Fast magnetohydrodynamic waves in a solar coronal arcade

Aims. To investigate detailed properties of fast MHD modes of a three-dimensional waveguide for a cylindrical magnetic arcade. Methods. To derive governing equations and dispersion relations for different density profiles and to numerically solve them to obtain discrete eigenvalues for fast modes and the corresponding eigenfunctions. Results. We find that small changes in the density structure in the vicinity of the field lines can lead to drastic effects on propagating solutions and, under certain conditions, two evanescent waves arise. Conclusions. We investigate coronal loop oscillations in an arcade as fast MHD modes of oscillations. We find that coronal loops with slightly different density structures can exhibit different oscillatory behaviour and some eigenmodes can be present or absent depending on this density structure. Though the model has a simple potential field, the role of a cylindrical waveguide in conjunction with differing density structures is demonstrated clearly. Multiple-wavelength observations at several points in the coronal loop arcades is suggested for correct mode identification, that is crucial for unraveling the plasma properties of the oscillating loops

Developmental Failure and Loss of Reproductive Capacity as a Factor in Extinction: A Nine-Year Study of Dedeckera Eurekensis (Polygonaceae)

Many long-lived perennial species exhibit lowered reproductive capacity. Early studies of reproductive success in Dedeckera eurekensis (Polygonaceae) demonstrated that the species exhibited extremely low reproductive success, low seed/ovule (S/O) ratios (i.e., the percentage of ovules that produce filled seeds; 2.5 %), low germinability of filled seeds (3.5%), low seedling survivorship (11 .1%), and lack of recruitment in natural populations. These results were attributed to genetic load, but this elicited controversy, prompting long-term studies of the relationship between the S/O ratio and environment. After nine years of monitoring, however, the S/O ratio had not changed significantly (2 .7%), and there was no significant correlation between precipitation and the S/O ratio. Controlled field experiments demonstrated that neither resource availability nor other ecological factors significantly influenced embryo abortion rates. Controlled self-pollinations (N = 115) matured only one questionably filled seed, whereas intrapopulation cross-pollinations (N = 192) produced significantly more seed (S/O = 12.0 %). Previous pollination studies demonstrated that the species has no primary pollinators and is only rarely visited by a few generalist insects. However, the flowers typically self-pollinate in 2—3 days following anthesis. Strong inference suggests that the loss of reproductive capacity in D. eurekensis may be the result of inbreeding depression due to the superimposition of self-pollination on a normally outcrossed species carrying a high genetic/segregational load

Social Psychology: An under-used tool in Cybersecurity

In cyber-security the weakest link is often seen as the human factor. This has led to discussions about the optimal methods in preventing cyber security breaches. This paper proposes that the fusion of cybersecurity and social psychology can inform and advance attempts to educate those on both sides of the law. Awareness and education will lead to more effective communication between parties and greater understanding of the risks and consequences for cyber attackers and defenders alike

Fifty shades of grey hat: A socio-psychological analysis of conversations on hacking forums

There remains a lack of understanding as to what determines the path which a young person takes when they first engage with computers and hacking. This research sought to address that gap by exploring the conversations that take place on hacking forums and subreddits. Text in hacking related threads was collected from these sites over the summer period of 2018. Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software was used to determine the linguistic characteristics of each forum/ subreddit. Thematic analysis was then conducted on a sub-set of text from each source. The results of the LIWC analysis indicated that there are variations in several psychologically relevant factors between these forums and subreddits, including the degree to which users used language that indicated they were being honest, confident, analytical and emotional. There were several results that were inconsistent with stereotypes of hackers, such as a relative absence of language indicating anger. The thematic analysis identified several themes relating to knowledge, skills acquisition, honesty legality and risk. Overall this research demonstrates that there exists an established online community of hackers, which are likely to be encountered by any young person who becomes interested in cybersecurity and hacking. These communities may potentially act as an important source of social support and social identity for their members. Understanding the dynamics of these communities may better help us steer people towards legitimate cybersecurity careers, where their passion and skills can be used for societal good

Investigation of a UK Financial Organisation’s Green Computing Strategy

This study involves an investigation on the Green ICT strategy of a financial organization. The baseline for the Green ICT strategy implementation is elicited via a semi-structured interview and assessed using a bespoke tool developed for a SURF Maturity Model driven framework. This framework encompasses Green ICT strategy, Greening of ICT in the organization and Greening of operations in ICT. The results of the study reveal that the overall baseline score is 1.8 out of 5.0 which is a relatively low score. However, the overall target level set for organization is 3.0 out of 5.0 accompanied by a roadmap and action plan (with several key action objectives) that covers a 5-year timeframe to bridge the gap between the baseline and the target. An IT representation from the organization provides some feedback on the action plan that leads to several amendments relating to cloud technology and a written business case for promoting a Green ICT strategy

Knowledge is power: An analysis of discussions on hacking forums

There remains a lack of understanding on the social factors that influence the behaviours and beliefs of people who have an interest in hacking. This research sought to address that gap by exploring the conversations that take place on hacking forums and subreddits. Text in hacking related threads was collected from these sites over a period of several months. Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software was used to determine the linguistic characteristics of each forum/ subreddit. Thematic analysis was then conducted on a sub-set of text from each source. The results of the LIWC analysis indicated that there are variations in several psychologically relevant factors between these forums and subreddits, including the degree to which users used language that indicated they were being honest, confident, analytical and emotional. There were several results that were inconsistent with stereotypes of hackers, such as a relative absence of language indicating anger. The thematic analysis identified several themes relating to knowledge, skills acquisition, honesty legality and risk. Overall, this research demonstrates that there exists an established online community of hackers, which are likely to be encountered by any young person who becomes interested in cybersecurity and hacking. These communities may potentially act as an important source of social support and social identity for their members. Understanding the dynamics of these communities may better help us steer people towards legitimate cybersecurity careers, where their passion and skills can be used for societal good

Audit of an Organisation’s ICT Systems for Flexible Working

This research entails an audit of the ICT systems within an organisation to determine the environmental impact of flexible working on the organisation’s carbon footprint. The study reviews current issues and methodologies in the green ICT sector before providing an overview of the research process. Questionnaires and observations are employed for the investigation on employee working habits. A number of energy consumption measuring tools such as Joulemeter, Powermeter, and SusteIT are used to audit energy consumption of laptops, monitors and phones used by the organisation. This research reveals that working from home has a lower carbon footprint than working in the office primarily due to commuting-related energy consumption. Approximately 20% of the organisation’s staff work from home. The organisation’s annual carbon footprint is 31,509kg of CO2 emissions taking into consideration IT equipment and travel-related emissions. The recommendation is to allow more staff to work from home with given guidelines on the responsible handling of IT equipment in order to reduce their energy consumption. It is recommended that further study be undertaken in order to gain a detailed carbon footprint report

Fire and Ice in Central Idaho: Modern and Holocene Fires, Debris Flows, and Climate in the Payette River Basin, and Quaternary and Glacial Geology in the Sawtooth Mountains

This 2-day trip will highlight recent fire and storm-related debris flows in the Payette River region, Holocene records of fires and fire-related sedimentation events preserved in alluvial fan stratigraphic sequences, and geomorphology and geology of alpine glaciations in the spectacular Sawtooth Mountains and Stanley Basin of central Idaho. Storm events and associated scour following recent fires in the South Fork Payette basin have exposed Holocene fire-related debris-flow deposits, flood sediments, and other alluvial fan-building deposits that yield insights into Holocene environmental change. Moraine characteristics and sediment cores from the southeastern Sawtooth Mountains and Stanley Basin provide evidence of late Pleistocene alpine glaciation. A combination of these glacial records with reconstructions of regional equilibrium line elevations produces late-glacial paleoclimatic inferences for the area. Day one of the trip will examine recent and Holocene fire-related deposits along the South Fork Payette River; day two will focus on alpine glaciation in the Sawtooth Mountains (fig. 1). A description of the scope, methods, results and interpretation of the South Fork Payette fire study is given below. Background information on late Pleistocene alpine glaciation in the eastern Sawtooth Mountains is presented with the material for day 2 of the trip. The road log for day 1 of the trip begins at Banks, Idaho, and ends in Stanley, Idaho. Stop locations are shown on figure 2. At Stop 1, we will provide an introduction to interpretation of alluvial fan stratigraphic sections, and discuss the Boise Ridge fault. At Stops 2–4 (Hopkins Creek, Deadwood River, and Jughead creek), we will examine recent debrisflow deposits and Holocene alluvial fan stratigraphic sections. At Stop 5 (Helende Campground), we will look at a series of well-preserved Holocene and Pleistocene terraces and at Stop 6 (Canyon Creek), we will briefly inspect fire-related deposits in higher-elevation alluvial fan stratigraphic sections. The road log for day 2 begins at Stanley, Idaho, and ends in Sun Valley, Idaho. Stop locations are shown on figure 2. Stop 1, at Redfish Lake, will focus on regional equilibrium line altitude reconstructions and on the general pattern of late Pleistocene glaciation on the eastern flank of the Sawtooth Mountains. Stop 2 will be at Pettit Lake, where we will examine the moraine sequence and discuss relative weathering criteria and moraine groupings. At Stop 3, near Alturas Lake, we will discuss lake sediment coring, moraine chronology, and implications for latest Pleistocene paleoclimatic inferences. Stop 4 will be a brief stop at Galena Summit for an overview of the Sawtooth Mountains and a discussion of ice accumulation patterns. The trip will end at a set of moraines in the Trail Creek valley, near Sun Valley, where we will examine moraine morphology and weathering rind data that constrain the moraine ages