The Chain-Link Fence Model: A Framework for Creating Security Procedures

A long standing problem in information technology security is how to help reduce the security footprint. Many specific proposals exist to address specific problems in information technology security. Most information technology solutions need to be repeatable throughout the course of an information systems lifecycle. The Chain-Link Fence Model is a new model for creating and implementing information technology procedures. This model was validated by two different methods: the first being interviews with experts in the field of information technology and the second being four distinct case studies demonstrating the creation and implementation of information technology procedures. (169 pages

Rhode Island minimum wage law: its effects on management practices

Thesis (M.B.A.)--Boston Universit

Computational Modelling of the Mechanical Properties of Elastic Fibre Networks

From everyday items such as paper, felt and nappies, to sophisticated biological structures such as mammalian cytoskeletons and the collagen of extracellular matrices, many materials are made up of complex disordered fibre networks with varying microstructures. It is often important to tune the mechanical properties of such networks for their specific application. The macroscopic network response to an applied load can be controlled by modifying the properties of component fibres at the microscopic level. A model relating the properties at these two scales is desirable for the design and fabrication of better materials. We developed a numerical code predicting the mechanical properties of 2D and 3D elastic fibre networks. Specifically, we find an efficient solution of the linear matrix system obtained from a large system of equations, representing a given random fibre network in mechanical equilibrium with an applied linear shear at the network boundary. This global system is assembled by considering the individual contributions of fibres modelled as cross-linked slender elastic rods, and then solved to obtain a prediction of the network displacement and total elastic energy for the applied shear. To study various network architectures, we also developed another code for network generation and visualisation. Using our software, we analysed the numerical performance of preconditioners for the iterative methods used to solve the linear system. This was applied to systems representing established 2D networks, and investigated the mechanical properties of layered 3D and fully 3D disordered systems. Our choices of preconditioners were motivated by exploiting the distinct block structure of our assembled matrix. Drawing from the application of needlepunched nonwoven fabrics, we designed a series of novel networks consisting of random 2D Mikado cross-linked layers. Applying our numerical model, we were able to explore the effects of material anisotropy on shear response, and provide a first analysis of how the macroscopic mechanics are driven by variations in microscopic properties. Evidence was also presented that our software can be used to model the mechanical properties of fully 3D random fibre networks under imposed macroscopic shear. This work can be used to direct future research, and offers the opportunity to model 3D fibrous materials using a geometry generated differently to many related works - in terms of both cross-linking procedure and cross-link type variability. The final outcome of this work is a reusable piece of software for modelling the mechanical properties of elastic fibre networks with various geometries under a macroscopically applied shear. Through use of numerical techniques and integration with the PETSc library [4], we solve the resulting systems of these networks effectively and within reasonable time scales, with the opportunity of additional optimisation if further work were to be carried out

The Caddisflies (Trichoptera) of Drummond Island, Michigan, With an Assessment of Lake Assemblage Biomass

The adult caddisfly assemblages of Drummond Island, a Michigan island in Lake Huron near the Canadian border, were sampled in 2021–2022 from 3 sites on Lake Huron, 8 inland lakes, 2 vernal pools, and 1 stream. Adult caddisflies from each site were sampled in spring, summer, and autumn using ultraviolet blacklight traps. A total of 89 species representing 37 genera and 12 families was collected, including several not seen in Michigan for 50–70 years and the first confirmation of the rare species Beothukus complicatus (Banks) (Phryganeidae) from the state. A non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination determined distinct species assemblages between lakes, vernal pools, and the stream, but no difference between inland lakes and Lake Huron sites. Based on total organic biomass, all 4 habitat types were dominated (60–90%) by shredders, particularly those in the family Phryganeidae. Total species richness was lower on Drummond Island than within other Michigan areas where rigorous recent sampling has occurred, possibly due to it being an isolated island. This study provides some of the first data on the caddisfly assemblages of undisturbed lakes in a Nearctic temperate environment and demonstrates the importance of caddisfly shredders in lake habitats

The Caddisflies (Trichoptera) of Finch Creek, Antrim County, Michigan (USA)

The caddisfly assemblages of Finch Creek, a small woodland stream in northern Lower Michigan, was sampled along its entire continuum during May, June, July, and September 2021–2022 using ultraviolet blacklight traps. A total of 98 species representing 15 families and 49 genera were collected, including two species [Lepidostoma prominens (Banks) and L. sommermanae (Ross)] not previously reported from Michigan, and several others either not previously found in the Lower Peninsula or not reported from the state for \u3e70 years. A non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination determined distinct species assemblages corresponding to the spring, summer, and fall months. Shredders dominated the assemblages of nearly all sites and seasons, with 60–90% of assemblage total organic biomass. Changes in caddisfly functional feeding group biomass approximated those predicted by the river continuum concept, except for an unexpected decrease in scrapers as the stream widened, possibly due to high sediment input into the creek. In addition to the new species records, this study further validated the use of caddisfly adults to assess aquatic ecosystems and demonstrated the dominance of shredders in small temperate woodland streams

An Analysis of the Microsoft 365 Cloud Migration Process, its Alternatives, and Results

This study follows the decision making process of comparing a traditional business software stack to cloud alternatives, comparing different cloud platforms, and planning a migration. It addresses specific workloads of an example company in the financial services industry and how the tools in a Microsoft 365 subscription support that work. The process of transferring an existing Exchange server and its users to Azure is thoroughly detailed, as is the logic behind certain crucial decisions that are part of that procedure. A calculation of real-world savings is also provided. The resulting paper is usable as both a reference and guide for making responsible plans on the subject of cloud migratio

Upwelling and convergence in the Middle Atlantic Bight shelfbreak front

Convergent and upwelling circulation within the shelfbreak front in the Middle Atlantic Eight are detected using a dye tracer injected into the bottom boundary layer at the foot of the front. From the three day displacement and dispersion of two dye injections within the front we infer Lagrangian isopycnal (diapycnal) velocities and diffusivities of 2 x 10(-2) m/s (4 x 10(-6) m/s) and 9 m(2)/s (6 x 10(-6) m(2)/s). These results substantiate model predictions of Chapman and Lentz [1994] and previous dye tracer observations by Houghton [1997]

Educational Equivalency of Raspberry Pi Clusters in High-Performance Computing

Abstract High-performance computing is a difficult subject to teach in an academic setting, given the exorbitant costs and technical difficulties. Raspberry Pi single-board computers have been used in recent years to create clusters that function as mini high-performance computers. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the educational equivalence of building a Raspberry Pi cluster in comparison to running a high-performance computing environment. For this research, an eight-node cluster was built and tested in comparison to a laptop. Through the process of building the cluster, skills learned were documented to evaluate the educational value. This research concludes that the adequacy of building the Raspberry Pi cluster to provide an educational equivalent for running a traditional computer is dependent on teaching goals. The educational equivalency for using a Raspberry Pi cluster, meaning focusing education on software implementation, data science, and security, are areas that could be educationally worthwhile and warrant further research. Keywords: Raspberry Pi, cluster, education, skills, software implementation, Python, high-performance computin