Internet of Things Strategic Research Roadmap

Internet of Things (IoT) is an integrated part of Future Internet including existing and evolving Internet and network developments and could be conceptually defined as a dynamic global network infrastructure with self configuring capabilities based on standard and interoperable communication protocols where physical and virtual “things” have identities, physical attributes, and virtual personalities, use intelligent interfaces, and are seamlessly integrated into the information network

Distant Operational Care Centre: Design Project Report

The goal of this project is to outline the design of the Distant Operational Care Centre (DOCC), a modular medical facility to maintain human health and performance in space, that is adaptable to a range of remote human habitats. The purpose of this project is to outline a design, not to go into a complete technical specification of a medical facility for space. This project involves a process to produce a concise set of requirements, addressing the fundamental problems and issues regarding all aspects of a space medical facility for the future. The ideas presented here are at a high level, based on existing, researched, and hypothetical technologies. Given the long development times for space exploration, the outlined concepts from this project embodies a collection of identified problems, and corresponding proposed solutions and ideas, ready to contribute to future space exploration efforts. In order to provide a solid extrapolation and speculation in the context of the future of space medicine, the extent of this project's vision is roughly within the next two decades. The Distant Operational Care Centre (DOCC) is a modular medical facility for space. That is, its function is to maintain human health and performance in space environments, through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Furthermore, the DOCC must be adaptable to meet the environmental requirements of different remote human habitats, and support a high quality of human performance. To meet a diverse range of remote human habitats, the DOCC concentrates on a core medical capability that can then be adapted. Adaptation would make use of the DOCC's functional modularity, providing the ability to replace, add, and modify core functions of the DOCC by updating hardware, operations, and procedures. Some of the challenges to be addressed by this project include what constitutes the core medical capability in terms of hardware, operations, and procedures, and how DOCC can be adapted to different remote habitats

Terahertz Communications and Sensing for 6G and Beyond: A Comprehensive View

The next-generation wireless technologies, commonly referred to as the sixth generation (6G), are envisioned to support extreme communications capacity and in particular disruption in the network sensing capabilities. The terahertz (THz) band is one potential enabler for those due to the enormous unused frequency bands and the high spatial resolution enabled by both short wavelengths and bandwidths. Different from earlier surveys, this paper presents a comprehensive treatment and technology survey on THz communications and sensing in terms of the advantages, applications, propagation characterization, channel modeling, measurement campaigns, antennas, transceiver devices, beamforming, networking, the integration of communications and sensing, and experimental testbeds. Starting from the motivation and use cases, we survey the development and historical perspective of THz communications and sensing with the anticipated 6G requirements. We explore the radio propagation, channel modeling, and measurements for THz band. The transceiver requirements, architectures, technological challenges, and approaches together with means to compensate for the high propagation losses by appropriate antenna and beamforming solutions. We survey also several system technologies required by or beneficial for THz systems. The synergistic design of sensing and communications is explored with depth. Practical trials, demonstrations, and experiments are also summarized. The paper gives a holistic view of the current state of the art and highlights the issues and challenges that are open for further research towards 6G.Comment: 55 pages, 10 figures, 8 tables, submitted to IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorial

Development of innovative cross-disciplinary engineering showcase

The development of engineering education relies substantially on interactive showcases and practical knowledge. The cross-disciplinary engineering showcase is designed to be fully interactive by having user input, producing a tangible output, and to understand distinct elements from each of the engineering disciplines such as, civil, mechanical and electrical (CME). The showcase operates from the input of mechanical rotational energy by the user pedalling the exercycle. Mechanical energy is then transferred to the pump via a gear train, which converts the user input of 30 rpm to the optimal pump operating speed of 2900 rpm. Further, it is used to pump water from the lower eservoir to the upper reservoir via one of the three flow paths, which the user can select by opening or closing flow valves. Once the water reaches a given height, it then flows back to the lower reservoir via a micro-hydro generator. As a result, it generates electrical energy stored in a power bank that can be used by the user to charge a digital device. Also, the showcase has a QR code to digital media, which will provide an additional explanation/exposition of the presented engineering principles to the user/students. The aim of this project is to develop a cross- disciplinary engineering showcase to enhance student learnings by interpreting the CME engineering principles in schools, institutes, and universities

Surface engineering by titanium particulate injection mounding

In a recent study a structural hold down component was designed and produced using the particulate injection moulding (PIM) process. The material of choice was titanium due not only to the material properties but also due to the desire to create custom made components for a state-of-the-art marine vessel. On removal from the mould the green parts were seen to have an irregular surface on the top face. The irregular surface presented no through part defects and although the surface irregularities were caused by separation of the two-phases the effect was restricted to the outer surface of the parts. In a more historic study by the author the surface properties of titanium dental implants were modified by the use of adaptive mould inserts during the moulding phase of PIM. These two contrasting studies are considered and have become the basis of a current investigation looking to engineer surface irregularities in an ordered fashion. The application of meso-machining, and additive manufacture are considered and the functionality which may arise are presented

Development of innovative cross-disciplinary engineering showcase

The development of engineering education relies substantially on interactive showcases and practical knowledge. The cross-disciplinary engineering showcase is designed to be fully interactive by having user input, producing a tangible output, and to understand distinct elements from each of the engineering disciplines such as, civil, mechanical and electrical (CME). The showcase operates from the input of mechanical rotational energy by the user pedalling the exercycle. Mechanical energy is then transferred to the pump via a gear train, which converts the user input of 30 rpm to the optimal pump operating speed of 2900 rpm. Further, it is used to pump water from the lower eservoir to the upper reservoir via one of the three flow paths, which the user can select by opening or closing flow valves. Once the water reaches a given height, it then flows back to the lower reservoir via a micro-hydro generator. As a result, it generates electrical energy stored in a power bank that can be used by the user to charge a digital device. Also, the showcase has a QR code to digital media, which will provide an additional explanation/exposition of the presented engineering principles to the user/students. The aim of this project is to develop a cross- disciplinary engineering showcase to enhance student learnings by interpreting the CME engineering principles in schools, institutes, and universities

A GEOSPATIAL STRATEGY TO DETECT AND IDENTIFY POTENTIAL CLANDESTINE MASS GRAVES IN UKRAINE

This study seeks to improve the understanding of how social media analysis and hyperspectral remote sensing can be applied in a multi-modal target-centric approach to detect and identify clandestine mass graves in Ukraine. Fifteen mass graves have been discovered in central, southern, and eastern Ukraine since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. This geospatial strategy recommends conducting retroactive searches for additional potential clandestine mass graves and prospective searches for suspicious activities that may be indicative of future or ongoing potential clandestine mass grave locations in areas currently under Russian control. This social media collection and analysis will direct targeted hyperspectral imagery collection on areas of interest. The resulting hyperspectral data will be further analyzed using spectral signature libraries, statistical methods, and vegetation indices to identify any vegetation anomalies with unusually high or low Nitrogen concentrations - a proxy signature for clandestine graves. This research will first present background information on the historical use of clandestine mass graves and the targeting of civilians in conflict. Second, it will examine the methodologies presented in this proof-of-concept. Third, it will evaluate the limitations of this geospatial strategy. This thesis provides new insights for detecting and identifying clandestine mass graves in Ukraine and provides potential audiences with another tool to locate and document these atrocities. Primary Reader and Advisor: Jack O’Connor Secondary Reader: Anonymou

Wings in Orbit: Scientific and Engineering Legacies of the Space Shuttle, 1971-2010

The Space Shuttle is an engineering marvel perhaps only exceeded by the station itself. The shuttle was based on the technology of the 1960s and early 1970s. It had to overcome significant challenges to make it reusable. Perhaps the greatest challenges were the main engines and the Thermal Protection System. The program has seen terrible tragedy in its 3 decades of operation, yet it has also seen marvelous success. One of the most notable successes is the Hubble Space Telescope, a program that would have been a failure without the shuttle's capability to rendezvous, capture, repair, as well as upgrade. Now Hubble is a shining example of success admired by people around the world. As the program comes to a close, it is important to capture the legacy of the shuttle for future generations. That is what "Wings In Orbit" does for space fans, students, engineers, and scientists. This book, written by the men and women who made the program possible, will serve as an excellent reference for building future space vehicles. We are proud to have played a small part in making it happen. Our journey to document the scientific and engineering accomplishments of this magnificent winged vehicle began with an audacious proposal: to capture the passion of those who devoted their energies to its success while answering the question "What are the most significant accomplishments?" of the longestoperating human spaceflight program in our nation s history. This is intended to be an honest, accurate, and easily understandable account of the research and innovation accomplished during the era

Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms

The Joint Publication 1-02, Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms sets forth standard US military and associated terminology to encompass the joint activity of the Armed Forces of the United States. These military and associated terms, together with their definitions, constitute approved Department of Defense (DOD) terminology for general use by all DOD components

SARex2 : Surviving a maritime incident in cold climate conditions

To comply with the IMO Polar Code requirement regarding survival in a rescue craft until rescue or for a minimum of five days has proved to be a hard and complicated endeavor. Multiple mechanisms are at play and interact. As a result, survival is not only about providing the correct equipment with the right functionality, it is also about physical and mental robustness and the ability to conduct the right tasks for the duration of the stay. The SARex exercise proved that the margins determining survival are very small and there is no room for error. Strong leadership is essential, and the rescue craft captain’s knowledge and experience are critical factors for success. This is currently not addressed in the standard maritime training regime. Maintaining an adequate body temperature is essential to mitigate the effects of hypothermia. This can be achieved by reducing heat loss. Maintaining a sustainable heat loss is a result of both the habitable environment provided by the rescue craft and the insulation provided by the personal protective equipment. As a result, there are strong dependencies between the functionality provided by the rescue craft and the functionality provided by the personal protective equipment. Today’s requirements with regard to water and rations do not seem to be adequate for a five-day survival scenario. All exercise participants lost about 2 kg of body mass during the first 24 hours in the rescue craft. This was mostly due to small water rations. The effect of dehydration will result in reduced blood circulation, causing freezing of extremities and loss of motivation and cognitive abilities. Prevention of the development of fatigue and maintaining cognitive abilities are key elements to success, as survival for an extended period (e.g. five days) is not a ‘waiting game’. It is essential to continuously perform all the small tasks required for survival. Preventing the development of fatigue and maintaining cognitive abilities are closely linked to other mechanisms at play, e.g. seasickness, dehydration, hypothermia, energy level and pain level. A minimum degree of comfort on board the rescue craft will be required to survive for a prolonged period of time in that environment. One element of the SARex was the evacuation of a lifeboat by helicopter. Evacuating a large number of personnel by helicopter proved not to be efficient. For larger incidents involving many casualties, marine SAR resources are essential for an efficient rescue. The exercise also tested Emergency Position Indicator Radio Beacons (EPRIBs). It is evident that the functional range of the 121.5 MHz beacon is limited to a few nautical miles. Based on the tests carried out by SARex, a reduced duty cycle on the EPERB does not interfere with the direction-finding abilities on the rescue vessel. It is, however, clear that, with today’s technology, only transmitting a carrier with no information coded into the signal is not very efficient. Utilizing technology where the RF signal (radio frequency signal) also contains information, e.g. an automatic identification system (AIS signal), is more efficient. Technology like that described above will not only increase the battery time or transmission power. It will also enable the SAR organization to obtain the position of the lifeboat/life raft, either through the information coded into the signal or by homing in on the signal. It should be noted that the authors of the main part of this report are responsible for the analysis and the statements made in the report. The report may not reflect the opinion of the sponsors and the participants involved in the exercise.publishedVersio