Cloud Forensics Investigation: Tracing Infringing Sharing of Copyrighted Content in Cloud

Cloud Computing is becoming a significant technology trend nowadays, but its abrupt rise also creates a brand new front for cybercrime investigation with various challenges. One of the challenges is to track down infringing sharing of copyrighted content in cloud. To solve this problem, we study a typical type of content sharing technologies in cloud computing, analyze the challenges that the new technologies bring to forensics, formalize a procedure to get digital evidences and obtain analytical results based on the evidences to track down illegal uploader. Furthermore, we propose a reasoning model based on the probability distribution in a Bayesian Network to evaluate the analytical result of forensics examinations. The proposed method can accurately and scientifically track down the origin infringing content uploader and owner. Keywords: cloud forensics, peer to peer, file sharing, tracking, CloudFron

On the Scientific Maturity of Digital Forensics Research

In this paper we transfer a well-known grade schema of scientific maturity from the domain of software engineering into the domain of digital forensics research. On the basis of this maturity schema and its grades we classify the current state of maturity in the research field of digital forensics, and we argue for more efforts towards higher levels of scientificness in this still new field of research.http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-41148-9_3mv201

Molecular perspectives on the ecologically inconsistent effectiveness of the mycoherbicide Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. strigae against Striga hermonthica

Cereals are a major staple that is crucial for food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Sadly, the obligate hemiparasitic witchweed, Striga spp., especially Striga hermonthica (Delile) Benth., is a major biotic constraint to cereal production in SSA, causing enormous crop yield losses estimated at US$10 billion annually. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. strigae (Fos) is the most renowned fungal biological control agent (BCA) for specifically and significantly tackling S. hermonthica under agricultural systems. Field surveys, however, have revealed the inconsistent effectiveness of Fos isolates against S. hermonthica in differing zones of SSA (i.e., West Africa, East Africa). This daunting phenomenon is a critical challenge that affects Fos reliability and deters its use for S. hermonthica management. The inconsistent effectiveness of Fos against S. hermonthica was presumably ascribed to the interactions that occur between the differing location-specific ecological factors of the pathosystem i.e., abiotic (climate, moisture, or soil physico-chemistry) or biotic (S. hermonthica, Fos isolate, or the plant microbiome). Without doubt, the diversity of a host or pathogen is a primary determinant of the innate susceptibility or virulence of the host or pathogen, respectively. In terms of S. hermonthica diversity, genomic variation of individuals, or regional genetic variation of the sampling zone, were the two major forces suspected. However, the important determiner out of the two forces was unknown. Besides, despite the suppression/death that Fos causes to S. hermonthica, the physiological damage S. hermonthica initiates to an infested cereal crop is mostly irreversible. Hence, in examining strategies for circumventing the main problem of Fos inconsistent effectiveness against S. hermonthica, and the physiological consequences of S. hermonthica on the host cereal crop, the integration of other (non-Fos inoculum) BCA were suggested as possible means for improving the efficiency of S. hermonthica biocontrol. For example, by utilizing a bioherbicide cocktail of Fos and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), or Striga seed germination-inhibiting fungal toxins. Apart from the popular reputation of PGPR in enhancing crop health and growth, certain PGPR strains (especially Bacillus subtilis isolate GB03) have been earlier reported for their highly-promising potential of antagonizing S. hermonthica development. Similarly, certain fungal extracellular metabolites (exometabolites), especially of Fusarium origin, were reported to completely inhibit S. hermonthica seed germination in vitro at very low concentrations (≤ 1 mM). Unfortunately, knowledge of the microbe (Fos)microbe (PGPR) interaction, their localization and ecological niche, for enabling their expected synergistic impact of simultaneously suppressing S. hermonthica and enhancing the Striga-infected cereal crop biomass, was unknown. Also, it was unknown if highly potent/efficient Striga seed germination-inhibiting fungal exometabolites will consistently suppress S. hermonthica in planta. Thus, in the context of genetic diversity in S. hermonthica, the PhD study focused on gaining (molecular) insights into the inconsistent effectiveness of Fos against S. hermonthica; including the examination of some strategies for improving S. hermonthica biocontrol efficiency, precisely by integrating PGPR, or Striga seed germination-inhibiting Fusarium exometabolites, into a S. hermonthica biocontrol system. The first research examined the molecular genetic basis, underlying the variable susceptibility of S. hermonthica populations sampled from differing zones of SSA (West Africa, East Africa) to contrasting Fos isolates (Foxy-2, FK3). Regardless of sampling zone, the S. hermonthica populations displayed divergent susceptibility patterns to the Fos isolates i.e., a S. hermonthica class was susceptible to both Foxy-2 and FK3, while the other class was susceptible to either Foxy-2 or FK3. This manifestation correlated with nucleotide mutations at certain loci. Thus, genomic variation in S. hermonthica is a superior determinant of the inconsistent effectiveness of Fos isolates, rather than the S. hermonthica sampling zone. The second research examined the impact of coinoculating Fos and a PGPR (B. subtilis isolate GB03) into a S. hermonthica-sorghum parasitic system. Notwithstanding the colocalization of Fos and GB03 in common ecological niches of diseased S. hermonthica shoot (mainly in flavonoid-rich regions), GB03 thwarted Fos suppressive activity against S. hermonthica. Interestingly, a novel, alternative Fos entry route into S. hermonthica (through the trichome) was discovered. The coinoculation of Fos and GB03 presented no added advantage for S. hermonthica control. Finally, the third research screened a set of highly phytotoxic Fusarium exometabolites against S. hermonthica seed germination (in vitro) and incidence (in planta). This was to identify the most potent/efficient Fusarium exometabolite for S. hermonthica biocontrol. Among the tested exometabolites, diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) was the most potent/efficient to completely suppress S. hermonthica both in vitro and in planta. Fos, however, did not produce DAS, due to underexpression of key genes necessary for Fusarium trichothecene biosynthesis. In conclusion, owing to the obligate outcrossing mating system in S. hermonthica, genomic variation is an inevitable phenomenon. This, therefore, plays a crucial role in the variable susceptibility of S. hermonthica to Fos. The newly discovered Fos (direct) entry route into S. hermonthica (trichome entry), elucidates a novel paradigm to the infection mechanism occurring under the S. hermonthica (host)Fos (pathogen) interaction, in addition to the previously reported indirect, rhizosphere-transmission. Thus, this novel phyllosphere-transmission, paves the way for further research that exploit this alternative Fos infection route for better S. hermonthica biocontrol. Lastly, considering the potency and broadscale efficacy against diverse S. hermonthica populations, the exometabolite DAS could serve as a new agent for a more efficient S. hermonthica biocontrol. Though, further examination of its specific mode of action against the target weed (S. hermonthica), as opposed to non-target organisms, is required.Getreide ist ein wichtiges Grundnahrungsmittel, das für die Ernährungssicherheit in Afrika südlich der Sahara (SSA) von entscheidender Bedeutung ist. Leider ist das obligate halbparasitäre Sommerwurzgewächs, Striga spp., insbesondere Striga hermonthica (Delile) Benth., eine große biotische Einschränkung für die Getreideproduktion in SSA und verursacht enorme Ernteverluste, die auf 10 Milliarden US-Dollar jährlich geschätzt werden. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. strigae (Fos) ist der bekannteste pilzliche biologische Bekämpfungswirkstoff (BCA) zur spezifischen und signifikanten Bekämpfung von S. hermonthica in landwirtschaftlichen Systemen. Felduntersuchungen haben jedoch gezeigt, dass die Wirksamkeit von Fos-Isolaten gegen S. hermonthica in verschiedenen Zonen der SSA (d. h. Westafrika, Ostafrika) uneinheitlich ist. Dieses entmutigende Phänomen ist eine kritische Herausforderung, die die Zuverlässigkeit von Fos beeinträchtigt und seine Verwendung für die Bekämpfung von S. hermonthica verhindert. Die uneinheitliche Wirksamkeit von Fos gegen S. hermonthica wurde vermutlich auf die Wechselwirkungen zurückgeführt, die zwischen den verschiedenen standortspezifischen ökologischen Faktoren des Pathosystems auftreten, d. h. abiotischen (Klima, Feuchtigkeit oder physikalisch-chemische Eigenschaften des Bodens) oder biotischen (S. hermonthica, Fos-Isolat oder das Pflanzenmikrobiom). Zweifelsohne ist die Diversität eines Wirts oder Krankheitserregers eine der wichtigsten Determinanten für die angeborene Anfälligkeit bzw. Virulenz des Wirts oder Krankheitserregers. In Bezug auf die Diversität von S. hermonthica waren die genomische Variation der Individuen oder die regionale genetische Variation des Probenahmegebiets die beiden vermuteten Hauptfaktoren. Es war jedoch nicht bekannt, welcher der beiden Faktoren ausschlaggebend ist. Außerdem sind die physiologischen Schäden, die S. hermonthica an einer befallenen Getreidepflanze verursacht, trotz der Unterdrückung/Tötung von S. hermonthica durch Fos meist irreversibel. Bei der Untersuchung von Strategien zur Umgehung des Hauptproblems der unzureichenden Wirksamkeit von Fos gegen S. hermonthica und der physiologischen Folgen von S. hermonthica für die Wirtsgetreidekulturen wurde daher die Integration anderer BCA (ohne Fos-Inokulum) als mögliches Mittel zur Verbesserung der Effizienz der Biokontrolle von S. hermonthica vorgeschlagen. Zum Beispiel durch die Verwendung eines Bioherbizid-Cocktails aus Fos und pflanzenwachstumsfördernden Rhizobakterien (PGPR) oder von Pilztoxinen, die die Keimung von Striga-Samen hemmen. Abgesehen von dem guten Ruf, den PGPR bei der Förderung der Gesundheit und des Wachstums von Nutzpflanzen genießen, wurde bereits früher über das vielversprechende Potenzial bestimmter PGPR-Stämme (insbesondere des Isolats GB03 von Bacillus subtilis) zur Bekämpfung der Entwicklung von S. hermonthica berichtet. Ebenso wurde berichtet, dass bestimmte extrazelluläre Metaboliten von Pilzen (Exometaboliten), insbesondere von Fusarium, die Keimung von S. hermonthica-Samen in vitro bei sehr niedrigen Konzentrationen (≤ 1 mM) vollständig hemmen. Leider war das Wissen über die Interaktion zwischen Mikroben (Fos) und Mikroben (PGPR), ihre Lokalisierung und ökologische Nische nicht bekannt, um die erwartete synergistische Wirkung der gleichzeitigen Unterdrückung von S. hermonthica und der Verbesserung der Biomasse von Striga-infizierten Getreidepflanzen zu ermöglichen. Es war nicht bekannt, ob hochwirksame/effiziente, die Keimung von Striga-Samen hemmende, Pilzexometaboliten, dauerhaft S. hermonthica in planta unterdrücken können. Vor dem Hintergrund der genetischen Vielfalt von S. hermonthica konzentrierte sich die Doktorandenstudie daher auf die Gewinnung von (molekularen) Erkenntnissen über die uneinheitliche Wirksamkeit von Fos gegen S. hermonthica, einschließlich der Untersuchung einiger Strategien zur Verbesserung der Biokontroll-Effizienz von S. hermonthica, insbesondere durch die Integration von PGPR oder Striga-Samenkeimung hemmenden Fusarium Exometaboliten in ein S. hermonthica-Biokontrollsystem. Die erste Studie untersuchte die molekulargenetische Grundlage, die der unterschiedlichen Anfälligkeit von S. hermonthica-Populationen aus verschiedenen Zonen in SSA (Westafrika, Ostafrika) gegenüber unterschiedlichen Fos-Isolaten (Foxy-2, FK3) zugrunde liegt. Unabhängig von der Probenahmezone zeigten die S. hermonthica-Populationen unterschiedliche Empfindlichkeitsmuster gegenüber den Fos-Isolaten, d. h. eine S. hermonthica-Klasse war sowohl für Foxy-2 als auch für FK3 empfänglich, während die andere Klasse entweder für Foxy-2 oder für FK3 empfänglich war. Diese Erscheinung korrelierte mit Nukleotidmutationen an bestimmten Loci. Somit ist die genomische Variation in S. hermonthica ein entscheidenderer Faktor für die uneinheitliche Wirksamkeit von Fos-Isolaten als die S. hermonthica-Probenahmezone. Die zweite Studie untersuchte die Auswirkungen der Ko-Inokulation von Fos und einer PGPR (B. subtilis Isolat GB03) in einem parasitären S. hermonthica-Sorghum-System. Ungeachtet der Kolokalisierung von Fos und GB03 in gemeinsamen ökologischen Nischen des erkrankten S. hermonthica-Sprosses (hauptsächlich in flavonoidreichen Regionen) vereitelte GB03 die suppressive Aktivität von Fos gegen S. hermonthica. Interessanterweise wurde ein neuer, alternativer Fos-Eintrittsweg in S. hermonthica (durch das Trichom) entdeckt. Die Ko-Inokulation von Fos und GB03 brachte keinen zusätzlichen Vorteil bei der Bekämpfung von S. hermonthica. In der dritten Forschungsarbeit schließlich wurde eine Reihe hochgradig phytotoxischer Exometaboliten von Fusarium gegen die Keimung von S. hermonthica-Samen (in vitro) und das Auftreten (in planta) untersucht. Damit sollte der wirksamste/effizienteste Exometabolit von Fusarium für die Biokontrolle von S. hermonthica ermittelt werden. Unter den getesteten Exometaboliten war Diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) der wirksamste, um S. hermonthica sowohl in vitro als auch in planta vollständig zu unterdrücken. Fos produzierte jedoch kein DAS, was auf die Unterexpression von Schlüsselgenen zurückzuführen ist, die für die Biosynthese von Fusarium-Trichothecen notwendig sind. Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass aufgrund des obligaten Auskreuzungssystems in S. hermonthica genomische Variation ein unvermeidliches Phänomen ist. Dies spielt daher eine entscheidende Rolle bei der variablen Anfälligkeit von S. hermonthica gegenüber Fos. Der neu entdeckte (direkte) Eintrittsweg von Fos in S. hermonthica (Trichom-Eintritt) stellt ein neues Paradigma für den Infektionsmechanismus dar, der im Rahmen der Interaktion zwischen S. hermonthica (Wirt) und Fos (Erreger) abläuft, zusätzlich zu der zuvor berichteten indirekten Rhizosphären-Übertragung. Diese neuartige Phyllosphären-Übertragung ebnet somit den Weg für weitere Forschungen, die diesen alternativen Fos-Infektionsweg für eine bessere Biokontrolle von S. hermonthica nutzen. Schließlich könnte der Exometabolit DAS in Anbetracht seiner Potenz und breiten Wirksamkeit gegen verschiedene S. hermonthica-Populationen als neuer Wirkstoff für eine effizientere Biokontrolle von S. hermonthica dienen. Allerdings ist eine weitere Untersuchung seiner spezifischen Wirkungsweise gegen das Zielunkraut (S. hermonthica) im Gegensatz zu Nicht-Zielorganismen erforderlich

Interviewer effects on the phonetic reduction of negative tags, innit?

This paper investigates interviewer effects on speakers’ use of full, reduced or coalesced variants of negative tags, e.g. it's a nice day, isn't it/int it/innit? Using a corpus of North East English containing interviews with a range of participants and interviewers, I examine whether speakers use more phonetically-reduced variants when interviewed by someone who is more familiar to them and speaks a variety of English more similar to their own. Quantitative variationist analysis reveals that these interviewer effects do have an impact on the variation and apply in addition to linguistic and social constraints. When speakers use more full variants, this is characteristic of either a more careful speech style or, in some contexts, so-called “foreigner-directed speech” both of which typically have less lenition and contraction than the vernacular. The findings of this study emphasise that through proper consideration of the effects that interviewers have on the data they collect, we can gain a more comprehensive, reliable interpretation of linguistic variation

Study and development of a reliable fiducials-based localization system for multicopter UAVs flying indoor

openThe recent evolution of technology in automation, agriculture, IoT, and aerospace fields has created a growing demand for mobile robots capable of autonomous operation and movement to accomplish various tasks. Aerial platforms are expected to play a central role in the future due to their versatility and swift intervention capabilities. However, the effective utilization of these platforms faces a significant challenge due to localization, which is a vital aspect for their interaction with the surrounding environment. While GNSS localization systems have established themselves as reliable solutions for open-space scenarios, the same approach is not viable for indoor settings, where localization remains an open problem as it is witnessed by the lack of extensive literature on the topic. In this thesis, we address this challenge by proposing a dependable solution for small multi-rotor UAVs using a Visual Inertial Odometry localization system. Our KF-based localization system reconstructs the pose by fusing data from onboard sensors. The primary source of information stems from the recognition of AprilTags fiducial markers, strategically placed in known positions to form a “map”. Building upon prior research and thesis work conducted at our university, we extend and enhance this system. We begin with a concise introduction, followed by a justification of our chosen strategies based on the current state of the art. We provide an overview of the key theoretical, mathematical, and technical aspects that support our work. These concepts are fundamental to the design of innovative strategies that address challenges such as data fusion from different AprilTag recognition and the elimination of misleading measurements. To validate our algorithms and their implementation, we conduct experimental tests using two distinct platforms by using localization accuracy and computational complexity as performance indices to demonstrate the practical viability of our proposed system. By tackling the critical issue of indoor localization for aerial platforms, this thesis tries to give some contribution to the advancement of robotics technology, opening avenues for enhanced autonomy and efficiency across various domains.The recent evolution of technology in automation, agriculture, IoT, and aerospace fields has created a growing demand for mobile robots capable of autonomous operation and movement to accomplish various tasks. Aerial platforms are expected to play a central role in the future due to their versatility and swift intervention capabilities. However, the effective utilization of these platforms faces a significant challenge due to localization, which is a vital aspect for their interaction with the surrounding environment. While GNSS localization systems have established themselves as reliable solutions for open-space scenarios, the same approach is not viable for indoor settings, where localization remains an open problem as it is witnessed by the lack of extensive literature on the topic. In this thesis, we address this challenge by proposing a dependable solution for small multi-rotor UAVs using a Visual Inertial Odometry localization system. Our KF-based localization system reconstructs the pose by fusing data from onboard sensors. The primary source of information stems from the recognition of AprilTags fiducial markers, strategically placed in known positions to form a “map”. Building upon prior research and thesis work conducted at our university, we extend and enhance this system. We begin with a concise introduction, followed by a justification of our chosen strategies based on the current state of the art. We provide an overview of the key theoretical, mathematical, and technical aspects that support our work. These concepts are fundamental to the design of innovative strategies that address challenges such as data fusion from different AprilTag recognition and the elimination of misleading measurements. To validate our algorithms and their implementation, we conduct experimental tests using two distinct platforms by using localization accuracy and computational complexity as performance indices to demonstrate the practical viability of our proposed system. By tackling the critical issue of indoor localization for aerial platforms, this thesis tries to give some contribution to the advancement of robotics technology, opening avenues for enhanced autonomy and efficiency across various domains

Wnt pathways in focus – mapping current clinical trials across the cancer spectrum

The Wnt pathway has a pivotal function in tissue development and homeostasis, overseeing cell growth or differentiation. Aberrant Wnt signalling pathways have been associated with the pathogenesis of diverse malignancies, influencing cell proliferation, differentiation, cancer stem cell renewal, the tumour microenvironment and thereby significantly im­pacting tumour development and therapeutic responsiveness. Promisingly, current research underscores the potential therapeutic value of targeting Wnt pathways, particularly canonical Wnt/β-catenin signalling, in the context of numerous cancer types. Key constituents of the Wnt pathway, such as the Wnt/receptor, β-catenin degradation or transcription complexes, have been focal points for interventions in preclinical studies. To comprehend potential therapeutic strate­gies, we conduct an analysis of ongoing clinical trials that specifically aim to target components of the Wnt pathways across a diverse spectrum of cancer types. By scrutinizing these trials, including their respective phases, targeted pa­tient populations ,and observed outcomes, this review provides a consolidated overview of the current translational landscape of Wnt-targeted therapies, thus offering a roadmap for future research endeavours

Income reconstruction : a guide to discovering unreported incom

https://egrove.olemiss.edu/aicpa_guides/1641/thumbnail.jp