Yet another cybersecurity risk assessment framework

IT systems pervade our society more and more, and we become heavily dependent on them. At the same time, these systems are increasingly targeted in cyberattacks, making us vulnerable. Enterprise and cybersecurity responsibles face the problem of defining techniques that raise the level of security. They need to decide which mechanism provides the most efficient defense with limited resources. Basically, the risks need to be assessed to determine the best cost-to-benefit ratio. One way to achieve this is through threat modeling; however, threat modeling is not commonly used in the enterprise IT risk domain. Furthermore, the existing threat modeling methods have shortcomings. This paper introduces a metamodel-based approach named Yet Another Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Framework (Yacraf). Yacraf aims to enable comprehensive risk assessment for organizations with more decision support. The paper includes a risk calculation formalization and also an example showing how an organization can use and benefit from Yacraf.

     

Joint power allocation and relay selection strategy for 5G network: a step towards green communication

Green communication has emerged as the most important concept for the next generation networks. Along with improved data rate and capacity, the upcoming 5G networks aim at improving energy efficiency without compromising on the user experience. In this paper, we have used amplify and forward relays in the heterogeneous network topology consisting of low power and high power nodes. A three layered system model for power optimization is discussed using a relay selection strategy for power optimization with the aim to improve energy efficiency of the network. Further, we have used Hidden Markov Model for training and maintaining of base station, relay and SCA with the aim of probabilistic power allocation to client nodes in order to solve the power optimization problem. We have also used adaptive modulation schemes for lowering the power consumption of the network to meet our goal of green communication for the next generation network.     

Combined user and antenna scheduling scheme for MIMO–OFDM networks

Telecommunication Systems - A combined user and antenna scheduling algorithm implementing spatial multiplexing with limited feedback is proposed for multiple-input multiple-output orthogonal...     

Correction to: Similar Feed-forward Loop Crosstalk Patterns may Impact Robust Information Transport Across E. coli and S. Cerevisiae Transcriptional Networks

Mobile Networks and Applications - The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake in the author group section. Author Preetam Ghosh’s given name was incorrectly...     

Development of Bigels Based on Stearic Acid–Rice Bran Oil Oleogels and Tamarind Gum Hydrogels for Controlled Delivery Applications

In the last few decades, different types of gels have been widely studied as potential drug delivery carriers. In this paper, we propose the synthesis of an oleogel, a tamarind gum hydrogel, and bigels for applications as drug delivery matrices. The oleogel was prepared by mixing stearic acid and rice bran oil, whereas the hydrogel was prepared by mixing tamarind gum with a hydroethanolic solution. Hydrogel‐in‐oleogel and oleogel‐in‐hydrogel bigels were prepared by mixing the hydrogel and the oleogel. The suitability of the formulations for controlled drug release applications was thoroughly examined using microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, as well as mechanical, electrical, thermal, drug release, and antimicrobial studies. An alteration in the microarchitecture of the bigels is observed when the oleogel and the hydrogel are mixed in varying proportions. The associative interactions within the formulations increase with the increase in the hydrogel content. The bigels exhibit the presence of stearic acid melting endotherm (associated with the oleogel) and water evaporation endotherm (associated with the hydrogel). This study suggests that the hydrogel has lowest bulk resistance compared to the other formulations. The structural breakdown of the bigels is composition‐dependent, and the bulk electrical resistance is mainly governed by the oleogel phase. An increase in the diffusion of the moxifloxacin HCl from the formulations is observed with the increase of the hydrogel proportion, which in turn increases the rate of release of the drug. The proposed formulations also exhibit good antimicrobial efficacy. The analysis of these properties suggests that specific formulations can be tailored by need‐based applications of the drug release rate.     

Nonlinear DC equivalent circuits for ferroelectric memristor and Its FSM application

Pt/BaTiO₃-BiFeO₃/Nb:SrTiO₃ based memristors were fabricated and their current–voltage (I–V) characteristics were studied in order to facilitate integration with analog/digital computations. Piecewise non-linear I–V characteristic equations of the ferroelectric memristor were obtained using non-linear regression techniques. An equivalent circuit for the fabricated memristors was obtained comprising of internal current, film resistance, and voltage dependent resistance. Utilizing the equivalent circuit model, a three bit general purpose Finite State Machine was developed and simulated results were found to match with the fabricated FSM device results.     

Protocol design and resource allocation for power optimization using spectrum sharing for 5G networks

Telecommunication Systems - In this paper, we propose a spectrum sharing protocol wherein the sharing is performed in a situation without introducing a secondary transmitter in assisting the...