (LE) matching. Results Participants were supportive of IGG in most scenarios, especially for cold and violent cases. The favorable attitudes toward IGG were, however, tempered by distrust of law enforcement among some participants. All participants agreed that databases must inform users if IGG is allowed, but they did not agree on how individual database users should be allowed to opt out or whether to notify them if their data are involved in specific investigations. All participants agreed that IGG should be subject to some prescriptive guidelines, regulations, or accountability mechanisms. Conclusions These findings suggest broad public support for IGG, and interest in developing systems of accountability for its practice. Our study provides useful insight for policy makers, genomic database stewards, law enforcement, and other stakeholders in IGG’s practice, and suggests multiple directions for future research.

PENERAPAN FRAMEWORK CODEIGNITER 4 DALAM APLIKASI PENJUALAN PAKAIAN BERBASIS WEB PADA DISTRO DISTROBUTOR

In the rapidly evolving digital era, distribution businesses require an efficient and integrated sales information system to enhance operational performance and customer service. This research aims to implement a web-based shirt sales information system using the CodeIgniter 4 framework for distro distrobutor. The research methodology encompasses stages of needs analysis, system design, implementation using CodeIgniter 4, and application testing. The needs analysis process is conducted to understand user requirements and the business characteristics of distribution distributors. Meanwhile, system design involves database design, user interface, and application architecture. Implementation utilizes the outstanding features of CodeIgniter 4 to construct a responsive and easily manageable sales application. The anticipated outcome of this research is expected to provide a positive contribution to improving the efficiency of clothing sales in distribution distributors. With the adoption of the CodeIgniter 4 framework, it is hoped that the system can deliver an optimal user experience and support the daily operations of distro distrobutor. Additionally, this research is expected to serve as a reference for developers and business owners in adopting information technology on a broader scale in the clothing distribution industry

On The Reasonable Effectiveness of Relational Diagrams: Explaining Relational Query Patterns and the Pattern Expressiveness of Relational Languages

Comparing relational languages by their logical expressiveness is well understood. Less well understood is how to compare relational languages by their ability to represent relational query patterns. Indeed, what are query patterns other than "a certain way of writing a query"? And how can query patterns be defined across procedural and declarative languages, irrespective of their syntax? To the best of our knowledge, we provide the first semantic definition of relational query patterns by using a variant of structure-preserving mappings between the relational tables of queries. This formalism allows us to analyze the relative pattern expressiveness of relational language fragments and create a hierarchy of languages with equal logical expressiveness yet different pattern expressiveness. Notably, for the non-disjunctive language fragment, we show that relational calculus can express a larger class of patterns than the basic operators of relational algebra. Our language-independent definition of query patterns opens novel paths for assisting database users. For example, these patterns could be leveraged to create visual query representations that faithfully represent query patterns, speed up interpretation, and provide visual feedback during query editing. As a concrete example, we propose Relational Diagrams, a complete and sound diagrammatic representation of safe relational calculus that is provably (i) unambiguous, (ii) relationally complete, and (iii) able to represent all query patterns for unions of non-disjunctive queries. Among all diagrammatic representations for relational queries that we are aware of, ours is the only one with these three properties. Furthermore, our anonymously preregistered user study shows that Relational Diagrams allow users to recognize patterns meaningfully faster and more accurately than SQL.

An In-Depth Analysis on Efficiency and Vulnerabilities on a Cloud-Based Searchable Symmetric Encryption Solution

Searchable Symmetric Encryption (SSE) has come to be as an integral cryptographic approach in a world where digital privacy is essential. The capacity to search through encrypted data whilst maintaining its integrity meets the most important demand for security and confidentiality in a society that is increasingly dependent on cloud-based services and data storage. SSE offers efficient processing of queries over encrypted datasets, allowing entities to comply with data privacy rules while preserving database usability. Our research goes into this need, concentrating on the development and thorough testing of an SSE system based on Curtmola’s architecture and employing Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) in Cypher Block Chaining (CBC) mode. A primary goal of the research is to conduct a thorough evaluation of the security and performance of the system. In order to assess search performance, a variety of database settings were extensively tested, and the system's security was tested by simulating intricate threat scenarios such as count attacks and leakage abuse. The efficiency of operation and cryptographic robustness of the SSE system are critically examined by these reviews.