Abstract This paper discusses mobile agent technology and its universal characteristics. The paper provides a comprehensive exploration of the security issues and highlights how the agent platform must ensure confidentiality, integrity and accountability. The paper also shows how this is clearly an area still very much open to research, design and development.
Outline:
Introduction
Multi-Agent Systems
Security Issues in Communication
Characteristics of a 'Malicious Attack' by the Host
Security Measures
Protection of the Agent Platform
Agent System Models
Dynamic Agent-Based Security Architecture
Issues in Agent Technology (Quantz)
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "A mobile agent is defined as a class of agent "...with the ability during execution to migrate from one host to another where it can resume its execution and while this may assist in network traffic reduction and in overcoming latencies in the network, the ability of the agent to move around "...does however introduce significant security concerns." (Borselius, 2004) The autonomous- and multi-agent systems "...represent a relatively new way of analyzing, designing, and implementing complex software systems. " (Borselius, 2004) Mobile agent technology has presented a new paradigm in computing. A mobile agent is a specific type of agent with the capability of migration from one host to another where execution is resumed."
Abstract This paper uses the example of the increasing monopolization of the telecommunications industry to demonstrate the need for economic models that can help resolve issues of monopolization. The paper describes the purpose of economic models, the different types of models, and some of the factors and data that the models consider.
Outline
An Agent-Based Economic Model
Telecommunications market structure, development, and impact studies
Demand analysis and forecasting studies, modeling
Service and Network Cost Studies and Models
Comparative tariff, policy, and market analyses
Tariff Model -- International Comparisons
OECD Basket Comparisons of Telephone Services Charges - August 1997
Multivariable Regression
The Classical Model
The Classical Model of Production and Employment
Labor Demand
Labor Supply
Equilibrium
Aggregate Supply and Demand
Loanable Funds
Taxes on Labor Income
Animal Spirits
The Keynesian IS/LM Model
Tax Model (The Simple Keynesian Model)
Paradox of Thrift
The Mundell-Fleming Model
Real Business Cycles
The IS/MP Model
From the Paper "With the agressive deregulation in the telecommunications industry in the United States and Europe during the early to mid-1990?s, it seemed that the local monopolies would be forced to unbundle their networks. However, MCI WorldCom, the second largest US long distance telecommunications company, announced in October 1999, that it would acquire Sprint, the third largest US long distance company, in the biggest corporate takeover in history. The merger is valued at $129 billion in cash, stock and debt. The resulting firm will be second only to AT&T in the US telecommunications industry, a company with, as of 1999, $65 billion in annual revenue, 142,000 workers and 40 million business and residential customers (McGaughlin, 1999)."
Abstract This paper discusses the current problems, advantages, disadvantages and applications pertaining to intelligent agents. It expands on its business application as artificial intelligence technology. The author explores the problems posed by Internet research.
From the Paper "An intelligent agent is defined as a self-sufficient piece of code that can make decisions without human intervention. In addition it has the ability to adapt itself and become more efficient and effective as it is utilized. As such it ..."
Abstract The paper uses two of the most famous breeches of United States intelligence agencies, those involving Aldrich Ames and Robert Hanssen, to show that the individual psychology of intelligence officers is often the source of leaks and betrayal. The paper looks at Ames' monetary desires and Hanssen's thirst for appreciation that encouraged them to become double agents. The paper highlights how in both cases the obvious symptoms of a mole were absent.
From the Paper "In terms of national security, counterintelligence remains an essential component of maintaining a firm and secure hold upon potentially dangerous information. It is widely recognized that within a setting in which competing intelligence organizations are continually attempting to infiltrate the ranks of other intelligence agencies, deciding who is privy to what is often a dangerous gamble. Intelligence agencies must be conscious of the type of individuals they put in possession of delicate bits of information; this applies not merely to the background, past affiliations, and political views of these people; the individual psychology of intelligence officers is often the source of leaks and betrayal. "
Abstract This paper provides a detailed overview of acids and bases in the pH scale, including the history, characteristics, types, and Ka values with chemistry and biology applications. The paper covers seven main parts: the history starting with the Romans; the definition of both an acid and a base; the characteristics of acids and bases; types of acids and bases; how to determine an acid number; the relationship between acids and bases to the pH scale; and aqueous and self-ionization solutions. I. Introduction A. What do acids and alkalines have in common? 1.To test whether temperature affected the acidity of different liquids. 2. The complexity and fascination of such project. 3. If different types of liquids were utilized, then temperature would certainly make a difference, however minimal. II. History A. The history of acids have dated back centuries. 1. The Romans first coined the term acidus. 2. Lavoisier's work with acids. 3. Predecessors, such as Arrhenius. III. Definition of acid A. The definition of acids have been controversial at times. 1. The Arrhenius definition 2. The Bronsted definition 3. The Lewis definition IV. Characterizing acids in general B. The nature of acids 1. Sourness 2. Dissolving in water V. Types of Acids A. Strong acids 1. Fundamental characteristics. 2. Dangerous 3. Larger Ka values B. Weak acids 1. Fundamental characteristics 2. Smaller Ka values 3. Equilibrium watch VI. Characterizing Bases. A. Bases are the opposite of acids 1. The Arrhenius definition 2. Characteristics B. Strong and weak bases VII. Acidity A. Acid number has a lot of relation to everything else 1. Determining acid number 2. Acid numbers importance B. pH is the epitome of research 1. Aqueous solution 2. Self- ionization 3. Definitions
From the Paper "What do acids and alkaline truly have in common? The history of the understanding of an acid is relatively old. Dating back to the Roman Empire days, came the word that we derived acid from, acidus, meaning sour. Around the 1800s, French chemists erroneously believed that all acids contained oxygen, including the famed Antoine Lavoisier. Svante Arrhenius, a Swedish scientist in the mid 1800s and a Nobel laureate, did a few experimentations with acids, and came up with concocting a definitive, chemically sound definition of an acid. Later on, in the 20th century, the partners Bronsted and Lowry initiated theories about acids using and published the acid-based concept. The most pragmatic research of acids and bases came from the American chemist Gilbert Lewis. Ever since then, the idea of acids and base has been widely recognized, although the definitions of such terms have been rather controversial."
Abstract This paper explains that the concept of distance-based education has become one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing segments of both university and graduate level educations; even many educational institutions that once considered themselves to have long histories with traditional classroom-based learning have begun to expand their existing programs because of technology advances like the internet. The author points out that, although, in the past, it was often considered that students learned more in traditionally based programs than in distance-based programs, distance-based educational programs have been shown to be just as difficult as any brick and mortar classroom setting and, in many instances, may actually offer more of a challenge than traditional counterparts. The paper states that success measurements should be getting students enrolled and successfully through the program plus surveys of students and teachers regarding the ease of use and system reliability.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Description and Analysis of Context for the Change
Intervention Plan
Student Requirements General Approach
Student Requirements Rationale/Assumptions/Relationship to the Change Literature
Student Requirements Strategies/Stage/Steps
Student Requirements Players/Roles/Responsibilities
Student Requirements Sequencing Of Effort over 3 to 6 Months
Organizational Development Efforts General Approach
Organizational Development Efforts Rationale/Assumptions/Relationship to the Change Literature
Organizational Development Efforts Strategies/Stage/Steps
Organizational Development Efforts Players/Roles/Responsibilities
Organizational Development Efforts Sequencing of Effort over 3 to 6 Months
Success Indicators
From the Paper "The world has adjusted to the internet. Consider that local area networking and the internet has changed life to a point where a music download site like KaZaA has approximately one hundred sixty million users worldwide that have downloaded some version of the company's proprietary software. America is now at point where almost all business people are required to check daily emails and their children download internet music and housewives bargain shop on eBay. The advances in technology like file swapping are skills now just taken for granted. The individuals who take these skills for granted are the potential students for a program like this."
Tags: classroom-based, internet, measurement, requirements, systems
Abstract The paper discusses the potential benefits of incorporating brain-based, active learning, inquiry-based, hands-on participation and multiple intelligence-based methods of academic instruction in the classroom. The paper proposes a study that will use ordinary television and VHS educational programming as a means of improving learning among primary and secondary students. The paper relates the research questions, an abridged methodology and a timeline.
Outline:
Statement of the Problem and Purpose
Preliminary Literature Review
Research Questions
Abridged Methodology
Timeline
From the Paper "American education has evolved tremendously between the original one-room schoolhouse of the 19th and early 20th century to it modern incarnation. Instead of combined classrooms for primary and secondary school students, the contemporary American public education system provides progressive, graduated, age-appropriate instruction through the final year of secondary education. The first generation of American students used a single textbook, often sharing it with another classmate. Even throughout most of the last century, students in every grade still used the exact same textbooks as preceding class and the texts themselves updated only after a decade or more of use; in many instances, it was not uncommon that students used the same textbooks as had their parents."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of using brain-based education research for teaching adult learners. It examines findings from brain-based research, information regarding the adult learner, and the use of brain-based education for adult learners.
From the Paper "This research paper presents the importance of using brain-based education research for the teaching of the adult learner. Findings from brain-based research information regarding the adult learner and the ..."
Tags: brain-based research adult learners, education
An review of "Activity Based Management for Service Industries, Government Entities and Non-Profit Organizations" in which it describes activity based systems (ABS).
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 1 source, 2006, $ 26.95
Abstract This paper presents the author's perspective in "Activity Based Management for Service Industries, Government Entities and Non-Profit Organizations". The paper shows how the book focuses on providing information to managers that is vital to modern business concerned with cost management. Specifically, the book discusses activity based systems (ABS) that examines company profits in relation to activities generated by the organization.
From the Paper "The Author's Perspective: Activity Based Management Activity Based Management for Service Industries, Government Entities and Non-Profit Organizations focuses on providing information to managers that is vital to modern business concerned with cost management. The book discusses Activity Based Systems (ABS) that examine company profits in relation to activities generated by the organization. This process blends into the concept of Activity Based Costing (ABC), which allows management to comprehend profits that are derived from products currently in the market. As these elements are focused upon, Activity Based Management (ABM) then proceeds to determine which factors contributing to the organization are effective, and where costs can be reduced through Activity Based Budgeting (ABB). Proper budgeting through this system allows managers to plan the finances of the organization in a manner that will align the company with the competition, and provide for a stronger economic future (Brimson & Antos)."
Abstract This paper defines community-based policing and further shows how these programs can be implemented. A brief description of the traditional model of a law enforcement organization is presented. The author argues that this model has failed and cites research to support his argument. Community-based policing is suggested as a workable and positive alternative. The paper describes the specific training needed to implement community-based policing programs.
From the Paper "Law enforcement agencies have by tradition been structured as top-down, para-military organizations. Employees, sworn and civilian have been given limited autonomy and authority in these traditionally structured organizations. Although the conventional police organization structures allowed for greater control and accountability for employees, many politician and police leaders are incapable of responding to the new and changing demands that society make on law enforcement agencies see this organizational structure. In an effort to reduce crime and the fear of crime in their communities, many law enforcement agencies have embraced the philosophy of Community Based Policing. This policing philosophy emphasis the need for employees to use problem solving and the utilization of community resources to resolve community identified problems, reduce crime and the fear of crime."
Abstract This paper defines evidence-based nursing and compares it to more traditional nursing practices. The paper extrapolates the emergence of and attitudes toward evidence-based nursing, and then suggests topics in the area of practice for exploration in further research study.
From the Paper "Evidence-based nursing is the new wave in nursing, which has spread widely in the United States in the past years. The national Guidelines Clearinghouse (NGC) is a comprehensive, database of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines and..."
Abstract This paper looks at what evidence-based practice is and how it is applied to drug rehab programs. It looks at programs both in the United States and the United Kingdom and how evidence-based practice is being used in both places.
From the Paper "Evidence-based practice refers to programs and practices that have been proven to be successful in practice through research and that have produced consistently reliable results. Waters "These are programs which have been shown to be most effective in treating..."
Abstract This paper considers the advantages and disadvantages of having a home-based business and the critical success factors associated with the business. It looks at the growth and popularity of home-based businesses.
From the Paper "Late-night infomercials advertise home-based businesses as a way to make quick money with little work. Once associated with envelope-stuffing today's home-based businesses can be as varied as medical transcriptionists realtors and many other types of businesses. Often these businesses are based on services rather than products and some home-based business owners have been forced into entrepreneurship through repeated layoffs and an inability to find positions that suit their abilities or income requirements..."
Abstract This paper outlines why a change management initiative informed by Value Based Management theory is one that stands to benefit a generic retailer interested in improving the fiscal bottom line. The paper briefly discusses what value based management theory is and looks at how the theory allows an organization to isolate value drivers that can determine long term success or failure.
From the Paper "Management theories are always evolving and new ones are emerging, literally, every day. For example, there are management theories for dealing with different people within an organization, theories for dealing with crisis or with change, and theories dealing with acquisition integration and with organizational entrepreneurialism. In spite of this, a case can be made that value-based management (VBM) is as good a theory as exists for balancing an organization's management needs with "bottom-line" effectiveness. With that in mind, the following paper will explore the implementation of a change management initiative (within a hard goods retail organization) that focuses upon revitalizing the organizational warehouse, delivery and gross margin performance of the corporation using value-based management theory. "
An overview of the methods of applying the "activity-based costing system" at Dakota Office Supply, in which actual costs associated with each product are established.
Abstract The paper discusses, in a detailed description, the effectiveness of an activity-based costing system or ABC and the ineffectiveness of the current costing system in use at the Dakota Office Supply (DOS) company . The paper then relates the methodology of implementing ABC at DOS and the procedures involved in its application.
Outline:
Overview
Situational analysis
Activity based costing
ABC in practice at Dakota
Procedural steps of ABC
From the Paper "Before performing ABC, a baseline or a starting point is needed for business process improvement and a baseline can be expressed in some form of model. This baseline is critical for DOP because in order to establish this baseline metric the analytics just performed must be done for each individual account. If DOP performs this activity on each customer the strategic management benefits would be substantial because all the excess cost-drivers could be eliminated resulting in much wider operating margins and thus profitability without increasing costs or committing resources to gain this efficiency. Therefore, a baseline is a documentation of the organization's policies, practices, methods, measures, costs and their interrelationships at a particular location at a particular point in time (Maiga & Jacobs, 2003). Through base-lining, activity inputs and outputs across functional lines of business can be identified. ABC is the only improvement methodology that provides output or unit costs. Value added activities are those for which the customers are usually willing to pay in some fashion for the product or service. Non-value added are activities that create waste, result in a delay of some sort, and potentially adds costs to the products or services. Resources are assigned to activities so that the activities can be performed in the first place. Some of Pilgrims' resources are measured in man-hours, machine hours as well as machine maintenance and operational overhead. It is through ABC that an organization can begin to see actual dollar costs against individual activities, and find opportunities to streamline or reduce those costs, or even eliminate the entire activity thus removing the cost altogether. This is the process inherent in ABC that reduces overall expenditures of the company. "