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At least 289 records · Page 16

Forensic Analysis of Compromised Computers

Directory Tree Analysis File Generator is a Practical Extraction and Reporting Language (PERL) script that simplifies and automates the collection of information for forensic analysis of compromised computer systems. During such an analysis, it is sometimes necessary to collect and analyze information about files on a specific directory tree. Directory Tree Analysis File Generator collects information of this type (except information about directories) and writes it to a text file. In particular, the script asks the user for the root of the directory tree to be processed, the name of the output file, and the number of subtree levels to process. The script then processes the directory tree and puts out the aforementioned text file. The format of the text file is designed to enable the submission of the file as input to a spreadsheet program, wherein the forensic analysis is performed. The analysis usually consists of sorting files and examination of such characteristics of files as ownership, time of creation, and time of most recent access, all of which characteristics are among the data included in the text file.

Wolfe, Thomas↗

A Categorization of Dynamic Analyzers

Program analysis techniques and tools are essential to the development process because of the support they provide in detecting errors and deficiencies at different phases of development. The types of information rendered through analysis includes the following: statistical measurements of code, type checks, dataflow analysis, consistency checks, test data,verification of code, and debugging information. Analyzers can be broken into two major categories: dynamic and static. Static analyzers examine programs with respect to syntax errors and structural properties., This includes gathering statistical information on program content, such as the number of lines of executable code, source lines. and cyclomatic complexity. In addition, static analyzers provide the ability to check for the consistency of programs with respect to variables. Dynamic analyzers in contrast are dependent on input and the execution of a program providing the ability to find errors that cannot be detected through the use of static analysis alone. Dynamic analysis provides information on the behavior of a program rather than on the syntax. Both types of analysis detect errors in a program, but dynamic analyzers accomplish this through run-time behavior. This paper focuses on the following broad classification of dynamic analyzers: 1) Metrics; 2) Models; and 3) Monitors. Metrics are those analyzers that provide measurement. The next category, models, captures those analyzers that present the state of the program to the user at specified points in time. The last category, monitors, checks specified code based on some criteria. The paper discusses each classification and the techniques that are included under them. In addition, the role of each technique in the software life cycle is discussed. Familiarization with the tools that measure, model and monitor programs provides a framework for understanding the program's dynamic behavior from different, perspectives through analysis of the input/output data.

Lujan, Michelle R.↗

A proposal to conduct a Caribbean plate project involving the application of space technology to the study of Caribbean geology

The Caribbean plate project is designed to improve current understanding of geological resources and geological hazards within the Caribbean region. Models of mineral occurrence and genesis (including energy resources) on a regional scale, which contribute to nonrenewable resource investigations. Models of lithospheric stress and strain on a regional scale, which contribute to forecasting geological hazards such as earthquakes and major volcanic eruptions are developed. Geological information is synthesize, and research tools provided by space technology the study of the Earth's crust are used. The project was organized in a thematic fashion, to focus on specific geological aspects of the Caribbean plate which are considered to be key factors in developing the types of models described. The project adopts a synoptic perspective in seeking to characterize the three dimensional structure, composition, state of stress, and evolution of the entire Caribbean plate. Geological information derived from analysis of space acquired data is combined with information provided by conventional methods to obtain insight into the structure, composition, and evolution of the Earth's crust. In addition, very long baseline interferometry and laser ranging techniques, which are also based upon the use of space technology, obtain information concerning crustal motion that, in turn, provides insight into the distribution and localization of crustal stress.

Wadge, G.↗

Trajectory-Based Performance Assessment for Aviation Weather Information

Based on an analysis of aviation decision-makers' time-related weather information needs, an abstraction of the aviation weather decision task was developed, that involves 4-D intersection testing between aircraft trajectory hypertubes and hazardous weather hypervolumes. The framework builds on the hypothesis that hazardous meteorological fields can be simplified using discrete boundaries of surrogate threat attributes. The abstractions developed in the framework may be useful in studying how to improve the performance of weather forecasts from the trajectory-centric perspective, as well as for developing useful visualization techniques of weather information.

Vigeant-Langlois, Laurence↗

Activities of the Remote Sensing Information Sciences Research Group

Topics on the analysis and processing of remotely sensed data in the areas of vegetation analysis and modelling, georeferenced information systems, machine assisted information extraction from image data, and artificial intelligence are investigated. Discussions on support field data and specific applications of the proposed technologies are also included.

John E Estes↗

Thermal Properties of Lunar Regolith Simulants

Various high temperature chemical processes have been developed to extract oxygen and metals from lunar regolith. These processes are tested using terrestrial analogues of the regolith. But all practical terrestrial analogs contain H2O and/or OH(-), the presence of which has substantial impact on important system behaviors. We have undertaken studies of lunar regolith simulants to determine the limits of the simulants to validate key components for human survivability during sustained presence on the moon. Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) yields information on phase transitions and melting temperatures. Themo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) with mass spectrometric (MS) determination of evolved gas species yields chemical information on various oxygenated volatiles (water, carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and phosphorus oxides) and their evolution temperature profiles. The DTA and TGAMS studies included JSC-1A fine, NU-LHT-2M and its proposed feed stocks: anorthosite; dunite; HQ (high quality) glass and the norite from which HQ glass is produced. Fig 1 is a data profile for anorthosite. The DTA (Fig 1a) indicates exothermic transitions at 355 and 490 C and endothermic transitions at 970 and 1235 C. Below the 355 C transition, water (Molecular Weight, MW, 18 in Fig 1c) is lost accounting for approximately 0.1% mass loss due to water removal (Fig 1b). Just above 490 C a second type of water is lost, presumably bound in lattices of secondary minerals. Between 490 and the 970 transition other volatile oxides are lost including those of hydrogen (third water type), carbon (MW = 44), sulfur (MW = 64 and 80), nitrogen (MW 30 and 46) and possibly phosphorus (MW = 79, 95 or 142). Peaks at MW = 35 and 19 may be attributable to loss of chlorine and fluorine respectively. Negative peaks in the NO (MW = 30) and oxygen (MW = 32) MS profiles may indicate the production of NO2 (MW = 46). Because so many compounds are volatilized in this temperature range quantification of the mass loss associated with individual species is difficult. Similar information will be presented for the other materials studied in this investigation.

Street, Kenneth↗

Thermal Properties of Lunar Regolith Simulants

Various high temperature chemical processes have been developed to extract oxygen and metals from lunar regolith. These processes are tested using terrestrial analogues of the regolith. But all practical terrestrial analogs contain H2O and/or OH-, the presence of which has substantial impact on important system behaviors. We have undertaken studies of lunar regolith simulants to determine the limits of the simulants to validate key components for human survivability during sustained presence on the moon. Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) yields information on phase transitions and melting temperatures. Themo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) with mass spectrometric (MS) determination of evolved gas species yields chemical information on various oxygenated volatiles (water, carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and phosphorus oxides) and their evolution temperature profiles. The DTA and TGAMS studies included JSC-1A fine, NU-LHT-2M and its proposed feed stocks: anorthosite; dunite; HQ (high quality) glass and the norite from which HQ glass is produced. Fig 1 is a data profile for anorthosite. The DTA (Fig 1a) indicates exothermic transitions at 355 and 490 C and endothermic transitions at 970 and 1235 C. Below the 355 C transition, water (Molecular Weight, MW, 18 in Fig 1c) is lost accounting for approximately 0.1% mass loss due to water removal (Fig 1b). Just above 490 C a second type of water is lost, presumably bound in lattices of secondary minerals. Between 490 and the 970 transition other volatile oxides are lost including those of hydrogen (third water type), carbon (MW = 44), sulfur (MW = 64 and 80), nitrogen (MW 30 and 46) and possibly phosphorus (MW = 79, 95 or 142). Peaks at MW = 35 and 19 may be attributable to loss of chlorine and fluorine respectively. Negative peaks in the NO (MW = 30) and oxygen (MW = 32) MS profiles may indicate the production of NO2 (MW = 46). Because so many compounds are volatilized in this temperature range quantification of the mass loss associated with individual species is difficult. Similar information will be presented for the other materials studied in this investigation.

Street, Kenneth↗

CTS TEP thermal anomalies: Heat pipe system performance

A part of the investigation is summarized of the thermal anomalies of the transmitter experiment package (TEP) on the Communications Technology Satellite (CTS) which were observed on four occasions in 1977. Specifically, the possible failure modes of the variable conductance heat pipe system (VCHPS) used for principal thermal control of the high-power traveling wave tube in the TEP are considered. Further, the investigation examines how those malfunctions may have given rise to the TEP thermal anomalies. Using CTS flight data information, ground test results, analysis conclusions, and other relevant information, the investigation concentrated on artery depriming as the most likely VCHPS failure mode. Included in the study as possible depriming mechanisms were freezing of the working fluid, Marangoni flow, and gas evolution within the arteries. The report concludes that while depriming of the heat pipe arteries is consistent with the bulk of the observed data, the factors which cause the arteries to deprime have yet to be identified.

Marcus, B. D.↗

Application of the Tool for Turbine Engine Closed-Loop Transient Analysis (TTECTrA) for Dynamic Systems Analysis

The aircraft engine design process seeks to achieve the best overall system-level performance, weight, and cost for a given engine design. This is achieved by a complex process known as systems analysis, where steady-state simulations are used to identify trade-offs that should be balanced to optimize the system. The steady-state simulations and data on which systems analysis relies may not adequately capture the true performance trade-offs that exist during transient operation. Dynamic Systems Analysis provides the capability for assessing these trade-offs at an earlier stage of the engine design process. The concept of dynamic systems analysis and the type of information available from this analysis are presented in this paper. To provide this capability, the Tool for Turbine Engine Closed-loop Transient Analysis (TTECTrA) was developed. This tool aids a user in the design of a power management controller to regulate thrust, and a transient limiter to protect the engine model from surge at a single flight condition (defined by an altitude and Mach number). Results from simulation of the closed-loop system may be used to estimate the dynamic performance of the model. This enables evaluation of the trade-off between performance and operability, or safety, in the engine, which could not be done with steady-state data alone. A design study is presented to compare the dynamic performance of two different engine models integrated with the TTECTrA software.

systems analysis↗

Two Decades of Land Cover Change and Forest Fragmentation in Liberia: Consequences for the Contribution of Nature to People

The Guinean forests of West Africa have been identified as a global biodiversity hotspot due to its exceptional concentrations of endemic species and exceptional loss of habitats. The majority of what remains of the Guinean forests lies within Liberia, a country whose share of total wealth is nearly equally distributed into human and natural capital. The Liberian government seeks a more inclusive development agenda that forges a path for improved human capital while sustainably managing its natural capital wealth, which requires consistent data on land cover change and forest disturbance over time. To address this need, Landsat data were used to map and quantify land cover change and forest fragmentation in Liberia between 2000 and 2018. In addition, LiDAR data from the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) mission were applied to assess the integrity of forest remnants. Between 2000 and 2018, only 1% of all forest cover classes (i.e., dense/primary, open/secondary and sparse/degraded) were converted into non-forest classes, with the most observed change being between these three forest classes. During the study period, 27% of the dense/primary forest class transitioned to either the open/secondary or sparse/degraded canopy classes through consistent fragmentation along the edges of the last large remaining blocks of dense/primary forest located in the north-west and south-east of Liberia and more than 14% of dense/primary forest areas identified in previous studies as “essential natural capital” for either biodiversity, forest carbon storage or provision of freshwater ecosystem services were degraded. The 2018 GEDI-based measurements show that the overall average height of dense/primary forest decreases by 24% and 48%, and canopy closure decreases by 33% and 59%, when transitioned to the open/secondary and sparse/degraded classes, respectively. The information derived from this analysis will be critical for informing the development of new policies and actions, leading to more sustainable forest management in Liberia.

Celio De Sousa↗

Initial test results for the mini-mast

The objectives of the 20-meter Mini-Mast were: (1) to learn how to efficiently test this type of large truss structure, (2) to relate component testing to the overall behavior of the structure, and (3) to update the associated analytical model based upon the experimental data. The Mini-Mast represents structural characteristics similar to the COFS beam which is planned to be flown on Shuttle to perform on-orbit structures and controls experiments. The information is of interest to LDR because it represents analysis and test information on a truss-type structure which may be similar to the Large Deployable Reflector (LDR) backup structure. The structure has a total of 111 titanium joints; the joint in the center of the truss element is a near-center latch joint. The results of this research indicate that linear deployable-type structures can be built, but difficulties do exist in extracting modes with identical frequencies; gravitational loading does affect the ground test results; and prediction of truss-type-structure dynamic characteristics is not trivial.

Horta, L.↗

Techniques in Assessing Random Uncertainty of Wind Tunnel Replicate Test Data

The preferred method to determine the random uncertainty of variables of interest during wind tunnel tests is by direct analysis of replicate data. However, current information is limited to analysis of a single replicate set condition that does not consider data covariance. This paper provides additional information on considerations for quantifying random uncertainty including the evaluation and correction of replicate data covariance, the selection of replicate set conditions for the test, and the interpolation of random uncertainty at other than replicate set conditions. The analysis and techniques are supported by data from a conventional aircraft configuration test at the Oran Nicks Low-Speed Wind Tunnel and an ASME nozzle flow characterization at the Propulsion Systems Laboratory.

Uncertainty↗

Automatic photointerpretation via texture and morphology analysis

Computer-based techniques for automatic photointerpretation based upon information derived from texture and morphology analysis of images are discussed. By automatic photointerpretation, is meant the determination of semantic descriptions of the content of the images by computer. To perform semantic analysis of morphology, a heirarchical structure of knowledge representation was developed. The simplest elements in a morphology are strokes, which are used to form alphabets. The alphabets are the elements for generating words, which are used to describe the function or property of an object or a region. The words are the elements for constructing sentences, which are used for semantic description of the content of the image. Photointerpretation based upon morphology is then augmented by textural information. Textural analysis is performed using a pixel-vector approach.

Tou, J. T.↗

Analysis of a document/reporting system

An in-depth analysis of the information system within the Data Processing Branch is presented. Quantitative measures are used to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the information system. It is believed that this is the first documented study which utilizes quantitative measures for full scale system analysis. The quantitative measures and techniques for collecting and qualifying the basic data, as described, are applicable to any information system. Therefore this report is considered to be of interest to any persons concerned with the management design, analysis or evaluation of information systems.

Narrow, B.↗

Laboratory Reflectance Spectra of 160 Minerals, 0.4 to 2.5 Micrometers

This reports provides reflectance spectra of 160 minerals in both digital and printed form. In order to demonstrate the effect of particle size on reflectance, the spectral data for 135 of the minerals are presented at three different grain sizes. These are 125-500 microns, 45-125 microns and less than 45 microns. Ancillary information is provided with each mineral spectrum, which includes the mineral name, minerology, supplier, sampling locality and our designated sample number. The purity of every mineral sample was evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The composition of certain minerals known to deviate strongly from idealized end-member compositions was determined by electron microprobe analysis. The compositional information obtained by microbe analysis and accessory minerals identified by XRD are noted with the ancillary information. In addition, the spectrum acquired from the coarsest grain size available for each sample was processed with a feature-finding algorithm to quantify the characteristics of the spectral absorption features. All the reflectance spectra presented here are provided in digital form on IBM-compatible 3.5" diskettes. Also included on diskette is a program for displaying the spectral data and searching for spectral features that runs on an IBM-compatible PC with standard VCA graphics.

reflectance spectra↗

TRMM-Based Merged Precipitation Analyses

This paper describes results of using Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) information as the key calibration tool in a merged analysis on a 1X1 latitude/longitude monthly scale based on multiple satellite sources and raingauge analyses. The TRMM-based product is compared with surface-based validation data sets and the community-based 20-year Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP)monthly analyses. The TRMM-based merged analysis uses the TRMM information to calibrate the estimates from SSM/I and geosynchronous IR observations and merges those estimates together with the TRMM and gauge information to produce accurate rainfall estimates with the increased sampling provided by the combined satellite information. This TRMM merged analysis uses the combined instrument (Precipitation Radar [PR] and TRMM Microwave Imager [TMI]) retrieval of Haddad as the TRMM estimate with which to calibrate the other satellite estimates. This TRMM Combined instrument (TCI) estimate is shown to produce very similar absolute values to the other main TRMM products. The TRMM and other satellites merged analysis compares favorably to the atoll data set of Morrissey for the months of 1998 with a very small positive bias of 2%. However, comparison with the preliminary results from the TRMM ground validation radar information at Kwajalein atoll in the western Pacific Ocean shows a 26% positive bias. Therefore, absolute magnitudes from TRMM and/or the ground validation need to be treated with care at this point. A month by month comparison of the TRMM merged analysis and the GPCP analysis indicates very similar patterns, but with subtle differences in magnitude. Focusing on the Pacific Ocean ITCZ one can see the TRMM-based estimates having higher peak values and lower values in the ITCZ periphery. These attributes also show up in the statistics, where GPCP>TRMM at low values (below 10 mm/d) and TRMM>GPCP at high values (greater than 15 mm/d). Integrated over the 37N-37S belt for all of 1998 the TRMM value is 3.1 mm/day compared to 2.9 mm/day for GPCP, with the results when confined to ocean being 3.3 and 3.0, respectively. Therefore, TRMM has approximately 10% higher tropical oceanic precipitation than GPCP. Examples of TRMM monthly fields in analysis of geographic and temporal variations will also be discussed. Results for 1998 indicate that TRMM has a different ratio of western Pacific to eastern Pacific rainfall than GPCP, perhaps indicating that TRMM's ability to discern the vertical structure of the rain may lead to better estimates in the eastern Pacific. In addition the rainfall anomalies associated with the '98-'99 ENSO event are shown to be larger with the TRMM results as compared to the GPCP analyses.

Adler, Robert↗

LANDSAT technology transfer to the private and public sectors through community colleges and other locally available institutions, phase 2 program

A program established by NASA with the Environmental Research Institute of Michigan (ERIM) applies a network where the major participants are NASA, universities or research institutes, community colleges, and local private and public organizations. Local users are given an opportunity to obtain "hands on" training in LANDSAT data analysis and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques using a desk top, interactive remote analysis station (RAS). The RAS communicates with a central computing facility via telephone line, and provides for generation of land use and land suitability maps and other data products via remote command. During the period from 22 September 1980 - 6 March 1982, 15 workshops and other training activities were successfully conducted throughout Michigan providing hands on training on the RAS terminals for 250 or more people and user awareness activities such as exhibits and demonstrations for 2,000 or more participants.

Rogers, R. H.↗

Designers' models of the human-computer interface

Understanding design models of the human-computer interface (HCI) may produce two types of benefits. First, interface development often requires input from two different types of experts: human factors specialists and software developers. Given the differences in their backgrounds and roles, human factors specialists and software developers may have different cognitive models of the HCI. Yet, they have to communicate about the interface as part of the design process. If they have different models, their interactions are likely to involve a certain amount of miscommunication. Second, the design process in general is likely to be guided by designers' cognitive models of the HCI, as well as by their knowledge of the user, tasks, and system. Designers do not start with a blank slate; rather they begin with a general model of the object they are designing. The author's approach to a design model of the HCI was to have three groups make judgments of categorical similarity about the components of an interface: human factors specialists with HCI design experience, software developers with HCI design experience, and a baseline group of computer users with no experience in HCI design. The components of the user interface included both display components such as windows, text, and graphics, and user interaction concepts, such as command language, editing, and help. The judgments of the three groups were analyzed using hierarchical cluster analysis and Pathfinder. These methods indicated, respectively, how the groups categorized the concepts, and network representations of the concepts for each group. The Pathfinder analysis provides greater information about local, pairwise relations among concepts, whereas the cluster analysis shows global, categorical relations to a greater extent.

Gillan, Douglas J.↗