Nature-inspired survivability: Prey-inspired survivability countermeasures for cloud computing security challenges

As cloud computing environments become complex, adversaries have become highly sophisticated and unpredictable. Moreover, they can easily increase attack power and persist longer before detection. Uncertain malicious actions, latent risks, Unobserved or Unobservable risks (UUURs) characterise this new threat domain. This thesis proposes prey-inspired survivability to address unpredictable security challenges borne out of UUURs. While survivability is a well-addressed phenomenon in non-extinct prey animals, applying prey survivability to cloud computing directly is challenging due to contradicting end goals. How to manage evolving survivability goals and requirements under contradicting environmental conditions adds to the challenges. To address these challenges, this thesis proposes a holistic taxonomy which integrate multiple and disparate perspectives of cloud security challenges. In addition, it proposes the TRIZ (Teorija Rezbenija Izobretatelskib Zadach) to derive prey-inspired solutions through resolving contradiction. First, it develops a 3-step process to facilitate interdomain transfer of concepts from nature to cloud. Moreover, TRIZ’s generic approach suggests specific solutions for cloud computing survivability. Then, the thesis presents the conceptual prey-inspired cloud computing survivability framework (Pi-CCSF), built upon TRIZ derived solutions. The framework run-time is pushed to the user-space to support evolving survivability design goals. Furthermore, a target-based decision-making technique (TBDM) is proposed to manage survivability decisions. To evaluate the prey-inspired survivability concept, Pi-CCSF simulator is developed and implemented. Evaluation results shows that escalating survivability actions improve the vitality of vulnerable and compromised virtual machines (VMs) by 5% and dramatically improve their overall survivability. Hypothesis testing conclusively supports the hypothesis that the escalation mechanisms can be applied to enhance the survivability of cloud computing systems. Numeric analysis of TBDM shows that by considering survivability preferences and attitudes (these directly impacts survivability actions), the TBDM method brings unpredictable survivability information closer to decision processes. This enables efficient execution of variable escalating survivability actions, which enables the Pi-CCSF’s decision system (DS) to focus upon decisions that achieve survivability outcomes under unpredictability imposed by UUUR

Macrobenthos used to validate multi-criteria derived marine biodiversity spatial zones in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Compared to terrestrial ecosystems, the characteristics of marine ecosystems remain largely under-explored. Marine and coastal ecosystems provide a number of ecological services and societal benefits (resources for commercial opportunity, food, recreation, and transport) which, in turn, has developed a strong reliance on these ecosystems. However, the increasing direct extraction of living and non-living resources and effects of urbanisation of adjacent coasts has placed a significant loss of habitats and associated essential diversity. To conserve biodiversity and retain specific goods and services provided by these ecosystems, marine conservation plans aim to protect spatial areas that are critical in the support of these benefits. Due to the paucity of adequate biological data and the prohibitive cost of directly sampling benthic biota over large areas, the most effective means of developing benthic habitat maps, used as biodiversity surrogates, is to use commonly available marine abiotic attributes. In KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), through marine spatial planning (MSP) the derivation of a marine conservation plan is well underway. The next step is to expedite the plan by investigating whether surrogates for biodiversity exist at different ecosystem levels, one being the infauna of unconsolidated sediments, mid-shelf 50-80 m. This work presents an outcome of the ACEP ‘Surrogacy Project’ that assessed whether predefined biodiversity zones (biozones) represent the taxonomic/functional attributes of macrobenthic communities. Biozones were subdivided into various subclusters from Richards Bay to uMkhomazi with 19 (57 replicates) stations sampled during the winter of 2014 across the biozones to represent replicate ‘treatments’. Macrobenthic communities were classified taxonomically, to the lowest level possible, and then on biological traits. Community patterns were investigated along the mid-shelf, and related to measurable biophysical factors. Environmental parameters measured included sedimentary characteristics as well as the bottom 5 m of water column characteristics per station. A total 33 215 individuals belonging to 634 taxa were recorded along the mid-shelf, of which the majority were Polychaeta and Crustacea, with the latter being highly abundant. Cluster analysis resolved into seven taxonomic groups distributed according to different habitats that are characteristic to the KZN shelf. The use of coarser taxonomic resolution (Phylum-Genus) or indicator taxa (Polychaeta and Amphipoda) as surrogates for total community richness were independently investigated using the same macrofaunal abundance data. Results showed similar clustering of samples to total fauna (Species-level) when data were analysed at Family-Genus taxonomic level and at Polychaeta indicator taxa, suggesting that the same amount of information was being gained using data based on these taxonomic level and indicator taxa. The results of the BIOENV analyses were also broadly similar for both taxonomic levels of analyses, in terms of both the proportion of the variation in assemblage structure explained by the selected environmental variables and the choice of selected variables. These results suggested that the information gathered at Family-Genus level and Polychaeta indicator can be used as a proxy for the whole macrobenthic community. This has important implications for future studies and for MSP. Using nine traits, across 51 categories, four main functional groups were found off Thukela, Zinkwazi to Durban, and Durban to uMkhomazi. The groups were characterised as being free-living carnivores, hard-skeleton direct-developing omnivores, and soft-bodied or hard-shelled omnivores with planktotrophic larvae. These patterns were explained by the KZN shelf habitat complexity, including level of different sediment grains, TOC, carbonates, water column turbidity, salinity, dissolved oxygen and temperature. Thus far, distribution patterns and functional attributes of the macrobenthos do not fully agree with modelled biozone separations (KZN MSP biozone model). Because they are an important component of marine ecosystem functioning, biozone model derivations require the addition of a macrobenthic component, in particular information about diversity patterns, to identify areas for conservation. Suggested, is a refinement of the current benthic habitat layer by incorporating biological data. Further, by using validated sediment distribution, taxonomic and functional attributes that determine soft-bottom macrofaunal distribution at a variety of spatial scales, an alternative biozone model to the current MSP predefined biozones was proposed. This multi-approach resolved into a simplified model with four biozones. These are likely better predictors of spatial variation in ecosystem processes and biodiversity as domains that are biologically informed, and are a key requirement for effective marine management. This study demonstrates the critical importance of testing assumptions about surrogacy and an approach for refining surrogates. Further studies are required to establish whether the proposed model adequately represents other ecological components (e.g. epifauna). The findings of this study contribute significantly to existing local knowledge, including augmenting and refining taxonomic information of the KZN shelf. In addition, this study subsidises poor information for large spatial areas in local and national marine conservation plans. The proposed biozone model may facilitate an understating of ecosystem process in the region and contributes to integrated marine management

The perceived effectiveness of employee share options as a mechanism of talent management in South Africa

Abstract: The purpose of the study was to explore the views of a sample of employees, industry experts, academics, and professionals to determine whether employee share options (ESO) are an effective talent management tool in the South African context. Talent management refers to the attraction, motivation, and retention of employees, as well as fostering their loyalty to the company. PROBLEM INVESTIGATED: This study sought to explore and provide empirical evidence as to whether or not ESO are an effective talent management strategy and remuneration tool. DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY: A quantitative research design was used for this study. A survey was constructed by the researchers, using the main themes identified in the literature. A purposive sampling methodology was then employed, using the key informant technique. A total of 4 300 surveys were electronically distributed, and 256 completed surveys were received. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. FINDINGS: This study suggests that while ESO are seen as an important component of a total reward solution, they are not the primary drivers of the attraction, retention, and motivation of talent. Respondents indicated that the quality of the work environment and the presence of developmental opportunities are far more significant considerations. . Furthermore, the majority of respondents (41%) indicated that they would prefer the allocation of share options to correspond with individual performance. VALUE OF THE RESEARCH: The study suggests that employee reward preferences have evolved over time. Whilst ESO may have been considered a pivotal component of talent management in the late 1990s, today they are only a component of an expected total reward solution. The study demonstrates the importance of consistently reviewing the employee value proposition to ascertain the changing preferences of employees in order to accordingly adapt and maximise talent management. The study can be used as guidance in the design and implementation of share schemes. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that while ESO are perceived as an important component of a total reward solution, these are not the primary drivers of the attraction, retention, and motivation of talent. Respondents indicated that the quality of the work environment and the availability of developmental opportunities are far more significant considerations. The findings suggest that employee reward preferences have evolved over time. Today's employee has a desire to have reward linked to individual performance, which implies that employers will have to revisit their reward solutions as part of their total value proposition

Survivability analogy for cloud computing

As cloud computing has become the most popular computing platform, and cloud-based applications a commonplace, the methods and mechanisms used to ensure their survivability is increasingly becoming paramount. One of the prevalent trends in recent times is a turn to nature for inspiration in developing and supporting highly survivable environments. This paper aims to address the problems of survivability in cloud environments through inspiration from nature. In particular, the community metaphor in nature's predator-prey systems where autonomous individuals' local decisions focus on ensuring the global survival of the community. Thus, we develop analogies for survivability in cloud computing based on a range of mechanisms which we view as key determinants of prey's survival against predation. For this purpose we investigate some predator-prey systems that will form the basis for our analogical designs. Furthermore, due to a lack of a standardized definition of survivability, we propose a unified definition for survivability, which emphasizes as imperative, a high level of proactiveness to thwart black swan events, as well as high capacity to respond to insecurity in a timely and appropriate manner, inspired by prey's avoidance and anti-predation approaches. © 2017 IEEE

Towards a theory of an entrepreneurial curriculum : an analysis of curriculum relevancy in the light of Botswana's economic needs

The purpose of this study secondary schools and industries in Botswana support the inculcation and development of entrepreneurial attributes. Concurrently, it investigated consonance between the attributes fostered in senior secondary schools and those required by Botswana's manufacturing industries. Hence, it investigated images, perceptions and attitudes among students and teachers in senior secondary schools and industrialists towards entrepreneurial skills and attributes. It also investigated levels of social acceptance for entrepreneurial attributes, teaching/learning approaches in schools, classroom and industrial dynamism and the utility potential of entrepreneurial skills and attributes as perceived by students, teachers and industrialists. The research design used was the investigative descriptive survey targeting students and teachers in senior secondary schools and industrialists in Botswana's manufacturing sector. A questionnaire was used for collecting data. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics, cross tabulation and correlation using the SPSS computer package. The research findings indicated a correlation in the students' and teachers' perceptions of an entrepreneur relating an entrepreneur with psychological traits and an enterprise. The findings also indicated that teachers are more disposed towards entrepreneurial attributes than students and industrialists who are more disposed towards traditional conformist academic attributes. All the respondents indicated a dislike for autonomy and risk taking. The reward and progression systems seemed to favour the inculcation of traditional conformist attributes. The study also revealed that industrialists in Botswana prefer conformist and selfmanagement skills to entrepreneurial skills and attributes. Individual entrepreneurial attributes seemed to have a minimal influence on industrial dynamism. Entrepreneurial and incubator occupations were ranked least by teachers and students in the hierarchy of occupations. On implementation procedures, teachers preferred teaching methods and materials which enhance the acquisition of entrepreneurial attributes while students, preferred those enhancing traditional conformist attributes. There is a disjunction between the skills and attributes inculcated in schools and those required in the manufacturing industries. A hi-perceptual composite entrepreneurial curriculum focusing on entrepreneurial psychological skills and attributes and enterprise as a physical phenomenon was recommended.Curriculum and Instructional StudiesD. Ed. (Didactics

Evaluation of range condition, soil properties, seed banks and farmer's perceptions in Peddie communal rangeland of the Eastern Cape, South Africa

South African rangelands in combination with their surrounding homesteads occupy 13% of the entire land surface in South Africa. These rangelands are a source of forage for communal livestock. The rangelands in communal tenure system are degraded due to high human population and livestock numbers. The rangeland of Peddie was never evaluated since the introduction of Nguni Cattle Empowerment Project. Therefore, socio-ecological evaluation was conducted in order to interlink farmer‟s perceptions and scientific data to recommend appropriate rangeland management and restoration programme. Two structured questionnaires consisting of close and open ended questions were used to investigate farmer‟s perceptions on rangeland condition, dynamics, and their causes. Sixty households were randomly selected on the bases of livestock ownership and the membership in Nguni Cattle Project. In each household, any respondent of 20 years or greater, and a key informant of age greater than 40 years were selected. For scientific assessment of range condition, three homogenous vegetation units namely grassland, scattered and dense bushland were demarcated into four 100m x 50m replicates. In each replicate, two 100m transects were laid parallel to each other with 30m equidistant apart. The step point and harvesting method along each transect were employed for herbaceous species composition and biomass production. The point-to-tuft distance was also determined as a proxy for basal cover. Woody density, species composition and tree equivalents were determined in 200m2 belt transects in each HVU replicates. The germination method for soil seed bank evaluation was also employed to find plant species composition and density. The soil nutrients (OC, N, P, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu and Mn) and pH were analysed through solution preparation and observation under photospectrometer to determine functional capacity of the soil of Peddie rangeland. The farmer‟s perceptions comprised of 63% females and 37% males (n = 120) with a mean household of 8 people, 5 adults and 3 children. It was perceived by 93.3% respondents that the rangeland of Peddie have undergone changes over two decades. These changes were perceived by 83% respondents to be accompanied by decline in livestock numbers. Woody encroachment and overgrazing were perceived to be the major attributes of these vegetation changes. The scientific rangeland condition assessment confirmed that these changes were more pronounced as bush density increases. Dense bushland had a significantly high (p0.05) from all homogenous vegetation units of Peddie rangeland. However, the soil fertility increased with an increase in bush density except organic carbon (OC) which was 1.61% in grassland, 1.46% in scattered and 1.53% in dense bushland respectively. Soil N, K, P, Mg2+ Na+, Ca2+, Cu, Zn, Mn and pH were significantly higher (p<0.05) in dense bushland than grassland and scattered bushland. High soil fertility in dense bushland may be attributed to by abscission of woody plants and litter decomposition. In the soil seed bank, the abundances of forbs were significantly higher than sedges (χ2 = 12, df = 1, p = 0.001) and grasses (χ2 = 8.333, df = 1, p = 0.004) in all homogenous vegetation units while sedges were not significantly different (χ2 = 3, df = 1, p = 0.083) from grasses. The Sorensen‟s index indicated that soil seed bank and extant vegetation were significantly different (p<0.05). Annual and biennial forbs and sedges had high abundances while perennial grasses formed a bulk in above ground vegetation. This provided an insight that a reliance on soil seed bank for restoration of Peddie rangeland would not be advisable because it can result in retrogression. The communal rangeland assessment provided clear qualitative and quantitative data when the combination of indigenous knowledge and scientific assessments was done. The rationale is that conclusions and recommendations of range assessment are relient on the farmer‟s perceptions pertinent to their livestock production systems and their rangeland management objectives. This study has shown that inclusion of communal farmers in policy making can provide better insight because those are the people experiencing the consequences of range degradation

Evaluating the implementation status of lean production systems at MAN truck & bus Pinetown assembly plant.

Master’s degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Global competition, advances in manufacturing, latest technology and customer demands has forced optimization of processes by product manufacturers and service providers. Lean philosophy originating from Toyota Production System (TPS), has become one of the initiatives that many organizations have adopted with the aim to streamline their production processes and realize optimization of resources. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation status of lean production systems at a Truck and Bus assembly plant in order to determine effectiveness, establish challenges, identify benefits and make recommendations for future improvements. Due to the nature of the study, a descriptive research strategy was adopted in order to fulfill the purpose of this research. This study used a quantitative approach with a view to identify the impact of the topic within the organization. Research survey was used as a data collection tool to assess respondents opinion on the study. The study was conducted within the work environment and adopted a probability sampling method, where every member in the organization had a chance of being selected as a subject; therefore a sample of 103 employees was used for the study. The findings of this study indicated that lean production methods have been adopted throughout the organization although there are areas that require further interventions. The study identified areas such as; communication, leadership and training. It was observed that lean implementation requires a good knowledge of the principles and therefore management needs to ensure that comprehensive training and education programs are available. Support by management and proper communication platforms are crucial towards achieving a common goal. Management needs to be well knowledgeable about lean methods in order to be able to provide the necessary leadership that will facilitate sustainability of the system

Wild ungulates and shrub control interact to restore herbaceous vegetation in shrub-encroached mesic grassland of South Africa

Shrub encroachment threatens grassland ecosystem services including herbaceous plant diversity, productivity, and overall grazing capacity. Hence, various shrub control methods including mechanical removal and herbicides are applied to restore herbaceous vegetation. However, the knowledge regarding the outcomes of integrated shrub management on herbaceous vegetation is limited. We investigated herbaceous vegetation responses after 7 years following the integration of shrub control and herbivory at Telperion Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. In a split-plot experiment using four enclosures and non-enclosures as main plots, we randomly assigned each of the following treatments in four 4 × 4-m subplots in each main plot: 1) foliar metsulfuron-methyl herbicide, 2) 50% mechanical shrub removal, 3) 100% removal, and 4) no removal (untreated controls). A one-off Seriphium plumosum removal and the application of species-specific herbicide were conducted in 2015. Shrub control by herbivory interaction was significant (p &lt; 0.05) for herbaceous canopy cover, basal cover, density, and species richness. The effects of herbivory were significant (p &lt; 0.05) in the 50% removal treatment, increasing herbaceous plant diversity, density, and richness to the same level as 100% removal and herbicide treatments. In enclosures, however, the 50% shrub removal treatment attained relatively low herbaceous plant cover, density, species diversity, and richness compared to the herbicide treatment. Overall, this study revealed that herbivory and shrub control interact to facilitate herbaceous vegetation restoration, with 50% shrub removal by herbivory combination showing potential for management of S. plumosum-encroached grasslands