1,721,082 research outputs found
National governments and control of the internet a digital challenge
No full textIn recent years, Internet control has become one of the major indicators to assess the balance between freedom and security in democracies. This book explores and compares why, and to what extent, national governments decide to control the Internet and how this impacts on crucial socio-economic activities and fundamental civil rights. The author provides detailed studies on the US, Germany, Italy and further case studies on Brazil, Canada, India, the Netherlands, South Africa and Switzerland, to address topics such national security, freedom of expression and privacy
The political 'complications' of digital information networks: A reply to 'the politics of bandwidth'
No full textIn 'The Politics of Bandwidth', Geoffrey Herrera examines the relationship between the information revolution and international affairs. His main point is that the evolution and ultimate shape of a mature digital information network will be decided by a three-way political struggle between states, firms and individuals. This short essay intends to expand and refine some of Herrera's assumptions. More importantly, however, the essay draws attention to the factor that Herrera neglects, namely the difference that being a democracy makes when determining the outcome of the three-way struggle
The War of “Intelligent” Machines May Be Inevitable
No full textThe article discusses three main points: (1) the superiority of machine over men in speed, focus, etc., (2) if a link exists to allow communication between the man in command and the machine, then there is also a way to hack into the system, and penetrate the machine (a.k.a. “if there is a link, there is a way”) and (3) the questionable morality of autocracies when they have to strategic imperatives or human life (especially if it is the lives of enemies). These three reasons combined explain why the war of fully autonomous machines may soon become inevitable
A perfect storm: privatization, public–private partnership and the security of critical infrastructure
No full textThis chapter analyzes the conjuncture of three events, originated in business efficiency, that have led to greater potential weaknesses of critical information infrastructures (CII). Modern societies depend on assets called “critical infrastructures”, which include financial services, energy, transportation, telecommunications, water supply, medical services, public administration, and so on. When these systems and utilities are operated, managed and/or controlled via computer networks, they become critical information infrastructures. The first event was the “internetization” of data-gathering and remote management of industrial control systems (ICS/SCADA) allowed businesses world wide to cut personnel costs and reduce time management. The second was the “privatization wave” of the 1980s, when, following the example of the United States, utilities were privatized in Europe and elsewhere, under the conviction that the private sector could be more efficient in delivering the same services. Finally, the emergence of transnational public–private partnerships (PPP) in the ownership, accountability, and governance of utilities and critical infrastructures further enlarged the sectors of CII and magnify the inherent vulnerabilities brought about by the “privatization wave”. In the end, the decision to “go private” for public utilities as CII hardly took into account what consequences such move could have had in terms of cybersecurity
Sources of strength: mapping the defence sector in Europe
Get PDFThe European Union defence sector is not only crucial for the EU’s security, but it is also a major industrial asset for EU member states, as it may foster innovation and greater integration among member states, as well as facilitate technology transfer. The understanding of and inferences about the sector, however, are laborious since data on the defence industry in Europe is often contradictory and confused and it is mostly compared at the national not at the European level. As a contribution to address such shortcomings and as opening piece for this Special Issue, this article focuses on the finding, collecting, cleaning, and organizing data on the geographical concentration/location of EU defence industries. This is a fully original descriptive analysis of the current situation, and it provides a reliable basis on the concentration/location of defence companies. This paper represents a firm basis from which to explore (in future research) how defence companies contribute to the technological integration of the EU and it should help the reader to better understand the following articles in this Special Issue
The use of synthetic resins on concrete bridge decks
No full textThe study of road pavements on concrete bridge decks is of interest especially for the renovation of existing bridges. This work investigates the physical-mechanical behaviour of synthetic epoxy resins that can be used as an impermeable wearing course on concrete viaducts and bridges. The aim of the study is to obtain a mix with better performances than those currently used, in terms of resistance to permanent deformations and fatigue. The experiments were therefore focussed on tests that could simulate these damage mechanisms, also comparing the performances of the epoxy resin-based mixes with those of a traditional asphalt. After conducting a mix design study for the resin-aggregate mixes, the surface texture (with the skid tester and sand patch method), permanent deformations (rutting tests) and fatigue resistance (tests of cyclical loadings at set frequency) were measured. The synthetic mortar adherence to the concrete support was also studied. The aggregates used were non-conventional materials, chosen on the basis of their mechanical characteristics. In all the tests the bridge deck was simulated by concrete slabs or beams (depending on the type of test) reinforced with steel fibres dispersed in the cement matrix. To verify the adhesion of the resin-aggregate mix to the support, wet, pre-cracked and dry specimens were prepared, as well as traditional specimens for comparison. The results indicate that the mix of resin and aggregates has good resistance to permanent deformation and some types of mixes have surface texture values that, in terms of skid tester and sand patch, are optimal compared to traditional asphalt. As regards fatigue resistance, the material (subjected to 150,000 cycles at 10 Hz frequency and 150 strain deformation) maintained a good performance, being resistant to cracking and maintaining adherence to the support, even if this was wet or pre-cracked
Experimental analysis of waterproofing polymeric pavements for concrete bridge decks
No full textOn concrete bridge and viaduct decks, traditional bituminous pavements are often
subject to rapid degradation, particularly due to precipitation, traffic loadings and
chemical attack. Pavement failure can also be due to underlying cracks related to steel
reinforcement corrosion. For this reason waterproofing plays an important role in
durability of the structure. Waterproofing can be done by means of polymeric binders
and aggregates, mixed or applied together in the surface course.
The paper summarizes the main results of a study aimed at mechanically
characterizing resin-aggregate mixtures (premixed and multi-layers) for bridge
waterproofing and paving: two types of resins and several types of natural and
artificial/industrial aggregate (EAF slag, C&D aggregate, limestone and quartz sand)
were used. Permanent deformation resistance and adhesion tests were conducted, as
well as trials to define the surface characteristics of the product (skid resistance,
permeability, macro-texture). The comparison demonstrates that polymeric slurries
present better resistance than polymeric multi-layers and bituminous mixtures to
permanent deformation at higher temperatures (40 to 60 °C), but show some
deficiencies in adhesion properties. However, the surface characteristics of polymeric multi-layers are preferable to those of slurries and traditional bituminous mixture
- …
