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Botnets Unveiled: a Comprehensive Survey on Evolving Threats and Defense Strategies
No full textHeidari, Arash/0000-0003-4279-8551Botnets have emerged as a significant internet security threat, comprising networks of compromised computers under the control of command and control (C&C) servers. These malevolent entities enable a range of malicious activities, from denial of service (DoS) attacks to spam distribution and phishing. Each bot operates as a malicious binary code on vulnerable hosts, granting remote control to attackers who can harness the combined processing power of these compromised hosts for synchronized, highly destructive attacks while maintaining anonymity. This survey explores botnets and their evolution, covering aspects such as their life cycles, C&C models, botnet communication protocols, detection methods, the unique environments botnets operate in, and strategies to evade detection tools. It analyzes research challenges and future directions related to botnets, with a particular focus on evasion and detection techniques, including methods like encryption and the use of covert channels for detection and the reinforcement of botnets. By reviewing existing research, the survey provides a comprehensive overview of botnets, from their origins to their evolving tactics, and evaluates how botnets evade detection and how to counteract their activities. Its primary goal is to inform the research community about the changing landscape of botnets and the challenges in combating these threats, offering guidance on addressing security concerns effectively through the highlighting of evasion and detection methods. The survey concludes by presenting future research directions, including using encryption and covert channels for detection and strategies to strengthen botnets. This aims to guide researchers in developing more robust security measures to combat botnets effectively. Exploring botnets: evolution, tactics, countermeasures. This survey dives into botnets, covering life cycles, communication, and evasion tactics. It highlights challenges and future strategies for combating cyber threats. imageScience Citation Index Expande
Introduction: the Burden of History, Image, Geopolitics and Misperception in the Aegean
No full textThis short paper provides an overview of the complex and often turbulent relations between Greece and Turkey, focussing on recent developments and the challenges in their bilateral relationship. It discusses the historical context, including attempts at reconciliation, and examines the role of perceptions, geopolitics, and historical grievances in shaping the current situation. It emphasises the cyclical nature of Greek-Turkish relations, with periods of calm followed by tensions and crises. It highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to resolving the existing disputes between the two countries, including the importance of confidence-building measures and a political settlement. Overall, it underlines the complexity of Greek-Turkish relations and the challenges in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region, calling for a new paradigm in bilateral relations that addresses historical grievances, promotes mutual understanding, and fosters cooperation for the benefit of both countries and the region
Hydro-Securitization in the Nile River Basin: a Critical Discourse Analysis of the Gerd Dispute Among Egypt,sudan and Ethiopia
No full textBu tez, Nil Nehri Havzasındaki su çatışmasını, özellikle Büyük Etiyopya Rönesans Barajı (GERD) ve bu barajın kıyıdaş devletler üzerindeki etkilerini incelemektedir. Nil'in su çatışmaları ve GERD'in etkileri üzerine kapsamlı araştırmalar yapılmış olmasına rağmen, bu bağlamda güvenlik teorisinin uygulanması yeterince ele alınmamıştır. Bu çalışma, Buzan ve arkadaşlarının (1998) güvenlik teorisini, Mirumachi ve Allan'ın (2007) ikili çatışma yaklaşımını ve Reyes'in (2011) eleştirel söylem analizinden türetilmiş meşrulaştırma stratejilerini kullanarak GERD etrafındaki söylemi analiz etmektedir. Araştırma, Batı dışı ülkelerin su kıtlığı ve anlaşmazlıklarla nasıl başa çıktığını anlamadaki bir boşluğu doldurmakta ve su kaynaklarının güvenlik altına alınmasının zamanlamasını ve motivasyonlarını incelemektedir. 2013 yılından Ekim 2023'e kadar Etiyopya, Mısır ve Sudan'ın GERD ile ilgili söylemleri analiz edildiğinde, su güvenlik altına almanın bağlamsal tetikleyicilerden etkilenen doğrusal olmayan bir süreç olduğu ortaya çıkmaktadır. Bu tetikleyiciler arasında su kıtlığı, gıda güvenliği, siyasi değişiklikler ve jeopolitik rekabet bulunmaktadır. Felaket olayları, siyasi değişimler ve güç asimetrisini etkileyen jeopolitik rekabet, güvenlik altına alma sürecini önemli ölçüde etkilemiştir. Bulgular, Daoudi'nin (2009) güç asimetrilerinin etkileşimleri şekillendirdiğini destekleyerek, pazarlık gücü ve zamanla gelişen çıkarların bu dinamiklerde kritik rol oynadığını vurgulamaktadır. Çalışma, güvenlik teorisinin yüksek rütbeli ulusal yetkililer tarafından yönlendirildiğini göstererek, yerel aktörlerin bu süreci yönlendirmediğini ortaya koymaktadır. GERD anlaşmazlığı devam etmekte ve Mısır ile Sudan konuyu giderek daha fazla güvenlik altına almaktadır. Anahtar Sözcükler: Mısır-Etiyopya su çatışması, Etiyopya Barajı (GERD), Su söyleminin güvenlikleştirilmesi, Su güvenliğThis thesis investigates the water conflict in the Nile River Basin, focusing on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and its implications for riparian states. While extensive research has explored the Nile's water conflicts and the impact of the GERD, the application of securitization theory in this context remains underexplored. This study employs Buzan et al.'s (1998) securitization theory, enhanced by Mirumachi and Allan's (2007) dual conflict approach and Reyes's (2011) legitimization strategies from critical discourse analysis, to analyze the discourse surrounding the GERD. The research addresses a gap in understanding how non-Western countries handle water scarcity and disputes, specifically investigating the timing and motivations behind the securitization of water resources and its impact on the GERD conflict. Analysis of the rhetoric from Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan regarding the GERD, from the onset of official negotiations in 2013 through October 2023, reveals that water securitization is a non-linear process influenced by contextual triggers such as water scarcity, food security, political changes, and geopolitical rivalry. Catastrophic events, political shifts and geopolitical rivalry affecting power asymmetry have significantly impacted the securitization process. The findings support Daoudi's (2009) assertion that power asymmetries influence upstream and downstream interactions, emphasizing that bargaining power and evolving interests are crucial in shaping these dynamics. The study challenges Buzan et al.'s (1998) theory by demonstrating that high-ranking national officials, rather than local actors, are the primary drivers of securitization. Despite notable de-securitization efforts, the GERD dispute persists, with Egypt and Sudan increasingly securitizing the issue. The study also supports Mirumachi & Allan (2007) by showing that conflict and cooperation are distinct yet coexisting phenomena. Moreover, it challenges the notion that non-Western regimes avoid water securitization, revealing that such regimes use securitization to manage domestic dissent and legitimize exceptional measures. Keywords: The Egyptian-Ethiopia water Conflict, The Ethiopian dam (GERD), Securitization of water discourse, Water securit
An Evaluation of AI Models' Performance for Three Geothermal Sites
No full textduzgun, sebnem/0000-0001-7013-9241; Demir, Ebubekir/0000-0002-1680-3719Current artificial intelligence (AI) applications in geothermal exploration are tailored to specific geothermal sites, limiting their transferability and broader applicability. This study aims to develop a globally applicable and transferable geothermal AI model to empower the exploration of geothermal resources. This study presents a methodology for adopting geothermal AI that utilizes known indicators of geothermal areas, including mineral markers, land surface temperature (LST), and faults. The proposed methodology involves a comparative analysis of three distinct geothermal sites-Brady, Desert Peak, and Coso. The research plan includes self-testing to understand the unique characteristics of each site, followed by dependent and independent tests to assess cross-compatibility and model transferability. The results indicate that Desert Peak and Coso geothermal sites are cross-compatible due to their similar geothermal characteristics, allowing the AI model to be transferable between these sites. However, Brady is found to be incompatible with both Desert Peak and Coso. The geothermal AI model developed in this study demonstrates the potential for transferability and applicability to other geothermal sites with similar characteristics, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of geothermal resource exploration. This advancement in geothermal AI modeling can significantly contribute to the global expansion of geothermal energy, supporting sustainable energy goals.US Department of Energy [DE-EE0008760]This research was funded by the US Department of Energy grant number DE-EE0008760, and the APC was funded by DE-EE0008760.Science Citation Index Expande
Kerma, Projected Range, Mass Stopping Power and Gamma-Ray Shielding Properties of Antimony and Tellurium Reinforced Iron Phosphate Glasses
No full textYILMAZ ALAN, Hatice/0000-0002-9783-4620; KILIC, Gokhan/0000-0002-6762-6898In this study, the radiation shielding effectiveness of iron phosphate glass (Fe 2 O 3 - P 2 O 5 ) doped with antimony (Sb) and tellurium (Te) is assessed in detail using advanced computational methods. The projected range, mass stopping power, and KERMA (Kinetic Energy Released per unit MAss) for fourteen different iron phosphate glass samples are calculated through the PAGEX and SRIM software. Mass attenuation coefficients, linear attenuation coefficients, mean free path, half value layers, tenth value layers, and effective atomic number are determined in 0.015 - 15 MeV energy range. The research reveals that doping iron phosphate glass with Sb 2 O 3 significantly enhances its shielding capabilities when compared to the inclusion of TeO 2 . Another important aspect is, the IPGSb50 sample exhibited the highest KERMA values, indicating its exceptional capacity for energy absorption from ionizing radiation. Additionally, the IPGSb50 sample exhibited the lowest projected range for alpha particles, also this sample demonstrated a similar prowess in limiting the penetration of proton particles. Our findings indicate that the incorporation of Sb 2 O 3 and TeO 2 into iron phosphate glass matrices results in a noticeable improvement in gamma radiation shielding effectiveness. These doped glasses could serve as potent alternatives to traditional lead -based shielding materials, offering a safer and potentially more effective barrier against a variety of radiation types.Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia [PNURSP2024R149]Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Researchers Supporting Project number (PNURSP2024R149), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabi
The New Politics of Home: Housing, Gender and Care in Times of Crisis
No full text[No Abstract Available
Improving Fine Motor Control in Virtual Reality: the Impact of Hand Visibility and Wrist-Worn Haptic Feedback
No full textBu tez, el görünürlüğünü değiştirme ve bilekte takılan dokunsal geri bildirim uygulayarak sanal gerçeklik ortamlarında ince motor kontrolünü geliştirmeyi araştırmaktadır. Çalışma, hassas manipülasyon ve ince kontrol gerektiren VR uygulamalarındaki zorlukları ele almayı amaçlamaktadır, genellikle dokunsal geri bildirimin eksikliği ve mevcut etkileşim yöntemlerinin sınırlamaları tarafından engellenmektedir. Kullanıcı performansını değerlendirmek amacıyla, el görselleştirme tekniklerinin ve bilekte takılan cihazlardan gelen titreşimli geri bildirimin etkisini incelemek için bir dizi deney gerçekleştirilmiştir. Sonuçlar, ince motor görevler sırasında el görünürlüğünün çarpışma sayısını önemli ölçüde etkilediğini, şeffaf ellerin opak olanlardan daha iyi performans sağladığını göstermiştir. Ayrıca, dokunsal geri bildirimin entegrasyonu, kullanıcı güvenini artırmış ve çarpışma oranlarını azaltmıştır, ancak ek duyusal işlem gerektirdiğinden görev tamamlama süresini uzatmıştır. Bulgular, el görünürlüğünü optimize etmenin ve etkili dokunsal geri bildirimi dahil etmenin, VR'de ince motor kontrolünü önemli ölçüde geliştirebileceğini ve genel kullanıcı deneyimini iyileştirebileceğini önermektedir.This thesis investigates improving fine motor control in virtual reality (VR) environments by altering hand visibility and implementing wrist-worn haptic feedback. The study aims to address the challenges in VR applications that require precise manipulation and delicate control, often hindered by the lack of tactile feedback and limitations of current interaction methods. A series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of different hand visualization techniques and vibrotactile feedback from wrist-worn devices on user performance in VR. The results demonstrated that hand visibility significantly influences the number of collisions during fine motor tasks, with transparent hands yielding better performance than opaque ones. Moreover, the integration of haptic feedback improved user confidence and reduced collision rates, although it increased task completion time due to the additional sensory processing required. The findings suggest that optimizing hand visibility and incorporating effective haptic feedback can substantially improve fine motor control in VR, enhancing the overall user experience
The Political Economic Sources of Policy Non-Design and the Decay in Policy Capacity in Turkey
No full textThis chapter studies the political economic sources of policy design with a specific focus on the policy non-design and on the haphazard instrument choices in Turkey during the two overlapping crises: Covid-19 crisis and the currency crisis-induced economic crisis in 2018. The chapter argues that the haphazard crisis response and policy non-design was a deliberate choice of the authoritarian Turkish government, which originated from its prioritisation of higher economic growth to serve electoral and political economic constituencies. In addition, haphazard instrument choice and policy non-design caused decay in systemic and organisational policy capacity. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024
Facial Basis of Stereotypes: Judgements of Warmth and Competence Based on Cross-Group Typicality/Distinctiveness of Faces
No full textTurecek, Petr/0000-0003-2118-9909Human migration is an increasingly common phenomenon and migrants are at risk of disadvantageous treatment. We reasoned that migrants may receive differential treatment by locals based on the closeness of their facial features to the host average. Residents of T & uuml;rkiye, the country with the largest number of refugees currently, served as participants. Because many of these refugees are of Arabic origin, we created target facial stimuli varying along the axis connecting Turkish and Arabic morphological prototypes (excluding skin colour) computed using geometric morphometrics and available databases. Participants made judgements of two universal dimensions of social perception-warmth and competence-on these faces. We predicted that participants judging faces manipulated towards the Turkish average would provide higher warmth and competence ratings compared to judging the same faces manipulated towards the Arabic average. Bayesian statistical tools were employed to estimate parameter values in multilevel models with intercorrelated varying effects. The findings did not support the prediction and revealed raters (as well as target faces) to be an important source of variation in social judgements. In the absence of simple cues (e.g. skin colour, group labels), the effect of facial morphology on social judgements may be much more complex than previously assumed.Grantov Agentura Ccaron;esk Republiky [21-10527S]; Czech Science FoundationThe research was supported by the Czech Science Foundation project reg. no 21-10527S. The funders have/had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish or preparation of the manuscript.Social Science Citation Inde
Tourism Motivation: a Complex Adaptive System
No full textKozak, Metin/0000-0002-9866-7529; Khalilzadeh, Jalayer/0000-0001-5497-3228This article discusses the history and status quo of traditional tourism motivation theories as well as their shortcomings. By adopting a collective approach to motivation, this study proposes a framework that examines tourism motivations from a complex adaptive system's perspective. To conduct this study, the destinationmotivation semantic system was designed as a bipartite scale-free network that takes in inputs such as values, costs, benefits, experiences, reasons to avoid/approach, attitudes, and expectations, and delivers the outputs of motivational force (valence) and destination utility. Next, by employing expectancy and utility theories and applying the principles of information theory, statistical mechanics, and thermodynamics, several appraisals were developed to determine the system's state, structure, and functionality. Finally, a toy model that presents the empirical proof of the proposed framework is depicted