Implementation of fractal image coding

The goal of this project is to implement a digital image encoder and decoder using a Fractal Block Coding compression algorithm for grayscale images, and to compare its performance to currendy popular algorithms such as JPEG. The algorithm used here is based on the published papers [1] - [3] ofA E. Jacquin, and in part, a paper [4] by B. Ramamurthi and A. Gersho. As stated in the project proposal, this algorithm has been simplified to enable the timely completion of the project

The Effects of Premetalization Clean on Electromigration in Al-Si Thin Films on Si02 and Polysilicon Substrates

The effects of premetalization cleaning on electromigration in Al-Si thin films was studied. Premetalization cleaning, divided into a standard RCA clean, DC glow discharge plasma clean, and no clean, were performed on oxide and polysilicon substrates Test structures were subjected to high current densities of 10e6 A/cm2 and monitored for changes in current resulting from electromigration induced defects. The test station employed in this experiment was subject to current losses which the 5Oftware erroneously interpreted as electromigration failures, thus completing the test

Elementary Physical Education Teachers' Opinions Concerning Integrated Nutrition Education

Food, Nutrition and Institution Administratio

Sequential Extraction of Copper and Zinc from Two Californian Soils

In order to understand how to remediate soils contaminated with heavy metals, it is important to first understand their sorption mechanisms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bioavailability of elevated levels of soil copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) via sequential extraction. Elevated levels of Cu and Zn were added separately and concurrently to a Mollisol and an Entisol from the central coast of California. The exchangeable amount of Cu and Zn was then extracted from the sorbed amount via 0.1 M NaNO3. The residual fraction was then extracted with 0.1 M sodium citrate (NaC6O7H7) to determine if citrate removed any additional metals. Higher amounts of Cu (\u3e 80 %) was sorbed than Zn (\u3e64 %) for both soils. Cu was shown to inhibit Zn sorption to the Entisol, but not in the Mollisol, when the metals were added concurrently. Zn was more exchangeable in the Mollisol but less exchangeable than Cu in the Entisol. Citrate extracted significantly more Cu and Zn from the Mollisol than the Entisol. Both metals had a low bioavailability. Exchangeable and extractable Cu and Zn were 12-16 % and 3 – 6 % of the originally sorbed amount for the Mollisol and the Entisol. Citrate was able to desorb non-exchangeable Cu and Zn from both a Mollisol and an Entisol, thus, was an important extractant used in assessing the bioavailability of these metals

Extended Validation in the Dark Web: Evidence from Investigation of the Certification Services and Products Sold on Darknet Markets

TLS certificates fulfill two critical security functions. First, the certificate plays a key role in authenticating and verifying the identity of a host, client or application. Second, it enables the encryption of data exchanged between a client and a ser ver. To support the sensitive operation of identity verification, SSL/TLS certificates are supposed to be issued by trusted certificate authorities (CAs) who verify and check that companies are legitimate in order to reduce the risk of fraud and establish trust in a website or service. However, in March 2019, the Evidence-Based Cybersecurity Research Group at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University and Venafi released a detailed report, which offered evidence of the presence of a steady supply of SSL/TLS certificates on several darknet markets (Maimon et al. 2019). Specifically, we reported that SSL/TLS certificates are offered for sale either as part of crimeware services and products (for example, malicious websites and ransomware) or as a standalone product, at prices ranging from $260 to$1,600 (depending on the type of certificate and scope of additional services offered). In these advertisements, several vendors offered Extended Validation (EV) certificates for sale; these certificates require confirmation of the legal entity of the owner by a designated CA and are designed to confer the highest level of trust. As a next step, we wanted to explore whether darknet vendors were able to deliver on their promise to supply EV certificates. To this end, we communicated with these vendors over various communication platforms between December 2018 and August 2019, and this report details our findings from this intensive research effort and outlines our insights. Our findings show that the process employed by CAs to validate the true identity of companies and organizations is problematic at best and has already been outsmarted by organized crime groups that operate around the world to issue EV certificates to nonexistent retail and financial organizations

SSL/TLS Certificates and Their Prevalence on the Dark Web (First Report)

As organizations focus on the digital transformation of their businesses, the importance of encryption as the cornerstone of security and privacy is increasingly vital. In 2018, over 70 percent of internet traffic was encrypted. Experts believe that this figure is expected to rise to 80 percent in 2019 (Google, 2019). Secure Sockets Layer (SSL, an older standard) and Transport Layer Security (TLS, a newer standard) certificates are essential to encryption because they authorize all encrypted communication between machines. SSL/TLS certificates are instrumental in protecting privacy and improving security, providing each machine with a unique machine identity. They control the flow of sensitive data to authorized machines and are used in everything from website transactions and mobile devices to smart city initiatives, robots, artificial intelligence algorithms and containers in the cloud. Despite the pivotal role encryption plays in our digital economy and across the internet, the processes needed to protect digital certificates are not well understood or widely followed. As a result, SSL/TLS certificates are often poorly protected, making them attractive targets for attackers. In fact, illegitimate access to SSL/TLS certificates has played a key role in several high-profile, high-impact breaches—such as Snowden, Sony and Equifax. To shine a light on the availability of SSL/TLS certificates on the dark web, the Evidence-based Cybersecurity Research Group at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University and the University of Surrey spearheaded a research program, sponsored by Venafi. This report details the preliminary findings of the research and outlines the volume of SSL/TLS certificates for sale on the dark web, including information on how they are packaged and sold to attackers. These certificates can be used to eavesdrop on sensitive communications, spoof websites, trick consumers and steal data. The long-term goal of this research is to gain a more thorough understanding of the role SSL/TLS certificates play in the economy of the dark web as well as how they are being used by attackers. This is the first of three reports—the first of their kind— focused on the underground SSL/TLS marketplace and its role in the wider cybercrime economy. This report will show that there is a machine identity-as-a-service marketplace on the dark web, where fraudulent TLS certificates are readily available for purchase

The Potential use of Seagrass Herbivory Patterns as an Indicator of Herbivore Community Change after Tropical Marine Protected Area Establishment

Throughout the Caribbean, fishing pressure has decreased the abundance of many species, including both large predators and larger-bodied herbivores. In an effort to reverse these trends and reduce harvest pressure on vulnerable fish populations, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been established throughout the Caribbean. Yet, the effort to monitor fish communities, is variable, and there are MPAs where no monitoring program exists. It is possible that other metrics may be used to determine whether the impact of MPA establishment. By comparing two seagrass herbivory experiments, one pre- and one post-MPA establishment, we provide evidence that the MPA established in Discovery Bay, Jamaica in 2009, may have altered the herbivore community. Seagrass grazing has decreased while the size of bites almost doubled after the MPA was established. This dramatic shift in herbivory rates and bite size might be useful indicators that the MPA in Discovery Bay is working, despite limited monitoring of fish populations

When soft controls get slippery: User interfaces and human error

Many types of products and systems that have traditionally featured physical control devices are now being designed with soft controls--input formats appearing on computer-based display devices and operated by a variety of input devices. A review of complex human-machine systems found that soft controls are particularly prone to some types of errors and may affect overall system performance and safety. This paper discusses the application of design approaches for reducing the likelihood of these errors and for enhancing usability, user satisfaction, and system performance and safety

Establishment of Native Vegetation for Erosion Control on the Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Campus.

When applied to a bare slope, vegetation and mulch will prevent further erosion and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area, ultimately improving the quality of the soil. If nothing is done to this barren slope, its condition will continue to deteriorate. Core samples were taken at six different sites located on a highly degraded and barren slope on the Cal Poly campus. Bulk density, porosity, soil temperature, and nitrogen and phosphorous levels were measured prior to vegetating the slope. Thirty-three groundcover rose bushes were planted and drip irrigation was installed. Mulch was laid down and two un-official coarse-sand walking trails were constructed to direct foot traffic. After a period of three months, core samples were taken again at each of the six sites, and the measurements were repeated. We expected the condition of the slope to be much improved, with minimal erosion and increased aesthetic value. The bulk density decreased and porosity increased. Decomposition of the mulch and vegetative growth added organic matter to the soil. The benefits of such improvement to the soil will be enhanced water quality of the runoff that flows into the sewer drains and an educational opportunity for all who participate in the project and observe the site as they walk to class

Human factors considerations in control room modernization: Trends and personnel performance issues

Advanced human-system interface (HSI) technology is being integrated into existing nuclear plants as part of plant modifications and upgrades. The result of this trend is that hybrid HSIs are created, i.e., HSIs containing a mixture of conventional (analog) and advanced (digital) technology. The purpose of the present research is to define the potential effects of hybrid HSIs on personnel performance and plant safety and to develop human factors guidance for safety reviews of them where necessary. In support of this objective, human factors topics associated with hybrid HSIs were identified. A human performance topic is an aspect of hybrid HSIs, such as a design or implementation feature, for which human performance concerns were identified. The topics were then evaluated for their potential significance to plant safety. Twelve topics were identified as potentially safety significant issues, i.e., their human performance concerns have the potential to compromise plant safety. The issues were then prioritized and a subset was selected for design review guidance development. 6 refs