CryptoKnight:generating and modelling compiled cryptographic primitives

Cryptovirological augmentations present an immediate, incomparable threat. Over the last decade, the substantial proliferation of crypto-ransomware has had widespread consequences for consumers and organisations alike. Established preventive measures perform well, however, the problem has not ceased. Reverse engineering potentially malicious software is a cumbersome task due to platform eccentricities and obfuscated transmutation mechanisms, hence requiring smarter, more efficient detection strategies. The following manuscript presents a novel approach for the classification of cryptographic primitives in compiled binary executables using deep learning. The model blueprint, a Dynamic Convolutional Neural Network (DCNN), is fittingly configured to learn from variable-length control flow diagnostics output from a dynamic trace. To rival the size and variability of equivalent datasets, and to adequately train our model without risking adverse exposure, a methodology for the procedural generation of synthetic cryptographic binaries is defined, using core primitives from OpenSSL with multivariate obfuscation, to draw a vastly scalable distribution. The library, CryptoKnight, rendered an algorithmic pool of AES, RC4, Blowfish, MD5 and RSA to synthesise combinable variants which automatically fed into its core model. Converging at 96% accuracy, CryptoKnight was successfully able to classify the sample pool with minimal loss and correctly identified the algorithm in a real-world crypto-ransomware applicatio

The Effect of Frequent Managerial Turnover on Organizational Performance: A Study of Professional Baseball Managers

This analysis is designed to study the question of a manager’s contribution to the organization, particularly in terms of uncertainty related to managerial succession. The theory of managerial succession, which is the replacement of one public manager with another, suggests a negative relationship between change and organizational performance. Organizations’ decision to change managers more often exacerbates the negative effect on performance. The hypotheses are tested using baseball managers as proxies for public managers, as they perform similar duties, have similar goals, and operate under similar constraints. The results suggest that managerial succession has a negative effect on organizational performance. Frequent succession events also have a negative effect on performance, although the relationship is non-linear in nature

Examining Movement and Habitat Selection of Everglades Fishes in Response to Seasonal Water levels

Fish distribution patterns and seasonal habitat use play a key role in the food web dynamics of aquatic ecosystems, including the Florida Everglades. In this study I examined the fine scale habitat shifts and movements of spotted sunfish, Lepomis punctatus across varying seasons and hydrologic conditions using in-situ field enclosures and Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) systems. Data on fish use of three dominant Everglades marsh habitats and activity level were recorded continuously from January to August, 2015. Fish were more active and had the highest use of higher elevation habitats when water levels rose during an experimental reversal in mid-April. Fish activity was higher at increasing water levels relative to decreasing. Fish activity also varied with the rate of change, with the highest activity occurring during rapid increases in depth. Findings from this study provide insight on how fish response to changing water levels may affect foraging for wading birds, a key performance measure for Everglades restoration

High Performance: Exploratory Study into the High Performance Model and Qualitative Secondary Analysis of Elite Sport Management in the United States

This dissertation examines the area of high performance in elite sport through high performance professionals’ perspectives in the United States Olympic and Paralympic National Governing Bodies. The study’s purpose was to establish a shared meaning of the high performance sport management model by its elements in the athletic arena. Interviews with 16 high performance directors and managers were conducted to establish definitions, backgrounds, and anatomy of high performance in sport: high performance, high performance sport, high performance management, high performance model. A qualitative secondary analysis was conducted to examine the high performance model in the U.S. and explore the job responsibilities of high performance directors in elite sport. In particular to this study, the secondary research questions were a part of the original question script, allowing data analysis from responses within the original interviews. This paper introduces and recognizes two separate high performance models, an International and a United States model, along with introducing a functional definition of the elements that represent the two models. As part of improving the high performance approach, management and leadership characteristics are presented to strengthen organizations and leaders in elite sport development. A university degree program and internship placement strategies are suggested as a core education and student experience to introduce future elite sports leaders to the high performance environment. The study’s findings show a lack of definition, implementation, and understanding of high performance management and the high performance model in this country. High performance consists of elite-level athletes competing on the professional or world stage, supported by coaches, sport sciences, and a high performance department that assists performance improvement through management and administration, not solely through direct athlete performance services. Establishing a common approach to high performance management is essential for performance development personnel to progress and enhance training quality for the athlete and staff here in the United States

Master of Science

thesisA crushed, secondary sulfide copper ore was provided by a large mining company. The agglomeration of the ore was studied in three phases. In phase one, a series of scoping experiments were conducted to characterize agglomerates produced in terms of agglomerate size distribution, electrical conductivity, hydraulic conductivity, and a test of binding strength. Using these tools and visual appearance, optimum agglomeration conditions were determined to be 13.0% moisture determined on a wet basis, 60 g/L H2SO4, 30% critical speed, and 3 minute agglomeration time. Upon determination of agglomeration conditions, the study entered a second phase where agglomerates were subjected to leaching in order to determine the relation of leaching behavior to agglomeration conditions. Acid concentration was found to be important for the initial week of leaching. None of the agglomeration conditions affected copper recovery at 90 days of leaching. Following leaching, acid-resistant agglomeration aids were evaluated to identify those with a potential to improve agglomerate stability and potentially, leaching behavior. Two cationic polymers were selected from an assortment of potential binders. Both polymers greatly improved agglomerate strength and hydraulic conductivity when used during agglomeration at a dosage of 0.5 kg polymer per tonne of ore

THE BOOK OF LEFT TURNS

Poems

R.F. sputtering of nickel alloys

The R.F. sputtering of nickel alloys was investigated to characterize the interrelationship of the deposition parameters and to determine the compositional and microstructural variation of the deposited thin films

Managing Undocumented Students: Do Undocumented Students Hinder Student Performance?

Illegal immigration is a salient topic for policy makers and for local units of government who are responsible for implementing policies. One particularly relevant policy topic is to what extent undocumented students affect performance in public schools, and if undocumented students do have an impact on performance, what can be done about it? Using Texas as a case study, this analysis finds that, surprisingly, undocumented students have only a marginal effect on the overall performance on standardized exams. Among Latinos, however, there is a statistically negative effect. Furthermore, evidence suggests that managerial skills can mitigate those negative effects