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Unauthorized access control in water utility computer networks
Get PDFVirtual tampering in water utility systems can lead to highly dangerous real-world situations such as shortages and permanent damage to infrastructure. While cybersecurity guidelines do exist for Romanian companies like ApaNova, they are inadequate for protecting the water supply chain. Evaluating the potential vulnerabilities such systems have and presenting open-source methods to improve them is critical for the cybersecurity sustainability of utility services. Building on previous research regarding network cybersecurity, Kali Linux was used as a penetration testing platform in conjunction with an OPNSense-based network configuration. Initially the test included just the Apa Nova-mandated security settings (focusing on ransomware & database access protection), after which additional protective layers were added. The first extra layer was VLAN network segmentation, in compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s America\u27s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) guidelines. Afterwards, additional settings were added, such as: Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) & Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS); Employee access only via Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Medium Access Control (MAC) address filtering for all employee Wi-Fi devices. A monitoring solution in OPNSense was also implemented, in order to be informed of any suspicious activity on the network. In conjunction with this, a patching strategy was created, which would minimize downtime, while ensuring the system is kept up to date. This is facilitated by the open-source nature of OPNSense, which does not need costly license upgrades to remain secure. The results showed that while protection against ransomware/viruses is important and relatively easy to implement, testing confirmed the findings of previous articles that malicious internal actors are an even greater threat than viruses. This requires constant protection and monitoring against privilege misuse by even authorized personnel. A wider view is offered on how easy it is to gain access to current systems and several off-the-shelf open-source software solutions are highlighted that can prevent water utility shutdown or misuse by malicious actors
Attacks against data security in smart cities: hypothetical scenarios or reality?
Get PDFThe Objective is to show how changes in our lifestyle, which becomes more comfortable due to technological advancement, can lead to changes in which attacks, theft and various frauds can occur in smart cities. We need to be aware of risks. Prior work includes selected case studies and hypothetical risks scenarios, studied focusing not on the information, but on the way we relate to it. The 2018 Atlanta ransomware attack of the computer system of an entire smart city led to shutting down the municipal course, and to not allowing the citizens to pay their water bills and tickets for city traffic. In 2014, there was an attack on smart household appliances, worldwide, and home-networking routers were damaged. In Los Angeles, in 2016, an incident delayed work at MedStar hospital chain. The cyberattack caused data breaches in the healthcare industry, since medical equipment, such as pacemaker devices and MRI machines rely on information which expose them to risks. Hypothetical scenarios include cyberattacks damaging the way traffic functions. Approach: Data Security will be analysed from a psychological and cultural perspective, related to the anthropology of urban communities, and to the way in which individuals understand their right to personal space, data privacy, and the protective role of the cities. Case studies in previous research and news will be analysed. Results: Regarding the large-scale damage once cyberattacks occur, at the level of various areas of activity, affecting the entire city, what measures are taken by the European Union? Is digital democracy a simple utopia? Implications: Knowledge of previous experience means prevention for authorities and precaution for citizens. Value: Human beings need to cooperate with technology, but not passively. They need to be aware of its limits and not consider it a magical solution. Technology has shaped our urban culture and mindset
The digital (il)literacy of local and regional politicians and civil servants –An analysis based on recent data from Romania
Get PDFIn 2021/2022 a consortium of European universities delivered a scientific basis for a policy fighting fake news and hate speech with support of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, describing also the technical and legal basics of both phenomena. In this context a survey was performed with the delegates of the Congress and the book, which contained also the survey results, was presented to the Congress in its Spring Session 2022. In 2023 a broader survey was done in a selection of countries, which also returned 675 filled-in questionnaires from Romania. The part of the questionnaire dealing with possible remedies contained questions which remedies are considered technically and legally feasible by the participants. Confirming the results of the survey in 2021/2022 the results for Romania showed a severe lack of basic knowledge about how the internet works and its governance. In this paper we want to show the results for Romania in detail, discuss them and suggest possible training measures which seem necessary to make the local and regional politics and administration fit for the Digitalization.The analysis of data from other European countries showed that this phenomenon is not restricted to Romania but is widely recognizable all over Europe. It also confirms the results from the survey among the Congress delegates. Therefore, this paper may be based on the Romanian dataset, however it signifies a pan-European issue.The authors are grateful to Vice Dean Nicolae Urs (Babeș-Bolyai University Cluj-Napoca) and Catalin Vrabie (National University of Political Studies and Public Administration) for their support in spreading the survey among Romanian municipalities
Needs and Options for Improving Gold Mining Waste Management Practices for Sustainable Development in Tanzania
Get PDFThe main objective of this study was to evaluate current mining waste management practices and their challenges. This study aimed to identify existing technologies and practices, and to present improvement needs and options for environmentally sustainable practices for mining operations. Other researchers have reported many practices and technologies for managing mining waste, but the efficiency, applicability, and need for customization were not specifically addressed for developing countries. This study used field observations, measurement methods, and laboratory analysis to collect data. This study showed a large amount of mine waste rock compared to the tailings wastewater from gold processing plant produced annually. This comprises approximately 5.2 million m3 of mine contaminated water generated by leaching from the waste rock dump (WRD) and 2.3 million m3 from the tailings storage facility (TSF). The study also identified the use of TSF cut-off trenches for seepage collection, the use of lime to treat acid mine drainage (AMD), the discharge of AMD into the TSF, and the recycling of TSF water as the best practices for managing mining waste. Furthermore, the study also found that the most common environmental problems were caused by TSF water and AMD water. However, mining waste management can be improved by modifying existing practices and adopting cost-effective technologies and practices to control and treat excess mining water
Actual practices of citizen participation in smart cities
Get PDFThis article attempts to explore the actual citizen participation practices. Scholarly articles on smart cities have investigated different aspects of the smart city paradigm. Despite increased scholarships on smart cities examining the citizen-centric claim, the praxis of citizen participation has not received much attention. Therefore, the aim of this article is to explore and understand the ‘actual practices’ of citizen participation in smart cities and how can an inclusive and equitable citizen participation can be ensured. Based on an in-depth review and analysis of secondary data, this article argues that enabling “active” involvement of citizenry through a rights-based approach can make citizen participation a worthwhile endeavor in the development process, which is equitable, inclusive and sustainable
Account based ticketing (ABT) integration for seamless multi-modal transport systems in smart cities
Get PDFThe digital transformation of urban transportation systems remains a critical challenge in Smart Cities\u27 development. This paper addresses the pervasive issue of inadequate digitalization within public transportation systems. The paper highlights the promise of Account Based Ticketing (ABT) as a pivotal solution for integrating diverse public and private transportation modes allowing users to access different transportation services with a single account, without the need for new physical tickets or cards. ABT approach represents a breakthrough in seamlessly amalgamating various transportation operators\u27 systems, transcending city limits into broader metropolitan spheres, and fostering integration and interoperability across transportation modes operated by disparate entities. Emphasizing beyond-city-scale integration, it explores the potential value of ABT to connect transportation networks extending into metropolitan influences. The proposed approach involves analyzing the implementation and functionality of ABT systems, underlining their capacity to overcome existing barriers in multi-modal transportation. The results anticipate enhanced accessibility, increased ridership, and streamlined user experiences, contributing to the realization of efficient and interconnected urban transport networks. This study not only underscores the value of ABT in revolutionizing contemporary transportation systems but also examines its broader implications for future urban planning and smart city development, highlighting the transformative potential and essential role that ABT plays in shaping the future of integrated transportation and Mobility as a Service in Smart Cities
The role of uses and gratification theory and technology acceptance model in the adoption and usage of wearable technology
Get PDFThe growth of wearable products has had a multifaced impact on society, touching various aspects of our lives, from health and technology to fashion and privacy. Devices such as smartwatches, display glasses, wristbands, and headbands have been rapidly propagated to mainstream usage, due to their capability for both leisure or fitness and medical data tracking. the study utilized the Technology Acceptance Model to investigate the motivations (gratifications) driving students to embrace wearable technologies and their subsequent utilization of these technologies. The research employed a cross-sectional design, gathering data from a convenience sample of 261 participants (48 males and 213 females), whose ages ranged from 18 to 29 years (M=21.73, SD=3.70). Data collection involved administering two structured questionnaires: the Technology Acceptance Model and the Gratifications of Wearables Technology. The study\u27s findings indicate significant correlations between several factors. Specifically, both Perceived Ease of Use (r=.279, p<.01) and Perceived Usefulness (r=.386, p<.01) are positively associated with Actual System Use. Additionally, Perceived Ease of Use displays a positive correlation with the Accessibility scale of Gratifications of Wearables Technology (r=.380, p<.01), while Perceived Usefulness exhibits positive correlations with all scales of Gratifications of Wearables Technology, including Health (r=.427, p<.01), Accessibility (r=.522, p<.01), and Status (r=.262, p<.01). The outlook for the wearable industry suggests that significant transformations are on the horizon in the coming years, with wearables becoming increasingly prevalent in mainstream usage. This study not only delves into the practical implications but also outlines potential avenues for future research in this field
Mainstreaming New European Bauhaus for green innovationtransformation in Romanian Regions – insights into SouthMuntenia Region
Get PDFAs a creative and interdisciplinary initiative launched by the European Commission in 2020, the New European Bauhaus (NEB) aims to connect the European Green Deal with the space and life experience of the European citizen, giving him a cultural and creative dimension. Also, the NEB aims to support and accelerate the green transition of settlements and regions, societies and economy, the main objective being to integrate the values and principles promoted in policy-making at European and national level in order to bring positive changes at local level and improve people\u27s quality of life. The paper provides a brief history of the concept, its actual European context, and the mechanisms for integrating the values and principles promoted in policy preparation at European, national and regional level. An important section of this paper is dedicated to a case study that explores compatibility, integration of the NEB concept and integrated approach to potential actions financed at the level of the South Muntenia Region in Romania. The paper also presents good practices regarding the concept. The paper is based on communications, reports, presentations and guidelines from the European Commission regarding the launch of the concept, the compass on the objectives and ambitions of the initiative, funding conditions, and also progress since its launch and to date. Thus, I have studied the documents presented by the European Commission and available on the website dedicated to the NEB initiative, the national legislation that integrates the concept as a priority at the level of relevant strategies. To determine the extent to which the NEB concept has been integrated into funding programmes and what actions are foreseen, I analyzed programmatic documents at regional level in Romania, particularly from South Muntenia Region. The results show that the NEB has become a catalyst for the European Green Deal transformation, a movement with an active and growing community in all EU Member States and beyond, including Romania. At the same time, thanks to broad funding from various EU programmes, NEB has begun to implement real change in the field. The paper can be useful to local, regional and managing authorities as well as citizens and people from various backgrounds (art and design, culture and cultural heritage institutions, educators, scientists and innovators) because it is a guide to support the NEB initiative that brings together sustainable development, inclusion and aesthetics
Digital divide, smart assistive technologies and ageing people
Get PDFObjective: To define the causes and potential solutions for the digital divide in the ageing population. Prior work: The digital divide between generations is somehow logical, because digital technologies evolved when today’s elders were already retiring from professional activity. The pressure to use digital technologies comes later, when you need to monitor your functional and activity parameters, when you are isolated at home and have to talk to your family and your family doctor, when you need information in real time and the best source is the internet. Approach: Bibliographic research and case studies. Results: Digital assistive solutions progressed from assisting a function, increasing safety and the general level of activity, to improving physical, psychological condition and behaviour, then to solutions able to optimise task-oriented behaviour, then to enhancing social participation and now we talk about ecosystems and sustainability. The role of multidisciplinary teams implementing, in interdisciplinary approach, the principles of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine and of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health is crucial in developing such solutions. Implications: The stage we are now in is searching for the best solutions to find the friendliest interfaces, the easiest way to really implement smart in valuable feasible and sustainable services, but we are also searching ways to teach, train and coach the potential users of digital assistive solutions and for all other available ICT and sensor-based assistive technologies. Value: We go against the Cancel-Culture. In fact, we need to add two more domains to people\u27s culture: the Active and Healthy Ageing Culture and the Digital Culture, and we need to make people aware of the importance of Ageing Well and of the fact that we are all relevant citizens of this imperfect society, where all lives matter
Perspectives and implications in the use of artificialintelligence in healthcare
Get PDFAdvances in applications and research in creative operations have led to the emergence of artificial intelligence, which has developed from a nascent application to a major influence in almost all areas of business, research,or manufacturing, including the medical field. Thus in the medical field the first application with particularly good results was in surgery, i.e. laparoscopy. Subsequently, minimally invasive operations in cardiology, orthopedics, urology, etc., as well as in minimally invasive operations on the unborn fetus, when certain congenital malformations were identified. It is expected that artificial intelligence will also be able to performminimally invasive interventions on the Central Nervous System (CNS), especially for recovery from progressive neuronal degenerative conditions with multi-level damage (dopa and non-dopa). As a result artificial intelligence challenges specialists to create appropriate instrumentation, through new technologies and the creation of specialists in collateral fields (chemistry, welding, composite materials, microbiology, etc.), as well as new systems of micro-visualization without radioactive effects. This requires collaborations and cooperation between researchers in various fields and major investments in research laboratories and information of specialists. Artificial intelligence has also created opponents in terms of fears that it would replace some medical professionals and that some negative consequences of artificial intelligence applications in the medical field may not be predictable. Artificial intelligence is proving to be an evolutionary stage as a result of the emergence and development of technologies, types of management, the creation of niche researchers, with competitive aspects between laboratories and states and with state and private investment, especially as it also has applications in the military. Artificial intelligence-related discoveries are secret and top secret due to investments recoverable from licensing profits. Romania benefits from the National Strategy for Research, Innovation and Smart Specialization with funds from the PNRR, with the remark that national research institutions have lost specialists attracted by developed countries from the European Union, the USA, etc. In order to cope with the competition Romania should allocate substantial budgetary funds both in national research institutions and in the creation of co-invested specialists, as well as encourage private initiatives. Applications already practiced from the use of artificial intelligence in the medical field highlight the benefits for society as a whole with recognized positive results for the health of patients and by decreasingrecovery time and lowering the costs of hospitalizations and treatments. Romania as a member of the European Union and NATO has the advantages of cooperation and collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence, with similar institutions, as well as through participation in scientific sessions and specific topics. Romania as a member of the European Union and NATO has the advantages of cooperation and collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence, with similar institutions, as well as through participation in scientific sessions and specific topics. It is undeniable that artificial intelligence is proving to have an impact in most areas of social economics, manufacturing, healthcare and the military. The necessary investment and the applicable results of artificial intelligence create value and added value for society