Internet Partners Research Articles

Evaluation of Students' Difficulties in Learning Mathematics in Complex Variable Material

Prospective mathematics teachers are required to be able to master facts and be able to give examples that exist in everyday life. A prospective mathematics teacher is expected to be skilled and mature in using media when operating, explaining and demonstrating direct objects that exist in any complex variable material. The aim of this study is to analyze the obstacles and difficulties of students in Mathematics. Two indicators for assessing mathematics learning outcomes: 1) Direct objects (Facts, Concepts, Skills, and Principles), and 2) Indirect objects (Internet and friends). Mixed methods research method. The subject of the complex variable mathematics course and the student object. Qualitative data collection techniques by observation, interviews, documentation and quantitative survey method collection techniques by distributing instruments. Analysis with, presentation, reduction, presenting bar charts, data synchronization and drawing conclusions. The findings, students' difficulties lie in the direct object, namely mastery of mathematical facts 95.55% and concept difficulties 91.11%, principle (formula) difficulties 91.11% and algorithms 75.55%. Students who get good grades online are assisted by indirect objects, namely the internet and other student discussion partners. In conclusion, students' obstacles and difficulties lie in the direct objects of fact indicators (definitions) and concepts. Material design, facts and concepts with group discussion models are learning solutions.

The Effects of Internet Exposure on Sexual Risk Behavior Among Sexually Experienced Male College Students in China: Cross-sectional Study.

BackgroundAs a young subgroup, college students have become the main users of mobile social networks. Considering that people can indiscriminately access explicit sexual content on the internet, coupled with the increase of HIV infections in male college students, the role of the internet in meeting sexual partners and its correlation to risky sexual behavior has become an important topic.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to explore the effects of internet exposure on sexual partners and sexual risk behavior among sexually experienced male college students.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study design was used to collect data through a paper-based questionnaire administered to male college students recruited from colleges and gay organizations in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. A total of 1045 sexually experienced male students were incorporated in our analysis, with the following information collected: sociodemographic characteristics, sexual intercourse–related behaviors, and sexually transmitted disease (STD) knowledge. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to examine differences regarding basic characteristics and sexual risk behaviors between male college students who meet sexual partners via the internet and those who do not. Sequential logistic regression models were employed to examine the influence of meeting sexual partners via the internet on risky sexual behaviors after controlling for other factors.ResultsThe mean age of the sexually experienced male students was 21.6 (SD 2.0) years. The likelihood of risky sexual behavior was varied, yet it was the highest for those who aim to meet paid sexual partners (145/192, 75.5% to 19/22, 86.4%), followed by those seeking partners for love or romance (258/435, 59.3%). Compared to non-internet partner seekers, internet partner seekers tended to have more casual intercourse (292/542, 53.9% versus 51/503, 10.1%), paid intercourse (32/542, 5.9% versus 12/503, 2.4%), and intercourse with same-sex partners (349/542, 64.4% versus 41/503, 8.2%); they were also more likely to use psychoactive drugs (125/349, 35.8% versus 5/41, 12.2%) and have more than 2 partners. With the increase of HIV and STD knowledge, the probability of having unprotected intercourse decreased for non-internet partner seekers. However, it increased for internet partner seekers with a rising HIV knowledge score. Sequential logistic regression showed that meeting sexual partners on the internet was statistically associated with sexual risk behaviors with multiple sexual partners (odds ratio 4.434; P<.001).ConclusionsMeeting sexual partners via the internet is a common behavior among sexually experienced male college students, and those who meet partners on the internet exhibited higher levels of risky sexual behaviors although they had sufficient HIV and STD knowledge; this is especially true for students who aimed to find partners for sexual intercourse. Thus, more attention should be paid to young adults to address the risky sexual behaviors that may contribute to STD spread among this population.

Социальный интеллект и проявление киберагрессии у подростков

The article presents the results of research into the relationship between the propensity to various forms of cyber-aggression and the social intelligence (social awareness and social skills) of adolescents. Cyber-aggression is understood as form of destructive behavior on the Internet. The types of cyber-aggression are distinguished based on the typological model proposed by K.C. Runions who describes cyber-aggression of adolescents through their motivational goals and behavioral self-control capacities. Data collection was carried out using the “Typology of Cyber-Aggression” questionnaire and “The Tromsø social intelligence scale”. Both questionnaires were adapted for the Russian-speaking sample of adolescents. The study involved 317 students of 5th–9th grades of secondary schools in St Petersburg aged 11–16 years. Participation in the study was voluntary. Informed parental consent was obtained in respect of each student. The study showed that students are prone to cyber-aggression during the entire adolescence period—especially to the controlled-aversive form of cyber-aggression. In general, adolescents were more likely to show aggression as “revenge” on their internet communication partner. The study made it possible to record the relationship between the propensity to cyber-aggression, social awareness, social skills and social intelligences as a whole. Correlation between the propensity to cyber-aggression and social skills was noted only for 12–13 year olds. For 15 year olds, there was not a single association between cyber-aggression and the predictors in question. We used regression analysis to obtain a statistically significant regression model both for cyber-aggression in general and for each of its form in particular, but the obtained predictors do not have a strong influence on the propensity to manifest cyber-aggression. Based on this study, we hypothesized that cyber-aggression might have various psychological causes. Thus, there is a need for a differentiated approach to the prevention and correction of adolescent cyber-aggression.

E-commerce: opportunities and threats of modern business

The information and telecommunications network Internet is a comprehensive network, which is a system that allows many people to simultaneously perform various operations around the world. A modern person, using a computer, mobile phone or any other gadget, can work, study, make purchases. E-commerce is a rapidly developing system that allows transactions to be carried out electronically and contributes to the economic development of the country. Electronic commerce, as a type of electronic commerce, is gaining momentum and developing more and more actively every year, all over the world. Offering services and goods, this area brings together governments, industries and business owners. With the help of modern Internet technologies, partners and buyers can interact effectively, which contributes to the growth of trade and the economy, which means that e-commerce is an important component of the information society and macroeconomics in general. In the process of functioning of this sphere of the digital economy, there are many security threats for business, consumers and the state, but there are also many advantages. The purpose of the study is to reveal trends in the development of e-commerce in the country, emerging threats and ways to level them, as well as possible ways to improve the efficiency of its functioning. The study was based on a phased disclosure of consumer opportunities in the e-commerce market, threats and ways to eliminate them; advantages of sellers in the process of electronic commerce, emerging threats to economic security and their prevention; advantages and disadvantages of e-commerce for the state. The study resulted in recommendations for countering the problems and potential threats hindering the development of e-commerce in Russia.

Using electronic communication technologies for improving syphilis partner notification in Chile: healthcare providers' perspectives - a qualitative case study.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare providers (HCPs) in 14 primary health care centres and six sexual health units located at two regional Health Services, as well as with key informants from different backgrounds. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and QSR International's NVivo 11 PRO Software was used for cross-case thematic analysis, which followed an inductive approach. Selected quotes were translated from Spanish to English. Codes and themes were reviewed by the research team. Most participants were unaware of IPN and demonstrated interest. Many agreed this could be a feasible strategy considering the high use of mobile technologies and the Internet in Chile. Participants' primary concerns around this approach were confidentiality, privacy and efficacy, given the local cultural context. The use of a counsellor to offer professional support and guidance was identified as essential to strengthen PN in Chile. The use of IPN could be an alternative PN strategy for Chile. However, the involvement of local staff and further research to explore patients' perceptions and preferences will be essential in tailoring interventions.

007.1 New and traditional notification tools improve partner notification outcomes among msm with syphilis infection in lima, peru

Background Patient-initiated partner notification (PN) is a cornerstone of STD control in resource-limited public health systems. We conducted a randomised, controlled trial of two new tools to support PN among MSM: anonymous, internet-based notification systems and patient-delivered partner referral cards. Methods We screened 1,625 MSM for syphilis in Lima, Peru between 2012–2014. Enrollment was limited to MSM with symptomatic primary or secondary syphilis (n = 133) and/or latent syphilis diagnosed by RPR/TPPA (n = 406; Seroprevalence: 25.0%). After enumerating all recent partners and providing details of their three most recent partners, 370 participants were randomly assigned to four intervention arms: 1) Standard PN Counselling (Control) [n = 94]; 2) Counselling and Referral to Internet PN (www.inspot.org) [n = 95]; 3) Counselling and Provision of 5 Partner Referral Cards [n = 97]; or 4) Counselling with both Internet PN and Partner Referral Cards [n = 84]. Self-reported notification of recent sexual partners was assessed by CASI among the 354 participants who returned for 14-day follow-up. Results The median age of participants enrolled was 27 (IQR: 23–34), with a median of 3 partners (IQR: 1–5) in the past month and a baseline HIV seroprevalence of 64.1%. Participants referred to internet PN (Arms 2 and 4) or provided with printed partner referral cards (Arms 3 and 4) were more likely to have notified ≥1 partners at 14-day follow-up than participants who received only PN counselling (OR: 2.26 [95% CI: 1.33, 3.82] and 1.94 [95% CI: 1.15, 3.27], respectively). The fraction of all recent partners notified was significantly greater in the Internet PN (56.5%, p Conclusions Internet notification systems and printed partner referral cards provide inexpensive, effective tools to support patient-directed PN, significantly improving notification by Peruvian MSM with syphilis. Additional research is needed to optimise use of different PN technologies in specific partnership contexts.

Using smartphone apps in STD interviews to find sexual partners.

Smartphone applications (apps) are increasingly used to facilitate casual sexual relationships, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In STD investigations, traditional contact elicitation methods can be enhanced with smartphone technology during field interviews. In 2013, the Monroe County Department of Public Health conducted a large, multi-infection STD investigation among men who have sex with men (MSM) using both index case and cluster interviews. When patients indicated meeting sexual partners online, disease intervention specialists (DISs) had access to smartphone apps and were able to elicit partners through access to inboxes and profiles where traditional contact information was lacking. Social network mapping was used to display the extent of the investigation and the impact of access to smartphones on the investigation. A total of 14 index patient interviews and two cluster interviews were conducted; 97 individuals were identified among 117 sexual dyads. On average, eight partners were elicited per interview (range: 1-31). The seven individuals who used apps to find partners had an average of three Internet partners (range: 1-5). Thirty-six individuals either had a new STD (n=7) or were previously known to be HIV-positive (n=29). Of the 117 sexual dyads, 21 (18%) originated either online (n=8) or with a smartphone app (n=13). Of those originating online or with a smartphone app, six (29%) partners were located using the smartphone and two (10%) were notified of their exposure via a website. Three of the new STD/HIV cases were among partners who met online. Smartphone technology used by DISs in the field improved contact elicitation and resulted in successful partner notification and case finding.

“No One’s at Home and They Won’t Pick up the Phone”

The Internet and mobile devices are increasingly used by men who have sex with men to find potential partners. Lack of partner information, besides e-mail addresses or user profiles, limits the ability to adequately perform partner notification by traditional means and test those at high risk. To streamline North Carolina Internet Partner Notification (IPN) services, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill collaborated with the North Carolina Division of Public Health beginning in July 2011 to formalize state IPN and text messaging for partner notification (txtPN) policies and centralize notification practices by designating a single IPN/txtPN field coordinator within the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. We compared the number of IPN and txtPN contacts initiated and their outcomes in July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012, and compared with outcomes in January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2010, the year before the collaboration. Overall, 362 IPN contacts were initiated compared with 133 initiated in 2010. More than half (59.1%) were black; mean age was 28.8 years. Almost all were men who have sex with men (83.7%). Approximately two-thirds (n = 230; 63.5%) of contacts were successfully notified using centralized IPN. Seven new cases of HIV infection, 11 new cases of syphilis, and 19 known previous HIV-positive persons were identified. Text messaging for partner notification was used for 29 contacts who did not initially respond to traditional notification or IPN; 14 (48%) responded to txtPN in a median time of 57.5 minutes (interquartile range, 9-2708). Centralization of IPN services augmented partner detection of new HIV and syphilis diagnoses. Text messaging for partner notification represents a potentially effective method for augmenting traditional partner services. In addition, IPN and txtPN allow identification of HIV-infected persons in need of linkage to care.

Potential Impact and Acceptability of Internet Partner Notification for Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women Recently Diagnosed as Having Sexually Transmitted Disease in Lima, Peru

We assessed the potential impact of Internet partner notification among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Peru recently diagnosed as having sexually transmitted disease. Use of Internet partner notification was anticipated for 55.9% of recent partners, including 43.0% of partners not currently expected to be notified, a 20.6% increase in anticipated notification outcomes.

S15.3 Modification of Sexual Networks and Sexual Risk For Men Having Sex with Men (MSM) by the Internet

The Internet provides new opportunities for sexual minorities to communicate and interact. Access to internet may facilitate coming-out for young MSM, sexual identity formation, and community building. On the other...

O08.1 Assessing the Added Value of Internet Partner Services For Syphilis and HIV

BackgroundInternet partner services (IPS) is the process of notifying named sexual partners to a newly diagnosed syphilis or HIV patient, where the only contact information for that partner is an...

Silence is Golden: Effect of Encouragement in Motivating the Weak Link in an Online Exercise Video Game

BackgroundDespite the physical and mental health benefits, few adults meet US Department of Health and Human Services physical activity guidelines for exercise frequency, intensity, and duration. One strategy that may increase physical activity duration is exercising with an Internet partner (ie, someone who is virtually present, as in video chat). Internet partners help people overcome many barriers associated with face-to-face exercise groups (eg, time, coordinating schedules, social physique anxiety). Past research examining individual performance in groups suggests that an increase in effort occurs when performing a task conjunctively, ie, when a participant is (1) less capable than fellow group members, and (2) participants efforts are particularly indispensable for group success (ie, where the group’s potential productivity is equal to the productivity of its least capable member). This boost in effort is more commonly known as the Köhler effect, named after the German psychologist who first observed the effect. While encouragement between group members is common practice in face-to-face group exercise, the effect of encouragement between partners exercising conjunctively across the Internet is unknown.ObjectiveTo examine the impact of exercising alone, compared to exercising conjunctively with an Internet partner, both with and without encouragement, on exercise persistence (primary outcomes) and secondary psychosocial outcomes (self-efficacy, enjoyment, exercise intention).MethodsParticipants were recruited online and face-to-face from the campus of Michigan State University. With the assistance of the experimenter, participants (n=115) played an exercise video game in a laboratory, performing a series of five abdominal plank exercises where they were asked to hold the plank for as long as possible (Time 1). They were then randomized to a condition (Individual, Partner-without-encouragement, or Partner-with-encouragement), where they performed the exercises again (Time 2). The impact of condition on the primary outcome measures and secondary outcome measures were evaluated using a 2 (Gender) x 3 (Condition) ANOVA on change scores (Time 2-Time 1).ResultsThose who exercised in online teams (n=80) exercised significantly longer (time=78.8s, P<.001) than those who worked individually (n=35). However, exercise duration was shorter when one’s more capable partner gave verbal encouragement (n=55) than when s/he did not (n=25) (a mean difference of 31.14s). These increases in effort were not accompanied by altered task self-efficacy, enjoyment of the task, or intention to exercise in the future.ConclusionsExercising conjunctively with an Internet partner can boost one’s duration of exercise. However, encouragement from the stronger to the weaker member can mitigate these gains, especially if one perceives such comments being directed at someone other than themselves. To boost exercise duration, Internet-based physical activity interventions involving group interaction should make relative abilities of participants known and communication clear.

Use of web 2.0 to recruit Australian gay men to an online HIV/AIDS survey.

BackgroundContinuous prevention efforts for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are recommended among those men who have sex with men (MSM). Creative use of e-technologies coupled with a better understanding of social networks could lead to improved health interventions among this risk population.ObjectiveThe aims of the study were to (1) compare the impact of various advertising strategies on recruiting MSM participants to an online HIV/AIDS survey, and (2) explore the feasibility of using a social network service (SNS) for study advertising.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was conducted in 2009. South Australian men over 18 years were invited to participate if they had had sexual intercourse with men in the previous year. A short questionnaire was used to collect demographics and information on sexual behavior, HIV history, use of the Internet for dating purposes, and sources of health information. The survey was promoted in community settings and online, including advertisements through social networks.ResultsA total of 243 men completed the online survey during the 8-week data collection period. Online advertisements recruited 91.7% (220/240) of the sample. Conversely, traditional advertisements in the community recruited only 5.8% (14/240) of the sample. Ten volunteers were asked to advertise on their personal SNS application, but only 2 effectively did so. Only 18/240 (7.5%) of the respondents reported having learned of our study through the SNS application. In this sample, 19.3% (47/243) of participants had never been tested for HIV. Among the participants who had been tested, 12.8% (25/196) reported being HIV-positive. Regarding Internet use, 82.3% (200/243) of participants had dated online in the previous 6 months. Among the participants who had dated online, most (175/200, 87.5%) had found an Internet sexual partner and two-thirds (132/200, 66.0%) had had anal sex with these partner(s). Among men who had anal sex with an Internet partner, 68.2% (90/132) used a condom during sex.ConclusionsThe MSM participants in this study had high-risk profiles for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which highlights the need for ongoing health interventions among this group. In this study, the SNS marketing strategy did not appear to create a viral effect and it had a relatively poor yield.

O5-S1.02 Acceptability of in SPOT and patient-delivered partner therapy among men who have sex with men seeking medical care

BackgroundPatient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) and internet partner notification (PN) sites (eg, inSPOT) are being adopted in some areas to improve PN outcomes. Neither intervention has been well-studied in men who...

Demographic and Sexual Behavior Comparisons of Indian and U.S. Internet Samples of Men who have Sex with Men

ABSTRACT Data were collected via the Internet on sexual behaviors of Indian men who have sex with men (MSM; n = 171); these data were compared to online American MSM (n = 682). Among Indian MSM, 51% had never been tested for HIV, 100% believed themselves to be HIV-uninfected, and 22% (secondary Internet male partners) to 43% (primary male partners) reported not using condoms during last anal intercourse. While U.S. MSM were more likely to not use condoms (42% for secondary Internet partners to 67% for primary male partners), most (88%) had been tested for HIV (.0001 ≤ p ≤ .002, all comparisons). Low rates of HIV testing, beliefs about being HIV-uninfected, and significant levels of unsafe anal intercourse could fuel the spread of infection among Indian MSM.

Reaching Patients and Their Partners Through Mobile: Text Messaging for Case Management and Partner Notification

To the Editor: Approximately 83% of all US adults own a cell phone,1 and 23% of households have no landline phone service.2 Text messaging is increasingly popular with more than 61% of Americans sending text messages.3 By extension, mobile phones have become a means for finding sex partners.4 In response, sexually transmitted disease (STD) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention programs have used mobile phones and text messaging specifically, for clinical management, sexual health services, and health promotion efforts with positive results.5,6 There have also been case studies of individual patients using text messages to inform partners of an STD exposure,7,8 but the authors are unaware of any studies that specifically address the use of text messaging by disease intervention specialists (DIS) to perform partner notification. Recent field experiences, however, compel us to highlight the need for DIS to use mobile phones as an additional tool when conducting partner notification (txtPN). Increasingly, mobile phones may be the preferred or only means for reaching sex partners. Furthermore, health care providers and patients alike are finding these new technologies acceptable.5–11 The New York State Department of Health has successfully used texting to notify patients of an STD diagnosis and to notify partners of exposure. This method is used if “traditional” efforts such as phone calls, mailed letters, the internet, and field visits do not yield contact. In June 2009, a DIS was made aware of an untreated chlamydia patient who could not be reached by the healthcare provider via mail, telephone, or voicemail. Internet contact information for this patient was not known. The DIS conducted a reverse search on the telephone number provided and discovered it was for a mobile phone. The DIS then sent a text message stating he was with the department of health and needed to speak with the patient regarding an urgent health matter. Within minutes the patient responded via text, saying she had recently moved out of state and would contact the DIS the next morning. She did, and, after verifying her date of birth, the DIS notified her that she had tested positive for chlamydia. The patient received treatment the following day. A second DIS was able to notify a partner of an early syphilis case only through text message. After replying to the text and verifying date of birth, the partner agreed to be tested, was found to have early syphilis and was subsequently treated for the infection. This partner mentioned that he travelled frequently and limited his cell phone capability to allow text messaging only. Text messaging has also been used under special circumstances, as with a DIS who used texting at the request of a hearing-impaired patient to communicate after an initial in-person interview. Patient confidentiality standards12 apply to txtPN and should be of the utmost importance. Programs should be encouraged to identify text message use among those they serve and to provide DIS with the authority to contact patients and conduct txtPN. The National Internet Partner Services workgroup, a peer-based workgroup of 164 STD/HIV prevention professionals, along with Adelson Consulting Services, developed guidance at http://www.stdpreventiononline.org/index.php/resources/download/1300. The document provides basic information about texting, examples of field experiences, potential pitfalls and barriers, and current best practices. Rather than an authoritative guidance, the document is intended to provide a starting point for the development of guidance within individual jurisdictions. As well as a potential template for empowering DIS, the authors hope the document will enable policymakers to address bureaucratic and resource barriers. Recognizing and adapting to changes in communication technology will help us better reach those we serve with STD/HIV prevention efforts. Rachel Kachur, MPH Division of STD Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, GA Stephan Adelson Adelson Consulting, Inc. Boston, MA Kelly Firenze, BS New York State Department of Health Syracuse, NY Marcella Herrera, MPA California Department of Public Health Richmond, CA

Intentional Risk Reduction Practices of Men in Switzerland Who Have Anal Intercourse With Casual Male Partners

To identify prevalence of and factors associated with intentional use of HIV risk reduction practices by men who have sex with men during anal intercourse with casual partners. Cross-sectional survey pertaining to the Swiss HIV behavioral surveillance system, using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire in a self-selected sample of men who have sex with men (n = 2953). Multinomial regression was used to estimate factors associated with reporting either "no or inconsistent condom use" or "one or more risk reduction practices" over "consistent condom use." 57.2% reported anal intercourse with casual partner(s) over the last 12 months. Of these, 24.0% declared having used a risk reduction practice (73.8% of those who did not use condoms consistently). HIV-positive people were more likely to have done so. Most predictors were similarly associated to both regression categories. Four significant predictors were common to both regression categories: Internet partner seeking, age, age squared, and the interaction between HIV status positive and number of partners. The only association that differed markedly between the 2 regression categories was having a number of partners above median, significantly associated with the risk reduction category. Although condom use is the most frequent protection strategy in anal intercourse with casual partners, risk reduction practices are highly prevalent. However, there are no clear differences regarding predictors between risk reduction practices and inconsistent or no condom use. This suggests that risk reduction is an opportunistic response rather than a strategy per se.

Evaluation of an Innovative Internet-based Partner Notification Program for Early Syphilis Case Management, Washington, DC, January 2007–June 2008

The Internet has become a common venue for meeting sex partners and planning participation in risky sexual behavior. In this article, we evaluate the first 18 months of the Washington, DC, Department of Health Internet-based Partner Notification (IPN) program for early syphilis infections, using the standard Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Disease Investigation Specialist (DIS) disposition codes, as well as Washington, DC, Department of Health's IPN-specific outcomes for pseudonymous partners. We analyzed DIS disposition codes and IPN-specific outcomes from all early syphilis investigations initiated January 2007-June 2008. Internet partners were defined as sex partners for whom syphilis exposure notification was initiated by e-mail because no other locating information existed. If the e-mails resulted in additional locating information, we used the standard CDC disposition codes. Alternatively, the following IPN-specific outcomes were used: Informed of Syphilis Exposure, Informed of General STD Exposure, Not Informed or Unable to Confirm Receipt of General STD Exposure. From the 361 early syphilis patients, a total of 888 sex partners were investigated, of which 381 (43%) were via IPN. IPN led to an 8% increase in the overall number of syphilis patients with at least one treated sex partner, 26% more sex partners being medically examined and treated if necessary, and 83% more sex partners notified of their STD exposure. IPN augmented traditional syphilis case management and aided in the location, notification, testing, and treatment of partners. Conversely, without IPN, these 381 partners would not have been investigated.

You've Got Mail (2010)

You've Got Mail (2010)

Intrusion-tolerant fine-grained authorization for Internet applications

This paper presents the architecture of an authorization service proposed for composite operations involving many Internet partners. The main contributions of this paper are: (1) a scheme for access control systematically applied at the fine-grained level of each elementary operation, (2) a novel proof of authorization concept and flexible authorization delegation technique, and (3) the design and proof-of-concept implementation of an intrusion-tolerant prototype of the authorization architecture. The architecture is based on two component types: an authorization server and a set of reference monitors. The authorization server is in charge of distributing proofs of authorization for composite operations in the system. On each site involved in the execution of the composite operation, a local reference monitor is in charge of checking the validity of the proofs of authorization used for each elementary operation. The paper presents the overall design of the authorization service. It also includes a brief description of the prototype that was developed as well as performance measures.