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Taking IoT security to the next level: Hyperledger fabric private blockchain enabled IoT middleware
Get PDFAs the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) persists, it becomes imperative to deliberate on strategies for protecting the security and privacy inside the confines of resource constrained devices and their data, while also preserving optimal performance. This research paper offers an innovative solution at the intersection of IoT middleware and Blockchain technology, specifically the Hyperledger fabric. Through the use of a distributed decentralized ledger, we overcome many of the limitations of current IoT networks. This paper outlines a robust layered IoT model that could be applied to any use case, providing security and privacy at the edge of IoT devices. We conducted an implementation setup to test the model and validate the security measures embedded through Blockchain design. Additionally, we improved IoT devices interoperability through the use of semantic ontologies. Overall, this research contributes to the ongoing effort to create a secure and efficient IoT ecosystem
A preoperative supervised exercise program potentially improves long-term survival after elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair [abstract only]
No full textAssessment of Detailed Energy Conservation Potentials: The Case of the Ethiopian Leather Industry
No full textOne of the most crucial components in any industrial operation is energy. However, the supply is not limitless. One of the key ingredients in cement production is energy, whose cost share ranges from 8 to 15% of overall production costs in developed nations but is much more in undeveloped nations. Therefore, the objective of this extensive research was to carry out a thorough energy conservation audit at the Sheba leather factory, located in the city of Mekelle, in the north region of Ethiopia. The specific objective of this research was to analyse the patterns of power consumption, identify energy-saving techniques, as well as to propose energy-saving recommendations for their implementation. It was obtained using primary and secondary data from the industry personnel. As a result, a total of 19 recommendations for energy saving were found and were forwarded for consideration. These recommendations have the potential to save a total of about 15900, with a payback period of seven months. These recommendations also cover the utilities of the boiler, motors, blower, air compressors, cooling tower, and lighting. In order to lower their energy use, economic benefits are also considered
Making shared leadership work: The importance of trust in project-based organisations
Get PDFThe role of shared leadership in improving project success has received increasing interest, yet there is still insufficient understanding of the contextual factors that enable – or prohibit – the emergence of shared leadership within project-based organisations. Based on primary data drawn from three experiential marketing agency case studies using 34 semi-structured interviews and 33 hours of observation, this paper examines how project-based organisations can effectively facilitate the sharing of leadership. The findings show that trust is a key antecedent to shared leadership in project teams. Specifically, we propose that to enable shared leadership to emerge, individuals should establish intragroup trust - trust with co-workers within their project teams and inter-group trust – trust between members of different project teams, and between project teams and the leadership team. This research is among the first to closely examine whether factors which enable the emergence of shared leadership occur at multiple levels within project-based organisations, and through the use of qualitative approaches, offers a deeper understanding of why trust matters so much within shared leadership in these organisations. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed, and given the exploratory nature of the study, avenues for further research are proposed
Verification of molecular subtyping of bladder cancer in the GUSTO clinical trial
Get PDFThe GUSTO clinical trial (Gene expression subtypes of Urothelial carcinoma: Stratified Treatment and Oncological outcomes) uses molecular subtypes to guide neoadjuvant therapies in participants with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Before commencing the GUSTO trial, we needed to determine the reliability of a commercial subtyping platform (Decipher Bladder; Veracyte) when performed in an external trial laboratory as this has not been done previously. Here, we report our pre‐trial verification of the TCGA molecular subtyping model using gene expression profiling. Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue blocks of MIBC were used for gene expression subtyping by gene expression microarrays. Intra‐ and inter‐laboratory technical reproducibilities, together with quality control of laboratory and bioinformatics processes, were assessed. Eighteen samples underwent analysis. RNA of sufficient quality and quantity was successfully extracted from all samples. All subtypes were represented in the cohort. Each sample was subtyped twice in our laboratory and once in a separate reference laboratory. No clinically significant discordance in subtype occurred between intra‐ or inter‐laboratory replicates. Examination of sample histopathology showed variability of morphological appearances within and between subtypes. Overall, these results show that molecular subtyping by gene expression profiling is reproducible, robust and suitable for use in the GUSTO clinical trial
A numerical model for predicting powder characteristics in LMD considering particle interaction
Get PDFIn this work, a numerical model is proposed to analyze the influence of particle–particle interaction in
laser directed energy deposition or LMD (laser metal deposition) of CM247 Ni-based superalloy. The
model is based on the analysis of contact between particles and the potential agglomeration of powder
to predict powder conditions at the nozzle exit. Simulation results were experimentally validated and a
good agreement was observed. At the nozzle exit mainly large particles (>100 lm) are found and small
ones (<10 lm) tend to flow away from this region. This was also observed in the experimental PSD.
Additionally, based on the relative velocity of particles, simulations are able to predict the formation
of dents. In comparing virgin powder PSD and the one at the nozzle exit, it was observed that largest particles are collected at the exit. In order to explain this phenomena, particle agglomeration was analysed
numerically. It was seen that small particles tend to adhere to the big ones due to their higher adhesive
forces, which would explain the change in PSD
On the Construction Methodology of Microabrasion-Corrosion Maps Using Theoretical Approaches
Get PDFIn the field of microabrasion-corrosion, there has been limited research progress in modelling the process due to the complex interplay between the two processes involved. One of the crucial developments in the field has been the microabrasion-corrosion maps based on experimental results. However, mathematical modelling to develop the maps has not been attempted before. This work aimed to construct mathematical models for predicting the microabrasion-corrosion rate for mild steel and pure titanium in aqueous slurry conditions. The methodology developed was used for the construction of microabrasion-corrosion maps. The maps were constructed in two forms: (1) regime maps that identify the underlying mechanisms of microabrasion-corrosion and (2) wastage maps that identify the magnitude of the wastage rate. The effects of abrasive particle size and solution pH were shown on the maps. These maps have not been reported before and can form a basis for material selection and process optimisation for various microabrasion-corrosion applications, such as hip joint conditions. The advantages and applications of these maps are addressed in this paper
Exploring the effects of service innovation ambidexterity on service design in the tourism and hospitality industry
Get PDFAlthough the entrepreneurship strategy is demonstrated by evidence as a path to enhance the performance of service firms, the question of how it happens has yet to be adequately studied in the tourism and hospitality (T&H) realm. More specifically, how an entrepreneurial strategy enables a T&H firm to enhance its performance through service innovation exploration-exploitation ambidexterity has created a strategic dilemma in extant T&H literature. Constructed on the dynamic capabilities view and organizational ambidexterity theory, our paper addresses this dilemma using data from a drop-and-collect survey of 303 T&H firms in Japan. The findings reveal that entrepreneurial strategy fosters service innovation exploitation and service innovation exploration within T&H firms. In contrast, service innovation exploitation helps T&H firms design unique service offerings, yielding a sustained competitive advantage and superior corporate performance in the long run. Further, the availability of slack resources within T&H firms fosters service innovation exploration and service innovation exploitation
Pore properties and moisture loss of repair mortars under low-impact microwave curing
Get PDFPurpose
Microwave curing (MC) can facilitate rapid concrete repair in cold climates without using conventional accelerated curing technologies which are environmentally unsustainable. Accelerated curing of concrete under MC can contribute to the decarbonisation of the environment and provide economies in construction in several ways such as reducing construction time, energy efficiency, lower cement content, lower carbonation risk and reducing emissions from equipment.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper investigates moisture loss and pore properties of six cement-based proprietary concrete repair materials subjected to MC. The impact of MC on these properties is critically important for its successful implementation in practice and current literature lacks this information. Specimens were microwave cured for 40–45 min to surface temperatures between 39.9 and 44.1 °C. The fast-setting repair material was microwave cured for 15 min to 40.7 °C. MC causes a higher water loss which shows the importance of preventing drying during MC and the following 24 h.
Findings
Portland cement-based normal density repair mortars, including materials incorporating pfa and polymer latex, benefit from the thermal effect of MC on hydration, resulting in up to 24% reduction in porosity relative to normal curing. Low density and flowing repair materials suffer an increase in porosity up to 16% due to MC. The moisture loss at the end of MC and after 24h is related to the mix water content and porosity, respectively.
Originality/value
The research on the application of MC for rapid repair of concrete is original. The research was funded by the European commission following a very rigorous and competitive review process which ensured its originality. Original data on the parameters of porosity and moisture loss under MC are provided for different generic cementitious repair materials which have not been studied before. Application of MC to concrete construction especially in cold climates will provide environmental, economic and energy benefits