Monday, March 9, 2020

Security Technology Evaluation of Bank Solutions

Security Technology Evaluation of Bank Solutions Introduction Maintenance of data security in banks is vital. Agency’s Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity Plan is needed to proceed with this process. This plan allows some parts of the business to continue operating without interruptions to the customers. CSIA 485 case study presents the failure in ensuring data safety with regard to handling of storage tapes.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Security Technology Evaluation of Bank Solutions specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The system in use limits on accountability and credibility of data security. The plan which is used in CSIA 485 involves the development of information security policy, standard backup procedures, network design, information detection systems and various encryption methods. In the case of CSIA 485, there was a failure in system update. Such an incident was caused by some technical issues, which shows that the participants of the critical plan did not have adequate training on the means of using DRBCPs (National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2009). The IT problem the company faces is rooted in the sever inefficiency that can be mitigated through efficient upgrading of the bank data systems. Capabilities Servers have different designs that function to provide for networking, cooling, management, interconnection and dynamism in data management and control. Servers help in consolidation of data and software for effective management, security and sharing within the bank. This allows for moving of data, files, software and digital assets from laptops, desktops and mobile devices for central management and storage for the reduction of risks and costs. The shift is a vulnerable process since the bank intends to maintain process continuity as it upgrades the systems without disrupting services to customers. Through adequate training on the use of the DRBC systems, users learn the best ways of confidential sharing o f information within the bank. The technology shows security aspects relevant to the needs of Bank Solutions, Inc, which will allow for the development of standards of information security policy, backup procedures, network designs, information detection systems, and various encryption methods among others. The system assures reliability through central monitoring and ensures efficiency in system updating (Kim Solomon, 2011). The disadvantage of this system is that upgrading can make some of the bank employees in the decentralized data centers lose their jobs. Such a situation can lead to resistance from the staff members. Centralization reduces the responsibilities of staffs due to data centers. However, overworking server maintainers can cause delays in acquisition of authorization for access in critical times.Advertising Looking for report on it? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Cost The costs associated with the setup of a secure server infrastructure involve acquisition, setting up and ongoing costs. Acquisition costs involve the acquiring of software and hardware necessary for the setting up of the system. This includes variable costs of EDA and CAM/ CAD tools dependent on the number of engineers employed to work on the process. Setup costs involve professional services for constricting the storage server, application server as well as other applications. These costs involve the training of branch administrators on handling with daily operations for basic level support. Ongoing costs are classified in two divisions, labor costs and maintenance costs. Maintenance costs are fixed and used only on demand, while there is variability of labor costs. Each server in the company requires regular daily administration within the year for about 4 hours, and the labor involved costs about $50 per hour. Decentralization strategy for the servers will cost the bank $1.6 million – 52.5%, as a one- time hardware, software and setup cost. Ongoing maintenance and support cost take 33% on a spending within 3 years. This can increase to 46% of overall operating costs within five years. To avoid the failure in systems updating, Bank Solutions can use a centralized approach to setup its server operations. Such a measure is helpful of reduction of setup and administration costs. Instead of spending on pocket servers for the use of few users, the IT managers can take advantage of economies of scale through the creation of few servers, storage servers and powerful applications. The cost of acquisition in the centralized system is $544,000 with setup being $33, 000 and ongoing expenses of $334,200. However, through the utilization of the power of performance efficiency of decentralized systems and the possibility of elimination of distance through virtual connectivity of users, the centralized solution is the best choice for the data security. It will help in reducing of acquisition cos ts, setup and ongoing costs for short and long-term operations. Maintenance The maintenance of this technology is an issue, which requires comprehensive dissection to prevent any instances of abrupt failure (Slezak, 2009). For instance, the section of maintenance calls for periodical upgrading of software, computers, payments of employees responsible for taking care of the technology, replacement of hardware and other security equipment. The maintenance of the servers will facilitate security services to avoid detrimental complications of server issues. Users must be responsible for protection of sensitive data through secure management of passwords.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Security Technology Evaluation of Bank Solutions specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The database administrator takes care of administration of databases, assigning local user roles and granting system privileges. It also requires the maint enance of underlying security in data transmission in various operating systems. Trusted application administrators help in creation and administration of accesses and user privileges as well as maintenance of security in the centralized enterprise. Avoidance of server issues requires ongoing checkups and proper management to ensure smooth running of the technical infrastructure. A barrier to success in the centralization of the server system can result from employees who feel that they may lose their jobs. It is also apparent that centralization increases responsibility of fewer IT specialists and calls for advanced trainings to handle the new systems. Requirements The security system must be FDIC compliant for the bank to develop a storage area network in the head office of the bank. The second one can be developed in one of the data centers with a reduction of server requirements to a single rack and elimination of patched storage of data storage tapes. The main server is capable of rescuing information in the alternate data center within 5 minutes allowing customers and employees to continue accessing their accounts without noticing the failure interruptions. The achievement of this comes with its financial implications; such training requires huge financial commitment (Camara et al., 2011). Lack of required skills can delay effectiveness in convergence that can hamper the daily operations of the bank. Any slight hitch in shifting from decentralized to centralized servers, unless professionally executed, can hinder normal bank operations and lead to customer dissatisfaction. Such vulnerability requires thorough evaluation and timing of the transformation processes. Flexibility The setup has ample proximity advantage since it enhances the performance of Windows applications in the bank. Since users and applications are at the same location, high performance may be guaranteed. Centralization of the server system is flexible and not bound to specifications. I t will allow the bank to make extensions on its systems and alter its layouts without resource wastages. It helps in consolidation and reduction of crowding of server racks in the data centers ultimately reducing the maintenance costs. Centralization allows for integration of operations and monitoring of the systems for the ease of cross sectional analysis necessary for upgrading the Bank Solutions information gained from all the departments regarding the customers, costs and employees data to ensure the effectiveness of updating.Advertising Looking for report on it? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Such an approach ensures the improvement of service quality. The system helps in enhancing performance through coordination of security, customer support and cost control. In CSIA 485 case, the failure happened due to obsolete servers which they were no longer necessary in the centralized system. This challenges the viability of the costing of upgrading resources since they are irrelevant to the new system. Feasibility Centralization of Bank Solutions, Inc seeks to address the issues in the server security system. The management should address such issues as updates of software, perform regular tests of item process facility, provide secure channels, partition employees according to levels of data access, and improve system efficiency as required by the bank. It will reduce the present data tape storage in unsecure means within data centers, external storage facilities backyards and at Bank Solutions Data Center East, which can lead to data being compromised. However, as the case of CSIA 485 shows, the disadvantage rests on IT professionals, who are in charge of the data centers, since their services become unnecessary in the centralized system, and it might lead to firing most of them, which can result in resistance hampering smooth operations in the bank. Conclusion The case of CSIA 485 requires that Bank Solutions, Inc centralize its servers to effect efficient management of the data systems. Through the adoption of efficient standards, the bank data remains secure and available to only those who receive authorization. Centralization will eliminate duplication of IT infrastructure in the offices and reduce on unnecessary IT expenses leading to high efficiency of utilization of resources and elimination of potential data insecurities. The company must be ready to incur the costs involved and take advantage of the flexibility that the system will provide. Through effective maintenance and availability of the necessary requirements, the company will be in a po sition of assuring customer satisfaction always. References Camara, S., Crossler, R., Midha, V. Wallace, L. (2011). Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: A Case Study for CSIA 485. Journal of Information Systems Education. 22 (2), 117-122. Kim, D., Solomon, M. (2011). Fundamentals of information systems security. Sudbury, MA: Jones Bartlett Learning. National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2009). Recommended Security Controls for Federal Information Systems and Organization. NIST Special Publication 800-53 Revision 3. Retrieved from https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-53/rev-3/archive/2010-05-01

Saturday, February 22, 2020

Reggae into the contemporary American society Essay

Reggae into the contemporary American society - Essay Example The culture of a particular community refers to the way of life of the community. It consists of the beliefs, traditions, and customs that are unique to a given community and the achievements that are associated with and valued by the community. It also entails the incorporation of ethical codes of conduct in coexisting with the others in the society. The culture of a community is actually, what portrays their human nature and distinguishes them from other animals in nature. It is thus of some value and the community has the responsibility of ensuring that it is preserved so that the due respect is accorded to it. Regardless of the culture from which and individual hails, the common point is that a desirable culture should provide an individual with a sense of identity and the individual should be able to understand the dynamic nature of the world and be able to adjust to the changes encountered. Folk culture refers to the natural way of life that is defined by an ideal culture in a given community. This culture emphasizes on the human values like honor and the principle of reasoning and a view that the natural setting should be valued and considered wholesome. The spirit of hard work, self-discipline, and excellence are some of the aims of a folk culture, and which have currently lost grounds in the majority of the modern culture. Others include individual responsibility and loyalty to the authority. There are various ways through which communities preserve their cultural heritage to uphold their identity. The traditional cultural preservations include some ritual practices, traditional folk dances, folk tales, and folk music (Jankee, 2). The themes of the folk songs pointed out the cultural values like brevity, loyalty, and hard work. They often contained information on peaceful coexistence among the individuals in a given society. These traditional folk cultural expressions developed into the modern expressions with some deviations. Much of the human values that were emphasized by the traditional folk songs are not stressed in the modern Western cultures. The modern culture happens not to view nature as it was viewed earlier and neither does it allow nature to take control of life as in the olden days. There has also emerged a relation between the cultural expressions and grass root developments especially in the developing nations. The development of folk cultural expression in the Modern American society The different cultural expressions that are witnessed in different parts of the world are all concerned with the issue of defining the identity of the community. The need to answer the questions â€Å"Who am I?†, â€Å"Where do I come from?† or â€Å"Where I am going to?† provides an insight to the earlier developments of the folk cultural expressions. The folk tales that were used were creative tales that had symbolic meaning that reflected on the values of a given cultural community. The developments of such fo lk tales often emerged when the community was faced with some difficult situations. As they pondered to develop a solution to problems, pictures and illusions of what would work best ran across the minds of the old legends. Continuous focus on these images helped develop a complete folk tale characterized by imagery (Kleymeyer, 25). The contents of nature were often used to describe certain characters that can be of help during difficulties. For instance, in must of the traditional folk tales, a hare was often portrayed as being weak but very intelligent (Kleymeyer, 25). It would always use its wits to influence the mightier animals in the jungle or to escape some danger. On the other hand, larger animals like elephants and hippopotamus were portrayed as having a lot of energy but not intelligent enough to realize the crafty nature of hare. The picture that was

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Service Encounter Journal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Service Encounter Journal - Assignment Example The service is easily accessible and the customer chooses on the basis of his requirements but the stock is limited at times and one has to choose from the products available. Moreover the shipping costs are high. My reaction was normal. I needed the bed and I got one but the bidding procedure irritated me. I was somewhat satisfied but was worried of the extra shipping cost I had to incur. However the exchange terms were good. I am undecided about my return decision as it depends upon the urgency of my requirement. If I felt to buy something without taking the trouble of going to a shop, I may search the product at ebay. However, my decision to buy may involve the cost at home and the cost at any retail shop. The more preferable would be the one that offers less cost with more attractive replacement package. My encounter with Adobe Inc. was an above average contact service. I had to go through some pdf files while my adobe reader got corrupted. I instantly typed the web site and searched for the required software. I got it instantly and free of cost. I felt glad and overwhelmed by the fact that if I encounter any problem with adobe I can have the solution instantly. The website offers superior customer service by segregating different types of customers and providing relevant software. My satisfaction resulted due to the fact the most commonly needed software like adobe reader are provided without any cost. It’s a fact that no operating system can operate fully without adobe softwares. Whether it is Photoshop, flash work or pdf files, we need the product but the most overwhelming feeling results due to the fact that all of them are so easily accessible and the most common are offered free of cost. So there is no question of not visiting the site when one needs any of its software. I think it’s the first choice and most probably the last too. My encounter to Valvoline was a below average contact service. Whenever

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Effects of Zinc Deficiency

Effects of Zinc Deficiency INTRODUCTION Zinc is a trace mineral that plays an indispensable role for human health because of its critical structure in multiple enzymes that are involved in gene expression, cell development and replication (International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group [IZiNCG], 2007). Aside from its unique and extensive role in biological processes, zinc is essential for physiological processes including growth and development, and brain and immune function (Ackland and Michalczyk, 2006). More than 85% of total body zinc is found in skeletal muscle and bone (National Health and Medical Research Council [NHMRC], 2006) as well as in the brain that plays a central role in the production of enzymes essential for RNA and DNA synthesis (Black, 1998). Zinc deficiency affects, on average, one-third of the world’s population ranging from 4 to 73% in different countries (Hotz and Brown, 2004). It has been estimated that zinc deficiency is responsible for deaths of nearly 450,000 children under age 5 years old annually (Black et al, 2008). Similarly, zinc deficiency is accounted for 16% lower respiratory tract infections, 18% of malaria and 10% of diarrheal disease and more than 28 million aggregates to loss of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). In total, 1.4% (0.8 million) of deaths worldwide were attributable to zinc deficiency: 1.4% in males and 1.5% in females (WHO, 2012). Zinc deficiency is defined by short stature, hypogonadism, impaired immune function, skin disorders, cognitive dysfunction and anorexia (Prasad, 1991). Zinc deficiency is uncommon but a widespread problem across the globe (Ackland and Michalczyk, 2006). It has far-reaching consequences, playing a contributory role to stunted growth in children (Brown et al., 2001) and causing abnormal cerebellar function and damage of behavioural and emotional responses (Henkin, 1975) in addition to morbidity from diarrhea, pneumonia and malaria (Shankar, 2000). Therefore, zinc deficiency compromises the development of children worldwide and is a veritable public health concern (Gibson, 2005). Background of the Study Micronutrients have been scientifically and technically discovered to improve the overall well-being of an individual and that deficiencies can cause a range of health and developmental problem. Zinc is one of the micronutrients that promote immunity, resistance to infection as well as growth and development of the nervous system. Zinc deficiency can lead to more frequent infections, reduce children’s ability to fight and survive disease, and impair mental capacity. These risks remain serious as children grow and develop because they cannot learn as well, and lose school days due to illness. Later in adulthood, it negatively affects physical energy and, therefore, productivity. Reduced intellectual capacity undermines investments in education and perpetuates cycles of poverty, which is a significant barrier to achieve economic growth and improved standards of living. In addition, intellectual ability is affected by iron which affects work capacity, physical and cognitive performance (Global Report, 2009). Zinc has the primary focus of scientific investigations related to linear growth which is intimately connected to nutrition. As a manifestation of chronic undernutrition, stunting has been linked to multiple adverse health outcomes that extend beyond childhood into adult life (Souganidis, 2012). Recent evidences also suggest that zinc deficiency may be associated with deficits in activity, attention, and motor development that commonly occur in nutritionally deficient children (Souganidis, 2012) because it contributes to the structure and function of the brain (Black, 1998). According to the World Bank (2012), the Philippines ranks 48th out of 136 countries in terms of the prevalence of stunting and 32% of Filipinos are at risk for insufficient zinc intake. Generally, zinc status is of high magnitude (>20%) among infants and preschool children (6 months to 5 years), female adolescents (13 to 19 years), older persons (20 to Statement of the Problem Zinc deficiency has been a major micronutrient problem in the Philippines. It has been associated with linear growth and cognitive development. Zinc has also been related to iron due to their inhibitory factor with one another. The effect of zinc on physical growth occurs during the first 2 years of life with association to high rates of infection, inadequate nutrition and cognitive deficits. The following questions were highlighted in the study to examine the association of zinc status to nutritional status, iron status and cognitive development as well as possible risk factors of zinc deficiency in 2 to 3 year old children in Laguna, Philippines. What are the socio-economic and demographic characteristics, water and sanitation practices, health services, child care and feeding practices of mothers? What are the food intake and nutrient adequacy of children? What is the nutritional status, zinc status and iron status of children? What is the level of cognitive development of children? What is the degree of association between zinc status and the following variables: water and sanitation practices, and health services; child care and feeding practices, and food intake; nutritional status; iron status; and cognitive development? Hypothesis of the Study The following were the research hypothesis that guided the study: Water and sanitation practices are associated with nutritional status. Health services are associated with nutritional status. Infection is associated with nutritional status and cognitive development. Food intake is associated with nutritional status and cognitive development. Weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height are associated with zinc status, iron status and cognitive development. Zinc status is associated with iron status and cognitive development Iron status is associated with cognitive development. Objectives of the Study Generally, this study aimed to determine the Zinc status and its relationship to physical growth and cognitive development of 2 to 3 year old children in Laguna, Philippines. It specifically sought to: describe the socio-economic and demographic characteristics; water and sanitation practices; health services; and child care and feeding practices of mothers; evaluate the food intake and nutrient adequacy; assess the nutritional status, zinc status and iron status; determine the level of cognitive development; and examine the association of zinc status with each of the following variables: water and sanitation practices; health services; child care and feeding practices, and food intake; nutritional status; iron status; and cognitive development. Significance of the Study The province of Laguna has been consistent in the implementation of nutrition programs. The nutrition sector has been conducting nutritional assessment to address the magnitude and severity of malnutrition particularly, of under and overnutrition in the province. However, zinc deficiency, as one of the public health concerns, and its multifactorial causes have not yet been given attention. With limited researches, the assessment of zinc status provided a deep understanding of the consequences of stunting and iron status as well as its contributory effect to cognitive development of 2 to 3 year old children. The results of the study shall provide local government units, program planners and policy makers with significant inputs for relevant programs; suggested and recommended effective nutrition strategies to local nutrition and health workers; and imparted to nutrition and nutrition-related professionals knowledge and awareness on micronutrient deficiencies, particularly of zinc. Scope and Limitations of the Study The study focused on the assessment of physical growth, zinc status, iron status and cognitive development of 2 to 3 year old children in the province of Laguna. Factors affecting child nutritional status included were to socio-economic and demographic characteristics, health, water and sanitation practices, child care and feeding practices and dietary intake. Contributory factor to nutritional status such as infection was also included. The criteria in selecting the study area and the profile of the province were limited to the availability of secondary data. The sample size was based from the 2013 Operation Timbang (OPT) list which may not include all children with ages 24 to 35 months old. Data on child morbidity was limited to personal interview of mother-respondents. Likewise, dietary assessment was limited to a non-consecutive 2-day food recall which may not indicate foods that are highly seasonal. Determination of cognitive development was also limited to the adapted items of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program, Metro Manila Developmental Screening Test (MMDST), and Child Development Index (CDI). The sample size may not be able to reflect the entire population of 2 to 3 year old Filipino children. However, the sample size was sufficient to test the statistical significance of the study. The conclusions were made from the results of the study. Hence, it was limited to the conditions inherent to the selected children.

Monday, January 20, 2020

Incompatibility of Subjective and Objective Knowledge :: Philosophy Philosophical Essays

Incompatibility of Subjective and Objective Knowledge In his book The View From Nowhere (1986), Thomas Nagel discusses the various problems that arise when we consider the contrast between the objective world we inhabit, and are part of, and the inherently subjective way we view that world. Nagel writes that understanding the relationship between these external and internal standpoints is central to solving these problems: 'It is the most fundamental issue about morality, knowledge, freedom, the self, and the relation of mind to the physical world' (p.3). In this essay I will survey the problems that Nagel is referring to, and will echo Nagel's view that this issue is of central importance within philosophy. However, I will also suggest that Nagel is wrong in his emphasis in dealing with the issue. The opening words of the book make it clear that Nagel sees ultimately only a single problem: 'how to combine the perspective of a particular person inside the world with an objective view of that same world, the person and his viewpoint included'. He then goes on to address the particular problems, each of which he sees as only an aspect of this single overall problem. Problem 1: How can we account for the existence of subjective experience within an objective physical universe? This problem is a modern version of the mind/body problem; i.e. what is the relationship between the mind and the body? Are they separate entities, or are they somehow different aspects of the same thing? The question was posed in Nagel's 1974 essay 'What Is It Like to Be a Bat?' and has been somewhat revitalised recently in the guise of Chalmers's 'hard problem' of consciousness (Chalmers, 1995). Nagel argues that although we may understand the way bats use sonar to perceive their world, to fly and catch insects, we will never know what it is like to be a bat using sonar, precisely because we are not bats. Our understanding of bat sonar can only be a physiological and functional account; we will only ever have a view of bat sonar from the outside. Imagine what sonar must feel like inside, to a bat! In the same way that there is something it is like for us to see the world using our eyes (i.e. colours, hue and depth in our visual field), surely there must also be something it is like for bats perceiving the world through sonar.

Sunday, January 12, 2020

The Golden Ages

In about the 2nd century AD. Rome had its golden age. Also, around 500 to 300 BC was the Greek golden age. They both had many achievements during they’re golden ages, and many of them have affected us today. In Rome’s golden age they made concrete and roads. This helps us today because concrete is used in many different ways. Concrete makes up most of the building structure on this earth. Before even the use of concrete for roads, it was used to make simple things, such as pots to cook in, new types of housing etc. nce buildings came into affect, jobs then formed, business started, then grew and so on. They also constructed roads. Something as simple as a roadway opened up new civilization to the early Romans. Places they never could have known about, or gotten to by foot or horse and carriage. Concrete really had the biggest impact on our infrastructure. Concrete today is still in high demand, and is still a source of employment for many people. In Greece’s golden age they made mathematics, and architecture. By them making math, it affects us today because without math, a lot of things wouldn’t be able to get done. For example bills being paid, buildings and cars being made, and even having some jobs. Mathematics started early by drawing a line each time the sun rose or set. Counting turning into simple math has changed the course of our world. Math in this era is totally different even than just 20 years ago when our parents were young. Mathematicians can even calculate weather, due to the eventual discovery of physics, they have found that math is even at the basics and almost every level of medicine and how the physiology of the body works. Archetecture started back when they used natural beautiful material to construct buildings. We have moved on to use less expensive and less beautiful materials, but have changed our architectural design. Those are some of the achievements of the Roman and Greek golden ages. Romans made concrete and roads that helped us have buildings and to get places. The Greek’s came up with mathematics, and architecture.

Saturday, January 4, 2020

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv ) - 2212 Words

HIV is known as one of the great pandemics in history, and it is most prevalent in western Africa. Even with new scientific discoveries and improved technology, vaccines are consistently unsuccessful because the virus is able to mutate very quickly and make many errors in the process, which makes it extremely difficult for researchers to formulate a vaccine. The virus can be treated with antiretroviral drugs, but many people being treated do not adhere to the regimen, causing the virus to worsen and drug resistant strains to develop. HIV affects people in all parts of the world, and there are many ethical issues regarding the vaccine trials that have been conducted, especially in developing countries. Literature Review The human†¦show more content†¦HIV is transmitted sexually, or through blood (blood transfusions and infected needles). HIV is single stranded RNA virus in the Retroviridae family and in a subgroup called lentiviruses, which are considered to be â€Å"slow viruses.† The virus attaches to a dendritic cell, which is found in mucous membranes, then is transported to the lymph nodes. Here, other immune cells can become infected. In order for the virus to become a part of human cell’s genes, the RNA needs to convert to DNA by using reverse transcriptase. In order for the virus to replicate, it must attach to the CD4+ receptor and co-receptor that are on the CD4 cell. Once the HIV viral envelope has fused with the CD4 membrane, HIV is able to enter the cell and expel its contents (the two copies of RNA). Now in the cytoplasm, the viral RNA is converted to DNA. The DNA needs to be made more functional, so it is cut into smaller pieces by protease. Th e new HIV DNA is now able to travel to the nucleus where integrase is used to insert the viral DNA into the host cell’s DNA. If activated, it uses the CD4 cell to make chains of HIV proteins; however, if not activated, the virus can lie dormant for many years. Noninfectious HIV then buds from the CD4 cell and releases protease, which breaks up the noninfectious virus. Infectious HIV is created from combining the broken up proteins, and thousands of HIV particles can be made from one