Initial Investigation into UAV Application of a Biomimetically Derived Span-Wise Morphing Structure

© 2024 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. All rights reserved. This is the accepted manuscript version of an article which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2024-1126Presented in this paper is the initial evaluation of a span-wise morphing concept for UAV applications. The dynamic response is investigated via a method of external photogrammetry taken of the wing concept structure. A process of metrology is undertaken to ascertain the effective displacement of the wing tip undergoing a large span and chord-wise morphing actuation, based on a biomimetically inspired joint mechanism driven through pneumatic artificial muscles. A static case is employed to ascertain the repeatability of the morphing geometry in relation to the commanded position and to an derived average actuation position. This is repeated under a simulated aerodynamic loading for a UAV application. A dynamic case is also evaluated for the concept in relation to the proposed aircraft application. The resulting dynamic response is also compared to the similarly dynamic response observed in the avian from which the concept is derived

UKHSA Start Smart Then Focus Antimicrobial Stewardship: Effective Implementation During the COVID-19 Pandemic at an NHS Foundation Trust in the UK

This oral presentation about UKHSA Start Smart Then Focus Antimicrobial Stewardship: Effective Implementation During the COVID-19 Pandemic at an NHS Foundation Trust in the UK. It evaluates the implementation of the 'Start Smart Then Focus' (SSTF) antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) toolkit at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust during the COVID-19 pandemic. By analysing 640 patient records from 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2020 (during the pandemic), the study investigates antibiotic prescribing practices for respiratory tract infections. Key findings include a reduction in hospital stay length and consistent mortality rates, with significant changes in antibiotic allergy classifications. The study underscores the resilience of AMS practices during the pandemic and highlights the need for sustainable AMS measures in future public health crises to combat antimicrobial resistance effectively. The study aligns with the UK Next Five-Year Action PlanConfronting Antimicrobial Resistance.Peer reviewe

Exploring Teacher-Student Communication in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Classes in a Private University in China

This thesis explores the importance of teacher-student communication in English as a foreign language classes in a private university in China. It outlines the positive impacts of effective teacher-student communication on teaching and learning and reveals the perceived causes and negative impacts of teacher-student classroom communication problems. The research topic originated from the researcher’s personal experiences and her belief in the importance of teacher-student classroom communication. Drawing upon the literature and the researcher’s understanding of the researched area, research aims and questions were established which enabled a deep and critical exploration of the research topic. A conceptual framework was developed based on the exploration of the key contexts and concepts. This acted as a guide for this empirical work underpinning the researcher’s methodological decisions and capturing an early attempt to suggest a relationship between the concepts and ideas which help to explain teacher-student classroom communication. Underpinned by the philosophy of social constructivism, a qualitative research approach was adopted to conduct the empirical study. Thirteen participants were interviewed to collect in-depth data. The data was analyzed through a thematic data analysis approach. Key findings include the importance of teacher-student classroom communication in its two core roles—functional (pedagogical) roles and psychological roles. Teacher-student classroom communication is not only a medium to support the completion of academic learning, but also a facilitator to satisfy both teachers’ and students’ psychological needs. When teacher-student classroom communication can best serve both functional and psychological purposes, it results in the most positive influences on teaching and learning. Drawing on the findings, the original conceptual framework was refined. The new conceptual framework not only demonstrates how teacher-student classroom communication and the context in which it occurs influence each other, but also illustrates two important functions and positive impacts of effective teacher-student classroom communication on teaching and learning. The importance of teacher-student classroom communication lies its serving both functional and psychological purposes which includes knowledge transmission, giving instructions, asking and answering questions, assigning tasks, building and maintaining teacher-student relationships, creating a relaxing and active atmosphere, motivating and encouraging students, and helping students build confidence. When these purposes can be served via effective teacher-student classroom communication, knowledge can be better transmitted and received, meanings can be understood, misunderstandings can be reduced, students’ engagement and learning attitudes can be improved and mutual trust can be built. The findings have potential implications for policy and practice in the educational field. For the native English speaker language teachers, strategies such as using simple words and short sentences, slowing speaking speed, and properly using body languages and idioms are underlined as significant ways forward, based on my findings. In addition, taking teacher development courses are also effective ways for native English speaker language teachers to acquire cultural and contextual information. For non-native English speaker language teachers, a student-centered teaching mode which facilitates classroom communication is suggested. The students are advised to improve their English proficiency and raise the awareness of their roles in promoting effective teacher-student classroom communication. For the school leaders and policymakers, small-sized classes with fewer numbers of students are suggested. Further development activities for staff and policy makers would support greater understanding of the crucial nature of teacher-student classroom communication

Generative AI and deepfakes: a human rights approach to tackling harmful content

© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by/4.0/).The EU's Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA) introduces necessary deepfake regulations. However, these could infringe on the rights of AI providers and deployers or users, potentially conflicting with privacy and free expression under Articles 8 and 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, and the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR). This paper critically examines how an unmodified AIA could enable voter manipulation, blackmail, and the generation of sexual abusive content, facilitating misinformation and potentially harming millions, both emotionally and financially. Through analysis of the AIA's provisions, GDPR's regulations, relevant case law, and academic literature, the paper identifies risks for both AI providers and users. While the AIA's yearly review cycle is important, the immediacy of these threats demands swifter action. This paper proposes two key amendments: 1) mandate structured synthetic data for deepfake detection, and 2) classify AI intended for malicious deepfakes as ‘high-risk’. These amendments, alongside clear definitions and robust safeguards would ensure effective deepfake regulation while protecting fundamental rights. The paper urges policymakers to adopt these amendments during the next review cycle to protect democracy, individual safety, and children. Only then will the AIA fully achieve its aims while safeguarding the freedoms it seeks to uphold.Peer reviewe

Impairments in psychological functioning in refugees and asylum seekers

© 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY), https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Refugees are at increased risk for developing psychological impairments due to stressors in the pre-, peri- and post-migration periods. There is limited knowledge on how everyday functioning is affected by migration experience. In a secondary analysis of a study in a sample of refugees and asylum seekers, it was examined how aspects of psychological functioning were differentially affected. 1,101 eligible refugees and asylum seekers in Europe and Türkiye were included in a cross-sectional analysis. Gender, age, education, number of relatives and children living nearby, as well as indicators for depressive and posttraumatic symptoms, quality of life, psychological well-being and functioning, and lifetime potentially traumatic events were assessed. Correlations and multiple regression models with World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) 12-item version’s total and six subdomains’ scores (‘mobility’, ‘life activities’, ‘cognition’, ‘participation’, ‘self-care’, ‘getting along’) as dependent variables were calculated. Tests for multicollinearity and Bonferroni correction were applied. Participants reported highest levels of impairment in ‘mobility’ and ‘participation’, followed by ‘life activities’ and ‘cognition’. Depression and posttraumatic symptoms were independently associated with overall psychological functioning and all subdomains. History of violence and abuse seemed to predict higher impairment in ‘participation’, while past events of being close to death were associated with fewer issues with ‘self-care’. Impairment in psychological functioning in asylum seekers and refugees was related to current psychological symptoms. Mobility and participation issues may explain difficulties arising after resettlement in integration and exchange with host communities in new contexts.Peer reviewe

Use of zero-dimensional modelling to predict performance and assess feasibility of solid oxide fuel cell-gas turbine hybrid system

This study looks at a steady state and a dynamic model of a solid oxide fuel cell-gas turbine (SOFC-GT) system. The steady state model is used to perform a sensitivity analysis of the system’s electrical efficiency to design parameters at design point, while the dynamic model is used to predict key performance indicators across the operating range of the system. Electrical efficiency at the design point was found to be most sensitive to gas turbine pressure ratio and SOFC temperature. Power output was increased from the baseline to peak on the dynamic model and peak electrical efficiency was found to be 0.61 at 58% load.Peer reviewe

The Ultraviolet Luminosity Function at 0.6 < z < 1 from UVCANDELS

© 2024. The Author(s). Published by the American Astronomical Society. This work is licensed under the terms of under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/UVCANDELS is a Hubble Space Telescope Cycle-26 Treasury Program awarded 164 orbits of primary ultraviolet (UV) F275W imaging and coordinated parallel optical F435W imaging in four CANDELS fields—GOODS-N, GOODS-S, EGS, and COSMOS—covering a total area of ∼426 arcmin 2. This is ∼2.7 times larger than the area covered by previous deep-field space UV data combined, reaching a depth of about 27 and 28 ABmag (5σ in 0.”2 apertures) for F275W and F435W, respectively. Along with new photometric catalogs, we present an analysis of the rest-frame UV luminosity function (LF), relying on our UV-optimized aperture photometry method, yielding a factor of 1.5 increase over H-isophot aperture photometry in the signal-to-noise ratios of galaxies in our F275W imaging. Using well-tested photometric redshift measurements, we identify 5810 galaxies at redshifts 0.6 < z < 1, down to an absolute magnitude of M UV = −14.2. In order to minimize the effect of uncertainties in estimating the completeness function, especially at the faint end, we restrict our analysis to sources above 30% completeness, which provides a final sample of 4726 galaxies at −21.5 < M UV < −15.5. We performed a maximum likelihood estimate to derive the best-fit parameters of the UV LF. We report a best-fit faint-end slope of α = − 1.359 − 0.041 + 0.041 at z ∼ 0.8. Creating subsamples at z ∼ 0.7 and z ∼ 0.9, we observe a possible evolution of α with redshift. The unobscured UV luminosity density at M UV < −10 is derived as ρ U V = 1.339 − 0.030 + 0.027 ( × 10 26 e r g s − 1 H z − 1 M p c − 3 ) using our best-fit LF parameters. The new F275W and F435 photometric catalogs from UVCANDELS have been made publicly available on the Barbara A. Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes.Peer reviewe

Innovative Design of External Airbag System for Improved Automotive Safety

© 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives CC BY-NC-ND licence, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Pedestrians are exceptionally vulnerable in road accidents, and despite the advancements in airbag technology for vehicle occupants, fatal injuries still occur due to contact between pedestrians and vehicle components. To address this issue, an innovative solution is introduced in this research: an external airbag system designed to safeguard pedestrians in cases of brake failure. The proposed system includes four airbag modules strategically positioned within the front bumper of the vehicle. These modules are specifically designed to deploy during a collision, providing protection for the pedestrian's head, legs, and body. Equipped with a highly sensitive sensor, the system triggers the airbag electronic controller unit (ECU) upon collision detection. The external airbag curtains deploy, shielding the pedestrian's head from striking the bonnet, while an additional airbag safeguards the pedestrian's legs from impact with the front bumper. With the introduction of this innovative external airbag system, the main goal is to significantly improve road safety for all individuals and prevent numerous fatalities. The introduction of the innovative external airbag system marks a significant advancement in pedestrian safety within the realm of road accidents. By strategically positioning four airbag modules within the vehicle's front bumper and equipping them with a highly sensitive sensor, this system effectively deploys during collisions to protect pedestrians' heads, legs, and bodies. The deployment of external airbag curtains shields pedestrians' heads from striking the bonnet, while an additional airbag safeguards their legs from impact with the front bumper. Through this research and implementation, the primary objective is to enhance road safety for all individuals and mitigate the occurrence of numerous fatalities resulting from pedestrian-vehicle collisions.Peer reviewe

Security Evaluation of Companion Android Applications in IoT: The Case of Smart Security Devices

© 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).Smart security devices, such as smart locks, smart cameras, and smart intruder alarms are increasingly popular with users due to the enhanced convenience and new features that they offer. A significant part of this convenience is provided by the device’s companion smartphone app. Information on whether secure and ethical development practices have been used in the creation of these applications is unavailable to the end user. As this work shows, this means that users are impacted both by potential third-party attackers that aim to compromise their device, and more subtle threats introduced by developers, who may track their use of their devices and illegally collect data that violate users’ privacy. Our results suggest that users of every application tested are susceptible to at least one potential commonly found vulnerability regardless of whether their device is offered by a known brand name or a lesser-known manufacturer. We present an overview of the most common vulnerabilities found in the scanned code and discuss the shortcomings of state-of-the-art automated scanners when looking at less structured programming languages such as C and C++. Finally, we also discuss potential methods for mitigation, and provide recommendations for developers to follow with respect to secure coding practices.Peer reviewe

2D Janus ZrSSe/SnSSe Heterostructure: A Promising Candidate for Photocatalytic Water Splitting

© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY), https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/The distinctive physical characteristics and wide range of potential applications in optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices have ignited significant interest in two-dimensional materials. Intensive research attention has been focused on Janus transition metal dichalcogenides due to their unique properties resulting from symmetry disruption and their potential in photocatalysis applications. Motivated by the current fascination with Janus TMD heterostructures, we conducted first-principles calculations to examine the stability, electronic, and optical properties of monolayers consisting of ZrSSe, SnSSe, and the ZrSSe/SnSSe heterostructure. The results indicate that the Janus ZrSSe/SnSSe heterostructure exhibits a structural and mechanical stability. Using the HSE06 functional, the ZrSSe/SnSSe heterostructure shows an indirect band gap of 1.20 eV, and band edge analysis reveals a type-II band alignment. The potential for photo/electrocatalysis in the ZrSSe/SnSSe heterostructure for water splitting or generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been explored, and it was found that the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) can spontaneously activate in acidic (pH = 0) media under light irradiation, with a potential of U = 1.82 eV. Additionally, the ZrSSe/SnSSe heterostructure exhibits strong light absorption across a wide range, from visible light to the ultraviolet region, at various levels. These findings open up possibilities for the application of ZrSSe/SnSSe-based materials in optoelectronic devices.Peer reviewe