Identity Management Research Articles

Architectural views for social robots in public spaces: business, system, and security strategies

This study delineates a suite of architectural views and a security perspective tailored to guide the deployment and integration of Social Robots in Public Spaces (SRPS). It commences with a business context view that utilizes the customer-producer-supplier model, underscoring the value of SRPS to various stakeholders and illustrating how robots can enhance user experiences and drive economic benefits. The system context view details the intricate interactions among the social robot, stakeholders, public spaces, and external systems, highlighting essential considerations for successful deployment, from technical configurations to stakeholder engagement. The functional view elaborates on the operational dynamics of the robot within its environment, focusing on user interaction and data management capabilities. Additionally, the security perspective delves into security considerations vital for safeguarding the SRPS across various domains, including identity and access management, application and network security, and data privacy. The paper also contextualizes these views through a city ferry use case, demonstrating their practical application and reinforcing the importance of multifaceted planning and analysis in real-world settings. This approach provides a strategic framework views for developing SRPS that are viable, efficient, and secure, fostering successful adoption in diverse public environments.

Priority-based QoS Extensions and IAM Improvements

The command and control system operates in a harsh and dynamic environment with limited resources and have a very high risk of failure or malfunction. In the case of military information systems, including the command and control system, the efficiency and effectiveness of system resource management are very important and required. Therefore, the application of a QoS-like approach is necessary to improve the operational effectiveness of all command and control system resources. However, supporting QoS at the entire command and control system level incurs additional costs and burdens for implementation and operation. This paper describes the necessity and possibility of collaboration with QoS and IAM (identity and access management) among the collaboration between core functions within the command and control system. This paper proposes an extended QoS approach to improve the operational effectiveness of the entire command and control system resources. As a result of this research, expanded concepts, structures, standards, and methods of collaboration between QoS and IAM are developed and presented, and their feasibility is demonstrated through prototype development and experiments.

Quantum Cryptography and Blockchain-Based Social Media Platforms as a Dual Approach to Securing Financial Transactions in CBDCs and Combating Misinformation in U.S. Elections

This paper explores the integration of quantum cryptography and blockchain technology to address two pressing challenges: securing financial transactions in Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and combating the spread of misinformation during U.S. elections through decentralized social media platforms. As quantum computing advances, traditional encryption methods may become obsolete, posing significant risks to digital financial systems. Quantum cryptography, with its quantum-resistant algorithms, offers enhanced protection for CBDC transactions, ensuring long-term security and privacy. Simultaneously, blockchain-based social media platforms provide a decentralized structure that can prevent the dissemination of false information by ensuring transparency and authenticity through cryptographic verification and consensus mechanisms. These platforms also facilitate decentralized identity management, empowering users to verify content without relying on centralized authorities. By combining quantum cryptography’s secure framework with blockchain’s decentralized transparency, this dual approach creates a more secure digital ecosystem that not only safeguards financial transactions but also strengthens democratic processes. The paper further addresses the regulatory and technical challenges associated with implementing these technologies and their potential to shape a more secure, transparent, and accountable future.

Improving the performance of IoT devices that use Wi-Fi

<p>Providing quality service to users of the internet of things (IoT) entails addressing two crucial aspects: one related to security and the other concerning the limited resources of IoT devices. We will face a challenge while using timesensitive applications within a network that utilizes a high-performance Wi-Fi technology with exceeding energy consumption. Due to this research challenge, we propose a new algorithm, IoT-quality of service (QoS), designed to achieve a true balance between enhancing the security aspects of IoT devices and improving network-hardware performance. Thus, the algorithm efficiently manages the limited energy resources by monitoring energy levels, communication quality, and queuing delay at access points. This is accomplished by utilizing a streamlined identity management system capable of achieving authentication and access authorization with reduced loading for IoT devices. The research hypothesis underwent validation through a comparative analysis of its performance against the conventional model of a Wi-Fi-based IoT device. This evaluation was conducted utilizing the NS3 simulator and was based on a predetermined set of parameters influencing the examined performance metrics, including power consumption, throughput, delay, and response time. The findings exposed the superiority of the proposed algorithm.</p>

Giant Epididymal Cyst in the Right Testicle: Case Report and Literature Review.

Introduction: Cystic intratesticular lesions can occur in the second and fourth decades of life and are typically identified via ultrasound. Testicular cysts, usually under 2 cm, result from epididymal-lymphatic obstruction or hormonal changes. Larger lesions with sperm and lymphocytes are spermatoceles. Epididymal cysts are asymptomatic but can cause discomfort or pain, sometimes requiring surgery. Clinical case: A 38-year-old male with no chronic diseases presented with a giant tumor in the right testicle, experiencing pain and hypersensitivity. Physical examination and ultrasound revealed an irregular, painful testicular tumor and a right epididymal cyst. A right epididymal tumor excision was performed successfully. Discussion: Testicular cysts are benign and represent 20-40% of benign testicular tumors. They may arise due to idiopathic, infectious, or traumatic causes with no established risk factors. Diagnosis is often incidental and involves physical examination and imaging techniques like ultrasound. Management is conservative for asymptomatic cases, while symptomatic cases may require surgical intervention that involves careful separation of the cyst from the adhered area. Conclusion: An epididymal cyst is a common pathology in males worldwide, occupying up to 40% of the masses in the testes at the time of a urological assessment. It is a collection at the testicular level of hyaline content and usually measures < 2 cm. They are generally asymptomatic, but when their size exceeds 2 cm or causes symptomatology, it is important to know the therapeutic options that can be offered to patients. In the case of our patient, as it is an epididymal cyst with a diameter of 5 cm and with additional symptomatology, the ideal management was surgical resection, showing adequate evolution in the postoperative follow-up.

Cloud migration and microservices optimization framework for large-scale enterprises

As large-scale enterprises increasingly adopt cloud computing, the need for a structured framework to guide seamless cloud migration and optimize microservices architecture becomes critical. This review presents a comprehensive designed to address the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning to cloud environments and optimizing microservices for performance, scalability, and security. The review begins with an assessment of the enterprise’s current infrastructure, emphasizing a phased approach to cloud migration. It outlines key strategies such as lift-and-shift, re-platforming, and re-architecting, each tailored to specific organizational needs. The selection of the appropriate cloud model (public, private, or hybrid) and the use of multi-cloud strategies are discussed to ensure flexibility and risk mitigation during migration. For microservices optimization, focuses on designing services that are loosely coupled and highly scalable. Key elements include the use of service discovery, load balancing, API gateways, and database management strategies to improve the efficiency and reliability of microservices. Additionally, this introduces security best practices, including identity and access management (IAM), encryption protocols, and microservices-specific security measures such as Zero Trust Architecture. The review also highlights optimization strategies involving containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes), alongside the integration of Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipelines for streamlined development and deployment. Performance monitoring, real-time logging, and proactive maintenance are emphasized for sustained efficiency and cost control in cloud environments. Case studies demonstrate the successful implementation of cloud migration and microservices optimization in large enterprises, showcasing both the benefits and common challenges. The review concludes by exploring future trends, such as serverless computing and AI-driven optimization, that will continue to shape cloud migration and microservices architecture.

Constructing a Conformer–Explorer Identity in Pandemic Narratives: A Qualitative Study of Chinese Emerging Adults

Existing research indicates that social crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped young people’s sense of self, but little is known about what identities emerging adults construct in their pandemic narratives. Following propositions of narrative identity and Terror Management Theory, this qualitative study investigated Chinese emerging adults’ identity construction in their narratives of the national outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2022. Participants were 62 college students invited to share their pandemic experiences with reflections. Thematic analysis of the data suggests that the participants shared their pandemic experiences as a process of managing their death terror activated in the pandemic which threatened their sense of self and meanwhile motivated them to reconstruct who they are in the world. Based on their meaning-making capacities, the participants disclosed death awareness and vulnerabilities, adopted a temporal perspective in storytelling, emphasized their interpersonal and social connections, and made meaning out of the pandemic experiences to defend against death terror. As an outcome of their narration, a conformer–explorer identity was constructed in their pandemic narratives and we proposed a dialectical model to capture the dynamics of the construction. Although with limitations, this study contributes to our understanding of the functions of mortality salience on narrative identity among emerging adults in collectivist cultures during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

An observational study on the efficacy of intralesional steroids in patients with idiopathic granulomatous lobular mastitis in a tertiary care centre

Background: Granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) is a rare benign disease of the breast which usually affects young women of childbearing age. The patients usually present with a painful breast mass or with multiple discharging sinuses of breast. Diagnosis is usually established by means of clinical examination followed by radiological, microbiological and histopathological evaluation. The ideal management of patients with GLM is still a matter of debate and treatment modalities such as surgery, systemic and intra-lesional steroids, as well as immunosuppressive agents are being used in clinical practice. In our study, we assessed the clinical response of patients with GLM, treated with intra-lesional steroid injection. Methods: In this prospective observational study, from December 2021 to December 2023, a total of 29 patients who were diagnosed as having GLM and who opted for intra-lesional steroid therapy as the solo treatment, were enrolled. After obtaining informed consent, intra-lesional steroid injection was administered in all the 29 patients. The treatment response was assessed after a period of 3 months from the date of injection. Results: A complete resolution of symptoms and signs was found in majority of the patients (75.9%), 4 (13.8%) had a partial resolution and 2 (6.9%) had persistence of symptoms. One patient (3.4%) was lost to follow up. None had any worsening of symptoms. Conclusions: Intra-lesional steroid can be effectively used in the treatment of GLM and this modality can be completed in a few minutes in an Outpatient setting and is extremely cost effective.

Elective endovascular reperfusion therapies in intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism after PERT assesment

Abstract Background The ideal management of patients with intermediate-high risk (IHR) pulmonary embolism (PE) is still unknown. A multidisciplinary approach by Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams (PERT) in combination with the advent of endovascular therapies sounds promising. Purpose Evaluate in-hospital events of elective endovascular reperfussion therapies in selected IHR PE patients after PERT assesment in a single center initial experience. Methods Analysis of consecutive patients with PE admitted from Jan/2017 to Jan/2024. The in-hospital evolution of an elective invasive strategy defined by an institutional PERT (since April/2021) in IHR PE patients was compared against the current standard of care (isolated anticoagulation and reperfusion only after hemodynamic collapse). Patients with limitations of therapeutic efforts due to comorbidities were excluded. Results 361 patients with PE were treated with 76 (21.1%) stratified as IHR. After excluding 14 patients due to limitations of therapeutic efforts (78±9.4 years; 64.3% active cancer), 62 were included for analysis. An elective endovascular treatment was performed in 20 (31.3%) patients; these were younger and with fewer comorbidities. However, they had more tachypnea, greater central distribution of thrombotic burden and signs of right ventricle overload assessed by flattening of the interventricular septum. Baseline characteristics, clinical presentation and management are described in table 1. Within the invasive group, endovascular reperfusion was performed with local thrombolysis (70%), aspiration thrombectomy (15%) or their combination (15%). During hemodynamic evaluation, hidden shock was detected in 42.9% (6/14), with improvements in cardiac index observed after reperfusion therapy (n=8; 2.1 vs. 2.5). Improvement was also observed in pulmonary artery systolic pressure (n=14, 56.9 vs. 37.1mmHg; p<0.001) and right ventricular function (n=15, TAPSE 16 vs. 22mm; p<0.001). Compared with the current standard of care, an elective invasive approach was associated with a shorter hospital stay (6.5 vs. 9 days; p=0.02), less hemodynamic collapse (0% vs. 19.1%; p=0.04), need for mechanical ventilation (0% vs. 19.1%; p=0.04) and in-hospital mortality (0% vs. 21.4%; p=0.04) without differences in the incidence of major bleeding (Fig 1). After multivariate logistic regression analysis, the mortality benefit persisted in favor of an invasive strategy (p=0.014). Conclusions An "elective" invasive strategy in selected patients with IHR PE after PERT assessment was safe and resulted in less major in-hospital cardiovascular events in a single-center initial experience. Although these results should be taken with caution given the limitations of this study (single-center, small observational sample), they are in line with recent reports and are the focus of ongoing large randomized clinical trials.Table 1

Being a nurse during an earthquake that affected ten provinces: A qualitative study on experiences and expectations.

This study was conducted to determine the professional experiences and future expectations of nurses working in the most damaged areas during the first two weeks of the 2023 Turkey earthquake. The increase in the frequency and severity of disasters in recent years has strongly shown that nurses must be prepared to respond to all disasters. To prepare for disasters that require a multifaceted approach, the experiences of nurses serving in disasters should not be ignored. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used in this research. The study included 18 nurses who worked in the first two weeks of the disaster. Data were collected through semistructured in-depth interviews between April and May 2023. Four themes were identified from the analysis of the data: (1) personal challenges, (2) organizational challenges, (3) nursing during the disaster, and (4) expectations. The results showed that nurses needed psychosocial support intervention skills in disasters and that their psychological preparation and knowledge levels for disasters were insufficient. In addition, the study revealed that organizational preparation was inadequate and that all these factors affected nursing care. The knowledge and skills that nurses need for professional disaster management can be provided by updating undergraduate education, in-service training procedures, and related policies. Considering that ideal disaster management is possible with a multidisciplinary team, it is recommended that national disaster policies be reviewed.

A Framework for Decentralized Identity and Credential Management Leveraging Blockchain Technology

Abstract: As internet technology rapidly advances and the infrastructure continues to evolve, web applications have become an integral part of our daily lives, with electronic identities (e-identities) playing a crucial role. Today, e-identities are vital for verifying personal identity in numerous online activities, and as our dependence on them grows, so does the concern for their security. This increasing importance of e-identity security raises various challenges, highlighting the need for robust solutions. In response to these challenges, this article introduces a novel solution: a blockchain-based decentralized identity and credential management framework. This approach not only enhances security but also offers greater control and flexibility for users. The article delves into the intricacies of the framework, detailing its design and operational mechanism. Additionally, it explores a range of practical applications, demonstrating the framework's versatility and effectiveness through diverse case studies. This comprehensive examination underscores the framework's potential to revolutionize e-identity management and addresses the pressing need for secure and efficient online identity verification in our increasingly digital world.

Zero Trust Security: Is it Optional?

Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) is a cybersecurity model that authenticates and authorizes every interaction between a user or device and a network. It's based on the idea that "trust is good, but control is better", and assumes that all networks and traffic could be potential threats. ZTA goes beyond the traditional "trust but verify" approach, by treating every access request as potentially dangerous and requiring a thorough check before granting access. This is regardless of the requester's identity or location. Zero Trust is a security model that assumes nothing should be trusted automatically, even within a network. It requires all users, regardless of location, to be verified and authorized before accessing resources. This is achieved through strict security measures like multi-factor authentication, advanced endpoint protection, and robust identity management. Today, people expect to access applications and data anytime, anywhere. With the rise of cloud computing and IoT, the number of connected devices and potential attack points is growing. To protect data and networks, we need a new approach. This article explains what Zero Trust is and some of its key principles.

Indentity Management System Using Blockchain and Survey

Abstract—This project aims to develop a web3 platform that stores user credentials on the blockchain, providing high levels of security and privacy. Using a range of tools and technologies, including Metamask, RemixIDE, Ganache, Node.js, Solidity for smart contracts, HTML, and CSS, the platform offers a user-friendly interface that enhances the user experience. Smart contracts are used to ensure that user credentials are only visible to the individual user, providing a high level of security and privacy. This platform has the ability to revolutionize how users interact with online services and manage their digital identities, reducing costs, increasing trust, and improving expandability. The implementation of this project has demonstrated the overall benefits of blockchain and smart contracts in virtual identity management, including increased security, improved privacy, and enhanced user experience. The platform has the potential for further development and expansion, including the integration of biometric authentication, artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, and the expansion to include a range of online services. Overall, this project has demonstrated the significant potential of blockchain technology and smart contracts in digital identity management and has the ability to shift the way users communicate with online services, offering a one-stop-shop for their online needs. Keywords—Block chain, metamask, ganache, remix ide, solidity

Developing an Ideal Change Management Framework for Enhancing Service Delivery in Government Parastatals: A Case Study of Kampala Capital City Authority in Uganda.

Purpose: This study aims to develop an ideal change management framework specifically tailored to government parastatals in Uganda, focusing on the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), to enhance service delivery. Methodology: The research adopted a cross-sectional and exploratory approach, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study population comprised 298 participants from various departments within KCCA. Data collection involved self-administered questionnaires, interviews with key informants, and documentary review. Validation of study instruments was conducted using the Content Validity Index, and reliability was assessed through Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and bivariate regression, while qualitative data underwent content analysis. Findings: The study concluded that the change management process for service delivery in government parastatals in Uganda is well-defined. However, the ideal change management framework necessary for improving service delivery among these parastatals remains unidentified. Recommendations: Based on the findings, it is recommended that KCCA administrators adopt a more holistic approach to change management, addressing various enabling factors and components necessary to enhance service delivery effectively.

Development of an Excel Dashboard-Based Warehousing Administration System Using the Design Thinking, EOQ, and POQ Approaches

Warehousing is an important part of a manufacturing process where ideal warehouse management will improve the company's logistics in times of crisis. This research seeks to gain an in-depth understanding of the problems faced by warehousing and create user-focused solutions. Furthermore, EOQ and POQ methods are used to optimize stock and order management. EOQ helps determine the economical number of bookings to be made, while POQ considers demand variability in determining order schedules. The results of this study show that with Design Thinking, it was found that the needs of users are the use of an easier application system and stock filling standards so that the accuracy of stock is better maintained. It can be concluded that the EOQ and POQ methods can overcome understock and overstock. However, the EOQ method has less risk than POQ, this is because the company does not spend a lot of funds and takes with little frequency so it is more effective and the warehouse movement space can be more minimal.

Supervised and Revocable Decentralized Identity Privacy Protection Scheme

Decentralized identity represents an innovative approach based on blockchain to achieve effective identity management. This method utilizes decentralized identifiers and verifiable credential to enable trusted authentication, free circulation of identity information, and self-sovereign control over identity data functionalities. The current decentralized identity systems rely on entirely anonymous identifiers, lacking robust identity regulation. Furthermore, they face challenges such as identity attribute leakage during verifiable credential presentation and the issuers' struggle to reliably revoke credentials. To address these issues, efficient and practical schemes have been designed based on BBS signature, zero-knowledge proof, dynamic accumulator and blockchain technology: one for decentralized identifiers management and the other for verifiable credential privacy protection, both of which are supervised and revocable. The former ensures the privacy of subject identity while achieving regulatability and revocability of identity data by regulator. The latter facilitates selective disclosure of anonymous credentials and reliable revocation. A security analysis shows that the proposed scheme meets anonymity, non-forgeability, regulatory reliability, and revocability reliability, and offers comprehensive and effective privacy protection measures. The experimental results demonstrate that the algorithms designed operate at a millisecond level, which satisfies the demands of blockchain identity management scenarios.

Professional nurses' perspectives of an ideal performance management process.

A well-managed performance management process can significantly influence professional nurses' job satisfaction and improve patient outcomes. Conversely, ineffective management of the process can lead to demotivation of the nursing staff. This study aimed to understand professional nurses' perspectives on an ideal performance management process. The study was conducted in a designated hospital in South Africa owned by a private healthcare group. The study population consisted of professional nurses involved in a performance management cycle. A descriptive qualitative research design with an appreciative inquiry approach was employed. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Five focus groups of five professional nurses each were used to conduct interviews. The interviews lasted between 60 min and 80 min. The number of interviews conducted provided sufficient data for data saturation. The data were analysed using thematic analysis and the 5-D model of appreciative inquiry. Trusting relationships between management and professional nurses play an essential role in ensuring a tailored performance management process. Training of both professional nurses and managers, a sound reward system for high-performing employees, and a fair and transparent process that addresses challenges and promotes opportunities can promote a positive work environment. Professional nurses require support from their managers and top management. Involving professional nurses in the planning and implementation can ensure proper relationships exist and that constraints are appropriately addressed. Implementing the findings can improve the competencies of both managers and professional nurses to maintain a positive performance management process.

How fan clubs manage the authenticity of fans’ identities in Chinese idol culture

While existing research on Chinese fan cultures has explored various aspects of fan identity and fan labor, little attention has been given to the role that identity authentication plays in mediating the relationships between fans and the idol industry. This study examines the influence of fan clubs on identity authentication and management within Chinese idol fandom. Drawing on theories of social identity and authenticity, we explore how Chinese fan clubs establish criteria for being a real fan based on emotional loyalty to, and financial and data labor support of, idols. We also show how fan clubs use social media to surveil and discipline fans whose behaviors jeopardize fan clubs’ work or idols’ commercial value. The findings contribute to cultural understandings of the organization of Chinese fandom generally, and more specifically of Chinese fan clubs’ intermediary roles in shaping fans’ everyday identities and practices.

Navigating the social world with neck dystonia: An interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Neck dystonia is a neurological condition, characterised by involuntary movements of the neck muscles, causing twisted head positions and often pain and head tremor. Ten participants with neck dystonia were interviewed and the data was analysed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. Three themes were constructed: (1) dismissed by others for having an unfamiliar condition; (2) negotiating a new social identity; and (3) managing the stigma of a visible condition. It is proposed that psychological support could benefit people with neck dystonia who experience difficulties arising from identity management and stigma. Systemic interventions, such as education campaigns, are also proposed to help address stigmatising attitudes.

Black excellence: the affective experiences of Black working-class young people in an English secondary school

ABSTRACT Affect and habitus are used in the paper to harness the intermingling of race and class in the young people’s everyday identity practices at school, as they aspire to embody ‘Black excellence’. This paper draws on ethnographic data collected with working-class Black-British young people aged between 16 and 18. Through the careful management of identity and reputation, the young people in this paper negotiate affective struggles to attain and secure a high academic status within a deeply neoliberalised school context. The paper argues that the identity discourse of ‘Black excellence’ connects dimensions of class and race in the young people’s identity work. Black excellence is described as classed and racialised reflexivity which helped the young people pivot their identity as they sought to maximise their educational opportunities to transition into elite universities.