Abstract: An Active Directory (AD) of a cloud server maintains a set of cloud computing resources, each having a current configuration for managing the a resource on the cloud server. A set of changes of the current configuration to achieve a desired configuration for the resource are determined, and translated to a set of operations of a configuration framework required to achieve the desired configuration. A set of operations associated with a Group Policy Object (GPO) of the resource is determined. Upon determining conformance with the GPO, at least one script is generated to implement the set of operations, and which is executed over a remote management interface to carry out the set of operations to achieve the desired configuration for the resource.

Abstract: A delivery device for an active agent comprises nanoparticles based on a biopolymer such as starch. The delivery device may also be in the form of an aptamer-biopolymer-active agent conjugate wherein the aptamer targets the device for the treatment of specific disorders. The nanoparticles may be made by applying a high shear force in the presence of a crosslinker. The particles may be predominantly in the range of 50-150 nm and form a colloidal dispersion of crosslinked hydrogel particles in water. The biopolymer may be functionalized. The aptamer may be conjugated directly to the cross-linked biopolymers. The active agent may be a drug useful for the treatment of cancer. The delivery device survives for a period of time in the body sufficient to allow for the sustained release of a drug and for the transportation and uptake of the conjugate into targeted cells. However, the biopolymer is biocompatible and resorbable.