Computer Sciences Commons^™

Bit-Error-Rate-Minimizing Channel Shortening Using Post-Feq Diversity Combining And A Genetic Algorithm, Gokhan Altin

Theses and Dissertations

In advanced wireline or wireless communication systems, i.e., DSL, IEEE 802.11a/g, HIPERLAN/2, etc., a cyclic prefix which is proportional to the channel impulse response is needed to append a multicarrier modulation (MCM) frame for operating the MCM accurately. This prefix is used to combat inter symbol interference (ISI). In some cases, the channel impulse response can be longer than the cyclic prefix (CP). One of the most useful techniques to mitigate this problem is reuse of a Channel Shortening Equalizer (CSE) as a linear preprocessor before the MCM receiver in order to shorten the effective channel length. Channel shortening filter …

Combined Visible And Infrared Video For Use In Wilderness Search And Rescue, Nathan D. Rasmussen

Theses and Dissertations

Mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (mUAVs) have the potential to be a great asset to Wilderness Search and Rescue groups by providing a bird's eye view of the search area. These vehicles can carry a variety of sensors to better understand the world below. This paper proposes using both Infrared (IR) and Visible Spectrum cameras on a mUAV for Wilderness Search and Rescue. It details a method for combining the color and heat information from these two cameras into a single fused display to reduce needed screen space for remote field use. To align the video frames for fusion, a method …

Dynamic Network Formation Using Ant Colony Optimization, Steven C. Oimoen

Theses and Dissertations

Military and industry are moving toward every device being network enabled and connected for reliable availability of communication and information. To make this type of system a reality, the devices must be capable of forming a network topology on their own in a dynamic environment to ensure that the correct information reaches a desired location and on-time. This research presents three contributions for solving highly dynamic (i.e. drastic change within the network) Multi-commodity Capacitated Network Design Problems (MCNDPs) resulting in a distributed multi-agent network design algorithm. The first contribution incorporates an Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm Ant Colony System (ACS) …

A Framework For Analyzing Biometric Template Aging And Renewal Prediction, John W. Carls

Theses and Dissertations

Biometric technology and systems are modernizing identity capabilities. With maturing biometrics in full, rapid development, a higher accuracy of identity verification is required. An improvement to the security of biometric-based verification systems is provided through higher accuracy; ultimately reducing fraud, theft, and loss of resources from unauthorized personnel. With trivial biometric systems, a higher acceptance threshold to obtain higher accuracy rates increase false rejection rates and user unacceptability. However, maintaining the higher accuracy rate enhances the security of the system. An area of biometrics with a paucity of research is template aging and renewal prediction, specifically in regards to facial …

Supporting Real-World Activities In Database Management Systems, Mohamed Eltabakh, Walid G. Aref, Ahmed K. Elmagarmid, Yasin Laura-Silva, Mourad Ouzzani

Department of Computer Science Technical Reports

No abstract provided.

Predicting Protein Secondary Structure Using Markov Chain Monte-Carlo Simulation, Inessa G. Im

Theses and Dissertations

Protein structure prediction is one of the most important problems in molecular biology. Secondary structure prediction is the initial starting point in determining three-dimensional structure of a protein. This work presents a novel approach to predict protein secondary structure using Markov chain Monte-Carlo simulation. The transition probabilities are first data-mined from the Dictionary of Protein Secondary Structure which contains over 46,000 known proteins. Monte-Carlo simulation uses these transition probabilities to generate thousands of secondary structure sequences for a given sequence of amino acids. Among these simulated secondary structure sequences, the one with the highest probability is chosen as the prediction. …

A Taxonomy For And Analysis Of Anonymous Communications Networks, Douglas J. Kelly

Theses and Dissertations

Any entity operating in cyberspace is susceptible to debilitating attacks. With cyber attacks intended to gather intelligence and disrupt communications rapidly replacing the threat of conventional and nuclear attacks, a new age of warfare is at hand. In 2003, the United States acknowledged that the speed and anonymity of cyber attacks makes distinguishing among the actions of terrorists, criminals, and nation states difficult. Even President Obama’s Cybersecurity Chief-elect recognizes the challenge of increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks. Now through April 2009, the White House is reviewing federal cyber initiatives to protect US citizen privacy rights. Indeed, the rising quantity and ubiquity …

Nonlinear Decomposition Analysis And Phase Transition Characterization Of Uterine Contractions, Kemal Aydin

Theses and Dissertations

In the United States 12.5% of babies are born prematurely. The premature birth rate has increased 27% over the past 20 years. The three principal components of the preterm-birth syndrome are: premature rupture of membranes, myometrial activity causing preterm labor, and premature cervical ripening. We investigated myometrial activities which are noninvasively collected multi-channel magnetomyographic (MMG) data from patients' uterus. On the temporal data mining side, we have developed an advanced signal processing technique to further investigate this data beyond Fourier and Wavelet analysis. On the spatial data mining side, we have developed a method to further explore the interactions between …

Structural Clustering Algorithms For Networks, Nurcan Yuruk

Theses and Dissertations

The tightly connected groups of entities, so-called modules or clusters, are usually good indicators of structural or functional units of the underlying network. While those units are communities of people in a social network, they refer to web pages of similar topic on WWW, group of molecules that work together to achieve certain biological function in a biological network and etc. Modular structure is one of the most important and ubiquitous features observed in most complex networks and we mainly target the problem of network clustering which has, among other network analysis tasks, particular role of detecting modules in given …

Blind Deconvolution Through Polarization Diversity Of Long Exposure Imagery, Steven P. James

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the algorithm developed in this thesis was to create a post processing method that could resolve objects at low signal levels using polarization diversity and no knowledge of the atmospheric seeing conditions. The process uses a two-channel system, one unpolarized image and one linearly polarized image, in a GEM algorithm to reconstruct the object. Previous work done by Strong showed that a two-channel system using polarization diversity on short exposure imagery could produce images up to twice the diffraction limit. In this research, long exposure images were simulated and a simple Kolmogorov model used. This allowed for …

Range Estimation Algorithm Comparison In 3-D Flash Ladar Data, Steven P. Jordan

Theses and Dissertations

Range estimation algorithms have been applied to Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR) data to test for accuracy and precision. Data was acquired from Matlab® simulations and an experiment using the Advanced Scientific Concepts 3-D flash LADAR camera. Simulated LADAR data was based on a Gaussian pulse shape model with Poisson noise added. Simulations were performed to test range estimation algorithm performance with respect to waveform position within the range gate. The effectiveness of each algorithm is presented in terms of its average root mean square error and standard deviation in 1000 trials. The measured data experiment examined the effectiveness of …

Mitigating Insider Sabotage And Espionage: A Review Of The United States Air Force's Current Posture, Erika C. Leach

Theses and Dissertations

The security threat from malicious insiders affects all organizations. Mitigating this problem is quite difficult due to the fact that (1) there is no definitive profile for malicious insiders, (2) organizations have placed trust in these individuals, and (3) insiders have a vast knowledge of their organization’s personnel, security policies, and information systems. The purpose of this research is to analyze to what extent the United States Air Force (USAF) security policies address the insider threat problem. The policies are reviewed in terms of how well they align with best practices published by the Carnegie Mellon University Computer Emergency Readiness …

Catena-Poly[[(Pyridine-Κn)Copper(Ii)]-Μ3-Pyridine-2,6-Dicarboxylato-Κ3o2:O2′,N,O6:O6′], Manoj Trivedi, Daya Pandey, Nigam Rath

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Works

In the title compound, [Cu(C7H3NO4)(C5H5N)]n, the CuII atom is in a slightly distorted octa­hedral coordination environment. Each CuII atom is bound to two N atoms and one O atom of the pyridine­dicarboxyl­ate (PDA) ligand in a tridentate manner, one N atom of the pyridine mol­ecule and two bridging carboxyl­ate O atoms of adjacent PDA ligands, leading to a linear one-dimensional chain running along the c axis. These chains are further assembled via weak C-H...O and [pi]-[pi] inter­actions into a three-dimensional supra­molecular network structure. The centroid-centroid distance between the [pi]-[pi] inter­acting pyridine rings is 3.9104 (13) Å. The two N atoms …

Can't Find Your 404s?, Martin Klein, Frank Mccown, Joan Smith, Michael L. Nelson

Computer Science Presentations

PDF of a powerpoint presentation at the Santa Fe Complex, Santa Fe, New Mexico, March 13, 2009. Also available on Slideshare.

The 2009 Analysis Of Information Remaining On Usb Storage Devices Offered Forsale On The Second Hand Market, Andy Jones, Craig Valli, G. Dabibi

Australian Digital Forensics Conference

The use of the USB storage device, also known as the USB drive, a thumb drive, a keychain drive and a flash drive has, for the most part, replaced the floppy disk and to some extent the Compact Disk (CD), the DVD (Digital Video Disk or Digital Versatile Disk) and the external hard disk. Their robustness, size and weight make them easy to transport, but also to lose or misplace. They are inexpensive and are often given away as promotional items by organisations. Over the last few years there has been a dramatic increase in the storage capacity of these …

A Forensics Overview And Analysis Of Usb Flash Memory Devices, Krishnun Sansurooah

Australian Digital Forensics Conference

Current forensic tools for examination of embedded systems like mobile phones and PDAs mostly perform data extraction on a logical level and do not consider the type of storage media during data analysis. This report suggests different low level approaches for the forensic examination of flash memories and describes three lowlevel data acquisition methods for making full memory copies of flash memory devices. Results of a file system study in which USB memory sticks from 45 different make and models were used are presented. For different mobile phones, this paper shows how full memory copies of their flash memories can …

Automatic Detection Of Child Pornography, Glen Thompson

Australian Digital Forensics Conference

Before the introduction of the internet, the availability of child pornography was reported as on the decline (Jenkins 2001). Since its emergence, however, the internet has made child pornography a much more accessible and available means of trafficking across borders (Biegel 2001; Jenkins 2001; Wells, Finkelhor et al. 2007). The internet as it is at present is made up of a vast array of protocols and networks where traffickers can anonymously share large volumes of illegal material amongst each other from locations with relaxed or non-existent laws that prohibit the possession or trafficking of illegal material. Likewise the internet is …

Satellite Navigation Forensics Techniques, Peter Hannay

Australian Digital Forensics Conference

Satellite navigation systems are becoming increasingly common for automotive use within the civilian population. This increase in use is of interest to forensic investigators as satellite navigation devices have the potential to provide historical location data to investigators. The research in progress investigates the data sources and encoding on a number of common satellite navigation devices. The aim of this research is to develop a framework for the acquisition and analysis of common satellite navigation systems in a way that valid for multiple device

Smartpot: Creating A 1st Generation Smartphone Honeypot, Michael Freeman, Andrew Woodward

Australian Digital Forensics Conference

This paper discusses an experimental method for creating a 1st generation smart-phone honey-pot with the intention of discovering automated worms. A Honeyd low-interaction virtual honey-pot is conceived as a possible method of discovering automated smart-phone worms by emulating the operating system Windows Mobile 5 and Windows Mobile 6, along with the available TCP/UDP ports of each operating system. This is an experimental method as there are currently no known malicious smart-phone worms. Honeyd emulates devices by mimicking the devices operating system fingerprint which is created by the unique responses each operating system sends to a discrete series of TCP and …

Cybercrime Attribution: An Eastern European Case Study, Stephen Mccombie, Josef Pieprzyk, Paul Watters

Australian Digital Forensics Conference

Phishing and related cybercrime is responsible for billions of dollars in losses annually. Gartner reported more than 5 million U.S. consumers lost money to phishing attacks in the 12 months ending in September 2008 (Gartner 2009). This paper asks whether the majority of organised phishing and related cybercrime originates in Eastern Europe rather than elsewhere such as China or the USA. The Russian “Mafiya” in particular has been popularised by the media and entertainment industries to the point where it can be hard to separate fact from fiction but we have endeavoured to look critically at the information available on …

The Not So Smart, Smart Grid: Potential Security Risks Associated With Thedeployment Of Smart Grid Technologies, Craig Valli

Australian Digital Forensics Conference

The electricity grid has been up until now a relatively stable artifice of modern industrialized nations. The power grids are the most widespread wired networks in the world. They are heavily regulated and standardized to protect the integrity, stability and reliability of supply. The grids have been essentially closed systems, this is now rapidly changing with the introduction of the network enabled smart meter. These meters are “web” accessible, connect and interact directly with electrical appliances in domiciles and businesses. This move now brings a range of extreme risks and complexities into these stable networks. This paper explores the security …

Theory And Practice Of Flash Memory Mobile Forensics, Salvatore Fiorillo

Australian Digital Forensics Conference

This paper is an introduction to flash memory forensics with a special focus on completeness of evidence acquired from mobile phones. Moving through academic papers and industrial documents will be introduced the particular nature of non-volatile memories present in nowadays mobile phones; how they really work and which challenges they pose to forensic investigators. Then will be presented an advanced test in which some brand new flash memories have been used to hide data in man-made bad blocks: the aim is to verify if forensic software tools are able to acquire data from such blocks, and to evaluate the possibility …

Qualcomm V. Broadcom: Implications For Electronic Discovery, Milton H. Luoma, Vicki M. Luoma

Australian Digital Forensics Conference

Electronic discovery has been the source of difficult challenges for courts, lawyers, and litigants from the beginning. The methods, document formats, and scope of electronic discovery have all contributed to the difficulties encountered. The seminal case in the United States that underscores the nature of the difficulties and challenges facing lawyers and courts in electronic discovery is Qualcomm v. Broadcom. While the case has been cited as an example of the ethical issues facing lawyers who do not follow the rules of discovery, the lessons go well beyond ethical issues. All major common law countries, including Australia, New Zealand, United …

Adsl Router Forensics Part 2: Acquiring Evidence, Patryk Szewczyk

Australian Digital Forensics Conference

The demand for high-speed Internet access is escalating high sales of ADSL routers. In-turn this has prompted individuals to attack and exploit the vulnerabilities in these devices. To respond to these threats, methods of acquisition and analysis are needed. The configuration data provides a wealth of information into the current state of the device. Hence, this data may be used to identify and interpret unlawful ways in which the device was used. This paper is centres around an empirical learning approach identifying techniques to address the device’s acquirable limitations taking into consideration that the owner may not willingly present login …

Using Covert Means To Establish Cybercraft Command And Control, Bradley D. Sevy

Theses and Dissertations

With the increase in speed and availability of computers, our nation's computer and information systems are being attacked with increased sophistication. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Information Directorate (RI) is researching a next generation network defense architecture, called Cybercraft, that provides automated and trusted cyber defense capabilities for AF network assets. This research we consider the issues to protect or obfuscate command and control aspects of Cybercraft. In particular, we present a methodology to hide aspects of Cybercraft platform initialization in context to formation of hierarchical, peer-to-peer groups that collectively form the Cybercraft network. Because malicious code networks (known …

Secure State Deletion: Testing The Efficacy And Integrity Of Secure Deletion Tools Onsolid State Drives, Michael Freeman, Andrew Woodward

Australian Digital Forensics Conference

The research aimed to determine the efficacy and integrity of several hard-drive disk deletion tools on solid state drives (SSDs). SSDs contain new technologies such as wear-levelling and device under provisioning to provide efficient functionality and speed for data management, but the same technologies may also provide obstacles to ensuring that all information is fully removed from the drive. Furthermore SSDs stores files in 4KB pages, yet data can only be deleted in 512KB blocks. This function uses the disk controller to remove all the pages from the block a file is being deleted from, storing the pages in a …

Zubulake: The Catalyst For Change In Ediscovery, Penny Herickhoff, Vicki M. Luoma

Australian Digital Forensics Conference

Common law countries have been struggling with electronic data in regard to their discovery rules from the first digital document. All major common law countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa and the United States have recently changed their rules of discovery in an attempt to make sense of all this data and determine what, when and how data should be disclosed by parties in litigation. Case law in these countries has been defining the responsibilities of potential parties and attorneys to prepare for litigation that might happen. The case that was the catalyst of change …

A Framework For Superimposed Applications : Techniques To Represent, Access, Transform, And Interchange Bi-Level Information, Sudarshan Srivivasa Murthy

Dissertations and Theses

Superimposed applications (SAs) superimpose (that is, overlay) new information and structures (such as annotations) on parts (such as sub-documents) of existing base information (BI). In this setting, SA developers and users work with bi-level information, a combination of the superimposed information and the referenced BI parts.

We have designed a framework to assist SAs in the following bi-level-information-management activities: representation, access, transformation, and interchange. This framework defines the abstraction context agent to activate any BI part and to retrieve information from the context of the part. It includes means to represent and access bi-level information in a conceptual model (the …

The 20-Minute Genealogist: A Context-Preservation Metaphor For Assisted Family History Research, Charles D. Knutson, Jonathan Krein

Faculty Publications

What can you possibly do to be productive as a family history researcher in 20 minutes per week? Our studies suggest that currently the answer is, “Nothing.” In 20 minutes a would-be researcher can’t even remember what happened last week, let alone what they were planning to do next. The 20-Minute Genealogist is a powerful metaphor within which software solutions must consider context preservation as the fundamental domain of the system, thus freeing the researcher to do research while the software manages the tasks that computers do best. Two survey-based studies were conducted that indicate a significant disconnect between the …

Cooperative Unmanned Aerial Surveillance Control System Architecture, Theodore T. Diamond, Adam L. Rutherford, Jonathan B. Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) is a high-demand Department of Defense mission performed by unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) at the tactical and theater levels. Coordinating UASs through cooperative control offers the advantages of persistence, distributed and adaptable sensor coverage, and reduced revisit time on points of interest. The purpose of this thesis is to apply systems engineering principles to the problem of developing a flexible, common control system for cooperative UAS surveillance at the tactical level. The AFIT team developed a concept of operations (CONOPS) encompassing various users and surveillance tasks. The team then used the scenarios in the CONOPS …