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Open-world verification:a grand challenge for autonomous systems
Get PDFAutonomous systems use independent decision-making with only limited human intervention to accomplish goals in complex and unpredictable environments. As the autonomy technologies that underpin them continue to advance, these systems will find their way into an increasing number of applications in an ever wider range of settings. If we are to deploy them to perform safety-critical or mission-critical roles, it is imperative that we have justified confidence in their safe and correct operation. Verification is a key process for establishing such confidence. However, autonomous systems pose challenges to existing verification practices. This paper highlights viewpoints of the Roadmap Working Group of the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society Technical Committee for Verification of Autonomous Systems, identifying these grand challenges, and providing a vision for future research efforts that will be needed to address them
Lightweight deep learning-driven secure communication architecture for Internet of Things enabled government applications
Get PDFInternet of Things (IoT)-based devices are extensively utilized for data transmission to the cloud across various organizations. Nonetheless, there are notable limitations in the conventional approach, such as in critical situations, where transmitting sensitive data, secure communication across the cloud is not guaranteed, and the memory, processing power, and bandwidth constraints in these IoT devices present significant challenges. The suggested model employs a bespoke Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to categorize sensitive and non-sensitive images on the device, utilizes Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) for safe session key sharing, implements SHA-512 hashing for integrity verification, and applies the ChaCha20 stream cipher for rapid, random encryption for sensitive images. The mean entropy of the proposed technique is 7.9976, and the correlation coefficients approximate zero. The histogram distributions are balanced, rendering statistical attacks exceedingly difficult. This approach surpasses AES+RSA-1024, SPECK, and PRESENT by reducing the average encryption time by up to 99%, enhancing throughput by over 647%, and consuming up to 99.79% less energy. This proposed solution offers a robust, efficient, and secure framework for managing sensitive government data, effectively addressing both the resource constraints of IoT devices and the necessity for privacy in governmental communication systems
Postethnography and cultural (sport) geography
Get PDFIn this article I reflect on my three years working as a lecturer in the Fiji Islands and conducting ethnography on soccer history at the same time. With this period in my life fading in my memory since it took place a decade ago, I then reflect on postethnography including short visits back to Fiji in 2017 and 2019. I recall various stories from my time in Fiji (2013-15) and then from my later two trips. I compare and contrast the time when I was fully committed to living and working in the island nation, integrating myself into the society, and blessing others through my research and charity (for want of a better word) and my time back on short visits when I had been “relegated” in my own and others’ minds to “just a tourist”. I explore the guilt, sense of loss and sense of disorientation on meeting old research participants now that my life had “moved on” (as had theirs) and we were no longer sharing life experiences
Improving the efficiency of gasochromic response by using a dual sample system with WO<sub>3 </sub>thin films with Pd and Pt catalysts
Get PDFHydrogen, when produced using renewable energy sources, is a zero-emission fuel that does not emit harmful pollutants. Therefore, it is increasingly being researched as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels, although it poses certain risks due to its explosive nature. Gasochromic materials such as tungsten oxide (WO3) thin films show promise for passive and remote hydrogen sensing. In this work the gasochromic reaction of WO3 thin films with palladium and platinum catalysts, deposited by electron beam evaporation, was investigated using various sample configurations during measurements. Gasochromic measurements revealed that Pd-coated WO3 thin films exhibited superior sensor response and faster response and recovery times compared to Pt-coated films, which demonstrated better long-term stability. The aim of this study was to investigate gasochromic properties of a novel configuration consisting of two samples simultaneously mounted on a holder, which enabled a multiplied gasochromic response compared to that of a single sample. Furthermore, this is the first time such an approach has been reported for WO3-based systems exhibiting gasochromic properties. Additional experiments confirmed the high selectivity of the sensor toward hydrogen and its excellent long-term stability even after one year. Moreover, in-situ X-ray Diffraction measurements were performed to gain insight into the structural changes occurring during the gasochromic reaction. A universal configuration offering a simple and effective way to significantly enhance gasochromic response was also proposed
Postethnography and cultural (sport) geography
Get PDFIn this article I reflect on my three years working as a lecturer in the Fiji Islands and conducting ethnography on soccer history at the same time. With this period in my life fading in my memory since it took place a decade ago, I then reflect on postethnography including short visits back to Fiji in 2017 and 2019. I recall various stories from my time in Fiji (2013-15) and then from my later two trips. I compare and contrast the time when I was fully committed to living and working in the island nation, integrating myself into the society, and blessing others through my research and charity (for want of a better word) and my time back on short visits when I had been “relegated” in my own and others’ minds to “just a tourist”. I explore the guilt, sense of loss and sense of disorientation on meeting old research participants now that my life had “moved on” (as had theirs) and we were no longer sharing life experiences
Understanding pathways to low educational attainment:a multidimensional poverty and educational achievement model
Get PDFWhile the link between poverty and educational achievement is well-established, the mechanisms through which poverty impacts learning remain poorly understood, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study explores the pathways from poverty to educational attainment in two LMIC contexts – Ghana and Malawi. We employed a qualitative multi-perspectival research design, conducting in-depth interviews with 103 participants in both countries, including pupils (n = 34), teachers (n = 31), headteachers (n = 11), education advisors (n = 8), and parents (n = 19) from schools with historically low academic performance. These schools primarily serve pupils living in poverty. Using a semi-structured interview approach, we elicited participants' understandings of the factors and mechanisms that account for low educational achievement of pupils from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The qualitative data were analysed using the grounded theory method to identify key concepts and develop a theoretical understanding of how poverty influences achievement. We present a Multidimensional Poverty and Educational Achievement Model (MPEAM) that identifies three key dimensions of poverty – school resources, household conditions, and accessibility. These dimensions affect educational outcomes by shaping the learning environment, influencing learner participation and concentration, contributing to absenteeism, and limiting interactions among pupils, teachers, and communities. The study offers new insights into the complex, context-specific pathways linking poverty to educational outcomes. It highlights the need for integrated policies and interventions that address the multifaceted nature of poverty to support improved learning for socioeconomically disadvantaged learners
Engineering MXene-Fe MOF interfaces through in-situ growth for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors
Get PDFMetal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and two-dimensional (2D) MXenes have merged as promising electrode materials for energy storage applications, particularly in supercapacitors (SCs). However, their use in pristine forms or as standalone materials is often hindered by intrinsic structural defects, limited redox-active sites, low electrical conductivity, and stability issues. In this study, a novel MXene Fe MOF composite was synthesized, and an in-situ grown electrode material was developed for SC applications. The composite exhibited enhanced surface area and reduced ion-electron diffusion pathways, significantly improving electrochemical performance compared to individual MXene and Fe MOF electrodes. The MXene-Fe MOF electrode demonstrated an impressive specific capacity of approximately 414 mAh g⁻¹ at a current density of 3 mA cm⁻². Additionally, a solid-state MXene-Fe MOF//FeS asymmetric SC device operated within a wide potential window of 1.6 V and achieved specific and volumetric capacities of ~204 mAh g⁻¹ and ~1.9 mAh cm⁻³, respectively, at the same current density. This study offers a robust strategy for synthesizing MXene-MOF composites and fabricating binder-free in-situ grown electrodes to achieve superior electrochemical performance
Impact of wearable resistance training on knee and ankle joint biomechanics:enhancing change of direction ability in football athletes
Get PDFThis study aimed to examine the effects of wearable resistance (WR) training on change of direction ability (CODA), muscle activation patterns, and knee joint stress in athletes. Fifteen healthy male football players participated in a pre- and post-training intervention designed to target the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles to improve neuromuscular control and joint stability. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to assess muscle activation, and finite element analysis (FEA) was applied to evaluate stress distribution in the knee joint. Following the WR training program, there was a significant reduction in knee abduction angle during the stance phase (p = 0.001), indicating enhanced joint stability. Strength in the calf muscles increased significantly, while muscle activation levels in the quadriceps (p < 0.001) and hamstrings (p = 0.007) were also elevated. Enhanced co-activation between quadriceps and hamstrings was observed, and FEA demonstrated a significant decrease in the maximal von Mises stress in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus. These findings suggest that WR training improves CODA and lower limb muscle coordination while reducing internal knee joint stress, potentially lowering the risk of ACL injuries and enhancing athletic performance
Advancing equity in Scotland:developing race-cognisant policy in teacher education
Get PDFIn Scotland, recent years have seen a national declaration across Higher and Further Education acknowledging the existence of racism in education and the development of various policies designed to challenge racism and promote racial diversity. This has particularly been the case in the field of teacher education policy where we have seen the publication of Teaching in a Diverse Scotland (2018) and subsequent annual targets for recruitment and retention of Black and Minority Ethnic teachers, the establishment of a national programme of professional learning to build educators’ racial literacy, and the publication of The National Anti-Racism Framework for Initial Teacher Education (2023). However, the ‘success’ or otherwise of these polices has not yet been established across the system. This article, therefore, seeks to bring together the evaluations of individual race-cognisant policies in teacher education to date, and to synthesise them, drawing on McConnell's (2010) three strands of policy analysis. Based on this analysis, the article concludes with some future-gazing as we move towards Scottish Parliament elections in 2026, and the likelihood that the long-dominant Scottish National Party will face a serious challenge
Neuromuscular performance development in highly trained youth soccer players over time:a longitudinal observational study
Get PDFAttributes required for soccer performance may be developed through involvement in pitch-based training and its interaction with growth and maturation processes even in the absence of specific strength, speed, and power training. This study was designed to investigate the effects of training stimuli and its interaction with growth and maturation on changes in physical performance over a 7−8-month period. Highly-trained youth soccer players affiliated to a professional soccer club (PSA; age: 13.8 ± 0.53, stature: 162.8 ± 8.3 cm, body mass: 52.2 ± 7.1 kg) exposed to both pitch-based training and strength, speed, and power training, were compared to amateur (ASA; age: 14.3 ± 0.53, stature: 166.8 ± 8.9 cm, body mass: 55.4 ± 7.7 kg) players that undertook pitch-based training alone. Two age groups from each club completed an isometric squat test (ISqT), countermovement jump (CMJ), 10 m, 20 m, and 30 m sprint tests. PSA players improved (p = < 0.001 and 0.023, respectively) CMJ and ISqT relative peak force (rPF) scores by 3.53 cm and 6.75 N/kg respectively, compared to the ASA players. Maturation improved (p < 0.05) performance in all physical tests and metrics apart from ISqT rPF. The results suggest that maturation combined with pitch- and specific training results in greater improvements in muscle force production and CMJ height compared to maturation pitch-based training alone. Although maturation processes likely contributed towards a significant proportion of the improvements in aforementioned characteristics, practitioners should consider programming additional tailored training strategies to optimise these effects