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Investigative opportunities from smart heating technology: a preliminary evaluation
Get PDFThis work provides a case study documenting one of the first digital forensic examinations of a smart home heat system – Hive. The case study tries to address the forensic questions that law enforcement are likely to have in regards to smart home heating systems as well as highlighting relevant digital investigative opportunities. Data extracted from the Hive smart heating app (v. 10.54.2 (3)) when used on iOS v. 14.2 is presented and evaluated in order to determine whether it is possible to understand who has control over a heating system and what their controlling actions look like in regard to operating the system. Findings show that user information, pincode details and records of how the heating and water functionality can be acquired.Australian Journal of Forensic Science
Examining the societal impact and legislative requirements of deepfake technology: a comprehensive study
Get PDFDeepfakes, highly realistic fabricated videos, images, or audios created using artificial intelligence algorithms, have gained widespread attention and raised concerns about their social impact and ethical implications. While initially seen as a source of entertainment and utilized in commercial applications, deepfake technology has increasingly been misused for creating adult content, blackmailing individuals, spreading misinformation, and manipulating memories. The negative consequences of deepfakes extend beyond individuals, impacting society as a whole, particularly during sensitive times like elections, where trust can be undermined. The paper looks at the social implications and legislative considerations for deepfakes content, with the goal of cultivating a thorough understanding of their impact on society. By highlighting the importance of enacting laws and regulations, the paper emphasizes the pressing need to control their widespread dissemination. Deepfakes have broad societal implications, especially during critical events like elections, eroding trust. This survey delves into deepfake complexities, aiming to foster understanding and emphasizing the urgency of regulation. The paper also discusses the positive outcomes of deepfake technology for intellectual property protection, highlighting the FORGE system developed to trick attackers who steal company documents. However, it emphasizes the risks posed by easily accessible websites that facilitate the creation of fake identification documents, increasing the likelihood of identity theft, criminal activities, and fraudulent transactions. Implementing restrictions on the use of deepfake technology involving children is also crucial to prevent harm and manipulation targeting minors
Who changes what, when and where? elaborating postponement when integrating hardware and software objects in global supply chains
Get PDFPurpose:
The postponement principle concerns defining when and where value is added, usually referring to hardware components for physical products. However, in modern supply chains, software’s importance is increasing, impacting the timing and location of value-adding operations. Lacking insights into software-driven implications for postponement, we aim at elaborating on the postponement principle by contextualizing its evolution when integrating different objects (i.e. hardware and software).
Design/methodology/approach:
We adopted an abductive approach to elaborate on the existing knowledge with original empirical insights. A single-case study with four subcases allowed us to explore postponement dimensions in the context of a global high-tech enterprise offering products that integrate hardware and software objects. As global supply chains involve multiple jurisdictions with heterogeneous regulations, we also analyzed in depth the emerging fiscal and legal implications.
Findings:
Besides where and when value is added, the study illustrates that deciding who (i.e. what legal entity) is carrying out what operation on what kind of object is highly important. Moreover, fiscal and legal implications for the various legal entities strongly depend on what operations are executed and in which jurisdiction (where). The study identifies critical interrelationships among postponement dimensions when integrating hardware and software objects, highlighting the importance of understanding and managing their reciprocity with the emerging fiscal and legal risks.
Originality/value:
We elaborate on the postponement principle by contextualizing its applications when integrating hardware and software objects in global supply chains, which include multiple jurisdictions. By formalizing the impact of the who dimension, the study contributes to developing the interorganizational perspective for postponement. Moreover, it extends the traditional cost perspective for postponement beyond the trade-off between responsiveness and cost-efficiency, suggesting that firms applying global postponement should extend their focus to also examine fiscal and legal risks for all the legal entities involved
'Data sheet of nanocomposites with F/N-doped ZnO'
No full textThe dataset for this research comprises the measurement results for pristine PVDF and PVDF-ZnO nanocomposites with and without fluorine/nitrogen doping. For TGA, DSC and XRD results each file contains the relevant data per experimental technique. Within each file worksheets correspond to the different materials. The column headers specify the variables and their associated units. For dielectric tests, the data is organised in separate files for permittivity, loss and imaginary modulus. The data are organised in worksheets by material in 2D arrays. The rows correspond to spectra at different measured temperatures and the columns to fixed frequency data. The materials nomenclature is as follows: -PVDF: pure PVDF -PVDF+5% ZnO: PVDF with 5% ZnO by weight -PVDF+10% ZnO: PVDF with 10% ZnO by weight -PVDF+15% ZnO: PVDF with 15% ZnO by weight -PVDF+5% F-ZnO: PVDF with 5% Fluorine doped (10% molar fraction) ZnO by weight -PVDF+10% F-ZnO: PVDF with 10% Fluorine doped (10% molar fraction) ZnO by weight -PVDF+15% F-ZnO: PVDF with 15% Fluorine doped (10% molar fraction) ZnO by weight -PVDF+5% N-ZnO: PVDF with 5% Nitrogen doped (10% molar fraction) ZnO by weight-PVDF+10% N-ZnO: PVDF with 10% Nitrogen doped (10% molar fraction) ZnO by weight -PVDF+15% N-ZnO: PVDF with 15% Nitrogen doped (10% molar fraction) ZnO by weigh
Removal of micropollutants from wastewater combining adsorption and electrochemical regeneration
Get PDFIncreasingly stringent legislations, such as the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and its
daughter Directive on Environmental Quality Standards (EQS), have carried important
implications for European policy on pollution control for water resources. EQS have been
set or proposed for substances which hitherto had not been subjected to monitoring, calling
for compliance assessments and new control measures.
To address this challenge, the UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) financed a Chemicals
Investigation Programme (CIP), assessing the source, occurrence and removal of
emerging pollutants in the final effluents of wastewater treatment works (WwTWs). A
second phase of work, CIP2, now aims to create a justifiable base for future regulatory
measures needed to achieve good status (i.e. compliance limits for specific substances),
together with a data set on micropollutants’ concentrations from trials conducted at pilot
and full scale all over the UK.
As part of CIP2, the Arvia ODC (Organic Destruction Cell), a novel technology combining
adsorption and electrochemical oxidation, has been investigated at pilot scale. Its overall
performance was assessed by evaluating the removal of 68 emerging pollutants and
priority substances (pharmaceuticals, steroids, industrial chemicals and heavy metals), by
appraising its economic and environmental costs and by weighting its reliability, easiness of
maintenance and operation.
Overall, the unit was able to target pharmaceuticals better than any other class of
substances, with removals consistently over 50% for the majority of them, being especially
effective towards macrolide antibiotics (~ 60-70%) and statins (~70-80%). The majority of
determinands (72%) were found to be at concentrations below the set EQS at discharge.
However, despite some evidence of promising performance, the ODC appeared to promote
the accumulation of metals (i.e. zinc, nickel) in the final effluent and overall showed quite a
weak performance in relation to sanitary determinands.
A multi criteria analysis was performed to compare the ODC to alternative tertiary
treatments. Although considerably lower than alternative treatment technologies (i.e. GAC
or ozonation), energy consumption, normalised at 0.14 kWh/treated m³, represented the
major contributing factor to estimated OPEX (1.1 pence/kWh), steadily increasing with
population served. The ODC does not require chemical dosing, thus lessening the sludge
production and potentially offering lower operational carbon usage than other advanced
oxidation processes.
Further testing of the technology was carried on at bench scale, in order to assess the
unit’s performance in more controlled circumstances (spiked tap water). The trial allowed to
single out the main parameters (mainly current density and effluent flow) responsible for the
ODC performance and to evaluate to what extent their variation contributed to the removal
of carbamazepine, a pharmaceutical compound whose persistence and toxicity in the
aquatic environment determined its inclusion in the list of substances investigated in CIP2.
The best removal performance (78%) was achieved at intermediate values for the ranges
of flow and current density explored (5 L/h, 4 mA/cm²), seemingly allowing a synergic
contribution of both adsorption and electrochemical oxidation.
Although the technology has been proved to perform satisfactorily towards specific
micropollutants in both trials, it is not applicable with the same degree of success to the
removal of the wide range of chemicals investigated in CIP2. Moreover, due to its relative
novelty and hitherto lack of full scale applications, the technology still requires stages of
development, especially in terms of hydraulics within the unit (i.e. backwash system) and
upstream solids capture.MSc by Research in Wate
Comparative life cycle assessment of glycerol valorization routes to 1,2- and 1,3-propanediol based on process modeling
Get PDFCrude glycerol, a high-volume byproduct of the biodiesel industry, has seen a significant surplus due to the industry’s rapid growth. It can be a promising feedstock for a range of high-value products via chemical and biochemical routes. This study thus elucidates the relative environmental performance of two prominent glycerol valorization technologies, i.e., catalytic hydrogenolysis to 1,2-propanediol and microbial fermentation (batch and fed-batch) to 1,3-propanediol, using a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA). The LCA was performed using an experimental data-driven comprehensive process model to represent an industrial-scale biorefinery, handling 20 833 kg/h of glycerol. The LCA results identified cooling water (18-35.5%) and steam (15.2-33.7%) consumption in the distillation and glycerol sourcing (33.3-68.1%) as the critical environmental hotspots, which should be focused on while designing the process. The fed-batch fermentation process was environmentally more benign, with significantly lower environmental impacts than hydrogenolysis (by 35.2%) and batch fermentation (by 48.2%). Integrating effective process heat recovery using pinch technology reduced the overall environmental impacts by 4.9-11.2%. The environmental performance of the overall processes varied substantially (2.4-62.1%) with changes in glycerol sourcing and production methods. Therefore, energy and material recycling with sustainable water and glycerol sourcing can improve the sustainability of the overall process.ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineerin
Advancements on the use of Filtered Rayleigh Scattering (FRS) with machine learning methods for flow distortion in aero-engine intakes
Get PDFIn-flight measurements of aerodynamic quantities are a requirement to ensure the correct scaling of Reynolds and Mach number and for the airworthiness certification of an aircraft. The ability to obtain such measurement is subject to several challenges such as instrument installation, environment, type of measurand, and spatial and temporal resolution. Given expected, more frequent use of embedded propulsion systems in the near future, the measurement technology needs to adapt for the characterization of multi-type flow distortion in complex flow, to assess the operability of air-breathing propulsion systems. To meet this increasing demand for high-fidelity experimental data, the Filtered Rayleigh Scattering (FRS) method is identified as a promising technology, as it can provide measurements of pressure, temperature and 3D velocities simultaneously, across a full Aerodynamic Interface Plane (AIP). Τhis work demonstrates the application of a novel FRS instrument, to assess the flow distortion in an S-duct diffuser, in a ground testing facility. A comparison of FRS results with Stereo-Particle Image Velocimetry (S-PIV) measurements reveals good agreement of the out of plane velocities, within 3.3 % at the AIP. Furthermore, the introduction of machine learning methods significantly accelerates the processing of the FRS data by up to 200 times, offering a substantial prospect towards real time data analysis. This study demonstrates the further development of the FRS technique, with the ultimate goal of inlet flow distortion measurements for in-flight environments.European CommissionThe SINATRA project leading to this publication has received funding from the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking (JU) under grant agreement No 886521. The JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and the Clean Sky 2 JU members other than the Union.Experimental Thermal and Fluid Scienc
Autonomy is the answer, but what was the question?
No full textThis paper was also presented at: DSDS24, Cranfield Defence and Security Doctoral Symposia 2024, 13-14 November 2024, STEAM Museum, Swindon, UK
The presentation can be accessed at: https://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/23400In recent years aspirations regarding the implementation of autonomous systems have rapidly matured. Consequently, establishing the assurance and certification processes necessary for ensuring their safe deployment, across various industries, is critical. In the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence distinctive duty holder structures - formed since the publication of the Haddon Cave report in 2009 - are central to risk management. The objective of this research is to evaluate the duty holder constructs suitability to cater for the unique merits of artificial intelligence-based technology that is the beating heart of highly autonomous systems.
A comprehensive literature review examined the duty holder structure and underpinning processes that form two established concepts: i) confirming the safety of individual equipment and platforms (safe to operate); and ii)the safe operation of equipment by humans to complete the human-machine team (operate safely). Bothtraditional and emerging autonomous assurance methods from various domains were compared, includingwithin wider fields, such as space, medical technology, automotive, software, and controls engineering. Thesemethods were analysed, adapted, and amalgamated to formulate recommendations for a single militaryapplication.
A knowledge gap was identified where autonomous systems were proposed but could not be adequately assured. Exploration of this knowledge gap revealed a notable intersection between the two operating concepts when autonomous systems were considered. This overlap formed the development of a third concept, safe to operate itself safely, envisioned as a novel means to certify the safe usage of autonomous systems within the UK's military operations.
A hypothetical through-life assurance model is proposed to underpin the concept of safe to operate itself safely. At the time of writing the proposed model is undergoing validation through a series of qualitative interviews with key stakeholders; duty holders, commanding officers, industry leaders, technology accelerator organisation leaders, requirements managers, system designers, Artificial Intelligence developers and other specialist technical experts from within the Ministry of Defence, academia, and industry.
Preliminary analysis queries whether a capability necessitates the use of autonomy at all. Recognising that some autonomous systems will never be certified as safe to operate themselves safely, voiding ambitious development aspirations. This highlights that autonomy is simply one of many tools available to a developer, to be used sparingly alongside traditional technology, and not a panacea to replace human resource as originally thought.
This paper provides a comprehensive account of the convergence between safe to operate and operate safely, enabling the creation of the safe to operate itself safely concept for autonomous systems. Furthermore, it outlines the methodology employed to establish this concept and makes recommendations for its integration within the duty holder construct.The recommendations in this paper are preliminary conclusions from PhD research funded by the Royal Navy under the supervision of Cranfield UniversityInternational Naval Engineering Conference (INEC
Disturbance observer-based backstepping terminal sliding mode aeroelastic control of airfoils
Get PDFThis paper studies aeroelastic control for a two-dimensional airfoil–flap system with unknown gust disturbances and model uncertainties. Open loop limit cycle oscillation (LCO) happens at the post-flutter speed. The structural stiffness and quasi-steady and unsteady aerodynamic loads of the aeroelastic system are represented by nonlinear models. To robustly suppress aeroelastic vibration within a finite time, a backstepping terminal sliding-mode control (BTSMC) is proposed. In addition, a learning rate (LR) is incorporated into the BTSMC to adjust how fast the aeroelastic response converges to zero. In order to overcome the fact that the BTSMC design is dependent on prior knowledge, a nonlinear disturbance observer (DO) is designed to estimate the variable observable disturbances. The closed-loop aeroelastic control system has proven to be globally asymptotically stable and converges within a finite time using Lyapunov theory. Simulation results of an aeroelastic two-dimensional airfoil with both trailing-edge (TE) and leading-edge (LE) control surfaces show that the proposed DO-BTSMC is effective for flutter suppression, even when subjected to gusts and parameter uncertainties.This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 52272400 and No. 10577012).Aerospac
Full envelope control of over-actuated fixed-wing vectored thrust eVTOL
Get PDFA novel full-envelope controller for an over-actuated fixed-wing vectored thrust eVTOL aircraft is presented. It proposes a generic control architecture, which is applicable to piloted, semi-automatic, and fully automated flight, consisting of an aircraft-level controller (high-level controller) and a control allocation scheme. The aircraft-level controller consists of a main inner loop classical nonlinear dynamic inversion controller and an outer loop proportional–integral linear controller. The inner loop nonlinear dynamic inversion controller is a velocity controller that cancels the nonlinear bare airframe dynamics, while the outer loop proportional–integral linear controller is an attitude and navigation position controller. Together, they are used for hover/low-speed control and forward flight. The control allocation scheme uses a novel architecture, which transfers the nonlinearity in the vectored thrust effector model formulation to the computation of the actuator limits by converting the effector model from polar to rectangular form, thus allowing the use of classical control allocation linear optimisation technique. The linear optimisation technique is an active set linear quadratic programming constrained optimisation algorithm with a weighted least squares formulation. The control allocation allocates the overall control demand (virtual controls) to individual redundant effectors while performing control error minimisation, control channel prioritisation and control effort minimisation. Simulation results show the transition from hover to cruise, climb and descent, and coordinated turn clearly demonstrate that the controller can handle actuator saturation (position or rate).Aerospac