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Asset Tokenization and Authentication in the Industrial Metaverse
No full textThe Industrial Revolution is a crucial development step in human history that started three centuries ago and is still ongoing. It continually influences and shapes the globalized world. Today, industries account for 20% of carbon dioxide emissions worldwide and require more than a third of global energy consumption.
Current problems, such as climate change, increasing waste, and pollution, require simultaneous optimization across all industrial domains, infrastructure, and systems as they depend on each other. The global industry faces the immense challenges of providing for a surging world population expected to peak in the mid-2080s with 10.4 billion people, as reported by the United Nations. Hence, industries are expected to become less resource-intensive, sustainable, and more resilient to disrupted supply chains while producing for a growing population for the next decades.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0 (I4.0), started around 2010 and is still an ongoing transformation of industrial processes towards digitalization, creating smart factories referring to the digital data integration of the entire manufacturing cycle. I4.0 is incredibly information-intensive and requires immense data to simulate and predict essential operations based on a digital shadow of the factory, a so-called digital twin.
The Metaverse is considered a digitalization megatrend merging digital and physical worlds, creating immersive experiences and new opportunities for interaction and innovation across various sectors and industries. The vision of the Metaverse promotes interconnected and interoperable real-time 3D virtual worlds that can be frictionlessly traversed while sustaining ownership of one's assets under a self-sovereign identity in a decentralized environment without platform lock-ins to a specific ecosystem. Therefore, the Metaverse creates an immersive parallel reality with collective virtually shared spaces for entertainment, social interactions, education, and a new working environment.
The Industrial Metaverse synthesizes Metaverse concepts with current industrial automation, such as I4.0, to deepen the digital-physical convergence by interconnecting internal and external systems to enable decision-making and predictions based on significantly broader knowledge. An Industrial Metaverse factory is entirely mirrored to integrate digital twins of all types of equipment, assets, and other entities that can communicate vertically and horizontally, as well as the knowledge about relevant external systems and industrial core sectors. Through the comprehensive data integration of the Industrial Metaverse, AI-driven applications can predict future events, reducing system and hardware failures. Furthermore, the interconnected virtual environments create a meta-ecosystem for global collaboration, providing spaces for solving complex problems such as engineering and product design tasks, simulation of product twins, and reduced development time and costs. The connected industrial ecosystems create a token-based digital economy for exchanging data, assets, and services cross-metaverse connecting isolated data silos. Sharing digital twin resources and services with other systems enables new innovative applications and growing ecosystems.
The theoretical part of this thesis defines the essential characteristics and key technologies of the Industrial Metaverse to derive a reference architecture for a decentralized system of systems, outlining the fundamental Industrial Metaverse building blocks. Interoperable data exchange, access management, and system communication are critical challenges. Especially interoperability of assets such as 3D files that come in different formats and identities must be ensured to move between virtual environments. The unique fusion of technologies leverages interconnected digital twins in the context of immersion, interaction, and collaboration for secure, autonomous-governed, decentralized industrial applications. Hence, the Industrial Metaverse requires the possibility of exchanging assets, products, and services across all systems in a secure manner. Distributed ledger technology enables tamper-proof transactions of assets and value in a decentralized token economy.
Therefore, we investigate the feasibility of current tokenization methods for industrial assets, in particular, Printed Circuit Board (PCB) designs and 3D models. We contribute methods to create unique fingerprints of PCB designs to enable their exchange in the token economy. We investigate how to bind files in different formats and quality representations to the same token. A robust multi-file binding based on the copper layers of a PCB design was achieved by calculating an adaptive perceptual hash of all files. The adaptive perceptual hash was evaluated against numerous tamperings of the routing layout of a PCB, showing decent resistance to layout changes. The resulting adaptive perceptual hash can be used as an additional identification attribute in a tokenized asset.
Furthermore, assets must be authenticatable and verifiable by marketplaces, manufacturers, and other participants to create trust in a decentralized environment. While assets can be tampered with to manipulate, for example, cryptographic hashes that link the file to the token, perceptual hashes can compute a perceived or functional similarity of two objects instead of the plain file integrity. Without the possibility of verifying and protecting intellectual property, mass adoption of the Metaverse and Industrial Metaverse is unlikely. Therefore, we contribute to detecting tampering attacks on 3D models by introducing a 3D perceptual hash that is robust to a set of mesh manipulations, enabling the trusted exchange and authentication of 3D data in the Metaverse
An exploration of professional self concepts in science communication
No full textThe dissertation explores emerging professional self concepts in the field of science communication. It integrates theories and concepts from a diverse range of disciplines from the sociology of professions to science and technology studies. It also considers organisational contexts and country specifics as major influencing factors and includes these in comparative frameworks. By triangulating data from different sources the dissertation offers broad insights not only into science communication but professionalisation more widely
The stone-made myth of return : translocality and housing in Amedzofe, Ghana
No full textThis paper delves into how migration and the resulting emergence of translocal networks, shaped by migrants' spatial and social trajectories, influence housing investment decisions in the area of origin. During our field stay in Amedzofe, a settlement in south-eastern Ghana, we gathered qualitative data in a transect walk with a local key informant and, building upon this, ten semi-structured interviews, alongside quantitative data collected through a questionnaire involving 94 households as part of the broader data collection within the MiTra|WA research project. By applying a simple propensity score matching approach, the study demonstrates that households with at least one migrant are 18 percentage points more likely to invest in housing for Amedzofe family members than non-migrant housholds. Notably, investments in aesthetically appealing housing are particularly significant. Our qualitative findings substantiate these observations, highlighting a strong inclination to showcase translocal interconnectedness and a lasting sense of belonging to Amedzofe. Housing investments also encapsulate the ingrained notion of migrants' eventual return to Amedzofe, especially for retirement, namely the "stone-made myth of return." Our study emphasizes the need for expanded research focus on translocal networks and the symbolic importance of housing in the Ghanaian context. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing the implications of growing demands for living space, which may impact land distribution and require further investigation
SAT Solving Using XOR-OR-AND Normal Forms and Cryptographic Fault Attacks
No full textThe Boolean satisfiability problem (SAT) lies at the core of computational logic and has found many applications in verification, cryptography, and artificial intelligence. While conflict-driven SAT solvers (CDCL) excel on large industrial instances, they struggle with XOR-rich instances arising frequently in cryptanalysis, due to the inefficiency of CNF encodings of linear constraints. Conversely, algebraic approaches can work with linear XOR constraints naturally but fail to scale to relevant sizes. Bridging these complementary paradigms with a focus on cryptographic problems is at the heart of this thesis.
On one hand, this dissertation advances SAT solving by introducing the XOR-OR-AND normal form (XNF) as a generalization of the conjunctive normal form (CNF), where literals are replaced by XOR chains of literals. This allows for a native representation of XOR constraints. We generalize the CDCL architecture to the richer language of XNFs. The underlying reasoning based on the proof system SRES which is shown to be exponentially stronger than classical resolution. An implementation demonstrates competitive performance and often surpasses state-of-the-art algebraic and logic solvers on random and cryptographic benchmarks. Furthermore, we prove that every XNF formula can be converted in polynomial time to a formula in 2-XNF, enabling a graph-based approach similar to 2-SAT. Building on this, we propose advanced in- and pre-processing techniques, and construct a simple DPLL-based solving framework. Our implementation, 2-Xornado, outperforms modern algebraic and logic solving approaches on many random and some structured cryptographic problems.
On the other hand, we apply combined algebraic and logical techniques to cryptanalysis of stream ciphers. We introduce a formal guess-and-determine (GD) framework using a logical abstraction of the information flow in the internal state. From an algebraic point of view, we can then find optimal GD attacks utilizing a Gröbner basis. As a case study, we apply this method to aid in the construction of novel fault attacks on the ciphers KCipher-2 and Enocoro-128v2. Using ad hoc methods combining algebraic and logical approaches, we show that both ciphers are vulnerable to active side-channel attacks under rather weak fault models
Anomaly Detection and Forecasting Techniques and their Applications Scenarios, Challenges and Limits in Industrial Production Settings
No full textWhat needs to be done to get machine learning and artificial intelligence from the lab to the shop floor? This work and its affiliated publications focus on challenges and solutions to apply machine learning applications inside industrial setups and what steps are needed to improve those setups. In industrial setups it is easy to run into a "hen and egg" problem. To gather data, the information which data to gather is ideally given beforehand and these information are not available when studying new setups and machines. In this work setups and concepts are created to dynamically connect to a network and start gathering data from available endpoints inside a manufacturing setup. The data streams of these endpoints are further analyzed to give an initial analysis of the data and advise further processing. To further analyze these data streams with the current advances in the machine learning field and AI, plug and play solutions are presented by manufacturers and scientific research. Limits are determined for this plug and play capability and solutions are provided to further improve upon the base solutions. The capability to apply commonly applied methods was analyzed and initially provided non-sufficient results. In the sub-fields of anomaly detection, regression analysis, forecasting and classification the addition of context information, such as production specific information and time dependent analysis were used to improve the results. Context information, especially periodic information, were further conceptualized and integrated into the initial data analysis. Difficulties with correct labeling of ground truth due to differing biases of participants were encountered, and counter measurements were proposed. Results of the classification, regression, forecast and context information extraction were investigated for their influence on the human operator. A significant change could be measured in multiple cases, just by providing information about underlying problems and errors. The Aforementioned machine learning methods further improved the performance of machine and operator
Towards a holistic approach to sustainable development : inner development as a missing link for sustainability transformation
No full textThe discourse on understanding and implementing sustainable development has so far focused primarily on the external aspects, neglecting the internal dimension of people. The main purpose of our paper is to contribute to addressing this research gap. Therefore, we intend to (1) substantiate existing aspects of the Inner Development Goals (IDGs), (2) complement them, and (3) link the concept of the IDGs to normative discourses in Christian Social Ethics and Social Philosophy. Our results show that the dimensions of Being, Relating, and Collaborating in the IDG Framework can be substantiated by the normative discourse on spirituality and by reference to the social principle of personality in Christian Social Ethics, as well as by the Indian Social Philosophical Perspective of Vimala Thakar which focuses on a value-based approach. This paper suggests that the concept of the IDGs will be strengthened by adding the dimension of Caring—understood as the concern and responsibility for the wholeness in the combining of the inner and outer dimensions. By linking the concept of the Inner Development Goals to the existing normative discourses in Christian Social Ethics and Social Philosophy, our research contributes to making the concept connectable and deepens the discussions on a practical and theoretical level
Affective Roots: Memory, emotions and viscerality within organic agri-food networks in Tamil Nadu, India
No full textFor activists I met in Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu in India, organic food and farming was a ‘way of life’. Stemming from my curiosity about this statement and what it meant for different actors in the regional organic agri-food networks, this research explores the interconnected lives and livelihoods of organic farmers and activists in Tamil Nadu. To engage with the social dynamics of these agri-food networks, the research focuses in on the role of the affective, feeling body. The emphasis on affect emerged in the form of memories, emotions and visceral experience, from empirical data collected between 2020 and 2022. And as the thesis demonstrates, affective dimensions, or what moves people, are important because, unlike economic, statistical or structural perspectives, they make visible the ways different actors feel socio-ecological change. Adopting the lens of Feminist Political Ecology and drawing on the fields of historical anthropology and feminist ethics, this thesis highlights: (1) the enduring nature of epistemic injustice within agri-food relations, (2) how social boundaries are built, maintained and remade through affective encounters, circumscribing what I call the ‘affective roots’ of socio-ecological change and (3) how ambiguous affective relations co-constitute organic agri-food networks, shaping anxious environmental subjectivities, that stem from socially mediated encounters with agro-chemicals, the market, the landscape and the other. Deepening our understanding of socio-ecological and agrarian change through empirical inquiry into how people feel matters, I argue, because it sheds light on injustices that are often concealed beneath the clouds of crisis
Equity of participation in digital inclusion of older adults: A potential analysis of voice assistants
No full textThis cumulative dissertation delves into the complexities and opportunities surrounding older adults’ adoption and use of Voice Assistants (VAs), focusing on digital participation equity from theologic-ethical and social perspectives. Through an extensive series of methodologically diverse studies—including systematic literature reviews, laboratory experiments, surveys, and field studies—the research aims to uncover how older adults perceive, interact with, and are impacted by technologies, such as the particular model “Amazon Echo Show 10, 3rd generation with integrated voice interface ALEXA”. The investigation also seeks to pinpoint the obstacles that impede the adoption of these technologies among this demographic.
The research initially demonstrates that older adults can recognize the utility of VAs in various applications, including information retrieval, entertainment, and health management. The findings underscore the importance of these devices in enhancing the quality of life by providing easier access to essential services and facilitating social interaction, even among those who may be physically isolated.
However, the dissertation identifies significant concerns among older adults regarding privacy and data security, influencing their willingness to embrace VAs. The devices’ complexity and occasional interaction difficulties—such as command formulation and speech recognition issues—further challenge their usability for this group.
A notable and unique aspect of the study is the anthropomorphization of devices by some older adults. This behavior, where users attribute human-like characteristics or emotional connections to VAs, suggests deeper psychological and social dimensions in the user-technology relationship. This phenomenon is examined to understand its implications for technology acceptance and the potential for these devices to mitigate feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
In summary, this dissertation provides practical recommendations for enhancing the design, communication, and functionality of VAs to better cater to the needs and preferences of older adults. It underscores the importance of technology development that respects the dignity and autonomy of older individuals, ensuring their digital participation and equity. The work advocates for a comprehensive approach that integrates ethical considerations into technology design and dissemination, thereby promoting a framework that supports the full inclusion of older adults in the digital world.Diese kumulative Dissertation untersucht die Komplexität und die Möglichkeiten, die mit der Annahme und Nutzung von Sprachassistenten durch ältere Erwachsene verbunden sind, und konzentriert sich auf die digitale Teilhabegerechtigkeit aus theologisch-ethischer und sozialer Sicht. Durch eine umfangreiche Reihe methodisch unterschiedlicher Studien - darunter systematische Literaturauswertungen, Laborexperimente, Umfragen und Feldstudien - zielt diese Forschung darauf ab herauszufinden, wie ältere Erwachsene Technologien wie kommerzielle Sprachassistenten, wie z. B. das spezielle Modell "Amazon Echo Show 10, 3. Generation mit integriertem Sprachinterface Alexa" wahrnehmen, mit ihnen interagieren und von ihnen beeinflusst werden. Die Untersuchung versucht auch, die Hindernisse aufzuzeigen, die die Annahme dieser Technologien in dieser Bevölkerungsgruppe behindern und geht auch auf Tendenzen von Antropomorphisierung der Geräte ein.
Die Untersuchung zeigt zunächst, dass ältere Erwachsene den Nutzen von Sprachassistenten in verschiedenen Anwendungen erkennen können, darunter für die Informationsbeschaffung, Unterhaltung und das Gesundheitsmanagement.
Die Ergebnisse unterstreichen die Bedeutung dieser Geräte für die Verbesserung der Lebensqualität, indem sie den Zugang zu wichtigen Dienstleistungen erleichtern und die soziale Interaktion fördern, selbst bei Personen, die körperlich isoliert sind.
Die Dissertation zeigt jedoch auch, dass ältere Menschen Bedenken hinsichtlich des Schutzes der Privatsphäre und der Datensicherheit haben, was ihre Bereitschaft, Sprachassistenten zu nutzen, deutlich beeinflusst. Die Komplexität der Geräte und gelegentliche Schwierigkeiten bei der Interaktion - wie etwa Probleme bei der Befehlsformulierung und der Spracherkennung - stellen eine weitere Herausforderung für die Benutzerfreundlichkeit dieser Gruppe dar.
Ein bemerkenswerter und einzigartiger Aspekt der Studie ist die Anthropomorphisierung der Geräte durch einige ältere Erwachsene. Dieses Verhalten, bei dem die Benutzer Sprachassistenten menschenähnliche Eigenschaften oder emotionale Verbindungen zuschreiben, deutet auf tiefere psychologische und soziale Dimensionen in der Beziehung zwischen Benutzer und Technologie hin. Dieses Phänomen wird untersucht, um seine Auswirkungen auf die Technologieakzeptanz und das Potenzial dieser Geräte, Gefühle von Einsamkeit und sozialer Isolation zu mildern, zu verstehen.
Abschließend bietet die Dissertation gezielte Empfehlungen zur Verbesserung von Design, Kommunikation und Funktionalität von Sprachassistenten, um den Bedürfnissen und Vorlieben älterer Menschen besser gerecht zu werden. Sie unterstreicht die Notwendigkeit einer Technologieentwicklung, die die Würde und Autonomie älterer Menschen in den Vordergrund stellt und ihre digitale Teilhabe und Gleichberechtigung gewährleistet. Die Arbeit fordert einen ganzheitlichen Ansatz, der ethische Überlegungen in die Entwicklung und Verbreitung von Technologien einbezieht, und setzt sich für einen Rahmen ein, der die vollständige Einbeziehung älterer Menschen in die digitale Welt unterstützt
From Faking Online Content to Orchestrating Its Creation by Public Workers: Examining Russian Disinformation Production Organisations through Curriculum Vitae Analysis (2013-2024)
No full textThis dissertation examines the evolution of Russian digital authoritarianism, focusing on its organisations that produce disinformation, the transition from the Internet Research Agency to the Patriot Media Group and the emergence of ANO Dialog. It shows how the Internet Research Agency operated as a sophisticated "troll farm" during the early stages of the Russo-Ukrainian war, with activities similar to those of a PR firm. The Patriot Media Group absorbed these activities, blurring the lines between media and disinformation and prioritising metrics-driven propaganda over journalistic professionalism. This dissertation identifies the organisation ANO Dialog as a new model, heavily integrated with state structures, combining digital surveillance, repression, and Soviet-style agitation adapted to the digital age. Using a novel methodology of career profile collection and analysis, my research illustrates the institutionalisation and regional expansion of disinformation tactics in Russian digital authoritarianism, highlighting its operational adaptability and evolving infrastructure
Does translocality influence climate change adaption of rural farming households? : evidence from Arochukwu, southeast Nigeria
No full textImpacts of climate change are a burden for many rural communities in the global south, and particularly affect vulnerable farming households, that depend on agriculture for their sustenance. Understanding how vulnerable rural migrant households respond to this, from a translocal perspective can help to build households’ resilience to climate change. While studies in Nigeria have assessed the impact of migration as a means of adaptation, studies assessing the influence of vulnerable households, using this approach is limited. This study therefore assessed how translocality influence adaptation to climate change, for vulnerable rural households in Arochukwu, southeast Nigeria. To achieve this objective, a multistage purposive random sampling technique was used to collect data from rural farm households. Primary data were collected from the households in the Area of Origin (AoO) and Area of Destination (AoD) using survey and interviews, and analysed using mixed methods analysis. Results indicate that rainfall variability and high temperature are the most risks encountered, resulting in crop losses. As a means of adaptation, migrant and non-migrant households engage in off-season migration to urban and rural areas, with more migrant households engaging in off-season rural-urban and rural-rural migration. Among migrant households, flow of resources occur, with the type of item determining the medium of exchange; while households in the AoO pay less attention to agricultural investment. Migrant and non-migrant households also differ significantly in terms of the number of adaptation measures employed. Findings from the empirical analysis on the influence of translocality on adaptation indicate that, perception of climate change, household size, and the transfer of ideas, knowledge, and innovation by migrants to their households in the AoO significantly influence adaptation of rural farming households. The research makes a case for consideration of translocality in national adaptation plans, aimed at building resilience of rural households in Southeast Nigeria