Improving Cloud Governance by Increasing Observability

Rise in popularity of Cloud computing has introduced new challenges for IT-governance. The multitude of different services and possible configurations Cloud providers offer can make it hard to get a comprehensive overview of the environment. To successfully govern an organisations Cloud environment it is important to be able to easily make accurate and reliable observations of the environments state, security, and changes to the configurations. This thesis takes a look into the research literature to find out what kinds of risks have been identified in governing the Cloud environment and ways to mitigate them. One of the latest advancements in improving the Cloud governance is the introduction of automated formal reasoning tools for configuration analysis. One customer case where multiple vendors are building services on multiple cloud accounts is used as an example. Architecture for application, security, and audit log collection, indexing, and monitoring is described. Special attention is given to the identity and access management requirements. The thesis concludes with the assessment of the selected approach and tools and services used to implement it. Some alternative solutions, possible improvements, and further development to the implementation are considered

Adaptive optics control using model-based reinforcement learning

Reinforcement learning (RL) presents a new approach for controlling adaptive optics (AO) systems for Astronomy. It promises to effectively cope with some aspects often hampering AO performance such as temporal delay or calibration errors. We formulate the AO control loop as a model-based RL problem (MBRL) and apply it in numerical simulations to a simple Shack-Hartmann Sensor (SHS) based AO system with 24 resolution elements across the aperture. The simulations show that MBRL controlled AO predicts the temporal evolution of turbulence and adjusts to mis-registration between deformable mirror and SHS which is a typical calibration issue in AO. The method learns continuously on timescales of some seconds and is therefore capable of automatically adjusting to changing conditions. (C) 2021 Optical Society of America under the terms of the OSA Open Access Publishing AgreementPeer reviewe

Infrared and Raman spectra of lignin substructures : Dibenzodioxocin

Vibrational spectroscopy is a very suitable tool for investigating the plant cell wall in situ with almost no sample preparation. The structural information of all different constituents is contained in a single spectrum. Interpretation therefore heavily relies on reference spectra and understanding of the vibrational behavior of the components under study. For the first time, we show infrared (IR) and Raman spectra of dibenzodioxocin (DBDO), an important lignin substructure. A detailed vibrational assignment of the molecule, based on quantum chemical computations, is given in the Supporting Information; the main results are found in the paper. Furthermore, we show IR and Raman spectra of synthetic guaiacyl lignin (dehydrogenation polymer-G-DHP). Raman spectra of DBDO and G-DHP both differ with respect to the excitation wavelength and therefore reveal different features of the substructure/polymer. This study confirms the idea previously put forward that Raman at 532 nm selectively probes end groups of lignin, whereas Raman at 785 nm and IR seem to represent the majority of lignin substructures.Peer reviewe

Toward on-sky adaptive optics control using reinforcement learning Model-based policy optimization for adaptive optics

Context. The direct imaging of potentially habitable exoplanets is one prime science case for the next generation of high contrast imaging instruments on ground-based, extremely large telescopes. To reach this demanding science goal, the instruments are equipped with eXtreme Adaptive Optics (XAO) systems which will control thousands of actuators at a framerate of kilohertz to several kilohertz. Most of the habitable exoplanets are located at small angular separations from their host stars, where the current control laws of XAO systems leave strong residuals. Aims. Current AO control strategies such as static matrix-based wavefront reconstruction and integrator control suffer from a temporal delay error and are sensitive to mis-registration, that is, to dynamic variations of the control system geometry. We aim to produce control methods that cope with these limitations, provide a significantly improved AO correction, and, therefore, reduce the residual flux in the coronagraphic point spread function (PSF). Methods. We extend previous work in reinforcement learning for AO. The improved method, called the Policy Optimization for Adaptive Optics (PO4AO), learns a dynamics model and optimizes a control neural network, called a policy. We introduce the method and study it through numerical simulations of XAO with Pyramid wavefront sensor (PWFS) for the 8-m and 40-m telescope aperture cases. We further implemented PO4AO and carried out experiments in a laboratory environment using Magellan Adaptive Optics eXtreme system (MagAO-X) at the Steward laboratory. Results. PO4AO provides the desired performance by improving the coronagraphic contrast in numerical simulations by factors of 3-5 within the control region of deformable mirror and PWFS, both in simulation and in the laboratory. The presented method is also quick to train, that is, on timescales of typically 5-10 s, and the inference time is sufficiently small (Peer reviewe

Toward on-sky adaptive optics control using reinforcement learning Model-based policy optimization for adaptive optics

Context. The direct imaging of potentially habitable exoplanets is one prime science case for the next generation of high contrast imaging instruments on ground-based, extremely large telescopes. To reach this demanding science goal, the instruments are equipped with eXtreme Adaptive Optics (XAO) systems which will control thousands of actuators at a framerate of kilohertz to several kilohertz. Most of the habitable exoplanets are located at small angular separations from their host stars, where the current control laws of XAO systems leave strong residuals. Aims. Current AO control strategies such as static matrix-based wavefront reconstruction and integrator control suffer from a temporal delay error and are sensitive to mis-registration, that is, to dynamic variations of the control system geometry. We aim to produce control methods that cope with these limitations, provide a significantly improved AO correction, and, therefore, reduce the residual flux in the coronagraphic point spread function (PSF). Methods. We extend previous work in reinforcement learning for AO. The improved method, called the Policy Optimization for Adaptive Optics (PO4AO), learns a dynamics model and optimizes a control neural network, called a policy. We introduce the method and study it through numerical simulations of XAO with Pyramid wavefront sensor (PWFS) for the 8-m and 40-m telescope aperture cases. We further implemented PO4AO and carried out experiments in a laboratory environment using Magellan Adaptive Optics eXtreme system (MagAO-X) at the Steward laboratory. Results. PO4AO provides the desired performance by improving the coronagraphic contrast in numerical simulations by factors of 3-5 within the control region of deformable mirror and PWFS, both in simulation and in the laboratory. The presented method is also quick to train, that is, on timescales of typically 5-10 s, and the inference time is sufficiently small (Peer reviewe

Biomassa-atlas. Biomassojen kestävän käytön työväline. Esiselvityksen loppuraportti.

Esiselvityshankkeen tavoitteena oli selvittää tarve ja sisällöt valtakunnalliselle paikkatietokannalle, joka kokoaisi yhteen keskeiset biomassatietovarannot. Jo lähtöajatuksena oli, että tietokantoihin tulisi päästä käsiksi kartta- ja selainpohjaisen käyttöliittymän kautta. Tavoiteltu työkalu nimettiin Biomassa-atlakseksi. Tämän raportin päätulos on suunnitelma siitä, millaisena ja miten biomassatiedot kokoava karttakäyttöliittymä eli Biomassa-atlas tulisi toteuttaa. Hankkeen aikana toteutettiin internetissä laaja käyttäjäkysely ja lisäksi haastateltiin biomassatiedon käyttäjiä hallinnosta toiminnan tasolle. Biomassatiedolle on selvä tarve, sillä kaikille biomassatiedoille olisi hyödyntäjiä, ja tiedonhankinta koetaan nykyisin vaativaksi. Kaksi kolmannesta vastaajista piti Biomassaatlaksen kaltaista sovellusta tärkeänä ja lähes kaikki vähintäänkin hyödyllisenä. Tärkeimpiä tiedolle esitettyjä vaatimuksia ovat tiedon ajantasaisuus ja luotettavuus. Maatalouden, metsätalouden ja vesistöjen biomassoja sekä turvetta koskevat merkittävimmät tietokannat ja tietoja keräävät sekä paikkatiedon jakelua kehittävät hankkeet kartoitettiin. Valtakunnallisia biomassatietokantoja on valmiina metsäbiomassoista, jätteistä ja lannasta. Soiden turvevarantoja on kartoitettu laajasti Etelä-Suomessa. Pellot ja viljelykasvit rekisteröidään vuosittain, ja niistä on mahdollista laskea vuosittaiset biomassatiedot. Vesistöbiomassoja kuten järviruokoa ja kaloja koskeva tiedonkeruu on kehittymässä ja niitä koskevia biomassapaikkatietoja voidaan odottaa saatavaksi lähivuosina. Useimmat tiedot biomassoista on mahdollista esittää avoimesti. Tarkkojen sijaintitietojen avoimuutta rajoittaa lähinnä henkilötietolaki. Biomassa-aineistojen lisäksi hankkeessa kartoitettiin aineistoja ja työkaluja, jotka auttavat arvioimaan biomassojen korjuun ja käytön vaikutuksia. Hankkeessa tehtiin suunnitelma tietokannan ja käyttöliittymän toteuttamiseksi. Suunnitelma sisältää tekniset määrittelyt ja ehdotuksia yhteistyömallista, jonka puitteissa järjestelmää voidaan kehittää. Järjestelmä on mahdollista toteuttaa avoimella tai kaupallisella lähdekoodilla. Tekniikan valintaa voidaan tarkentaa hankintaneuvotteluissa ohjelmistotoimittajien kanssa. Biomassa-atlas-tietojärjestelmän ylläpito edellyttää aineistojen säännöllistä päivittämistä ja järjestelmän versiopäivityksistä ja tietoturvasta huolehtimista. Ylläpitoon tulee varata jatkuva ulkopuolinen rahoitus ja riittävä osaaminen. Biomassa-atlaksesta on mahdollista tulla biotalousstrategian toteuttamisen merkittävin yksittäinen työkalu. Jotta strategiaa voitaisiin edistää parhaalla mahdollisella tavalla, tulisi Biomassa-atlaksen huomioida myös eri biomassojen hyödyntämisen vaikutukset ympäristöön, talouteen ja sosiaaliseen kestävyyteen.The main objective of the project was to study the need and content for a GIS-database and application which would assemble essential national databases of biomass. From the very beginning, it was recognized that databases should be accessible via the Internet and by map-based user interface. The tool was named Biomass Atlas. The main result of this report is the plan to realize Biomass Atlas: how the web-based user interface utilizing refined biomass data should be put into practice. Users of biomass data were interviewed in personal meetings as well as via an Internet survey during the project. Users were recognized widely from the administrative to the operational level. There is an explicit need for biomass data of every biomass type. The acquisition of data is considered to be demanding. Two-thirds of respondents viewed the Biomass Atlas-like application as important, and almost all viewed it as at least useful. The most important demands for the data were reliability and up-to-date status. The most important biomass databases or methods to develop them with regard to biomass from agriculture, forestry and watersheds as well as peat were examined, as well as other related projects enhancing GIS data distribution. There are nationwide databases ready for forest biomass, waste and manure. Peat from wetlands is mapped widely in Southern Finland. Fields and crops are registered annually, which makes it possible to count the yearly biomass data. Data acquisition of biomass from watersheds such as common reed and fish is going to proceed in the years to come, and we can therefore expect to obtain GIS data from them. It is possible to open most of the biomass data covered in this study. Pointing out precise location information in high resolution is restricted by the Finnish personal data act. In addition to biomass data, data and tools helping to evaluate impacts of biomass harvest and use were mapped within the project. The plan was made to develop the database and user interface. The plan consists of technical definitions and suggestions towards a cooperative model which can be used for system development. The system is possible to implement in either an open or closed manner, i.e. using a commercial source code. The choice of technology can be defined during the procurement-based negotiations with software companies. Maintenance of the Biomass Atlas system requires regular updates of the data and system versions and ensuring information security. Continuous external funding and sufficient know-how are needed to secure these requirements. It is possible that Biomass Atlas shall become the most significant single tool for implementing the Finnish bioeconomy strategy. In order to enhance the strategy in the best possible way, Biomass Atlas should also take into account impacts to the environment, economy and social sustainability caused by the utilization of various biomass type

Taking It to the Extreme:The Effect of Coalition Cabinets on Foreign Policy

Institutional constraints have been offered by some scholars as an explanation for why multiparty coalitions should be more peaceful than single-party cabinets. Yet others see the same institutional setting as a prescription for more aggressive behavior. Recent research has investigated these conflicting expectations, but with mixed results. We examine the theoretical bases for these alternative expectations about the effects of coalition politics on foreign policy. We find that previous research is limited theoretically by confounding institutional effects with policy positions, and empirically by analyzing only international conflict data. We address these limitations by examining cases of foreign policy behavior using the World Event/Interaction Survey (WEIS) dataset. Consistent with our observation that institutional constraints have been confounded with policy positions, we find that coalitions are neither more aggressive nor more peaceful, but do engage in more extreme foreign policy behaviors. These findings are discussed with regard to various perspectives on the role of institutions in shaping foreign policy behavior.</p

Digitaalipainon ilmankosteus

Insinöörityössä selvitettiin suhteelliseen ilmankosteuteen liittyviä käsitteitä, ongelmia ja mahdollisia ratkaisuja pienen digitaalipainon kannalta. Tavoitteena oli selvittää, kuinka suuri ongelma liian kuiva huoneilma on painolle ja millä menetelmillä ongelmia voidaan vähentää. Kirjallisuuslähteistä selvitettiin ilmankosteuden peruskäsitteitä ja sitä, minkälaisia vaikutuksia erilaisilla kosteusolosuhteilla on painossa käytettäviin papereihin ja koneisiin. Haastattelemalla kostutusalan asiantuntijoita selvitettiin, millaisia laitteita ja tekniikoita kosteuden lisäämiseen on tarjolla. Suomessa on talvisin liian kuivat ilmasto-olosuhteet painon kannalta. Papereiden säilytys väärissä kosteusolosuhteissa aiheuttaa papereiden käyristymistä ja rypistymistä. Myös muutokset sähkönjohto-ominaisuuksissa aiheuttavat ongelmia painoille. Tekniikoita kosteuden lisäämiseen on useita. Niistä tärkeimpiä ovat korkeapaine (veden paineistus), alipaine (paineilma), haihdutus ja höyrystäminen. Ilmankosteusmittarilla mitattiin ilman suhteellinen ja absoluuttinen kosteus, lämpötila ja kastepistelämpötila, jossa ilmassa oleva kosteus alkaa tiivistyä kasteeksi. Mittauksia suoritettiin kahdessa pisteessä painon alueella ja kahdessa muussa pisteessä rakennuksen sisällä sekä referenssiksi rakennuksen ulkopuolella. Mittausten tarkoituksena oli selvittää, kuinka tasaisesti kosteus on levittäytynyt rakennuksen sisällä ja millaisissa sääolosuhteissa kosteus on liian alhainen. Tulosten perusteella voitiin arvioida, kuinka pitkä kostutusta vaativa kausi on Suomen olosuhteissa. Kosteusolosuhteet olivat tasaiset sisätiloissa lukuun ottamatta terminaalia. Mittausten perusteella voitiin arvioida, että kostutusta tarvitaan ulkolämpötilan laskiessa alle 10 °C:seen. Mittausten tulosten ja ilmatieteenlaitokselta saatujen keskiarvojen perusteella arvioitiin, että kostutusta tarvitaan lokakuulta huhti-toukokuulle saakka. Lisäksi digitaalipaino kannattaa eristää selkeämmin muusta tilasta. Paras tekniikka kostutuksen toteuttamiselle olisi höyryyn perustuva järjestelmä. Papereiden käsittelyä varten tehtiin ohjeistus, jonka mukaan ne tulisi säilyttää kostutetulla alueella ja mikäli tämä ei ole mahdollista, mahdollisimman tiiviisti pakattuina.This Bachelor’s Thesis studied concepts and terms related to air humidification of a small digital press. The purpose was to find out if dry air imposes a serious problem for digital press and solutions to prevent problems. Literary sources were used to define the basic concepts of air humidity and to find out the effects that different humidity conditions have on papers and machines in a digital press. By interviewing industrial humidification professionals, different methods for solving the problems were discovered. In Finland at winter times air humidity is too low for printing. If papers are stored in wrong humidity conditions, it causes them to curve and crinkle. Also, changes in conductivity are causing problems for digital presses. The most important technologies to prevent dry air are high pressure (pressurized water), underpressure (air pressure), evaporation and vaporization. Humidity meter was used to measure relative and absolute humidity, temperature and dew point in which the water vapor content of air starts to condense in to liquid. Measurements were done in two different locations in press area and two other locations inside the building and for reference in one point outside. The purpose of the measurements was to find out how evenly humidity is spread in the building, and in which kind of weather conditions the humidity is too low. The results indicated, that humidity was evenly spread through out the whole building except the terminal. Measurements showed that humidification is needed when outside temperature falls below 10 °C. The estimation is that humidification is needed from October till April or May. Also, the digital press should be better isolated from the rest of the building. The best method for humidification would be Vaporization based technology. Instructions for paper handling were also made. Papers should be stored in an area with extra humidification and if that is not possible they should be packed tight

Effects of Using Standing Versus Sitting Workstations on the Well-­Being at Work of Software Professionals

Although people admittedly are one of the most valuable assets of many software companies, relatively little academic research has been done from the well-being at work aspect of software professionals. This intervention study aims to address this gap in prior research by examining the potential effects of using standing instead of sitting workstations on the well-being at work of software professionals in terms of physical activity, mental alertness, and stress. The two measurements before and after the intervention were conducted in June and September 2015 for 29 employees of a local site of a large Finnish software company by using questionnaires and the Firstbeat Lifestyle Assessment service. The findings of the study suggest that using standing instead of sitting workstations results in only modest promotions of physical activity, does not to have an effect on mental alertness, and actually tilts the stress–recovery balance more towards stress, as least at the early phases of usage.peerReviewe