Is technology transfer more than a “mechanical” process?

Editorial Advisory Board     

An evolving technology-transfer system in an R&D consortium: The EPRI approach

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) is a consortium of utility companies whose existence depends on member perceptions that valuable technologies and information have been developed and transferred. This paper outlines eight issues that EPRI, after 17 years of operation had determined to be critical in transferring technology: [1] establishing a perception of value received, [2] creating a sense of full partnership, [3] balancing the R&D portfolio with projects for different members, [4] packaging results for easy understanding and use, [5] reducing information overload by using targeted media, [6] assuring that members have the needed infrastructure to receive and process transfer, [7] integrating EPRI's R&D program with those of the members, and [8] monitoring impact to be sure that value is being received.     

Media analyses based on Microsoft NTFS file ownership

The ever-increasing size of digital media presents a continuous challenge to digital investigators who must rapidly assess computer media to find and identify evidence. To meet this challenge, methods must continuously be sought to expedite the examination process. This paper investigates using the file ownership property as an analytical tool focusing on activity by individuals associated with the computer. Research centered on the New Technology File System (NTFS), which is the default file system in Microsoft Windows Operating System (OS). This was done because Microsoft's worldwide market penetration makes Windows and NTFS the most likely OS and file system to be encountered in digital forensic examinations. Significantly, digital forensic software now allows examination of NTFS file attributes and properties including the ownership property. The paper outlines potential limitations regarding interpreting ownership findings, and suggests areas for further research. Overall, file ownership is seen as a potentially viable new digital forensic tool.