Access Management Research Articles

Intensifying homestead climate-smart agriculture and the challenges to its wider adoption in Azuari watershed, Northwest Ethiopia

IntroductionThe adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices (CSAPs) at the plot level is a promising yet underutilized strategy in Ethiopia, where subsistence farming predominates. This study investigates the factors influencing the intensity of CSAPs on homesteads and identifies key barriers to their broader adoption.MethodsQuantitative data were collected through household surveys. Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) analysis was employed to examine the relationship between the independent variables and farmers' decisions to intensify CSAPs.ResultsThe findings reveal that slope gradient, extension contacts, farming experience, dependency ratio-induced labor, and livestock diversity significantly impact farmers' decisions to enhance CSAPs. Major barriers include insecure land tenure, poor management of open grazing, labor-intensive practices, and limited access to agricultural inputs.DiscussionTo promote the widespread implementation of CSAPs, it is imperative that these variables are prioritized in agricultural extension policies. Addressing these barriers is essential for enhancing the adoption of CSAPs, which will significantly contribute to sustainable agricultural development in Ethiopia.

Practice and effectiveness of medical technology management in specialized hospitals based on the concept of total quality management

Background and Objectives: This study explores the practice and effectiveness of medical technology management in specialized hospitals based on the concept of total quality management (TQM). Methods: Focusing on a specialized tertiary respiratory hospital and guided by the framework of TQM theory, this research takes robotic surgery as an example to delineate whole-process management measures and systems for medical technologies, especially restricted technologies, and analyzes the technology’s practical performance. Results: In 2021, the filing of robotic surgery technology for record was officially approved, marking the start of its clinical use; throughout the year, a total of 710 surgeries were performed. Robotic surgery outperformed traditional surgical approaches in terms of unplanned reoperation, intraoperative and postoperative blood transfusion, and 14-day readmission rates. Conclusion: Implementing relevant measures in technology access management, quality supervision, and performance incentives for robotic surgery may not only promote the vigorous development of the technology but also enhance medical quality and ensure patient safety.

Proactive monitoring and security in cloud infrastructure: leveraging tools like Prometheus, Grafana, and HashiCorp Vault for Robust DevOps Practices

This study investigates proactive monitoring and security within cloud infrastructure, focusing on implementing tools like Prometheus, Grafana, and HashiCorp Vault to enhance operational resilience and data security. As cloud adoption grows, so does the complexity of maintaining secure systems amidst ever-evolving threats and regulatory pressures. By integrating these tools within DevOps workflows, organizations can achieve real-time monitoring, visualization, and secure access management, significantly strengthening their cloud environments. A systematic literature review was conducted, examining each tool's unique capabilities, the limitations they address, and the potential for combined functionality to offer a layered security approach. The findings reveal that while these tools are invaluable for preemptively detecting threats and managing access, they require continuous refinement to meet scalability, compatibility, and compliance demands. This study concludes that a proactive, integrative approach utilizing Prometheus for data collection and alerting, Grafana for visualization, and HashiCorp Vault for secret management fosters robust cloud security practices. Recommended strategies include adopting zero-trust architectures, utilizing automated compliance tools, and integrating sustainability principles in cloud management to ensure both security and operational efficiency. Ultimately, this study emphasizes the need for adaptive security frameworks that evolve alongside technological advancements, positioning organizations to safeguard their digital assets and respond to emerging threats with agility and confidence.

Secure EHR access in the cloud: an alloy-based formalization of ABAC in ‎‎collaborative and non-collaborative models‎

The approach proposed in this article integrates the Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) ‎model and the Alloy modeling tool to enhance security in cloud environments, whet alher ‎collaborative or non-collaborative. Cloud computing facilitates data management, particularly ‎in collaborative environments that promote teamwork, but this increased flexibility introduces ‎more complex security challenges. In contrast, non-collaborative environments offer stricter ‎access control, thereby improving security while limiting the flexibility of interactions. The ‎ABAC model allows for the definition of fine-grained access policies based on user roles, ‎context, and data sensitivity, making it an ideal solution for protecting Electronic Health ‎Records (EHR). With dynamic access management, only authorized individuals can view or ‎manipulate sensitive data. The use of Alloy enables the formalization and testing of these ‎security policies by simulating different access scenarios to verify the consistency of the rules ‎and understand the trade-offs bet alween security and flexibility. Thus, the combination of ‎ABAC and Alloy provides a robust solution for managing access in complex cloud ‎environments while ensuring optimal protection of sensitive data.‎

UTMSPACE Research Grant Management System

The "UTMSPACE Research Grant Management System" is a web application designed to improve the efficiency and accessibility of managing grants for both administrators and applicants. The current manual process, involving paper forms and departmental submissions, leads to delays, tracking difficulties, and increased administrative workload due to human errors and misfiling. The new online platform addresses these issues by enabling seamless submission and management of applications, budget matters, and other grant-related information. The system aims to streamline the application process, enhance user-friendliness, and replace traditional methods. It will be developed using HTML, CSS, PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript, following an Agile methodology to ensure continuous collaboration between developers and stakeholders. The ultimate goal is to enhance the management of research grants, promoting efficiency, accessibility, and user satisfaction, and contributing to the advancement of research endeavors. By transitioning to this digital system, we anticipate a significant reduction in processing times, with the potential to decrease the time spent on application processing by 50-70%. Additionally, the system is expected to reduce human errors by 60-80%, leading to more accurate and reliable grant management. These improvements will not only enhance the overall user experience but also contribute to more effective and streamlined research grant administration.

Needling Technique and Management for Hemodialysis access

Needling Technique and Management for Hemodialysis access

Security Risks and Threats in Cloud Computing: A Comprehensive Analysis

The unparalleled scalability and flexibility of cloud computing have fundamentally transformed how businesses manage and store data (Hashizume, 2013). However, security risks and hazards are becoming more and more of a concern as businesses use cloud services. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the various security concerns that cloud computing infrastructures have to address (Hashizume, 2013). By examining common threats like data breaches, unauthorized access, unsecured interfaces, and shared technological vulnerabilities, this study aims to illustrate the critical importance of proactive security measures in protecting sensitive data (Shaikh, 2011). Through an analysis of network security strategies, identity and access management, encryption technologies, and incident response planning, this paper offers insights into best practices for managing security risks in the cloud (Shaikh, 2011). This paper provides businesses with a road map for enhancing their cloud security.

Assessing the multidimensional impact of community-based cattle feedlot programs in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Traditional cattle farming in the region faces numerous challenges, including limited market access, inadequate nutrition, and poor herd management, which hinder productivity and the livelihoods of farmers. This research explores whether structured feedlot programs can address these issues by enhancing agricultural productivity and improving farmer livelihoods. The study utilized quantitative data from 250 respondents and regression models to compare changes before and after participation in the feedlot programs. The findings reveal significant improvements in herd dynamics, with average herd size increasing by 40% and calving rates rising from 60 to 80%. Mortality and morbidity rates decreased by 50 and 47%, respectively. Regression analysis showed a positive impact on herd size (β = 20.00, p < 0.001) and a notable reduction in mortality (β = −0.30, p = 0.050). Animal performance also improved, with average daily gain (ADG) increasing by 60% and feed conversion ratio (FCR) improving by 25%. Health status was enhanced, indicated by a 50% reduction in disease incidence and an 80% increase in vaccination coverage. Regression results supported these improvements, showing significant positive effects of feedlot participation on ADG (β = 0.50, p < 0.001) and health status (β = −0.10, p < 0.005). Socio-economic benefits were also substantial, with household income increasing by 67% and new employment opportunities emerging. Food security improved significantly, with 85% of households reporting better access to food, and the average sales price per cattle increased by 50%. Regression analysis indicated strong positive impacts on household income (β = 1,500, p < 0.001) and food security (β = 300, p = 0.010). Factors influencing farmer participation in the feedlot programs included perceived benefits (β = 0.80, p < 0.001), access to training (β = 0.50, p < 0.005), and market access (β = 0.70, p < 0.001), while the cost of participation negatively affected involvement (β = −0.002, p = 0.050). Overall, the study demonstrates that community-based cattle feedlot programs significantly enhance herd dynamics, animal performance, and socio-economic conditions for farmers in the Eastern Cape Province, offering a viable strategy for improving rural livelihoods and agricultural productivity.

PHR-NFT: Decentralized Blockchain Framework with Hyperledger and NFTs for Secure and Transparent Patient Health Records

Blockchain technology holds significant promise for healthcare by enhancing the security and integrity of patient health records (PHRs) through decentralized storage and transparent access. However, it has substantial limitations, including problems with scalability, high transaction costs, privacy concerns, and intricate stakeholder access management. This study presents PHR-NFT, a novel framework that strengthens PHR privacy by utilizing Hyperledger Fabric and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to address these issues. PHR-NFT improves privacy and communication by letting patients keep control of their medical records while permitting temporary, permission-based access by medical professionals. PHR-NFT offers a transparent solution that increases trust among healthcare stakeholders through the robust and decentralized architecture of the Hyperledger Fabric. This study demonstrates the viability and effectiveness of the PHR-NFT framework through performance evaluations focused on transaction latency, throughput, and security. This research has valuable implications for enhancing data privacy and security in healthcare practices and insightful information about blockchain-based healthcare systems.

A secured channel for transmitting multimedia contents in peer-assisted networks

The Internet's explosive growth has raised demand for effective online video streaming services and cast doubt on the viability of peer-to-peer (P2P) networks and conventional content distribution networks (CDN). To facilitate efficient video streaming, Peer-Assisted Networks (PA-CDNs) integrate the best aspects of P2P networks and CDNs. Transferring data content across a protected channel platform is crucial since the PA-CDNs strategy uses both servers and peers, optimizing both delivery methods to offer the best possible user experience. However, it is vulnerable to assaults. By guaranteeing secure access management and addressing security concerns, this study offers a strong security model to strengthen and improve security in PA-CDN network environments. The outcome of the experiment indicates that the strategy works. Strong security model to strengthen and improve security in PA-CDN network environments. The outcome of the experiment indicates that the strategy works.

Static Versus Dynamic Accessibility. Accessibility Management as a Tool to Enable Its Permanence over Time.

An accessibility monitoring or audit of an environment provides information at a given point in time (static view of accessibility). But accessibility, to be really effective, must be maintained over time. Therefore, it must be considered throughout all phases of the design process (different phases of the project) and construction (different phases of the work). But it is also essential that, once built, it is possible to maintain or even increase the level of accessibility initially achieved. There are many cases in which, despite a good accessible project, during the life of the building the accessibility conditions worsen substantially because the need for a system that guarantees the permanence of accessibility over time is not contemplated. This requires the adoption of a Universal Accessibility Management System (UAMS) which, as is done with other disciplines such as Quality or Sustainability, allows those responsible for the management of this environment to implement, prevent or correct the accessibility actions that correspond in each case. For the development of a UAMS, the first thing to be defined is the scope to be considered and the scope. Furthermore, from the point of view of use, accessibility can be considered from the visitor's point of view (customer service; customer's perspective) or from the worker's point of view (workstation; employee's perspective). In this article we will take as a reference two methodologies that have been widely used on numerous occasions, to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each of them and their parts from a deep theoretical (processes and indicators) and practical (disruptors) knowledge. The ultimate aim of this work is to identify the aspects to be considered in the definition of a UAMS, in order to be able to define and specify the keys to approach an accessibility audit from a dynamic perspective, that is to say. one that really guarantees the sustainability of the accessibility of that place over time.

Integrating Blockchain Technology into Healthcare, A Decentralized Ledger That Improves Respect for Patients' Right to Privacy and Confidentiality

A patient's medical record is an essential tool for treatment and care. However, questions about privacy, interoperability, and data fragmentation have been brought to light by conventional EHR systems. The research here employs blockchain technology to safeguard the transfer and storage of patient data. Since blockchain transactions may be recorded across several computers in a decentralized manner, any future data changes will need updating each subsequent block. The study makes use of tools such as Ganache, Truffle, Metamask, ZKPs, IPFS and RemixIDE. Blockchain validation is used for patient record retrieval; this procedure generates an encrypted Content ID and a decryption symmetric key. Further assurance of privacy and security is provided by the integration of Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs), which enable users to demonstrate record access privileges without disclosing sensitive information. In addition to boosting resilience and interoperability across systems, this decentralized strategy increases the confidentiality, integrity, transparency, and access management of healthcare data. The combination of blockchain technology with zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) increases the reliability of healthcare transactions by safely confirming data access between nodes.

Evaluasi Tingkat Kematangan Sistem Informasi Rumah Sakit Menggunakan Information Technology Infrastructure Library Versi 3

Hospital Information System (HIS) is an important component in supporting effective and efficient health services. Evaluation of the maturity of information systems is needed to ensure that the implementation of SIRS is in accordance with the standards and needs of the organization. This study aims to evaluate the maturity level of information systems at Amanah Hospital using the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) version 3 framework, specifically in the Service Operation domain. The research method uses a quantitative approach with data collection through questionnaires distributed to respondents involved in managing information systems. The evaluation was carried out on five subdomains, namely Event Management, Incident Management, Request Fulfillment, Problem Management, and Access Management. The results showed that the maturity level of the Amanah Hospital information system was at level 3.81 (Managed), with the highest value in the Incident Management and Access Management subdomains (4.00), while the lowest value in Event Management and Request Fulfillment (3.66). Based on these results, several improvements are recommended including the development of an integrated monitoring system, strengthening operational procedures, improving HR competencies, and implementing more structured periodic evaluations to achieve an optimal level of maturity.

Abstract 4131796: Non-Contact Biometric System for Early Detection of Hypertension and Diabetes Using AI and RGB Imaging

Introduction: In recent years, the development of wearable devices and bioinformation analysis applications utilizing smartphone sensors has seen significant advancements. Despite these technological strides, their adoption and sustained use remain limited to health-conscious individuals. The general populace, particularly those indifferent to health management, stands to miss out on the potential benefits of wearable technologies due to a lack of engagement. This disconnect underscores the necessity for more accessible health monitoring solutions. Research Questions and Goals: This study aims to bridge the gap in health monitoring accessibility by introducing a system capable of non-invasive, non-contact acquisition of biometric information. Such a system seeks to democratize the early detection and prevention of diseases across various demographics. Methods and Results: A prospective cohort clinical study was conducted in a hospital setting with approximately 200 consenting patients and healthy controls. Images of the subjects' faces and hands were captured with a high-speed camera, and blood pressure measurements were taken simultaneously for correlation. A machine learning algorithm was developed to analyze skin blood flow and spectral features from these images to identify potential diseases. The study specifically focused on early detection of hypertension and diabetes. Hypertension was categorized for individuals with systolic blood pressure ≥115 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥75 mmHg. Diabetes was identified in subjects with HbA1c levels ≥6.5 or those previously diagnosed. The algorithm's performance in detecting hypertension showed a 94.2% in alignment with the AHA guidelines for stage1 hypertension, based on pulse wave features. For a subset including 40% early hypertension cases, accuracy rates were 86.2% for 30-second data segments and 80.9% for 5-second segments. For diabetes detection, the application of the algorithm to video data achieved a 75.3%, utilizing blood flow patterns as markers. Hypertension and diabetes were analyzed using different features. Conclusions: The integration of AI algorithms with video data analysis of skin and blood vessels demonstrates a promising avenue for the non-contact, early detection of hypertension and diabetes. This approach not only offers a viable non-contact monitoring technology, but also represents a significant leap towards inclusive, accessible health care prevention and management strategies.

Impact of skin of color specialty dermatologic clinics on diagnoses and management.

Dedicated care of Skin of Color (SOC) individuals is crucial for increasing access and culturally-sensitive management of this population [1]. Although SOC specialty clinics (SOCSC) are becoming increasingly popular, data on these is limited. We seek to describe the first detailed experience from a SOCSC. Demographic and clinical data of the University of Nebraska Medical Center Department of Dermatology's Ethnic Skin/SOC Clinic were collected. Of 252 patients, 82% were female; mean age was 45.1 years. Self-reported race consisted of Black/African-Americans (86.9%), Other (6.0%), and Asians (3.6%). Hispanics/Latinos constituted 4.8%. The top chief complaints (CC) included acne, itch/rash, and hair loss. Among patients previously seen by a dermatologist, 20.3% had a diagnosis change, 24.3% received a new diagnosis unrelated to CC, and 48.6% had a treatment change. Patients with a prior dermatology visit showed a higher rate of change in diagnosis (20.3% vs. 2.8%) and change in treatment (48.6% vs. 28.0%) than those without. The most common diagnosis changes were itch/rash (29.3%) and hair loss (19%). Changes in treatment were mostly seen in patients with acne (20.8%), and the most common were discontinuation (50%) and switch in antibiotics (11%). In patients with previous dermatologic contact, one out of five patients (20.3%) previously seen by a non-SOC dermatologist had a diagnosis change, one out of four (24.3%) had a new diagnosis, half (48.6%) had a change in treatment, and 17.6% were being diagnosed and treated for the first time after being seen in SOCSC, highlighting the importance of SOC-specialized dermatologists in patient care.

Access management based on deep reinforcement learning for effective cloud storage security

Access management based on deep reinforcement learning for effective cloud storage security

The Evolution of Identity and Access Management: Integrating Biometric and Behavioral Authentication

This article explores the transformative role of biometric and behavioral authentication in the evolving landscape of Identity and Access Management (IAM). As traditional password-based systems increasingly fail to meet the challenges posed by sophisticated cyber threats, these advanced authentication methods offer a promising solution. The article provides a comprehensive overview of physical and behavioral biometrics, examining their integration into multi-factor authentication systems and their capacity for continuous, passive user verification. It delves into the significant security benefits these technologies offer, including enhanced resistance to phishing, social engineering, and insider threats, while also highlighting the improvements in user experience and convenience. The article critically analyzes the challenges and considerations associated with implementing biometric and behavioral authentication, including privacy concerns, data security, accuracy issues, and scalability. Furthermore, it explores future directions and research opportunities in the field, such as advancements in biometric technologies, the application of machine learning and AI in behavioral analysis, and the development of context-aware authentication systems. By synthesizing current research and industry trends, this article provides valuable insights for cybersecurity professionals, IT decision-makers, and researchers interested in the future of secure and user-friendly authentication methods. It underscores the potential of biometric and behavioral authentication to significantly enhance organizational security postures while improving user satisfaction in an increasingly digital world.

Do the sparser access points have less impact on arterial traffic? A microscopic simulation-based study

A dynamic microscopic traffic flow simulation within a ring arterial context was developed to investigate the effects of access point spacing on urban arterial flow under a right-in-right-out access management system. The microscopic traffic flow model, centered on car-following and lane-changing behaviors, was established based on vehicle interactions. The car-following aspect encompasses free driving, car-following behavior, and deceleration and braking states while lane-changing considerations include decision-making and acceptable gap assessment. Experimental scenarios account for arterial traffic density, access traffic demand intensity, average access point spacing, and variation coefficient of access point spacing. The traffic flow and speeds within the ring arterial were evaluated across 5040 operational conditions (equating to 5880 simulation hours). The traffic flow trends and speed variations with density across different access spacing scenarios were analyzed. We made an intriguing discovery: the impact on arterial traffic flow increases with larger average access point spacing, challenging conventional traffic planning recommendations that advocate for greater spacing. Additionally, access traffic minimally affects the overall arterial flow when arterial traffic volume is low. By highlighting these critical insights, this study introduces novel considerations for designing and managing access points.

Zero Trust Architecture in Cloud Computing: A Paradigm Shift in Platform Engineering Security

This article explores the paradigm shift in platform engineering security brought about by Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) in cloud computing environments. As organizations increasingly adopt cloud-native architectures and microservices, traditional perimeter-based security models prove inadequate for protecting complex, distributed systems. The article examines the core principles of ZTA, including robust identity and access management, least privilege access, micro-segmentation, continuous monitoring, and secure communication. It delves into the implementation strategies of ZTA in platform engineering, highlighting its benefits such as enhanced security, improved compliance, increased resilience against threats, adaptability to dynamic environments, and improved visibility. The article also addresses the challenges of implementing ZTA, including complexity, potential performance concerns, user experience considerations, cost implications, and the risk of vendor lock-in. Through an analysis of industry trends, adoption rates, and quantified benefits, the article demonstrates how ZTA addresses critical security challenges in modern cloud environments, ultimately enabling organizations to create more resilient, compliant, and adaptable platforms in the face of evolving cyber threats.

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.