Other Computer Sciences Commons^™

Building Test Anonymity Networks In A Cybersecurity Lab Environment, John Schriner

Student Theses

This paper explores current methods for creating test anonymity networks in a laboratory environment for the purpose of improving these networks while protecting user privacy. We first consider how each of these networks is research-driven and interested in helping researchers to conduct their research ethically. We then look to the software currently available for researchers to set up in their labs. Lastly we explore ways in which digital forensics and cybersecurity students could get involved with these projects and look at several class exercises that help students to understand particular attacks on these networks and ways they can help to …

Fostering The Retrieval Of Suitable Web Resources In Response To Children's Educational Search Tasks, Oghenemaro Deborah Anuyah

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Children regularly turn to search engines (SEs) to locate school-related materials. Unfortunately, research has shown that when utilizing SEs, children do not always access resources that specifically target them. To support children, popular and child-oriented SEs make available a safe search filter, which is meant to eliminate inappropriate resources. Safe search is, however, not always the perfect deterrent as pornographic and hate-based resources may slip through the filter, while resources relevant to an educational search context may be misconstrued and filtered out. Moreover, filtering inappropriate resources in response to children searches is just one perspective to consider in offering them …

An Algorithmic Approach To Creating Effective Study Groups Using A Smart Phone App, Kelvin J. Rosado-Ayala

Honors College Theses

For many students entering college, meeting new people and studying are a common struggle. Study groups are generally recommended, especially if the groups are comprised of members with complementary personality traits. But the challenge still remains, how do freshmen or transfer students find and form these heterogeneous study groups. In order to help alleviate this issue, an Android application was developed to automatically create study groups for students. Using basic information provided by students upon registration, the algorithm is able to automatically find matching group members. The application was designed using an agile life cycle model over the course of …

Data Scientist’S Analysis Toolbox: Comparison Of Python, R, And Sas Performance, Jim Brittain, Mariana Cendon, Jennifer Nizzi, John Pleis

SMU Data Science Review

A quantitative analysis will be performed on experiments utilizing three different tools used for Data Science. The analysis will include replication of analysis along with comparisons of code length, output, and results. Qualitative data will supplement the quantitative findings. The conclusion will provide data support guidance on the correct tool to use for common situations in the field of Data Science.

Cryptovisor: A Cryptocurrency Advisor Tool, Matthew Baldree, Paul Widhalm, Brandon Hill, Matteo Ortisi

SMU Data Science Review

In this paper, we present a tool that provides trading recommendations for cryptocurrency using a stochastic gradient boost classifier trained from a model labeled by technical indicators. The cryptocurrency market is volatile due to its infancy and limited size making it difficult for investors to know when to enter, exit, or stay in the market. Therefore, a tool is needed to provide investment recommendations for investors. We developed such a tool to support one cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, based on its historical price and volume data to recommend a trading decision for today or past days. This tool is 95.50% accurate with …

Case Study: Using Crime Data And Open Source Data To Design A Police Patrol Area, Brent Allen

SMU Data Science Review

This case study examines how to use existing crime data augmented with open source data to design a patrol area. We used the a demand signal of "calls for service" vice reports which summarize calls for service. Additionally, we augmented our existing data with traffic data from Google Maps. Traffic delays did not correspond to traffic incidents reported in the area examined. These data were plotted geographically to aid in the determination of the new patrol area. The new patrol area was created around natural geographic boundaries, the density of calls for service and police operational experience.

Social Engineering In Non-Linear Warfare, Bill Gardner

Journal of Applied Digital Evidence

This paper explores the use of hacking, leaking, and trolling by Russia to influence the 2016 United States Presidential Elections. These tactics have been called “the weapons of the geek” by some researchers. By using proxy hackers and Russian malware to break into the email of the Democratic National Committee and then giving that email to Wikileaks to publish on the Internet, the Russian government attempted to swing the election in the favor of their preferred candidate.

The source of the malware used in the DNC hack was determined to be of Russian in nature and has been used on …

Web Technologies (Ggc), Shuting Xu, Shuhua Lai

Computer Science and Information Technology Grants Collections

This Grants Collection for Web Technologies was created under a Round Nine ALG Textbook Transformation Grant.

Affordable Learning Georgia Grants Collections are intended to provide faculty with the frameworks to quickly implement or revise the same materials as a Textbook Transformation Grants team, along with the aims and lessons learned from project teams during the implementation process.

Documents are in .pdf format, with a separate .docx (Word) version available for download. Each collection contains the following materials:

• Linked Syllabus
• Initial Proposal
• Final Report

Mining Temporal Activity Patterns On Social Media, Nikan Chavoshi

Computer Science ETDs

Social media provide communication networks for their users to easily create and share content. Automated accounts, called bots, abuse these platforms by engaging in suspicious and/or illegal activities. Bots push spam content and participate in sponsored activities to expand their audience. The prevalence of bot accounts in social media can harm the usability of these platforms, and decrease the level of trustworthiness in them. The main goal of this dissertation is to show that temporal analysis facilitates detecting bots in social media. I introduce new bot detection techniques which exploit temporal information. Since automated accounts are controlled by computer programs, …

Investigating On Through Glass Via Based Rf Passives For 3-D Integration, Libo Qian, Jifei Sang, Yinshui Xia, Jian Wang, Peiyi Zhao

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Due to low dielectric loss and low cost, glass is developed as a promising material for advanced interposers in 2.5-D and 3-D integration. In this paper, through glass vias (TGVs) are used to implement inductors for minimal footprint and large quality factor. Based on the proposed physical structure, the impact of various process and design parameters on the electrical characteristics of TGV inductors is investigated with 3-D electromagnetic simulator HFSS. It is observed that TGV inductors have identical inductance and larger quality factor in comparison with their through silicon via counterparts. Using TGV inductors and parallel plate capacitors, a compact …

Finding Spanning Trees In Strongly Connected Graphs With Per-Vertex Degree Constraints, Samuel Benjamin Chase

Computer Science and Software Engineering

In this project, I sought to develop and prove new algorithms to create spanning trees on general graphs with per-vertex degree constraints. This means that each vertex in the graph would have some additional value, a degree constraint d. For a spanning tree to be correct, every vertex v_i in the spanning tree must have a degree exactly equal to a degree constraint d_i. This poses an additional constraint on what would otherwise be a trivial spanning tree problem. In this paper, two proofs related to my studies will be discussed and analyzed, leading to my algorithm …

Data Mining Ancient Script Image Data Using Convolutional Neural Networks, Shruti Daggumati, Peter Revesz

School of Computing: Conference and Workshop Papers

The recent surge in ancient scripts has resulted in huge image libraries of ancient texts. Data mining of the collected images enables the study of the evolution of these ancient scripts. In particular, the origin of the Indus Valley script is highly debated. We use convolutional neural networks to test which Phoenician alphabet letters and Brahmi symbols are closest to the Indus Valley script symbols. Surprisingly, our analysis shows that overall the Phoenician alphabet is much closer than the Brahmi script to the Indus Valley script symbols.

Topographic Maps: Image Processing And Path-Finding, Calin Washington

Master's Theses

Topographic maps are an invaluable tool for planning routes through unfamiliar terrain. However, accurately planning routes on topographic maps is a time- consuming and error-prone task. One factor is the difficulty of interpreting the map itself, which requires prior knowledge and practice. Another factor is the difficulty of making choices between possible routes that have different trade-offs between length and the terrain they traverse.

To alleviate these difficulties, this thesis presents a system to automate the process of finding routes on scanned images of topographic maps. The system allows users to select any two points on a topographic map and …

Acceleration Of Jaccard's Index Algorithm For Training To Tag Damage On Post-Earthquake Images, Kyle John Mulligan

Master's Theses

There are currently different efforts to use Supervised Neural Networks (NN) to automatically label damages on images of above ground infrastructure (buildings made of concrete) taken after an earthquake. The goal of the supervised NN is to classify raw input data according to the patterns learned from an input training set. This input training data set is usually supplied by experts in the field, and in the case of this project, structural engineers carefully and mostly manually label these images for different types of damage. The level of expertise of the professionals labeling the training set varies widely, and some …

Contents, Adfsl

Annual ADFSL Conference on Digital Forensics, Security and Law

No abstract provided.

Front Matter, Adfsl

Annual ADFSL Conference on Digital Forensics, Security and Law

No abstract provided.

An Adapted Framework For Environmental Sustainability Reporting Using Mobile Technologies, Andre P. Calitz, Jaco F. Zietsman

The African Journal of Information Systems

Corporate governance is the process by which organisations are directed and controlled. King IV is regarded as the cornerstone of corporate governance for businesses and emphasises the importance of sustainability reporting in South Africa. Sustainability reporting guidelines inform organisations how to disclose their most critical affects on the environment, society and the economy. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 sustainability reporting framework recommends the Standard Disclosures that all organisations should use to report their sustainability impacts and performance. Sustainability reporting frameworks proposed for the Higher Education sector require reporting principles specific to the needs of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The …

Analysis Of Data Erasure Capability On Sshd Drives For Data Recovery, Andrew Blyth

Annual ADFSL Conference on Digital Forensics, Security and Law

Data Protection and Computer Forensics/Anti-Forensics has now become a critical area of concern for organizations. A key element to this is how data is sanitized at end of life. In this paper we explore Hybrid Solid State Hybrid Drives (SSHD) and the impact that various Computer Forensics and Data Recovery techniques have when performing data erasure upon a SSHD.

Knowledge Expiration In Security Awareness Training, Tianjian Zhang

Annual ADFSL Conference on Digital Forensics, Security and Law

No abstract provided.

Positive Identification Of Lsb Image Steganography Using Cover Image Comparisons, Michael Pelosi, Nimesh Poudel, Pratap Lamichhane, Devon Lam, Gary Kessler, Joshua Macmonagle

Annual ADFSL Conference on Digital Forensics, Security and Law

In this paper we introduce a new software concept specifically designed to allow the digital forensics professional to clearly identify and attribute instances of LSB image steganography by using the original cover image in side-by-side comparison with a suspected steganographic payload image. The “CounterSteg” software allows detailed analysis and comparison of both the original cover image and any modified image, using sophisticated bit- and color-channel visual depiction graphics. In certain cases, the steganographic software used for message transmission can be identified by the forensic analysis of LSB and other changes in the payload image. The paper demonstrates usage and typical …

Exploring The Use Of Graph Databases To Catalog Artifacts For Client Forensics, Rose Shumba

Annual ADFSL Conference on Digital Forensics, Security and Law

Cloud computing has revolutionized the methods by which digital data is stored, processed, and transmitted. It is providing users with data storage and processing services, enabling access to resources through multiple devices. Although organizations continue to embrace the advantages of flexibility and scalability offered by cloud computing, insider threats are becoming a serious concern as cited by security researchers. Insiders can use authorized access to steal sensitive information, calling for the need for an investigation. This concept paper describes research in progress towards developing a Neo4j graph database tool to enhance client forensics. The tool, with a Python interface, allows …

Non-Use Of A Mobile Phone During Conducting Crime Can Also Be Evidential, Vinod Polpaya Bhattathiripad Ph D

Annual ADFSL Conference on Digital Forensics, Security and Law

Cyber-clever criminals who are aware of the consequence of using mobile phones during conducting crimes often stay away from their phones while involved in crimes. Some of them even change their handset and SIM card, subsequently. This article looks into how, intentional disassociation (and even unintentional non-use) of mobile phone in (non-cyber) crimes, can become evidential clues of the perpetrators’ involvement in criminal acts. With the help of a recent judicial episode, this article reveals how extremely careful and masterful handling of extensive and voluminous Call Details Records and tower dumps by a cyber-savvy investigating official can unearth evidential clues …

Forensic Analysis Of The Exfat Artifacts, Yves Vandermeer, An Lekhac, Tahar Kechadi, Joe Carthy

Annual ADFSL Conference on Digital Forensics, Security and Law

Although keeping some basic concepts inherited from FAT32, the exFAT file system introduces many differences, such as the new mapping scheme of directory entries. The combination of exFAT mapping scheme with the allocation of bitmap files and the use of FAT leads to new forensic possibilities. The recovery of deleted files, including fragmented ones and carving becomes more accurate compared with former forensic processes. Nowadays, the accurate and sound forensic analysis is more than ever needed, as there is a high risk of erroneous interpretation. Indeed, most of the related work in the literature on exFAT structure and forensics, is …

Measuring Symmetry In Real-World Scenes Using Derivatives Of The Medial Axis Radius Function, Morteza Rezanejad, John D. Wilder, Kaleem Siddiqi, Sven Dickinson, Allan Jepson, Dirk B. Walther

MODVIS Workshop

Symmetry has been shown to be an important principle that guides the grouping of scene information. Previously, we have described a method for measuring the local, ribbon symmetry content of line-drawings of real-world scenes (Rezanejad, et al., MODVIS 2017), and we demonstrated that this information has important behavioral consequences (Wilder, et al., MODIVS 2017). Here, we describe a continuous, local version of the symmetry measure, that allows for both ribbon and taper symmetry to be captured. Our original method looked at the difference in the radius between successive maximal discs along a symmetric axis. The number of radii differences in …

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Forensic Investigation Process: Dji Phantom 3 Drone As A Case Study, Alan Roder, Kim-Kwang Raymond Choo, Nhien-A Le-Khac

Annual ADFSL Conference on Digital Forensics, Security and Law

Drones (also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – UAVs) are a potential source of evidence in a digital investigation, partly due to their increasing popularity in our society. However, existing UAV/drone forensics generally rely on conventional digital forensic investigation guidelines such as those of ACPO and NIST, which may not be entirely fit-for-purpose. In this paper, we identify the challenges associated with UAV/drone forensics. We then explore and evaluate existing forensic guidelines, in terms of their effectiveness for UAV/drone forensic investigations. Next, we present our set of guidelines for UAV/drone investigations. Finally, we demonstrate how the proposed guidelines can be …

Player-Response: On The Nature Of Interactive Narratives As Literature, Lee Feldman

English (MA) Theses

In recent years, having evolved beyond solely play-based interactions, it is now possible to analyze video games alongside other narrative forms, such as novels and films. Video games now involve rich stories that require input and interaction on behalf of the player. This level of agency likens video games to a kind of modern hypertext, networking and weaving various narrative threads together, something which traditional modes of media lack. When examined from the lens of reader-response criticism, this interaction deepens even further, acknowledging the player’s experience as a valid interpretation of a video game’s plot. The wide freedom of choice …

A Multiple Classifier System For Predicting Best-Selling Amazon Products, Michael Kranzlein

Master of Science in Computer Science Theses

In this work, I examine a dataset of Amazon product metadata and propose a heterogeneous multiple classifier system for the task of identifying best-selling products in multiple categories. This system of classifiers consumes the product description and the featured product image as input and feeds them through binary classifiers of the following types: Convolutional Neural Network, Na¨ıve Bayes, Random Forest, Ridge Regression, and Support Vector Machine. While each individual model is largely successful in identifying best-selling products from non best-selling products and from worst-selling products, the multiple classifier system is shown to be stronger than any individual model in the …

Ai-Human Collaboration Via Eeg, Adam Noack

All College Thesis Program, 2016-2019

As AI becomes ever more competent and integrated into our lives, the issue of AI-human goal misalignment looms larger. This is partially because there is often a rift between what humans explicitly command and what they actually mean. Most contemporary AI systems cannot bridge this gap. In this study we attempted to reconcile the goals of human and machine by using EEG signals from a human to help a simulated agent complete a task.

File Fragment Classification Using Neural Networks With Lossless Representations, Luke Hiester

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study explores the use of neural networks as universal models for classifying file fragments. This approach differs from previous work in its lossless feature representation, with fragments’ bits as direct input, and its use of feedforward, recurrent, and convolutional networks as classifiers, whereas previous work has only tested feedforward networks. Due to the study’s exploratory nature, the models were not directly evaluated in a practical setting; rather, easily reproducible experiments were performed to attempt to answer the initial question of whether this approach is worthwhile to pursue further, especially due to its high computational cost. The experiments tested classification …

Stress Levels Of Cs1 Students During Programming- Measurement And A Cause And Effect Analysis, Gopi Satya Sainadh Raju Sarikonda

Theses and Dissertations

Stress is a kind of feeling we experience when we are under pressure. Stress is the word that we use when we feel that we are overloaded mentally in our thoughts and wonder whether we can cope with those placed upon us. The effects of stress are different for different people when we take their age, profession, gender and other aspects into consideration. Many studies show that stress in a learning environment impacts learning negatively.

In this thesis, the role of stress on students in an introductory programming course (CS1) at CSU has been explored. Introductory programming course has a …