University at Albany, State University of New York
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The Study of Different IT Audit Methodologies
Get PDFThis thesis delves into the obstacles organizations and tiny businesses encounter when conducting security audits of their networks. It addresses critical challenges relating to these audits\u27 cost, time, and resources. The study thoroughly examines the audit process, elucidating its strengths and weaknesses, the available tools, and the pertinent laws and frameworks necessary for ensuring compliance. It specifically focuses on small businesses\u27 approach to conducting these audits and the specific hurdles they face. The findings spotlight two primary audit methodologies, technical and regulatory, which scrutinize data security, network security, and physical security within a business. The thesis elaborates on tools such as John the Ripper, Sprinto, and iAuditor in conducting audits. Furthermore, it analyzes the impact of these audits on small businesses, how businesses tailor the audit processes to their requirements, and the challenges, including cost implications, they encounter
Deconstructing Whiteness in Teacher Education
Get PDFThis study sets out to understand how five teacher educators deconstruct whiteness in their courses and how their institutions support or hinder their work. Undergirding the study is the silence of whiteness residing in education and the urgency to notice, name, and disrupt it (Kohli et. al, 2021; Sleeter, 2017). The racial demographics in K-12 is 80% White for educators, and 54% students of color (National Center for Education Statistics, 2021). Therefore, most educators are teaching from experiences or identities that differ than their students. Since teaching is a personal endeavor, bringing our identities and experiences into the classroom, (Ahmed, 2018; Buchanan-Rivera, 2022; Nieto, 2010) it is essential to interrogate how those identities and experiences influence their teaching and acknowledge how the demographic divide between educators and students impacts the educational experiences and outcomes of students of color (Milner, 2008; Siddle-Walker, 1996).
Beyond the examination of White educators’ racial identities, all educators must understand the historical contexts of systemic racism and whiteness and the impact and insidiousness of it within education. Building this capacity of understanding is necessary for any current and future educator to develop and this study set out to understand the following research questions:
(1) How teacher educators engage in deconstructing whiteness in their courses What happens when teacher educators enact antiracist pedagogy? How do teacher educators describe the culture that supports or sustains them as they seek to disrupt whiteness?
(2) How do teacher educators’ identities manifest in their course design?
The five teacher educators in this study resided in New York State and worked in both public and private institutions; three identified as White woman and two identified as Black women. Over the course of one year, four interviews and three observations per participant, four themes emerged from the findings of this study that indicated how they approached deconstructing whiteness as well barriers: (a) Demonstrated a commitment to address racism and whiteness in courses (b) Provided opportunities for students to engage in critical consciousness and their positionality through conversations and course assignments (c) Lead their courses with reflexivity and (d) Challenges of navigating colleagues in a layered system of whiteness. Drawing on the study’s theoretical framework of critical race theory and critical whiteness study, several recommendations surfaced while answering the research questions. First is the importance to notice and name whiteness in their courses. This study showed that noticing and naming is an essential place to begin, however, to attain racial justice teacher educators must also act and understand how they are perpetuating or disrupting whiteness. Second, how we engage in conversation about whiteness, racism, and racial identities is essential in avoiding perpetuating whiteness and harm for students of color. “Without intentional frameworks of self-reflection to guide their praxis in a healthy direction (Lyiscott, 2019, p.34), education will continue supporting “well intentioned” educators swimming in whiteness. Third, the voices of teacher educators of color must be centered and prioritized, and collectively both White educators and educators of color must address racisms and whiteness in all courses while simultaneously necessary for White educators to engage in the internal work of racial literacy development.
There were three implications for teacher education that surfaced from this study: (a) development of racial literacy for faculty (b) development of discourse in deconstructing whiteness (c) support, recruit, and retain educators of color. The implication on the impact of policy surfacing from this study is the importance of moving from beyond the rhetoric of centering racial justice to investing in structural change
Predictability of Downslope Windstorms and Mechanisms Controlling Their Onset
Get PDFDownslope windstorms in the western United States often contribute to the ignition and ex- acerbation of existing wildfires due to their hot, dry, and gusty nature. Accurate forecasts of these windstorms are imperative for mitigating wildfire risk. However, forecasting downslope windstorms remains challenging due to their sensitivity to environmental conditions.
The Sundowner Windstorms of the Santa Barbara, California region have been asso- ciated with many large wildfires in the area. This study analyzes special observations from the Sundowner Wind Experiment field campaign to better understand the diurnal cycle of these windstorms. Analysis of the strongest windstorm during the campaign indicates that the diurnal cycle of the marine boundary layer significantly influences the environment prior to windstorm onset. High-resolution simulations of this event further reveal that the marine layer air acted to delay the onset of downslope winds. The role of the marine layer was fur- ther tested using semi-idealized simulations to simulate an early sunset, leading to the early onset of downslope winds. Finally, the predictability of Sundowner windstorms was found to be limited using current forecasting tools. However, a simple statistical model demonstrated utility in providing accurate predictions of strong downslope wind occurrences.
Additionally, the downslope windstorm associated with the 2021 Marshall Fire in Boul- der, Colorado, also exhibited limited predictability from operational forecasts. This limited predictability was traced to subtle shifts in upper-level winds, which controlled whether a strong downslope windstorm occurred. A novel approach of downscaling coarse synoptic scale forecasts, focusing on the period surrounding the windstorm, was found to be as ac- curate or better than traditional downscaling of the full forecast. Furthermore, we show that a Machine Learning Weather Prediction model, such as Google’s GraphCast, can be competitive with traditional operational forecasting models
Remediating Fibrosis to Restore Salivary Gland Function
Get PDFFibrosis is defined by the overgrowth, hardening, and scarring of various tissues and is attributed to excess deposition of extracellular matrix components including collagen. In the case of persistent injury or autoimmunity, as in Sjogren’s Disease, the ECM persists. Fibrosis can be studied in multiple animal models. Our lab has published the use of a mouse submandibular salivary gland partial resection model. In this procedure 40% of the left distal tip of the submandibular salivary gland (SMG) is excised. This leads to a chronic sustained fibrotic response in a localized region. The use of the non-obese diabetic mouse (NOD) has been widely used as a model for the research of Sjogren’s Disease (SjD) which develops secondary to Type 1 diabetes. The mouse develops progressive infiltrates in the salivary glands over time that are associated with loss of SMG function, leading to hyposalivation. The exact cause of hyposalivation is unknown. However, fibrosis has been shown to play an important role in the decreased function of many organs in various diseases. This includes hyposalivation in SjD, decreased lung function in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and decreased kidney function in chronic kidney disease (CKD). In these diseases fibroblasts migrate and differentiate into myofibroblasts. Some of the factors which promote a fibrotic response include the following: transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition is promoted by TGF-β as well as the transition of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. The use of antifibrotic drugs have been FDA approved for IPF. One of these drugs is the small molecule Nintedanib. Nintedanib targets multiple tyrosine kinases, including the platelet-derived growth factor receptors, vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1 and 2, and fibroblast growth factor receptors 1–3. Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that can self-renew and give rise to specialized cell types such as bone, cartilage, and muscles Tissue-resident MSCs are found in many locations throughout the body; here we extracted them from Submandibular Salivary Glands as part of a mixed stromal population. MSCs help maintain connective tissue during homeostasis. After injury or negative assault on tissue they are responsible for creating biologically active molecules to aid in regeneration and restoration. In previous work, mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to reduce fibrosis when implanted into multiple injury models in multiple tissues. By implanting them in the resection model, at the location of injury we hypothesized we would detect an increased healing response relative to an untreated injured gland. The efficacy of treatment for hyposalivation in mice can be measured by collecting and analyzing saliva. Determining the best collection method for reproducibility and survival is crucial. The saliva collected can also be analyzed using Raman Spectroscopy to detect minute molecular differences in healthy vs. disease model animals. This may allow for the detection of disease early, allowing for current treatments to be more effective and possibly extend the life of healthy tissues
Leveraging Redundancy as a Link Between Spreading Dynamics on and of Networks
Get PDFA constant quest in network science has been in the development of methods to identify the most relevant components in a dynamical system solely via the interaction structure amongst its subsystems. This information allows the development of control and intervention strategies in biochemical signaling and epidemic spreading. We highlight the relevant components in heterogeneous dynamical system by their patterns of redundancy, which can connect how dynamics affect network topology and which pathways are necessary to spreading phenomena on networks. In order to measure the redundancies in a large class of empirical systems, we develop the backbone of directed networks methodology, which finds the interactions needed to compute the shortest paths in a directed graph and removes others which are deemed topologically redundant. We show that this methodology is not only able to quantify, but also qualify the interactions according to their relevance for spreading processes on empirical networks. In terms of biochemical regulation networks, spreading processes can happen as the response of those systems to local perturbations. Studying empirical networks, we show that the effect of local perturbations are minor at the attractor regime in comparison to quick transients. Nevertheless, accounting for the redundancy in the collective dynamics featured in each of those networks is shown here to be a good predictor of the quick transient and attractor response to perturbations. Those are measured by the topology of the effective graph and shortest path propagation in this network representation. Ultimately, we can define the backbone of the effective graph, which is a reduced graph representation that preserves the spreading dynamics approximation in the effective graph. This subgraph combines the topological and dynamical redundancy from biochemical regulation networks, in doing so it provides a recipe to link the dynamics on and of networks
Keynote: Towards Sustainable Solutions: Leveraging Data Innovations for Earth\u27s Future
No full textIn the face of escalating environmental and climatic challenges, the quest for sustainable solutions has become an urgent global mandate. In this presentation, I endeavor to delve into the dynamic convergence of open science principles and cutting-edge technologies, notably Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) and Quantum Computing, as pivotal drivers in shaping a sustainable trajectory for our planet.
Open science principles, anchored in transparency, collaboration, and accessibility, serve as linchpins in fostering interdisciplinary cooperation and expediting innovation. By embracing these principles, we can harness the collective intellect of researchers, policymakers, and communities worldwide, catalyzing transformative solutions for environmental sustainability.
Emerging technologies such as AI/ML and Quantum Computing offer unprecedented capacities in dissecting vast datasets, discerning patterns, and guiding evidence-based decision-making processes. From fine-tuning resource allocation and prognosticating environmental shifts to fortifying climate resilience and expediting the maturation of renewable energy technologies, these avant-garde tools emerge as formidable allies in advancing sustainability objectives.
Through poignant case studies and tangible illustrations, I aim to illuminate how the symbiosis between open science principles and emerging technologies propels us toward actionable insights and collaborative ventures in the pursuit of a sustainable future. By adeptly harnessing these tools and surmounting obstacles through concerted capacity-building efforts and interdisciplinary collaboration, we collectively forge pathways toward a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable world for Earth and its inhabitants.
My aspiration is to kindle inspiration among attendees, instilling a profound appreciation for the transformative potential of open science and emerging technologies, thereby fostering a shared commitment to driving sustainable solutions that safeguard the future of our planet
BLE Device Fingerprinting: A Solution for MAC Randomization
Get PDFBluetooth low-energy devices are difficult to track due to the nature of their MAC addresses. We have developed software that can analyze packet captures to fingerprint these devices, allowing us to effectively identify them. This breakthrough has both positive and negative security implications
Using Temperature Sensor Networks for Monitoring the Effects of Vegetation Structure on Microclimate: A Study in the Long Island Pine Barrens
Get PDFThe important role of green spaces for children well-being and concern regarding the increasing number of children that have access to digital device drive this research to explore the association of children\u27s access to green spaces and their dependency on digital devices in Makassar City. This research employ a mixed-method approach to quantify green spaces access, examine correlation with digital device usage, and identify study participant views and experience regarding this issues. However, this research acknowledges limitation of access to certain segment of population which impacts the representation of communities from all social backgroun
How the Media Turns Serial Killers into Celebrities
Get PDFSerial killers are subjects of widespread news media coverage. News Media portrays these serial killers in a positive light instead of focusing on the facts of the case. This study explores how news media turn serial killers into celebrities by qualitatively analyzing news media articles on LexisNexis. Understanding how the media portrays serial killers in media can help prevent making serial killers into celebrities and stop revictimizing the families of the victims
Protecting Foreign Victims of Trafficking in Iceland: An Interpretive Analysis of Policy Efforts
Get PDFSocial justice and human rights are fundamental principles of social work. Today’s globalized world requires social workers to expand their local perspectives and to be alert to the negative sides of globalization, such as trafficking in person (TIP), which affects all countries around the world. TIP is a severe form of exploitation and a grave human rights violation (Jones et al., 2007). Iceland has been categorized as a transit and destination country for foreign victims who are mainly trafficked for sexual and labor exploitation (U.S. Department of State, 2016b).
Although much has been written on TIP, some scholars have pointed out that the empirical foundation is often lacking (Yea, 2017). This is especially true for Iceland, where TIP is an understudied field. Without robust data, there is a real risk that policy solutions will be devised that do not mirror realities on the ground, resulting in misdirected efforts with limited positive impact (Goodey, 2011). Icelandic authorities have ratified the leading international and regional treaties against trafficking and adopted three anti-trafficking action plans. However, findings from international monitoring reports suggest that Iceland has been more effective in amending legislation to allow for ratification of international anti-trafficking treaties rather than putting policy into practice (GRETA, 2019; U.S. Department of State, 2019).
This dissertation explores the challenges of delivering the goals of protection for foreign victims of TIP in Iceland. To inform the gap between policy and practice, this study examined the anti-trafficking policy process in Iceland, i.e., the framing of TIP, the nature of policy choices, the implementation of policy goals, and the outcome for victims. This was achieved by obtaining the views and experiences of professionals in the anti-trafficking field and by reviewing international and Icelandic documents.
As TIP is a multidimensional social problem requiring a multi-disciplinary approach, I used a social constructionist (SC) framework inspired by concepts from the capabilities approach (CA) to examine the anti-trafficking policy process. The following research questions were used to obtain an understanding of efforts to protect foreign victims of trafficking in Iceland: 1) What challenges do professionals experience in the anti-trafficking field? 2) What are the structural constraints foreign victims of trafficking face in Iceland? and 3) What are the potential enabling social conversion factors for victims of TIP in Iceland?
The data analysis revealed three main themes that describe the anti-trafficking policy process in Iceland: 1) TIP as a Foreign Social Problem, 2) Anti-trafficking Policy as Window Dressing, and 3) Victims are Not Converting Resources to Functionings. Based on the findings, Iceland has been more effective at amending legislation and adopting NAPs to meet international standards and improve ratings. It appears Iceland’s anti-trafficking efforts have served more purpose for nation branding than actually improving the living conditions for victims of TIP in Iceland