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Anti-virus (AV) software is fundamentally broken. AV systems today rely on correct functioning of not only the AV software but also the underlying OS and VMM. Thus proper functioning of software AV requires millions of lines of complex code – which houses thousands of bugs – to work correctly. Needless to say, and as evidenced in numerous software AV attacks, effective software AV systems have been difficult to build. At the same time, malware incidents are increasing and there is strong demand for good anti-virus solutions; the software anti-virus market is estimated at close to 8B dollars annually. In this work we present a new class of robust AV systems called Silicon anti-virus systems. Unlike software AV systems, these systems are lean and mostly implemented in hardware to avoid reliance on complex software, but, like software AV systems, are updatable in the field when new malware is encountered. We describe the first generation of silicon AV that uses simple machine learning techniques with existing performance counter infrastructure. Our published and unpublished work shows that common malware such as viruses and adware, and even zero day exploits can be detected accurately. These systems form a very effective first-line, energy- efficient defense against malware.

In the thesis lubrication and wear at metal/HDPE contacts was addressed. In particular this type of contact occurs in artificial joint replacements. Wear of HDPE was recognized as a major factor limiting device performance. In the thesis, fully implicit fully coupled numerical approach was developed to simulate lubrication and wear. Approach allows solving stationary and transient problems for rough surfaces in a wide range of parameters. Wear coefficients were estimated from experimental data. Wear particles formed in wear process were investigated. Particles were found to be approximately 100 nm in diameter and spherical in shape. Considering theoretical solutions, it was concluded that debris may play a role of third-body abrasive wear particles. In the summary section, some discussion was provided on the topic of theoretical modeling of friction and wear and recommendations for future research were formulated., Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering

With this monograph, Diane Larsen-Freeman and Lynne Cameron unveil a complex systems approach to applied linguistics in the first book-length introduction to the topic. Stirrings of a shift in this direction have begun to appear in Larsen-Freeman’s publications this past decade (e.g., 1997, 2002). Expanding on those early papers, this work is intended “to open the conversation” (Larsen-Freeman & Cameron, 2008, p. 255) about complex systems among applied linguists; however, it is not intended to be the last word. As such, it is a rich introduction for teachers, researchers, and students who want to foreground a dynamic worldview in their theory and method for understanding complex systems. This book begins a new chapter in the intellectual history of applied linguistics by repositioning our understandings and making change central. At the very least, the development of a complex systems approach to applied linguistics at the hands of two well-respected applied linguists, each with distinguished publications records, is cause enough to engage with its ideas., Studies in Applied Linguistics and TESOL, Vol. 9 No. 2 (2009)

Background: The study of health behavior change, including nutrition and physical activity behaviors, has been rooted in a cognitive-rational paradigm. Change is conceptualized as a linear, deterministic process where individuals weigh pros and cons, and at the point at which the benefits outweigh the cost change occurs. Consistent with this paradigm, the associated statistical models have almost exclusively assumed a linear relationship between psychosocial predictors and behavior. Such a perspective however, fails to account for non-linear, quantum influences on human thought and action. Consider why after years of false starts and failed attempts, a person succeeds at increasing their physical activity, eating healthier or losing weight. Or, why after years of success a person relapses. This paper discusses a competing view of health behavior change that was presented at the 2006 annual ISBNPA meeting in Boston. Discussion: Rather than viewing behavior change from a linear perspective it can be viewed as a quantum event that can be understood through the lens of Chaos Theory and Complex Dynamic Systems. Key principles of Chaos Theory and Complex Dynamic Systems relevant to understanding health behavior change include: 1) Chaotic systems can be mathematically modeled but are nearly impossible to predict; 2) Chaotic systems are sensitive to initial conditions; 3) Complex Systems involve multiple component parts that interact in a nonlinear fashion; and 4) The results of Complex Systems are often greater than the sum of their parts. Accordingly, small changes in knowledge, attitude, efficacy, etc may dramatically alter motivation and behavioral outcomes. And the interaction of such variables can yield almost infinite potential patterns of motivation and behavior change. In the linear paradigm unaccounted for variance is generally relegated to the catch all "error" term, when in fact such "error" may represent the chaotic component of the process. The linear and chaotic paradigms are however, not mutually exclusive, as behavior change may include both chaotic and cognitive processes. Studies of addiction suggest that many decisions to change are quantum rather than planned events; motivation arrives as opposed to being planned. Moreover, changes made through quantum processes appear more enduring than those that involve more rational, planned processes. How such processes may apply to nutrition and physical activity behavior and related interventions merits examination.